Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Permanent Tooth Caries Susceptibility to Permanent Tooth Caries in Chinese Adolescent

Systems mapping of multilevel factors contributing to dental caries in adolescents

Dental caries is a prevalent chronic disease among adolescents. Caries activity increases significantly during adolescence due to an increase in susceptible tooth surfaces, immature permanent tooth enamel, independence in pursuing self-care, and a tendency toward poor diet and oral hygiene. Dental caries in permanent teeth is more prevalent among adolescents in low-income families and racial/ethnic minority groups, and these disparities in adolescent dental caries experience have persisted for decades. Several conceptual and data-driven models have proposed unidirectional mechanisms that contribute to the extant disparities in adolescent dental caries experience. Our objective, using a literature review, is to provide an overview of risk factors contributing to adolescent dental caries. Specifically, we map the interactive relationships of multilevel factors that influence dental caries among adolescents. Such interactive multilevel relationships more closely reflect the complex nature of dental caries experience among the adolescent population. The methods that we use are two-fold: (1) a literature review using PubMed and Cochrane databases to find contributing factors; and (2) the system dynamics approach for mapping feedback mechanisms underlying adolescent dental caries through causal loop diagramming. The results of this study, based on the review of 138 articles, identified individual, family and community-level factors and their interactions contributing to dental caries experience in adolescents. Our results also provide hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying persistence of dental caries among adolescents.

Conclusions

Our findings may contribute to a deeper understanding of the multilevel and interconnected factors that shape the persistence of dental caries experience among adolescents.

[Polymorphisms associated with dental caries in pediatric populations: a systematic review]

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been reported to play an important role in the etiology of dental caries. The aim of this research was, through a systematic review, to identify SNPs recently associated with dental caries in pediatric populations. We included studies performed in humans up to 18 years of age that evaluated the relationship between SNPs and dental caries from 2017 to 2022. Articles that covered other study variables were excluded. PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science were used to search for information and the included articles were evaluated with one of the Joanna Briggs Institute's tools. Twenty-five articles were selected, 60% of which were given high methodological quality. A total of 10,743 research subjects, ranging in age from 20 months to 17 years, participated in the study. The SNPs considered risk factors were identified in the genes miRNA202, VDR, AMELX, TUFT1, KLK4, MBL2, ENAM, DEFB1, HLA-DRB1, TAS1R1, DSPP, RUNX2 and MMP13; those considered protective factors were identified in the genes MMP20, AMBN, MMP9, TIMP2, TNF-α, VDR, IL1B, ENAM and HLA-DRB1. This systematic review presents the genetic polymorphisms that are associated with the etiology of caries in children and adolescents, some of which act as risk factors and others as protective factors against the disease.

FOK l Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Risk of Dental Caries: A Case-Control Study

The prevalence of dental caries in individuals who practice good oral hygiene increasingly indicates that other etiological factors, such as genetic factors, may be responsible for occurrence of caries, and its prevalence in younger individuals, such as adolescents, is an early manifestation of their genetic makeup. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the correlation of various genetic factors with the occurrence of dental caries in populations. Thus, this study assessed the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (rs2228570) in the vitamin D receptor gene and dental caries susceptibility. After obtaining ethical approval (NU/CEC/2020/0339), 377 adults, aged 18–40 years, were included in this study. Among the participants consenting to participate, salivary samples were collected, and an oral examination was conducted using the World Health Care Oral Health Survey Format 2013. The DMFT and PUFA index scores were recorded along with basic demographic details. The subjects were categorized as caries-free (controls, DMFT = 0) and caries-active (cases). The case group was further divided into the high-risk group (DMFT ≤ 10), moderate-risk group (DMFT = 4–9), and low-risk group (DMFT = 1–3). Saliva samples were used for vitamin D level analysis and DNA isolation. Polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using Fok1 digestion was performed on the isolated DNA. Salivary vitamin D levels were markedly higher in the caries-free group than in the caries-active group (p < 0.001). The T allele of rs2228570 was significantly associated with having active caries, while the C allele was associated with being caries-free. Individuals with the rs2228570 TC genotype had 2.814-fold increased likelihood, and individuals with the TT genotype had 3.116- fold increased likelihood of being caries-active. This finding is important in terms of patient counselling, as well as possibly in terms of prevention and treatment of caries.

Association Between the TaqI (rs731236 T>C) Gene Polymorphism and Dental Caries Risk: A Meta-analysis

Objective: This study investigated the association of the TaqI (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism in the VDR gene with dental caries.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, SinoMed (the Chinese biomedical literature service system), and the Wiley Online Library. Overall comparisons and subgroup analyses based on ethnicity and the presence of dental caries in dentition were performed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess associations between gene polymorphisms and the risk of dental caries.

