Serum sCD14, polymorphism of CD14(-260) and periodontal infection.
OBJECTIVE
CD14 is a co-receptor involved in the recognition of Gram-negative and positive bacteria. Infections are known to influence serum sCD14 levels, and CD14 gene promoter polymorphism (CD14 C-260T) has been reported to be associated with many infectious diseases. Our aim was to investigate whether serum sCD14 concentration is associated with periodontal infection and the CD14(-260) genotype.


METHODS
The periodontal status of 56 subjects with chronic periodontitis and 28 controls was clinically examined. Serum sCD14 concentration was analyzed using ELISA and CD14(-260) genotype using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
The mean concentration of sCD14 in serum was significantly higher in subjects with periodontitis than in control subjects (4.9 microg ml(-1)vs 3.8 microg ml(-1), P < 0.001). Serum sCD14 concentration associated significantly with the extent of advanced periodontal disease. In a regression analysis including both subject groups, the CD14(-260) genotype was a significant determinant for serum sCD14 concentration. After stratification by periodontal health status (periodontitis vs controls), the influence of the CD14(-260) genotype on serum sCD14 concentration was seen only in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Periodontal infection is associated with the serum concentration of sCD14. Moderate to severe periodontal infection overshadows the influence of the genotype on serum sCD14 concentration.
Raunio
T
T
Department of Periodontology and Geriatric Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland.
Knuuttila
M
M
Karttunen
R
R
Vainio
O
O
Tervonen
T
T
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D055815:Young Adult
D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors