Interleukin Genetics provides new evidence for the role of IL-1 genetic variations in determining the impact of obesity on chronic inflammatory diseases
Waltham, Mass., USA – Interleukin Genetics, Inc. a life science company focused on the genetics of chronic inflammation, announced the publication of the article “Influence of Obesity on Periodontitis Progression is Conditional on IL-1 Inflammatory Genetic Variation” in the Journal of Periodontology. The article is the result of a scientific collaboration with key researchers at Boston University and strongly supports the value of Interleukin-1 (IL-1) genetics in amplifying the negative impact of obesity.
“Interleukin Genetics continues to build scientific support for the clinical value of IL-1 genetic information,” said Mr. Ken Kornman, Chief Scientific Officer. “This study shows the important role of IL-1 genetic variations in periodontitis progression in obesity, a growing epidemic worldwide.”
The study, which evaluated the influence of IL-1 genetic patterns on periodontal progression, was conducted on 292 participants from the Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study. The analysis found significant interactions between IL-1 genetic variations and obesity-related traits in predicting periodontal disease progression. Participants who were both obese and IL-1 test positive were 70 per cent more likely to experience periodontal disease progression than those without these risk factors.
“This study provides further evidence that obese and overweight patients who are IL-1 positive will benefit from more intensive dental management,” said Mr. Mark B. Carbeau, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics. “Based on these findings, we are including expanded education and engagement tools for this high risk population into our product, thus further enhancing value to patients and employers who offer this expanded benefit.”