Do Polymorphisms predispose dental caries susceptibility in Egyptian adults? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: Understanding how specific genetic variations related to dental caries in understudied populations can pave the way for more personalized approaches to oral health care. The study is designed to explore the correlation between three genetic polymorphisms in Egyptian adults. Materials and Methods: We included 132 young adults aged 15–22 years, with an equal distribution of males and females, randomly selected from secondary Cairene school. The participants were in good health, without hereditary diseases, and had no recent dental treatment. Dental exams were conducted using standardized criteria, with reliability ensured between examiners. DNA collection was performed using buccal swabs, and DNA purification was carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Samples were stored at −21°C for future analysis. We selected specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for ENAM rs3796703, DEFB1 rs11362, and AMELX rs946252 for genotyping. χ2 test and its corresponding statistical significance were calculated. Results: Specific genetic variations, particularly ENAM rs3796703, AMELX rs946252, DEFB1 rs11362, and KLK4 rs2242670, were found to be significantly linked to an elevated caries risk in the group predisposed to caries. These particular genetic variations were notably more prevalent among individuals at a higher risk of developing dental caries. Conclusion: The DEFB1 rs11362 AG genotype showed significance, notably associated with a high DMFT index, particularly in individuals with severe and proximal caries. In contrast, the ENAM rs3796703 polymorphism revealed similar frequencies of allele C and allele T in both caries-susceptible and caries-resistant groups, with genotype CT being significantly associated with reduced dental caries susceptibility. KLK4 rs2242670 did not reveal significant associations with dental caries susceptibility, indicating that this gene polymorphism.