Kristína Musilová

Association of interleukin-6 (IL-6) haplotypes with plaque-induced gingivitis in children.

Objectives. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key regulator of the host response to microbial infection and major modulator of extracellular matrix catabolism and bone resorption. The aim of this case-control study was to test differences between children with and without gingivitis in the distribution of IL-6 alleles at positions −174, −572, and −597 and their haplotypes. Material and methods. A total of 455 Caucasian children, aged 11 to 13 years, were enrolled in this study. According to gingival bleeding on probing indices, 183 were classified as healthy subjects and 272 as children with plaque-induced gingivitis. DNA for genetic analysis was obtained from buccal epithelial cells and PCR-RFLP methods were used for genotyping three selected IL-6 promoter polymorphisms. Results. Complex analysis revealed significant differences in haplotype frequencies between patients and healthy subjects (p<0.01). The CGA haplotype was significantly more frequent in children with gingivitis than in healthy subjects (41.5% versus 34.1%). In subanalyses, we found that IL-6 −174C allele was more frequent in patients (44.3%) than in healthy children (36.1%, p=0.016, Pcorr<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that allele C remained a risk factor for gingivitis in children (p=0.03) regardless of plaque or gender. However, the proportions of the IL-6 −597 and −572 genotypes were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions. Our results indicate that the three promoter polymorphisms in the IL-6 gene act in a cooperative fashion and suggest that IL-6 haplotypes could play a role in the pathogenesis of gingivitis in Caucasian children.

GLUT2 and TAS1R2 Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Dental Caries

Objective: Dental caries is one of the most frequent multifactorial diseases. Among the numerous factors influencing the risk of caries, genetics plays a substantial role, with heritability ranging from 40 to 60%. Gene variants affecting taste preference and glucose transport were recently associated with caries risk. The aim of this study was to analyze two common polymorphisms in the sweet taste receptor (TAS1R2) and glucose transporter (GLUT2) genes in children with dental caries and healthy controls in the Czech population. Methods: A total of 637 unrelated Caucasian children, aged 11-13 years, were included in this case-control study. One hundred and fifty-five subjects were caries-free (with decayed/missing/filled teeth, DMFT = 0) and 482 children were caries-affected (DMFT ≥ 1). The TAS1R2 (Ile191Val, rs35874116) and GLUT2 (Thr110Ile, rs5400) genotypes were determined using the 5′ nuclease TaqMan® assay for allelic discrimination. Results: Compared with subjects with the common Thr allele, carriers of the Ile allele of GLUT2 had significantly more frequently dental caries (p < 0.05, OR = 1.639, 95% CI: 1.089-2.466). Similarly, children with the Val allele for the TAS1R2 Ile191Val polymorphism were more frequently affected by caries than children who carried the Ile allele (p < 0.05, OR = 1.413, 95% CI: 1.014-1.969). In contrast, no significant associations between GLUT2 and/or TAS1R2 polymorphisms and fillings were found, but allele frequencies of the TAS1R2 variant were marginally significantly different between children with DMFT = 0 and DMFT ≥1 (p = 0.053, OR = 1.339, 95% CI: 0.996-1.799). However, no significant interaction between both genes and risk of dental caries was found. Conclusions: In conclusion, GLUT2 and TASR1 polymorphisms may influence the risk of caries in the Czech population.

Lack of Association between Lactotransferrin Polymorphism and Dental Caries

Objective: Dental caries is a complex, multifactorial disease and one of the most common illnesses worldwide. Its etiology is related to microbial, dietary and host factors. Recent evidence suggests a role of lactotransferrin (LTF) in caries. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between LTF gene polymorphism and dental caries. Methods: In this case-control study, 637 unrelated children, aged 11-13 years, were enrolled. The subjects were divided into two groups, i.e. caries-free (decayed/missing/filled teeth = 0) and caries-affected children (decayed/missing/filled teeth ≥ 1). The LTF rs1126478 (140A/G in exon 2, Lys/Arg) genotypes were determined by PCR with restriction analysis using the EarI enzyme. Results: Of 637 children, 155 (24.3%) were caries free. There were no statistically significant differences between caries levels and allele or genotype distributions in the total cohort. When the caries-affected group (n = 482) was stratified into low (decayed/missing/filled teeth = 1), moderate (2 ≤ decayed/missing/filled teeth ≤ 3) and high (decayed/missing/filled teeth ≥ 4) caries experience, allele and genotype frequencies were similar among all subgroups. Conclusions: The LTF 140A/G (exon 2, Lys/Arg) polymorphism was not associated with the susceptibility to or severity of dental caries in the Czech population.

