Investigation of the association between COX-2 polymorphisms and external apical root resorption in orthodontically treated patients

To evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and external apical root resorption (EARR) after orthodontic treatment.

This study analyzed the orthodontic records of patients from Regensburg University Hospital and two collaborating private practices. EARR was analyzed in the maxillary central incisors and first mandibular molars using pre- and post-treatment cephalometric and panoramic radiographs, respectively. Genomic DNA was obtained from salivary oral cells. Two SNPs in COX-2, rs5275 (3 prime untranslated region variant) and rs689466 (upstream transcript variant, downstream transcript variant), were genotyped using real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The linear regression models were fitted to assess the effects of the evaluated SNPs at a significance level of 5%.

A total of 143 biologically unrelated patients (mean age: 13.5 ± 4.5 years) were included in the study. The F-test showed that only the regression for EARR in the mandibular molars in the dominant model for rs5275 G allele had a good fit (F = 3.50, P = 0.034). The model showed that individuals carrying at least one G allele for rs5275 had a 17% increase in EARR in the molars compared to common AA homozygotes (exp(B) = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.32; P = 0.010). Although an effect of the G allele (rs5275) was detected, this effect did not explain much of the variability in EARR (adjusted R² = 0.04).

The results suggested that patients carrying the polymorphic form of the rs5275 were more likely to have EARR in the mandibular molars; therefore, COX-2 could have an effect on EARR.

The knowledge of the genetic background concerning EARR after orthodontic treatment would aid in clinical practice to screen for associated genetic factors and potentially aid its prevention and management, considering that patients’ genetic profiles would soon be available.