Association between genetic polymorphisms in DEFB1 and microRNA202 with caries in two groups of Brazilian children.

OBJECTIVE: This replication study aimed to evaluate an association between caries experience and polymorphisms in DEFB1 and miRNA202 in two different Brazilian groups.

DESIGN: The population consisted in 312 Brazilian children. Genomic DNA for was extracted from buccal cells isolated from saliva. The genotyping analysis of the polymorphisms in DEFB1 and miRNA202 was performed by real-time polymerase chain reactions. The associations between caries experience, genotype and allele distribution was performed, with an alpha of 0.05.

RESULTS: A statistical significant difference was observed between allele distribution and the polymorphism rs12355840 in the miRNA202 for permanent dentition in the Manaus group, in which individuals that carry the allele C had almost three times more chance to have caries (p = .021; OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1-6.7). In the Ribeirão Preto group there was a statistical significant difference for the polymorphism rs11362 in the DEFB1 for both dentition in alleles (p = .043) and genotype (p = .020) distributions. The T allele increased in two times the chance to have caries (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.05-4.07).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the allelic distribution of the polymorphism rs12355840 in miRNA202 was associated with caries experience in the Manaus group. In the Ribeirão Preto group, the allelic and genotypic distributions in the polymorphism rs11362 in DEFB1 were associated with caries experience.