Genetic variants of vitamin-D receptor genome and teeth caries susceptibility in Iraqi children

Abstract

Objective: To find out if there is a link between the TaqI, ApaI, BsmI, and FokI polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and dental caries risk in Iraqi children. Material and Methods: The study had a sample of one hundred children, consisting of fifty males and fifty females, their mean age of 10.2 ± 1.21 years old. The study volunteers were categorized into two groups: a moderate caries risk group (DMFT, 1-4) consisting of 50 individuals, and a caries-free group including 50 individuals. Salivary samples were obtained from each participant, and subsequent DNA extraction was performed. The VDR gene was geno-typed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques. All data were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Odds ratios; results considered significant when (P<0.05). Results: A statistically significant difference was seen in the frequency of FokI genotypes (CC) between children with caries and those without caries (P<0.05). Individuals possessing the (CC) genotype had a 2.745-fold higher probability of being susceptible to dental caries with CI 95% of (1.077 - 6.996). While there were no significant differences (P>0.05) found between the TaqI, ApaI, and BsmI genotypes and cavities in the teeth. Conclusion: FokI (rs2228570) polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) showed an association with dental caries. VDR genetic variants may be employed in the future as a potential marker for identifying people at risk for caries when paired with environmental variables, as well as for caries prevention and treatment.

KEYWORDS

Caries; Gene; Genetic; Polymorphism; Vitamin D.