Downregulation of interleukin 6 signaling might reduce the risk of periodontitis: a drug target Mendelian randomization study

Nolde, Michael; Alayash, Zoheir; Reckelkamm, Stefan Lars; Kocher, Thomas; Ehmke, Benjamin; Holtfreter, Birte; Baurecht, Hansjorg; Georgakis, Marios K.; Baumeister, Sebastian-Edgar

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

Aim: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is considered to play a role in the dysbiotic host response in the development of periodontitis. While the inhibition of the IL-6 receptor using monoclonal antibodies is a well-established therapy for some diseases, so far, its potential benefit in patients with periodontitis has not been examined. We tested the association of genetically proxied downregulation of IL-6 signaling with periodontitis to explore whether downregulation of IL-6 signaling could represent a viable treatment target for periodontitis. Materials and methods: As proxies for IL-6 signaling downregulation, we selected 52 genetic variants in close vicinity of the gene encoding IL-6 receptor that were associated with lower circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 575 531 participants of European ancestry from the UK Biobank and the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) consortium. Associations with periodontitis were tested with inverse-variance weighted Mendelian randomization in a study of 17 353 cases and 28 210 controls of European descent in the Gene-Lifestyle Interactions in Dental Endpoints (GLIDE) consortium. In addition, the effect of CRP reduction independent of the IL-6 pathway was assessed. Results: Genetically proxied downregulation of IL-6 signaling was associated with lower odds of periodontitis (odds ratio (OR) = 0.81 per 1-unit decrement in log-CRP levels; 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.66;0.99]; P = 0.0497). Genetically proxied reduction of CRP independent of the IL-6 pathway had a similar effect (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: [0.68; 0.98]; P = 0.0296). Conclusion: In conclusion, genetically proxied downregulation of IL-6 signaling was associated with lower odds of periodontitis and CRP might be a causal target for the effect of IL-6 on the risk of periodontitis.

Details about the publication

JournalFrontiers in immunology (Front Immunol)
Volume14
StatusPublished
Release year2023 (05/06/2023)
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish
DOI10.3389/fimmu.2023.1160148
Keywordsperiodontal disease(s); periodontitis; cytokine(s); host modulation therapy; epidemiology; cell signaling

Authors from the University of Münster

Alayash, Zoheir
Institute of Health Services Research in Dentistry
Baumeister, Sebastian-Edgar
Institute of Health Services Research in Dentistry
Ehmke, Benjamin
Department of Periodontology
Nolde, Michael
Institute of Health Services Research in Dentistry
Reckelkamm, Stefan Lars
Institute of Health Services Research in Dentistry