Association between polymorphisms in the gene encoding beta-defensin 1 and gingivitis, in children

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between genetic polymorphisms in DEFB1 (rs1799946 and rs11362) and the development of gingivitis in children from the Amazon region of Brazil. Material and methods: The study included 27 healthy children, 10-12 years old, from public schools in Manaus. For the oral examination, the parameters described in the gingival index of Löe and Silness were used to identify the presence or absence of gingivitis. The dependent variable was categorized as “Yes” for children with gingivitis (experimental group; n=10) and “No” for children without gingivitis (control group; n=17). Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva, the selected polymorphisms in the DEFB1 gene (rs1799946 and rs11362) were genotyped by TaqMan PCR and an endpoint analysis was performed. Genotypic and allelic distribution between groups was performed using the Fisher’s exact test with an established alpha of 5%. Results: It was found that evaluated SNPs in the DEFB1 gene (rs1799946 and rs11362) were not associated with gingivitis (p>0.05). Conclusion: The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of references rs1799946 and rs11362 in the DEFB1 gene had no function on gingivitis, promoting neither harmful nor beneficial effects, in children.