Interleukin Genetics announces study results for PerioPredict genetic risk test

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. announced the online publication of its research study titled, “Association of interleukin-1 gene variations with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis in multiple ethnicities” in the Journal of Periodontal Research. The study results from multiple ethnic groups further validated, according to the Massachusetts company, the association between periodontitis and the interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) composite genotype pattern, a specific genetic profile that can be clarified by Interleukin’s PerioPredict genetic risk test.

In addition, the company said the study results demonstrated that detection of the IL1B variations tested provided added value in the prediction of moderate to severe periodontitis above and beyond the risk attributable to smoking and diabetes alone.

PerioPredict measures variations in genes for interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key mediator of inflammation, and identifies individuals who are at increased risk for moderate to severe periodontal disease. The international study, which included over 1,500 individuals, aimed to test the hypothesis that the utilization of functional IL-1 gene variations would allow the test to be valuable across multiple ethnic groups.

In the discovery phase of the project, which tested Caucasians and African Americans, the study results showed that there was significant association between the presence of IL1B single nucleotide polymorphisms and moderate to severe periodontitis. This association was further confirmed in two additional studies consisting of Hispanics and Asians and in a meta-analysis of all three populations. The study validates the influence of IL-1 genetic factors on the development of moderate to severe periodontitis.

“This study expands our evidence into additional ethnic populations and demonstrates that our test can be utilized accurately, in dental offices, regardless of ethnicity, and adds value to standard risk factors for more severe periodontitis,” said Dr. Kenneth Kornman, chief executive officer of Interleukin Genetics. “The PerioPredict genetic test, together with smoking and diabetes, has previously been shown in a study of over 5,000 patients to be able to classify individuals who respond differently to preventive dental care.”

The complete publication can be accessed here.

To learn more about Interleukin Genetics, click here.