Association between androgenetic alopecia and periodontitis.

AIM: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is men's most common form of hair loss. It is affected by changes in the expression and activity of 5αR and the metabolism of testosterone and DHT. There is an association between AGA and systemic inflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that there is an association between AGA and periodontal disease, as inflamed gingiva and periodontal fibroblasts have been shown to express more 5αR. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between periodontal disease and AGA and the potential effect of aging on this association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of a cohort of 1088 individuals, 385 white males aged 25-65 with similar socioeconomic levels and without systemic disease were included. Periodontitis was defined using NHANES data. AGA was evaluated using the Norwood-Hamilton scale. The relationship between AGA, periodontal disease severity, and age was assessed. RESULTS: There was a correlation between age and baldness (r = .421, p < .001). There was a significant correlation between AGA and periodontal disease in younger patients aged 25-34 and 35-44. (p < .042 and p < .036, respectively). There was no significant correlation between AGA and periodontal disease in the 45-54 and 55-65 age groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: There may be a relationship between periodontal disease and AGA in the 25-44 age range, suggesting that this association starts at an early age in adulthood.

Porphyromonas gingivalis enhances the senescence-induced increase of 5-alpha reductase in gingival fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVES: Aging is characterized by chronic inflammatory activity. Senescent cells increase with chronic inflammation and age-related pathologies, including periodontal disease. As a critical regulator of tissue inflammaging, we hypothesized that 5α reductase (5αR) is associated with periodontal disease and bacteria-induced senescence in gingival fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 36 patients with periodontitis, measured 5αR immunohistochemically before and after periodontal treatment, and compared the expression of 5αR in gingival biopsies from 12 healthy individuals. We then tested the impact of Porphyromonas gingivalis on gingival fibroblasts treated with or without D-galactose-induced cell senescence. We treated primary gingival fibroblasts with D-galactose-supplemented media (0 µM, 50 µM, 100 µM, 1 mM, 10 mM, 50 mM) to induce senescence. The expression of type 1 and type 2 5αR was analyzed with real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1 in fibroblast cultures were evaluated by multiplex immunoassay. RESULTS: In gingival biopsies from patients with periodontal disease, the expression of 5αR was significantly higher than in samples from individuals without periodontal disease (p < 0.001). Periodontal treatment significantly reduced the expression of 5αR in gingival tissues (p < 0.001) to levels comparable in healthy individuals. Gingival fibroblasts exposed to D-galactose-supplemented media had a dose-dependent and significant increase in 5αR expression (p < 0.001). P. gingivalis caused statistically higher type 1 and type 2 5αR expression in gingival fibroblast cells. This effect was exacerbated by the lower doses of D-galactose (p = 0.037). Cells infected with P. gingivalis produced significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1 (p < 0.05) regardless of the D-galactose exposure. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that 5αR plays a role in periodontal disease and mediates the senescence-induced response to P. gingivalis in gingival fibroblasts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Periodontal diseases and aging can increase the production of 5-alpha reductase in the gingival tissue.

The Evaluation of Different Polishing Techniques' Effects on the Post-operative External Staining of Enamel in Primary and Permanent Tooth.

Objective This study aimed to examine patient complaints on recoloration development after polishing applications in primary and permanent teeth that differed in enamel composition and to determine the ideal polishing method. Methods A total of 30 permanent upper incisors and 30 primary molars were randomly divided into three groups of 10 using three different polishing techniques. Each polishing method (rubber, brush, and air polishing) was applied to the test surface of its own group. Milk and coffee were used in the coloring processes. A spectrophotometer was used for color measurements. Color change (∆E) was calculated between control and test surfaces and between the three measurement points. Results In the primary teeth's test surfaces, the rubber and brush groups were significantly more colored than the air-polishing group, when compared between after polishing and after coloration (p ˂ 0.05). Furthermore, the color difference of the permanent teeth between the initial measurements and after coloration was significantly higher in the rubber group's test surface compared to the air-polished group (p ˂ 0.05). The average ∆E values in both primary and permanent teeth were as follows: rubber > brush > air polishing. Conclusions Compared to rubber or brush polishing, air polishing seems safer to avoid predisposition to postoperative enamel discoloration. Primary teeth are more colored than permanent teeth. The effect of polishing on postoperative coloring should always be considered, and air polishing should be preferred whenever possible.

