Genetic Relationship Between <i>IL-6</i> rs1800796 Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Periodontitis

Background: There are accumulating reports for the potential role of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) rs1800796 polymorphism in the risk of periodontitis. However, distinct conclusions are observed. In this study, we have an interest in comprehensively analyzing the genetic relationship between IL-6 rs1800796 and the susceptibility to periodontitis. Methods: We retrieved the eligible case-control studies from on-line database and conducted a meta-analysis. P-value of association test, OR (odd ratios) and 95% CI (confidence interval) were calculated for the assessment of potential genetic association. Results: We enrolled a total of 20 case-control studies for pooling analysis. A positive association between periodontitis cases and controls was observed in the overall meta-analysis under all genetic models (all P 1). Similar results were detected in the “population-based, PB” and “China” subgroups (all P 1). In the “Asian” subgroup, there is an increased periodontitis risk under the allele, homozygote, heterozygote, dominant and carrier models (all P 1). Nevertheless, negative results were found in the “Caucasian” subgroup under all models [all P > 0.05]. In addition, a positive association between IL-6 rs1800796 and the risk of chronic periodontitis was detected under the models of allele [G vs. C], GG vs. CC, GG vs. CC+ CG and carrier [G vs. C] (all P 1). Conclusion: IL-6 rs1800796 may serve as one genetic risk factor for periodontitis patients in the Asian population, especially the Chinese population. G/G genotype of IL-6 rs1800796 appears to be associated with an increased risk of chronic periodontitis.