Single nucleotide polymorphisms of taste genes and caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective

The aim of the present study was to systematically review the literature investigating the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) related to taste genes and their influence on caries.

Material and methods

Search was performed in five databases to respond to the question: ‘Are the polymorphisms of taste genes associated with dental caries?’. Studies in humans were included. Assessment of quality of studies, meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed.

Results

Seven studies were included in the systematic review and two in meta-analysis. Most of studies (71.4%) presented cohort design with low-level of evidence. A total of 4,032 individuals were evaluated. Four different taste genes (TAS1R2, TAS2R38, TAS1R3 and GLUT2) and 12 SNPs were reported. Most SNPs of taste genes showed a protective effect of the minor allele against dental caries. Meta-analysis included the SNP rs713598 placed in the TAS2R38 gene. The results suggest an effect of the heterozygote genotype (CG), which was associate with low caries experience (OR = 0.35 CI95% [0.17–0.75]). However, the genotype GG was not associated (OR = 0.17 CI95% [0.03–1.04]). Sensitivity analysis showed an important influence of one study in the results.

Conclusions

SNP of taste genes seems to be associated with caries experience. Causal inferences should be interpreted with caution and the results must be replicated in different populations.