Effect of 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser therapy on GCF IL-1ß and MMP-8 levels in patients with chronic periodontitis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of a combined periodontal treatment of scaling and root planing (SRP) and Nd:YAG laser (NDL) in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients. This was accomplished by determining the periodontal indices and the interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) levels of the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). This study was performed according to a random split-mouth-design, controlled clinical trial for sulcular debridement on 40 teeth from 20 patients with generalized moderate chronic periodontitis. The periodontal healing outcomes were compared after periodontal treatment with either SRP + NDL at 1 W (test side) or SRP (control side). Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded, and samples of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were taken at baseline and post-therapy (3 and 9 months after treatment). The GCF samples were analyzed for IL-1ß and MMP-8. There was postoperative improvement of all clinical parameters in both groups, but test side GI, PPD, and CAL recovery was higher than that of the control side (p < 0.05). Although levels of IL-1ß and MMP-8 in GCF after treatment were lower in the test side than the control side, there was not a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). In the long term, we found that SRP + NDL treatment of periodontal pockets was more effective than SRP alone in reducing PPD, CAL, GI, and GCF values.

Association between TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, IL-10, IL-6 and IFN-gamma gene polymorphisms and generalized aggressive periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate links among cytokine genetic variants and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). METHODS: Thirty-five patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis and 85 healthy controls without periodontitis were included in the study. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI) were recorded as clinical parameters. Polymorphisms of IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, TGF-ss1 and TNF-alpha gene were analysed using the polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primer method (PCR-SSP). RESULTS: No significant differences were observed for IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, and TGF-ss1 cytokine polymorphisms, from the genotype distribution and allele frequency, between GAgP and healthy control groups. In contrast, significant differences were observed in the TNF-alpha gene polymorphism between GAgP and healthy control groups (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that TNF-alpha (-308) may be associated with the development of generalized aggressive periodontitis. These results should be replicated in a larger and more diverse population of patients diagnosed with generalized aggressive periodontitis to determine of these findings are generalizable.

Effects of different blood groups on the reproduction of periodontal pocket bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have been conducted proving the relation between different blood groups and certain diseases. It was claimed in these studies that H pylori showed different distribution according to different blood groups. In dentistry, the relation between blood groups and dental diseases was investigated in a limited number of studies and it was concluded that there might be a relation between them. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the bacteria isolated from the periodontal pockets of individuals with periodontal diseases indicated differences in CFU amounts to form colonies in different ABO blood groups. METHODS: Bacterial samples obtained from the individuals with periodontal diseases from the worst affect sites were inoculated into culture media formed by blood taken from 32 individuals who were systemically and periodontally healthy and who had different blood groups. The colony numbers of these bacteria were observed. RESULTS: Although periodontal pocket bacteria formed colonies in different numbers in different ABO blood groups (p < 0.05), no statistically significant difference was determined in the reproduction of these bacteria in different Rh blood groups and different sexes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Different ABO blood groups may show differences in significant rates in the colonisation numbers of the bacteria that are the main cause of periodontal diseases.

The changes in the T-lymphocyte subsets in a population of Turkish children with puberty gingivitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the number of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, analyse subjects with gingivitis and those without, and determine the role of T lymphocytes in the pathobiology of puberty gingivitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty individuals with and without puberty gingivitis were recruited for this study. The CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-lymphocyte counts were determined using flow cytometry on the biopsy samples, and the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio was calculated. At the same time, periodontal index scores were recorded to assess the periodontal status. Acquired data were analysed statistically using a paired t-test to compare laboratory values obtained before and after the treatment in individuals with puberty gingivitis and disease-free individuals. In addition, Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relation between laboratory values and clinical measurements. RESULTS: The CD4(+)/CD8 ratio in gingival tissues obtained from test group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that found in the gingival tissue obtained from control group. We found that the CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocyte counts continued to increase significantly (P < 0.001) and the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio continued to drop significantly (P < 0.05) after treatment in test group. CONCLUSIONS: T lymphocytes could play a significant role in the pathobiology of puberty gingivitis.

