This paper presents the current knowledge concerning the role of polymorphisms of IL1A and IL1B genes in periodontitis. Attention has been paid to the role of IL-1 in the pathogenesis of the disease, and to the significance of a genetic test, investigating the presence of composite two polymorphisms of IL-1 gene, as a risk factor for severe periodontitis. The significance of this test for prevention of periodontitis and its therapy has been discussed. IL-1 polymorphisms have been presented and described according to the reference single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identification number (rsID), established to eradicate the redundancy of reported polymorphisms in the SNP database processed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The prevalence of these genotypes in different populations and ethnic groups and its effect on periodontal health have been discussed. The presented data show inconsistent results. It seems that at least two polymorphisms, rs1800587 and rs1143634, are associated with periodontal inflammation. Therefore, they can be regarded as candidate genes involved in further periodontitis risk assessment. It seems that geographical and ethnical factors can play a great role, as the prevalence of specific polymorphisms varies greatly depending on the population studied.
Keywords: Genotype; IL-1; Periodontitis; Polymorphisms.