Investigation of the effects of TAS1R2 (sweet taste receptor) and GLUT2 (glucose transporter) gene polymorphisms and environmental risk factors on the etiology of dental caries

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association of the TAS1R2 gene rs35874116 and GLUT2 gene rs5400 single nucleotide polymorphisms, along with environmental risk factors, with dental caries. Method: Buccal swab samples were collected from 100 individuals, including50 in the high caries risk group (DMFT≥14) and 50 in the low caries risk group(DMFT≤3), aged between 15-55 years, and DNA was isolated from these samples. The single nucleotide polymorphisms TAS1R2 rs35874116 and the GLUT2 rs5400were genotyped. Each participant completed questionnaire forms containing information on sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene habits, and dietary preferences. The clinical parameters of plaque index, gingival index, salivary flowrate, and salivary pH of the participants were recorded. The genotype distributions ofthe TAS1R2 and GLUT2 genes were examined. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS25, with significance set at p<0,05. Result: Statistically significant differences were found between the low and high caries risk groups in terms of environmental risk factors, including age, DMFT index, xerostomia, dental visit, tooth brushing frequency, snacking frequency, beverage consumption pattern, chewing gum frequency, plaque amount, gingival index, and stimulated salivary pH. Statistically significant differences were identified between the caries risk groups in terms of genotype distributions of the TAS1R2 geners35874116 (p=0,0001) and the GLUT2 gene rs5400 (p=0,0001) polymorphisms. The mean DMFT values and snacking frequency of the polymorphic genotypes of bothgenes were significantly higher compared to the normal genotype. Conclusion: Our study concluded that various environmental factors may influence the development of dental caries. It was determined that the TAS1R2 geners35874116 and the GLUT2 gene rs5400 polymorphisms may increase susceptibility to dental caries. The polymorphic genotypes of both genes may indirectly increase caries risk by promoting higher snacking frequency. Key words: TAS1R2, GLUT2, polymorphism, dental caries, DMFT