The influence of type-1 diabetes mellitus on dentition and oral health in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: The present study is to investigate the effects of type 1 diabetes mellitus on dentition and oral health for children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation was carried out on 100 subjects. The first group consisted of 50 subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (21 females, 29 males), age 9+/-0.14 years; In the second group, there were 50 healthy subjects who did not suffer from any systemic disease (25 females, 25 males), age 9+/-0.11 years. The subjects were evaluated and divided into two groups of 5-9 years old, and 10-14 years old. The dentition of all participants was examined. Besides, the DFS/dfs index, oral hygiene conditions were evaluated, as well as the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and calculus index (CI). The data obtained from each group were compared statistically. RESULTS: When compared to the non-diabetic group, we observed that dental development was accelerated until the age of 10 in the diabetic group, and there was a delay after the age of 10. The edentulous interval was longer in the group with type 1 diabetes mellitus. This was accompanied by a high ratio of gingival inflammation. Gingival inflammation was 69.7% in the group of 5-9 year-old, and 83.7% in the group of 10-14 year-old with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Though there was a greater loss of teeth in the group with type 1 diabetes mellitus, there were more caries in the control group. The PI, GI and CI values showed an increase with aging in favor of the group with type 1 diabetes mellitus. There was statistically significant difference in PI, GI and CI between the control and type 1 diabetes mellitus groups for 10-14 year-old patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings we obtained showed that type 1 diabetes mellitus plays an important part in the dentition and oral health of children and adolescents.

Effect of Nd: YAG laser irradiation on the treatment of oral malodour associated with chronic periodontitis.

AIM: To investigate, using a randomised-controlled, single clinical trial whether treating periodontitis with non-surgical periodontal treatment procedures and laser applications can decrease the effect of oral malodour and compare the effectiveness of the different therapies. METHODS: Sixty patients suffering from chronic periodontitis and complaining of oral malodour were included in the study. The parameters measured included organoleptic scoring, volatile sulphur compound (VSC) levels, gingival index, plaque index, probing depth and clinical attachment levels before and after the different treatment procedures (oral hygiene instructions, scaling-root planing-SRP and subgingival Nd: YAG laser irradiation). RESULTS: There were significant relationships between oral malodour and the specific periodontal parameters. For all patients, there were statistically significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the clinical index scores and VSC values after all treatments. Although the VSC values decreased in all groups after treatment, laser treatment alone did not cause as large decreases as that achieved by SRP and SRP + laser irradiation. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that in the population studied, oral malodour levels were significantly reduced after treating chronic periodontitis. The data indicated a possible adjunctive role for Nd: YAG lasers in periodontal therapy and treatment of oral malodour.

New evidence of premature oxidative DNA damage: mitochondrial DNA deletion in gingival tissue of patients with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes increased oxidative stress in gingival tissue. It has been generally accepted that increased oxidative stress might contribute to additional damage of lipids, proteins, and DNA molecules. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation is a superb biomarker of oxidative damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mtDNA deletions in the gingival tissue of patients with periodontitis and to explain the correlations between mtDNA deletion in gingival tissue and clinical parameters of periodontitis and age. METHODS: Gingival tissue and blood samples were collected from 30 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP group) and 30 healthy control subjects (H group). To determine the clinical condition of each subject, the plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment level, and probing depth were measured. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, we examined the 7.4- and 5-kbp mtDNA deletions in tissue and blood samples. Three different pairs of PCR primers were used in this study. RESULTS: In this study, we did not detect any deletions in blood DNA samples in either the CP or H group. Also, the 7.4-kbp mtDNA deletion was not detected in gingival tissues of subjects. However, the 5-kbp mtDNA deletion was detected in 24 of the 30 subjects (80%) in the CP group and was not detected in the H group (0%). Significant correlations were found between the occurrence of the 5-kbp mtDNA deletion and all clinical parameters (P <0.01). A similar correlation was found between the occurrence of the 5-kbp mtDNA deletion and age (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The overproduction of ROS by activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes in chronic inflammation may lead to premature oxidative damage of the mtDNA. In this study, the occurrence of the 5-kbp mtDNA deletion in 24 periodontitis subjects may be evidence of premature oxidative DNA damage.

Differences in dental and bone maturation in regions with or without hemihypertrophy in two patients with Russell-Silver syndrome.

Hemihypertrophy (hemihyperplasia) is defined as asymmetric body overgrowth of one or more body parts. Hemihypertrophy can be isolated or be part of well-defined syndromes, such as Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS). RSS is characterized by severe intrauterine growth retardation, postnatal short stature, asymmetry of the face, body, and limbs, short and incurved fifth fingers, broad forehead, pointed small triangular shaped face, girdle nose, normal psychomotor development, variations in the pattern of sexual development, and dental and oral abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not there was any difference in the maturity of bone in left and right hand-wrist radiographs and dental development in the right and left jaws of two patients with RSS. In addition, the clinical features of the syndrome are discussed.

