Association Between the I (rs731236 T>C) Gene Polymorphism and Dental Caries Risk: A Meta-analysis.

This study investigated the association of the I (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism in the gene with dental caries. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, SinoMed (the Chinese biomedical literature service system), and the Wiley Online Library. Overall comparisons and subgroup analyses based on ethnicity and the presence of dental caries in dentition were performed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess associations between gene polymorphisms and the risk of dental caries. Seven articles were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed a significant association of the I (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism with dental caries in the allele contrast model (C vs. T: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.07-1.44,  = 42%,  = 0.005) and in the recessive genetic model (CC vs. TT/CT: OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03-1.84,  = 0%,  = 0.03). A stratified analysis based on ethnicity revealed a significant association between the I (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism and the risk of dental caries in Asians (C vs. T: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.06-1.54,  = 60%,  = 0.009). Subgroup analysis based on the presence of dental caries in dentition found a significant association of the I (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism with permanent tooth caries in the allele contrast model (C vs. T: OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.11-1.77,  = 76%,  = 0.005) and the recessive genetic model (CC vs. TT/CT: OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.03-2.00,  = 0%,  = 0.03). The results of this meta-analysis suggest that the C allele and CC genotype of the I (rs731236 T>C) polymorphism in the gene are associated with an increased risk of dental caries.