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Published on: March 31, 2021
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of taste genes and caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Luiz Alexandre Chisini1,2, Mariana Gonzalez Cademartori1, Marcus Cristian Muniz Conde2
1Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to systematically review the literature investigating the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) related to taste genes and their influence on caries.
Material And Methods:
Search was performed in five databases to respond to the question: 'Are the polymorphisms of taste genes associated with dental caries?'. Studies in humans were included. Assessment of quality of studies, meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed.
Results:
Seven studies were included in the systematic review and two in meta-analysis. Most of studies (71.4%) presented cohort design with low-level of evidence. A total of 4,032 individuals were evaluated. Four different taste genes (TAS1R2, TAS2R38, TAS1R3 and GLUT2) and 12 SNPs were reported. Most SNPs of taste genes showed a protective effect of the minor allele against dental caries. Meta-analysis included the SNP rs713598 placed in the TAS2R38 gene. The results suggest an effect of the heterozygote genotype (CG), which was associate with low caries experience (OR = 0.35 CI95% [0.17-0.75]). However, the genotype GG was not associated (OR = 0.17 CI95% [0.03-1.04]). Sensitivity analysis showed an important influence of one study in the results.
Conclusions:
SNP of taste genes seems to be associated with caries experience. Causal inferences should be interpreted with caution and the results must be replicated in different populations.
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