Association of TAS1R2 (rs35874116 or rs9701796) Gene Polymorphism with Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Gene variations affecting taste preference and glucose consumption have recently been linked to dental caries. Aims: Possible associations between dental caries and the TAS1R2 gene polymorphisms rs35874116 and rs9701796 have been investigated, but conflicting results have been found. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to find comprehensive and more specific results in this direction. Methods: The work started by searching English articles until April 2023 from the reliable databanks PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. Then, relevant articles were carefully chosen in various steps based on defined selection criteria and assessed by comprehensive meta-analysis v.2.0 software. Results: Based on six selected articles, the meta-analyses showed a significant association between dental caries risk and the TAS1R2 gene polymorphism rs9701796 (p<0.05), with the GG genotype in rs9701796 increasing the risk. No significant relation was found for rs35874116. Conclusion: This meta-analysis concluded that the rs9701796 polymorphism increases the risk of dental caries. Studies with larger sample sizes can clarify the relationship further.