GAPO syndrome: first patients with partially empty sella.

GAPO refers to a syndrome of growth retardation (G), alopecia (A), pseudoanodontia (P), and optic atrophy (O). We present for the first time children (two brothers) with GAPO syndrome associated with partially empty sella. We suggest that radiographic evaluation of the sella turcica and endocrinological follow-up are necessary in children with GAPO syndrome.

Flow-cytometric analysis of T-lymphocyte subsets after different treatment methods in smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis.

AIM: To determine any change in T-lymphocyte subsets after applying different treatment methods in smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis. PARTICIPANTS: 50 adults with chronic periodontitis. METHOD: The subjects were divided into smokers and non-smokers. Biopsy samples were taken from the gingival pocket wall tissues at sites with chronic periodontitis before treatment, after initial treatment, after curettage and after flap operation and tested for CD4+, CD8+ lymphocyte and CD4/ CD8 ratio values. Gingival pocket depth, gingival index (GI-Löe-Silness) and plaque index (PI-Silness-Löe) scores were also recorded. Analysis aimed at determining the relation between the clinical measurements and the laboratory results. RESULTS: Flow cytometry findings in both groups showed that CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte values before treatment were under the normal value while the CD4+/CD8+ ratio was within normal distribution interval. The lymphocyte values observed in the smokers were found to be lower than those in the non-smokers. After treatment the difference between the lymphocyte values in smokers and non-smokers was found to be statistically significant. However, the difference between the CD4/CD8 rate obtained in smokers and non-smokers was not found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The lymphocyte values observed in smokers were found to be lower than those in non-smokers after applying different treatment methods and the local immune response was poor in the smokers.

Influence of different periodontal curette grips on the outcome of mechanical non-surgical therapy.

AIM: To determine to whether successful scaling and root planing (SRP) depends upon the grip used on the periodontal curette. METHODS: The hand grips used by dentists for holding periodontal curettes were examined and the dentists were allocated to one of two matched groups, one in which they used a modified pen grip, the other in which they did not. Using a split-mouth technique, patients scheduled for SRP had one quadrant treated by a dentist from each group. Instrument application force was recorded as were periodontal measures at operation and 3-months later. RESULTS: During scaling, forces reached a mean of 0.77N in dentists using a curette with a non-pen grip and 0.54N in those using a pen grip and during root planing, 0.93N and 0.64N respectively. These forces were statistically significantly different between the two groups. Pocket depth reduction in teeth treated by the two groups was similar but attachment levels were statistically significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Instrument grip had a significant effect on response to SRP, suggesting that dentists using a modified pen grip achieved better clinical results.

Effects of zinc treatment in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of systemic zinc sulfate in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The study was carried out on 40 patients with RAS. The first group consisted of 20 subjects with RAS who were administered zinc sulfate (220 mg) once per day for one month. In the second group, there were 20 subjects with RAS who were administered placebo (saccharose). Results showed that the levels of serum zinc before treatment were under the normal value in the 42.5% percent of the patients with RAS. Saliva ALP, serum zinc, serum albumin, and serum alkaline phosphates activity for group II were significantly lower than those for group I after treatment (p < 0.01). After 1 month of zinc therapy the aphthae reduced and did not reappear for 3 months. The empirical use of systemic zinc sulfate supplementation in the treatment of RAS is recommend.

Abrasion resistance of veneering materials to tooth brushing.

This study was carried out to comparatively examine abrasion which occurred as a result of brushing as well as abrasives in veneering materials used in prosthetic restorations. Twenty out of forty specimens prepared at the dimensions of 14x5x3 mm, there being ten specimens of each veneering materials, were subjected to tooth brushing with water alone. The other twenty specimens were subjected to a tooth brushing procedure with a paste- water mixture with the aim of evaluating the effects of abrasives on abrasion. As a result, it was statistically determined that porcelain, an ideal facet material, had the best resistance to abrasion by toothbrush, light cured aesthetic materials being second Poly methyl methacrylate had the least abrasion resistance.

Streptococcal gingivitis: a report of case with a description of a unique gingival prosthesis.