ACE Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism Associated with Caries in Permanent but Not Primary Dentition in Czech Children

Objective: Dental caries is a multifactorial, infectious disease where genetic predisposition plays an important role. Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has very recently been associated with caries in Polish children. The aim of this study was to analyze ACE I/D polymorphism in a group of caries-free children versus subjects affected by dental caries in the Czech population. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 182 caries-free children (with decayed/missing/filled teeth, DMFT = 0), 561 subjects with dental caries (DMFT ≥1) aged 13-15 years and 220 children aged 2-6 years with early childhood caries (ECC, dmft ≥1) were included. Genotype determination of ACE I/D polymorphism in intron 16 was based on the TaqMan method. Results: Although no significant differences in the allele or genotype frequencies between the caries-free children and those affected by dental caries were observed, statistically significant differences between the children with DMFT = 0 and the subgroup of 179 patients with high caries experience (DMFT ≥4; p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) were detected. The comparison of DD versus II+ID genotype frequencies between the patients with DMFT ≥1 or DMFT ≥4 and healthy children also showed significant differences (31.5% or 35.6% vs. 23.6%, p < 0.05 or p < 0.01, respectively). A gender-based analysis identified a significant difference in the DD versus II+ID genotype frequencies only in girls (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant association of ACE I/D polymorphism with ECC in young children was found (p > 0.05). Conclusions:ACE I/D polymorphism may be associated with caries in permanent but not primary dentition, especially in girls in the Czech population.

Vitamin D Receptor TaqI Gene Polymorphism and Dental Caries in Czech Children

Aim: We analyzed the VDR TaqI (rs731236) gene polymorphism in children with and those without dental caries. Methods: A total of 388 subjects, 153 caries-free (with decayed/missing/filled teeth [DMFT] = 0) and 235 children with dental caries (DMFT ≥1), were genotyped by the TaqMan method. Results: Although no significant differences in VDR TaqI allele and genotype frequencies between caries-free and caries-affected children were detected, a significant association between this polymorphism and gingivitis was found (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In contrast to previous studies from China and Turkey, the VDR TaqI gene variant cannot be used as a marker for identification of Czech children with increased dental caries risk.

Lack of Association between BMP2/DLX3 Gene Polymorphisms and Dental Caries in Primary and Permanent Dentitions

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between BMP2 (rs1884302) and DLX3 (rs2278163) gene polymorphisms and dental caries in primary and permanent dentitions. A total of 914 subjects were genotyped by the TaqMan methods: 176 caries-free children (with Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth, DMFT = 0), 542 patients with dental caries in permanent dentition (DMFT ≥1), 83 caries-free children with primary teeth (with decayed/missing/filled teeth, dmft = 0), and 113 children with early childhood caries (ECC, dmft ≥1). There were no significant differences in allele/genotype frequencies between patients with caries in permanent dentition/ECC and caries-free children or between patients with very low (DMFT = 0-2), low (DMFT = 3-5), moderate (DMFT = 6-8), or high (DMFT ≥9) caries experience. Variability in BMP2 and DLX3 was not associated with caries in the Czech population.

The Yngve Ericsson Prize in Preventive Odontology

Patent Revenue Fund and ORCA herby solicit nominations for the 2016 Yngve Ericsson Prize. The award will be SEK 300,000 (approx. EUR 32,000) for one person and SEK 200,000 per person if shared by two recipients. The Prize winner(s) will be selected by a Prize Committee of distinguished scientists, three members of which are appointed by the Patent Revenue Fund for Preventive Odontology and two members appointed by ORCA. The Prize is awarded to persons who have performed outstanding laboratory or clinical research that has contributed specifically to the prevention of dental and oral disease. Candidates are judged on the originality, quality and range of their scientific contributions as well as the range and clinical importance of the results. Individuals who are still active in research are preferred candidates. No preference will be given to candidates from any country. A nomination should contain the name of the candidate and must be accompanied by a statement giving reasons why the candidate would be a worthy awardee, including a list of the candidate’s relevant scientific publications and, if possible, a short CV. Nominations of candidates must be received by the Secretary of the Patent Revenue Fund, Prof. Peter Lingström (Institute of Odontology, Box 450, SE–405 30 Göteborg, Sweden; E-Mail peter.lingström @ odontologi. gu.se), no later than February 15, 2016. Call for Nominations

Gene Polymorphisms in Gingivitis

1) We aimed to conduct a review of the literature for gene polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to gingivitis. We searched the studies in English language using the key words gingivitis and gene (mutation or polymorphism) and analyzed their results. (a) Firstly, in introduction, etiopathogenesis and clinical picture of gingivitis were discussed, the role of genetics in this disease was analyzed and different approaches for genetic studies described. (b) Secondly, candidate genes in relation to gingivitis were analyzed and discussed in relation to various carriage rates of the rare (R)-allele, different environmental and other risk factors. 2) In addition, new data (still unpublished) about the role of interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene polymorphisms at positions -607C/A (rs1946518), -137G/C (rs187238) and -133C/G (rs360721) in relation to gingivitis and microbial pathogens in Czech children are presented in this chapter.