Results: Seven articles were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed a significant association of the TaqI (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism with dental caries in the allele contrast model (C vs. T: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.07–1.44, I² = 42%, p = 0.005) and in the recessive genetic model (CC vs. TT/CT: OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03–1.84, I² = 0%, p = 0.03). A stratified analysis based on ethnicity revealed a significant association between the TaqI (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism and the risk of dental caries in Asians (C vs. T: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.06–1.54, I² = 60%, p = 0.009). Subgroup analysis based on the presence of dental caries in dentition found a significant association of the TaqI (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism with permanent tooth caries in the allele contrast model (C vs. T: OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.11–1.77, I² = 76%, p = 0.005) and the recessive genetic model (CC vs. TT/CT: OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.03–2.00, I² = 0%, p = 0.03).

Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that the C allele and CC genotype of the TaqI (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism in the VDR gene are associated with an increased risk of dental caries.

The Most Common Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms (ApaI,FokI, TaqI, BsmI, and BglI) in Children with Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Vitamin D participates in the calcification of enamel and dentin and the appropriate immune responses to oral microbial infections. We aimed to assess the association between the most common vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms (ApaI,FokI, TaqI, BsmI, and BglI) and the risk of dental caries in children.

METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched until 19 January 2021. Meta-analysis with odds ratios as the effect estimate along with 95% confidence intervals and subgroup analysis were conducted using Review Manager 5.3 software. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were conducted by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis, version 2.0 software.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight studies were retrieved from the databases, with nine studies included in the final analysis. Based on five genetic models, there was no association between ApaI (rs7975232), TaqI (rs731236), BsmI (rs1544410), FokI (rs2228570), and BglI (rs739837) polymorphisms and susceptibility to dental caries, except for the FokI (rs10735810) polymorphism.

CONCLUSION

Among the VDR polymorphisms considered, an association was found between the FokI (rs10735810) polymorphism and the risk of dental caries, with a protective role of the f allele and ff genotype.

Influence of VDR and HFE polymorphisms on blood lead levels of occupationally exposed workers

Lead is a ubiquitous heavy metal toxin of significant public health concern. Every individual varies in their response to lead's toxic effects due to underlying genetic variations in lead metabolizing enzymes or proteins distributed in the population. Earlier studies, including our lab, have attributed the influence of ALAD (δ-Aminolevulinate dehydratase) polymorphism on blood lead retention and ALAD activity. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of VDR (Vitamin D receptor) and HFE (Hemochromatosis) polymorphisms in modulating blood lead levels (BLLs) of occupationally exposed workers. 164 lead-exposed subjects involved in lead alloy manufacturing and battery breaking and recycling processes and 160 unexposed controls with BLLs below 10 µg/dL recruited in the study. Blood lead levels, along with a battery of biochemical assays and genotyping, were performed. Regression analysis revealed a negative influence of BLLs on ALAD activity (p < 0.0001) and a positive influence on smokeless tobacco use (p < 0.001) in lead-exposed subjects. A predicted haplotype of the three VDR polymorphisms computed from genotyping data revealed that T-A-A haplotype increased the BLLs by 0.93 units (p ≤ 0.05) and C-C-A haplotype decreased the BLLs by 7.25 units (p ≤ 0.05). Further analysis revealed that the wild-type CC genotype of HFE H63D presented a higher median BLL, indicating that variant C allele may have a role in increasing the concentration of lead. Hence, the polymorphism of genes associated with lead metabolism might aid in predicting genetic predisposition to lead and its associated effects.

Vitamin D receptor FokI and BglI genetic polymorphisms, dental caries, and gingivitis

BACKGROUND & AIM

To investigate the association between the genetic polymorphisms FokI (rs2228570) and BglI (rs739837) in vitamin D receptor (VDR) with dental caries and gingivitis susceptibility.

DESIGN

This study included 353 Brazilian children (8 to 11 years old). Dental caries was assessed using ICDAS (International System for Detection and Assessment of Carious Lesions) and gingival bleeding using Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The presence of visible biofilm was also evaluated. DNA was extracted from saliva, and real-time PCR was used to evaluate genetic polymorphisms in VDR: rs2228570 (FokI, A>G/Met>Thr) and rs739837 (BglI, G>T). Dental caries was evaluated as a continuous data (mean and standard deviation-SD) and was also categorized (ICDAS₀ versus ICDAS_1-6 or ICDAS_1-2 versus ICDAS_3-6). Gingivitis was categorized in with and without. One-way ANOVA was used for comparisons of caries among genotypes. Chi-square test, logistic regression, and haplotype analysis were performed (P < .05).

