Relationship between IL-1A polymorphisms and gingival overgrowth in renal transplant recipients receiving Cyclosporin A

Aim: Levels of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) are elevated in periodontal inflammation. IL-1A gene polymorphisms are associated with inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate IL-1A gene polymorphism in Cyclosporin A (CsA)-treated renal transplant patients and investigate the association between this polymorphism and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of several cytokines.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-one renal transplant patients on CsA treatment (25 with and 26 without gingival overgrowth) and 29 healthy controls were recruited for the study. Demographic, pharmacological and periodontal parameters were recorded and gingival overgrowth was assessed.

Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that genotype was significantly associated with gingival overgrowth (p=0.02). Carriage of the IL-1A (−889) T allele was strongly protective [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.046–0.77], although not significantly associated with IL-1α protein levels in GCF. IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-8, but not IL-6, were detected in GCF of CsA-treated patients, but none of them was significantly associated with gingival overgrowth.

Conclusions: This study is the first to associate a gene polymorphism as a risk factor for CsA-induced gingival overgrowth in renal transplant patients, demonstrating that IL-1A polymorphism might alter individual susceptibility to CsA. However, there was no association between GCF cytokine levels and the presence of gingival overgrowth or patient IL-1A genotype.