Association between Estrogen Receptors Alpha and Beta and Developmental Defects of Enamel: Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The genes encoding estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ESR1 and ESR2) are expressed during odontogenesis and may be involved in developmental defects of enamel (DDEs).

Aims: To investigate the association between DDE and genetic polymorphisms ESR1 and ESR2.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Place: Department of Orthodontics at School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FORP/USP).

Methodology: Ninety-one (91) patients of both sexes were included in this study (mean age 14.1 ± 5.8 years). DDEs were evaluated by a calibrated examiner using the criteria proposed by Ghanim et al. (2015) (Kappa >0.80). Genomic DNA from saliva was used to evaluate four genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 (rs2234693 and rs9340799) and ESR2 (rs1256049 and rs4986938). Genotyping was performed through Real-Time PCR. The data were analyzed using the PLINK software. Associations were tested by Chi-square or Fisher exact tests. The established alpha was 5%.

Results: A total of 38.5% of the sample presented some DDE (excluding dental fluorosis). DDE was not associated with the polymorphisms rs2234693 and rs9340799 in ESR1 and rs1256049 and rs4986938 in ERS2 (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2 were not associated with DDE.