Investigation of Genetic Variants of ALOX12 (rs9904779) Gene in Dental Caries

Background/Introduction: Dental caries is a biofilm-mediated disease driven by dietary sugars that reduce pH and promote cariogenic microorganisms. Caries result from a complex interplay of behaviour, environmental, genetic, and physiological factors, with the immune response and bacterial activity contributing to enamel demineralization and cavity formation. Genetic factors, such as SNPs, also influence caries susceptibility, impacting enamel hardness and inflammatory responses. Aim: This study aims to explore the association between the ALOX12 gene variant, rs9904779, and the susceptibility to dental caries. Methods: Patients were recruited following ethical approval and informed consent. Saliva samples were collected and grouped by DMFT index, and genomic DNA was extracted. PCR analysis focused on ALOX12 gene polymorphism with the 223 bp product and RFLP. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info software, calculating genotyperisk associations and a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Chi-square testing assessed genotype and allele distributions across groups. Results and Discussion: An SNP analysis of ALOX12 was conducted to assess the susceptibility of dental caries. In caries patients, CC genotype was most prevalent (42%), while CG was higher in controls (52%). Genotype distribution deviated from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium in caries (p < 0.05) but not in controls (p > 0.05). The caries group had a higher prevalence of the C allele, while the CG heterozygote was more frequent in controls (OR = 0.64, p = 0.32). Conclusion: This SNP analysis suggests that the ALOX12 gene variant rs9904779 may be a significant predictor for the development of dental caries, highlighting its potential as a genetic marker for susceptibility to the disease.