The Effect of Genetics on Caries Risk Assessment: MMP3 (rs679620) and VDR (rs731236) Gene Polymorphisms

This study evaluated the impact of gene polymorphisms in VDR and MMP3 on caries and the efficacy of genetic factors in a novel caries risk model.

After oral examination of male individuals (aged 20-44), a diagnosis was made according to the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index: Group 1 'high caries risk' (DMFT ≥ 14); Group 2 'low caries risk' (DMFT ≤ 5) (n = 162). Participants' detailed anamneses were recorded. Periodontal indices, saliva buffering capacity/BC, salivary quantity of Streptococcus mutans/SM and Lactobacillus spp./LB were measured. After DNA isolation, genotyping of the MMP3 (rs679620) and VDR (rs731236) genes was conducted using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A stepwise regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the explanatory contributions of independent variables to DMFT variability. The results were considered significant at p 0.05.

Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, bleeding on probing, salivary flow rate, BC, salivary quantity of LB, frequency of consuming sugary foods/drinks, frequency of tooth brushing, and the use of preventive dental treatment (p 0.001). The MMP3 rs679620 polymorphism significantly affected caries risk (p 0.001), while the VDR polymorphism was not significant (p = 0.862). An explanatory regression model for caries experience, created by stepwise regression analysis, explained 61.1% of the DMFT.

Adding genetic factors to the caries risk model may have a significant effect on the accuracy of the model.