Polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene are associated with periodontal disease

Background: Genetic polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with bone homeostasis and diseases in which bone loss is a cardinal sign. The aim of this study was to determine whether chronic periodontal disease in a Brazilian population is associated with polymorphisms in the VDR gene. Methods: Clinical examination and recordings of probing depth and clinical attachment level were performed in 113 unrelated adults who were divided into two groups: 44 healthy individuals (control group) and 69 subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP). DNA was obtained from the subjects' epithelial cells by scraping the buccal mucosa. Two polymorphisms in the VDR gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction; followed by TaqI and BsmI restriction endonuclease digestion. Results: Frequencies of VDR/TaqI and VDR/BsmI showed significant differences between the control group and the CP group (P<0.05). The "Tb" haplotype was prevalent in the control group (43.2%), and the "TB" haplotype in the CP group (36.6%). The "TB" haplotype seemed to increase susceptibility to periodontal disease (odds ratio [OR] = 2.19). The heterozygous haplotype "TB/tb" was predominant in the CP group (OR = 4.32; P = 0.005). Conclusions: TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms of the VDR gene are associated with clinical attachment loss due to periodontal disease in a Brazilian population. These findings suggest that VDR genotype might be a risk indicator for susceptibility to chronic periodontitis.