Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4284505 within the gene that codifies microRNA17 (miRNA17) and dental fluorosis (DF) in a group of children.
Methods: Children living in a city with fluoridation of public water supplies were included. DF was assessed in erupted permanent teeth by Dean's modified index. The miR-SNP rs4284505 was selected in miRNA17 and genotyping was carried out by real-time PCR. Genotype and allelic distributions between DF and control, and between DF phenotypes (mild, moderate and severe) and control were analysed.
Results: Among a total of 527 children enrolled for the study, 383 were DF free and 144 presented DF. In the dominant model analysis (AA + AG vs. GG) the miR-SNP rs4284505 was associated with moderate DF, with carriers of the GG genotype having an increased risk of more than two times for DF (p = 0.031; Odds Ratio = 2.26, Confidence Interval 95%= 1.04-4.73). Allelic distribution showed borderline statistical significance for moderate DF with the carriers of G allele having an increased risk for DF (p = .050; Odds Ratio = 1.75, Confidence Interval 95%= 1.00-3.12).
Conclusion: The miR-SNP rs4284505 in miRNA17 was associated with an increased risk of DF.
Keywords: dental fluorosis; microRNA; oestrogen receptor alpha gene; polymorphism.