VEGF gene polymorphism in periodontitis

INTRODUCTION: Since subjects affected by periodontitis might present an enhanced expression of the vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) gene, the aim of this study was to evaluate if polymorphic variants of the VEGF 936C/T gene polymorphism were associated with the periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral mucosa cells were collected from 43 individuals diagnosed with periodontitis stages III and IV, and from periodontally healthy subjects. Once DNA was extracted from the cells, specific primers were used for PCR testing. The amplified gene products were submitted to electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel and the bands were evidenced with silver nitrate. Products were subsequently submitted to digestion by the Hin1II restriction enzyme. RESULTS: Although some differences were observed in the percentages of genotypes 936 C/C (stage III periodontitis – 61%; stage IV periodontitis – 8%; periodontally healthy subjects – 31%) and C/T (stage III periodontitis – 40%; stage IV periodontitis – 33%; periodontally healthy subjects – 27%) in the groups assessed, this variation was not statistically significant (p> 0.05; Fisher’s Exact Test). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that VEGF 936C/T gene polymorphism was not associated with the presence or severity of periodontitis. Additional studies involving larger samples, as well as the investigation of different polymorphisms of the same gene or other genes, should be conducted in order to broaden the understanding about the role of polymorphisms in periodontal disease.