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Human permanent tooth sizes are associated with genes encoding oestrogen receptors
Arthur S Cunha1, Luiza Vertuan Dos Santos2, Samantha Schaffer Pugsley Baratto3
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Journal of Orthodontics
|September 28, 2020
Summary
Genetic variations in oestrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) are linked to permanent tooth size. This study found specific polymorphisms associated with tooth dimensions in orthodontic patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Dental Anthropology
Background:
- Oestrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), encoded by ESR1 and ESR2 genes respectively, play crucial roles in various physiological processes.
- The influence of genetic variations in oestrogen receptor genes on craniofacial development, specifically permanent tooth size, remains an area requiring further investigation.
- Understanding genetic determinants of tooth size is important for orthodontics and personalized medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in the oestrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and oestrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) genes and permanent tooth size.
- To determine if specific genetic variations in ESR1 and ESR2 influence tooth dimensions in an orthodontic patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 108 orthodontic patients.
- Dental casts were used to measure mesiodistal crown dimensions of permanent teeth (excluding second and third molars).
- Genotyping for ESR1 (rs9340799, rs2234693) and ESR2 (rs1256049, rs4986938) polymorphisms was performed using genomic DNA samples. Statistical analyses included t-tests and linear regression adjusted for sex.
Main Results:
- Female patients exhibited significantly smaller tooth sizes compared to male patients across most teeth.
- Statistically significant associations were found between specific genetic polymorphisms (rs9340799, rs2234693 in ESR1; rs1256049, rs4986938 in ESR2) and tooth sizes in both the maxilla and mandible.
- These findings indicate a genetic influence of ESR1 and ESR2 polymorphisms on permanent tooth dimensions.
Conclusions:
- Genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2 are associated with variations in permanent tooth size.
- This study provides evidence supporting the role of oestrogen receptor gene variations in determining tooth morphology.
- The findings may have implications for understanding tooth size variation and orthodontic treatment planning.
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