[Association of the polymorphism of MUC7 gene encoding the low-molecular-weight mucin MG2 with susceptibility to caries].

The aim of this study was to search for an association of the polymorphism of MUC7 gene encoding the low-molecular-weight mucin MG2 with susceptibility to caries. The study enrolled 158 students (age 20-21 years) of the first and second year at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. The group included 77% females and 23% males. The DMF index was used to assess dental status. Oral hygiene was examined with the Approximal Plaque Index (API). The condition ofgingiva was reflected by the Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). Isolation of DNA for the analysis of SNP polymorphism of the MUC7 gene was carried out with the Sherlock AX kit. Genotypes of the MUC7 gene were identified with PCR-RLFP. Statistical analysis showed that the MUC7*6/*6 genotype increased the probability of dental caries. Moreover, the MUC7*6/*6 genotype correlated positively with oral hygiene, predisposing to a higher value of the oral hygiene index. The present study did not disclose an association between MUC7*5/*6 and MUC7*6/*6 genotypes and GBI.