The influence of polymorphism of the MUC7 gene on the teeth and dental hygiene of students at a faculty of dentistry in Poland.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to analyze polymorphism of the MUC7 gene and its correlation with the DMFT value and the Plaque Control Record by O'Leary. MATERIAL/METHODS The study was carried out on 158 students of a faculty of dentistry in Poland. Students were subjected to a clinical oral examination. The status of caries was determined using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) value. The status of dental hygiene was examined by the Plaque Control Record (PCR Plaque Index by O'Leary T, Drake R, Naylor, 1972) index. Sherlock AX, a universal kit for DNA isolation from biological tracks (A&A BIOTECHNOLOGY), was used for DNA isolation. VNTR polymorphism in the MUC7 gene was examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS The prevalence of the MUC7*6/*6 genotype was definitely higher than MUC7*5/*6. The distribution of prevalence of MUC7*6/*6 and MUC7*5/*6 in the control group was similar to another. The distribution of the value of the DMFT index in the group examined with MUC7*6/*6 was similar to the group with MUC7*5/*6. Statistical analysis did not show a significant correlation between genotypes of the MUC7 gene and DMFT and the Plaque Control Record index. CONCLUSIONS This study does not show a correlation between the MUC7 genotypes and caries and oral hygiene of students.