Polymorphisms in SOD2 and SOD3 Genes are Associated with Dental Caries in Primary Dentition of Brazilian Children

To investigate the association of polymorphisms in the SOD2 (rs5746136, rs10370, and rs4880) and SOD3 (rs2855262, and rs13306703) genes and dental caries in primary dentition. This cross-sectional study included 753 children aged from 2 to 6 years in primary dentition from 33 public preschools in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Covariates such as gender and body mass index were collected. Dental caries experience was evaluated using WHO (2013) criteria. Phenotypes were classified as absence (dmft = 0), presence (dmft >= 1) or high caries experience (dmft >= 5). Genotyping of the selected polymorphisms was carried out by TaqMan real-time PCR using genomic DNA extracted from buccal cells. Allele and genotype frequencies in recessive, co-dominant and dominant models were compared between phenotype groups. Covariates did not influence on caries experience in any phenotype analyzed. The allele C in rs2855262 (SOD3) presented association with high dental caries experience (dmft >= 5) (p = 0.04). The polymorphisms rs5746136 (SOD2) and rs2855262 (SOD3) presented association with caries experience (respectively, dmft >= 1 and dmft >= 5) in recessive models (p = 0.02). The findings suggest that polymorphisms in SOD2 (rs5746136) and SOD3 (rs2855262) genes are associated with dental caries experience in children with primary dentition. The cross-sectional study design presents known limitations, such as the inability to establish causal relationships. Therefore, the findings of this study should be interpreted with caution, and further is needed to confirm the results and investigate the function of these genes function and their involvement in dental caries and other oral conditions. Altered salivary oxidative stress biomarkers, influenced by genetic variations, play a significant role in the development of dental caries. It emphasizes the importance of genetic screening in oral health assessments. Understanding the SOD2 and SOD3 polymorphisms, could pave the way for personalized preventive strategies and targeted therapeutic interventions in pediatric dentistry.