Acute streptococcal gingivitis is an acute inflammation of the oral mucosa. Specific bacterial infections of the gingiva may be due to neisseria gonorrhea, treponema pallidum, streptococci, and other organisms. Streptococcal infections are seen rarely. This case report describes a patient who presented with severe gingival inflammation and pain that was diagnosed as an acute streptococcal infection. Bacterial cultures were obtained from the lesion, and biopsies were obtained from the gingiva of lower incisors for histopathologic evaluation. The patient was successfully treated using conventional periodontal therapy (scaling, root planning, curettage) and antibacterial agents. The reconstructive phase for this patient consisted of the fabrication of a heat-cured acrylic gingival facade to mask the gingival recession. The treatment of acute gingivostomatitis is of importance because of the possibility of systemic secondary infections. When esthetics is important, a gingival prostheses can be considered. The differential diagnosis, etiology, and treatment of acute streptococcal gingivitis are discussed and the literature is reviewed in this report.

Effect of low-level laser on guided tissue regeneration performed with equine bone and membrane in the treatment of intrabony defects: a clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical results of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) after the application of equine bone and membrane alone or combined with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of periodontal defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was an intra-individual longitudinal study of 6 months' duration conducted using a split-mouth and randomized design. In 13 periodontitis patients with bilateral intrabony periodontal defects, while one defect site was treated with GTR plus LLLT (1064 nm, 100 mW, with energy density of 4 J/cm(2)), the contralateral defect site was treated with guided GTR alone. GTR was performed with a combination of equine bone and membrane. LLLT was used both intra- and postoperatively. Clinical probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), clinical gingival recession level (REC), plaque index (PI) score, and sulcus blooding index (SBI) score were recorded at the time of surgery, and at the 3rd and 6th months after operation. RESULTS: The treatment of periodontal intrabony defects with equine bone and membrane in the operation of GTR alone or GTR plus LLLT in combination led to statistically significant PPD reduction, CAL gain, and lower SBI score at the end of the study (p<0.05). In addition, between the two groups, GTR plus LLLT resulted in statistically significant lower REC (p=0.025), lower SBI (p=0.008) score, more reduction of PPD (p=0.009) and CAL gain (p=0.002) compared with GTR alone at 6th month control. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that GTR is an effective treatment for periodontal regeneration, and that LLLT may improve the effects of GTR in the treatment of periodontal defects.

Clinical effects of Nd:YAG laser applications during nonsurgical periodontal treatment in smoking and nonsmoking patients with chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal treatment with and without Nd:YAG laser (NDL) applications in smoking and nonsmoking patients with moderate chronic periodontitis (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 52 patients with generalized moderate CP. The study compared the clinical effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) and SRP plus NDL in periodontal pockets measuring between 4 and 6 mm of smoking and nonsmoking patients with CP. The study patients were divided into four groups: Group 1: test teeth in smoker patients (ST; n=52 teeth); Group 2: placebo teeth in smoker patients (SP; n=52 teeth); Group 3: test teeth in nonsmoker patients (NST; n=52 teeth); and Group 4: placebo teeth in nonsmoker patients (NSP; n=52 teeth). Clinical examinations were performed immediately before SRP (the baseline) as well as 1 month (R1) and 6 months (R2) after treatment. RESULTS: The recovery for pocket depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume in the NST group was higher than in both smoker groups (p<0.05). Additionally, the changes for each of these parameters in the NSP group were higher than for the SP group (p<0.05) at R1 and R2. SRP plus NDL application versus SRP application alone did not lead to significant differences in any clinical parameters or in GCF volume between the two groups of patients who smoked (p>0.05), whereas statistically significant differences existed for PD between nonsmoker groups at R1 and R2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results supported the idea that NDL applications provide additional benefits in the periodontal treatment of smokers.

Genetic variation of myeloperoxidase gene contributes to aggressive periodontitis: a preliminary association study in Turkish population.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a lysosomal enzyme found in the azurophilic granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It is involved in the defense against periodontal bacteria, and is also able to mediate inflammatory tissue destruction in aggressive and chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to explore the association between MPO-463G/A gene polymorphism and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP). The study included 147 subjects. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI) were recorded as the clinical parameters. Genomic DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood of 32 subjects with AgP, 25 with CP, and 90 reference controls. We genotyped the MPO-463G/A polymorphism using the PCR-RFLP method. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 for windows. There were no significant differences between the CP patients and controls regarding MPO-463A/G gene polymorphism either in terms of allele frequency or genotype frequency of MPO-463A/G. However, either in terms of allele frequency or genotype frequency of MPO-463A/G, there were significant differences between the AgP patients and the controls. In conclusion, our data suggest that MPO-463G/A may be associated with increased risk of aggressive periodontitis in Turkish patients.