Associations of VDR gene polymorphisms and haplotypes with dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic oral diseases worldwide. The higher occurrence of dental caries in some individuals despite good oral hygiene suggests that genetic factors may influence susceptibility. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and dental caries susceptibility. This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched for observational studies published up to August 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using the Q-Genie tool. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Sixteen observational studies involving six VDR polymorphisms (rs731236, rs2228570, rs739837, rs1544410, rs7975232, and rs10735810) were included. Significant associations with dental caries susceptibility were observed for rs2228570 under the recessive model (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.07–2.33, p = 0.022) and rs10735810 under the allele contrast model (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.12–1.54, p < 0.001). No significant associations were identified for rs731236, rs739837, rs1544410, or rs7975232. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the pooled estimates. This meta-analysis suggests that rs2228570 and rs10735810 polymorphisms may contribute to genetic susceptibility to dental caries, whereas no significant associations were found for the remaining VDR variants. Further large-scale, well-designed studies in diverse populations are required to validate these findings and clarify gene–environment interactions.