Palatal dimensions in 45,X-females

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Anthropology
• Dentistry

Background:

• The 45,X chromosome complement, characteristic of Turner syndrome, is associated with various physical anomalies.
• Palatal morphology can be influenced by genetic factors, including sex chromosomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare palatal dimensions in females with a 45,X chromosome complement versus control groups.
• To determine if specific palatal dimensions are consistently altered in individuals with a 45,X karyotype.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of palatal dimensions (width, length, height) from dental casts of 72 females with 45,X, their relatives, and population controls.
• Statistical analysis using ANCOVA to compare groups, controlling for orthodontic treatment, tooth loss, and age.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences in most palatal dimensions were observed between the 45,X group and controls.
• The 45,X group showed the highest mean palatal height at the canine level but the lowest mean palatal width across all segments.
• Alveolar arch length showed no clear difference between 45,X females and relatives, but controls had shorter posterior lengths.

Conclusions:

• A narrowed palate is a frequent, though not definitive, feature in 45,X females.
• Sex chromosomes appear to affect palatal width, potentially due to impaired transversal growth mechanisms.
• Findings suggest potential impacts on palatal shelf growth, nasal septum development, or maxillary bone remodeling.