Genetic Polymorphisms in DEFB1 and miRNA202 Are Involved in Salivary Human β-Defensin 1 Levels and Caries Experience in Children

Abstract

The antimicrobial peptides human β-defensins (hBDs) are encoded by β-defensin genes (DEFBs) and are possibly involved in caries susceptibility. In this study we aimed (1) to investigate the relationship between salivary hBDs and caries and (2) to evaluate the association of genetic polymorphisms in DEFB1 and microRNA202 (miRNA202) with salivary levels of hBDs and caries experience. Two data sets were available for this study, totalizing 678 Brazilian children. Dental examination and saliva collection were performed in all included children. The salivary level for hDB1, hBD2, and hBD4 was assessed by ELISA sandwich technique in 168 children. The DNA was extracted from saliva, and polymorphisms in DEFB1 and miRNA202 were analyzed by real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate the associations between caries experience, hBD salivary level, genotype, and allele distribution, with an alpha of 0.05. The hBD1 level was significantly higher in caries-free children (p < 0.0001). The miRNA202 was associated with a lower level of salivary hBD1 (p < 0.05). Also, the polymorphic distribution of miRNA202 was associated with caries (p = 0.006). The polymorphisms in DEFB1 were not associated with hBD salivary level and caries experience (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that genetic polymorphism in miRNA202 is involved in hBD1 salivary level as well as caries experience in children.

Review: modulation of the oral microbiome by the host to promote ecological balance

“…There is increasing evidence linking genetic characteristics of the host to the composition of saliva [30], the physical properties of the oral hard tissues [31], the host’s behaviour (i.e., taste perception that influences dietary habits) [32], the host’s immune response [33] as well as the composition of the microbiome across different anatomical sites in the oral cavity [34, 35]. Figure 1 summarises these relations.…”

Dental genetics in Brazil: Where we are

“… Polymorphisms in nonamelogenin enamel matrix genes are associated with dental fluorosis (Küchler et al., ) MUC5B gene is associated with dental caries (Cavallari, Salomão, Moysés, Moysés, & Werneck, ) Genes involved in the enamel development are associated with calcium and phosphorus level in saliva (Küchler et al., ) Polymorphisms in DEFB1 and miRNA202 are involved in salivary human β‐defensin 1 levels and caries experience in children (Lips et al., ) A polymorphism in the MTRR gene is associated with early childhood caries and underweight (Antunes et al., ) Aquaporin 5 interacts with fluoride and possibly protects against caries (Anjomshoaa et al., ) MMP2 , MMP3 , MMP9 , MMP20 , TIMP1 , and TIMP2 polymorphisms are associated with white spot lesions and early childhood caries (Antunes et al., ) Genetic influences on dental enamel that impact caries differ between the primary and permanent dentitions (Bayram et al., ) BMP2 gene modification is associated with caries experience in primary teeth (Romanos et al., ) …”

Associação entre lesões de cárie dentária e defeitos do desenvolvimento do esmalte com o índice de massa corporal e com polimorfismos nos genes que codificam as metaloproteinases 8, 13 e 20, em crianças de Manaus - AM

“…Associação entre polimorfismos nos genes que codificam MMP8, MMP13 e MMP20 com lesões de cárie e DDE Pesquisas de associação são instrumentos para a identificação de variantes genéticas que predispõem a doenças complexas e multifatoriais (Li et al, 2006 , 1997), empregados em estudos prévios sobre associações entre polimorfismos genéticos e cárie dentária (Slayton et al, 2005;Deeley et al, 2008;Patir et al, 2008;Lips et al, 2017;Oliveira et al, 2018).…”