Genetic Polymorphism in RANK is Associated with Mandibular Size

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms in RANK, RANKL and OPG with maxillary and mandibular dimensions in humans.

Design: DNA extracted from saliva and the rs3826620, rs9594738 and rs2073618 polymorphisms in RANK, RANKL and OPG, respectively, were analysed by real-time PCR. Four linear measurements (Co-Gn, GoPg, Co-Go and PTM-A) from lateral cephalograms were examined for the evaluation of craniofacial measurements. ANOVA testing and a multivariate linear regression analysis, adjusted for age and gender, were used for statistical analysis, with an alpha of 5%. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was also evaluated using the chi-square test within each polymorphism.

Setting: School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo.

Participants: A total of 100 unrelated non-syndromic Brazilian Caucasian subjects were included in this study.

Results: The polymorphism in RANK was associated with a higher Go-Pg measurement (p = .039). In the multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and gender, the polymorphism in RANK was associated with Go-Pg (p = .017) and Co-Gn (p = .043).

Conclusion: The polymorphism rs3826620 in RANK is associated with the mandibular size.