Association between serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Anxiety-related traits are linked to serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) sequence variations.
• The short allele (S) of the 5-HTT gene is associated with reduced gene expression and serotonin uptake.
• Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) has multifactorial causes, including stress, anxiety, and genetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).
• To compare the frequency of 5-HTT gene alleles and genotypes in RAS patients versus healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• DNA was extracted from oral mucosal cells of 20 RAS patients and 20 healthy controls.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze the 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region.
• Chi-square tests were employed for statistical comparison of genotype and allele frequencies.

Main Results:

• The LS genotype was most prevalent in both RAS patients (60%) and controls (40%).
• Higher frequencies of LS and SS genotypes, and the S allele, were observed in RAS patients.
• However, these differences did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.144 for genotypes, P = 0.371 for S allele).

Conclusions:

• This study found no statistically significant association between the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and the occurrence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
• The findings suggest that 5-HTT gene variations may not be a primary genetic factor in RAS development.