Production of Interleukin-13 is Influenced by the Interleukin-4 −34TT and −590TT Genotype in Patients with Aggressive Periodontitis

Abstract

Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a specific form of periodontal disease, with rapid destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth in otherwise young healthy individuals. We recently showed a higher frequency of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) −34TT and −590TT genotype in AgP patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Herein, we demonstrated that this specific IL-4 genotype exerts its function by increasing expression of IL-4 and STAT6, and producing higher concentrations of IL-4 in activated CD4+ cells of patients with AgP. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the IL-4-specific genotype on IL-13, IL-2 and IFN-γ expression and production in activated CD4+ cells of patients with AgP and healthy controls. Results revealed higher IFN-γ and IL-2 expression and significantly increased IL-13 production in the cells of the patients who were homozygous for the −34T and −590T alleles in comparison with the patients who were homozygous for the −34C and −590C alleles (P < 0.05). Results of controls with the −34C and −590C alleles were similar to those of AgP with the same genotype. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to show an effect of the −34TT and −590TT genotype on IL-13 production. There is an increased production of IL-13 by the T cells of aggressive periodontitis patients with the IL-4 genotype.