RESULTS

Biofilm was associated with dental caries susceptibility and gingivitis (P < .05). The mean distribution of the caries lesions and cavitated caries lesions among FokI and BgII genotypes were not statistically significant (P > .05). Genotype distributions among caries groups (in the two different cut-offs) and among gingivitis and non-gingivitis groups were not statistically significant (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The polymorphisms FokI and BglI in VDR were not associated with dental caries or gingivitis.

The relationship between molar incisor hypomineralization, dental caries, socioeconomic factors, and polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes increase the prevalence of dental caries, molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and hypomineralized primary second molars (HPSM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A representative population-based sample of 731 schoolchildren, 8 years of age, was randomly selected in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. MIH, HPSM, and dental caries were clinically assessed by four calibrated examiners (kappa > 0.80) using European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (2003) criteria, the modified Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) index, and the Decayed, Missing, or Filled Teeth (DMFT) index by the World Health Organization (2013), respectively. The VDR rs739837 and rs2228570 polymorphisms were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Associations were analyzed by Poisson regression with robust variance (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Schoolchildren with MIH presented a higher prevalence of dental caries (DMFT > 1, PR = 2.52, confidence interval = 1.60-3.97, p ≤ 0.001). No association was observed between MIH, HPSM, and dental caries, with rs739837 and rs2228570 polymorphisms. Individuals with the GT/GG genotype in rs739837 polymorphism presented a higher prevalence of MIH in molars and incisors than individuals TT (PR = 2.34, confidence interval = 1.08-5.07, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Children with MIH presented a significant higher prevalence of dental caries than children without MIH. To carry at least one G allele in rs739837 was associated to higher prevalence of MIH in molars and incisors.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our findings suggested that more severe cases with incisors affected by MIH could be associated with polymorphism in VDR gene.

Investigation of Interaction between Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Environmental Factors in Early Childhood Caries in Chinese Children

Background

Early childhood caries is a multifactorial disease involving interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and gene-environment interactions on the etiology of, and susceptibility to, caries in Chinese children aged 3-5 years.

Methods

Children (n = 549) were divided into three groups according to caries risk: high (decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) index > 4; n = 148), moderate (dmft = 1-4; n = 156), and caries-free (n = 245). A questionnaire was designed to collect demographic information, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices, and dental plaque samples were collected to test acidogenic activity of bacteria. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buccal mucosa, and the VDR polymorphisms rs7975232, rs1544410, rs11568820, rs10735810, and rs731236 were genotyped using TaqMan assays.

Results

There were no differences among the caries risk groups in frequencies of the rs7975232, rs731236, rs1544410, or rs11568820 polymorphisms (χ ² test, P > 0.05); however, the frequency of the rs10735810 CC genotype was clearly higher in the high caries risk group than in the control and moderate caries risk groups (39.2%, 25.6%, and 30.6%, respectively; χ ² test, P=0.028). In multivariate analysis of genotypes and behavioral factors, rs7975232, rs731236, rs1544410, rs11568820, and rs10735810 were not associated with deciduous tooth decay (χ ² test, P > 0.05).

Conclusion

We conclude that these VDR polymorphisms cannot be used as markers for identification of Chinese children at increased risk of dental caries, when combined with environmental factors. Future studies are needed to replicate these initial findings and better assess the risk of caries in deciduous teeth.

SNP Analysis of Caries and Initial Caries in Finnish Adolescents

Background

Dental caries is the most common infection in the world and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors are largely known, but the role of genetic factors is quite unknown. The aim was to investigate the genetic background of caries in Finnish adolescents.

Materials and Methods

This study was carried out at the Kotka Health Center in Eastern Finland. 94 participants aged 15–17 years gave approval for the saliva and DNA analyses. However, one was excluded in DNA analysis; thus, the overall number of participants in analysis was 93. Caries status was recorded clinically and from bite-wing X-rays to all 94 participants. Genomic DNA was extracted by genomic QIAamp® DNA Blood Mini Kit and genotyped for polymorphisms. The results were analyzed using additive and logistic regression models.

Results

No significant associations between caries and the genes studied were found. However, SNPs in DDX39B and MPO showed association tendencies but were not statistically significant after false discovery rate (FDR) analysis. SNPs in VDR, LTA, and MMP3 were not statistically significant with initial caries lesions after FDR analysis.

Conclusion

The present study could not demonstrate statistically significant associations between caries and the genes studied. Further studies with larger populations are needed.