Abstract
Residual ridge resorption (RRR) is the decrease in the jaw structure that follows tooth extraction. It is a multifactorial disorder, but reports on the associated genetic factors are scarce, particularly amongst the Saudis. This study aimed to investigate the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 oncogene partner 2 (FGFRIOP2) in RRR development in Saudis. The study included 192 individuals (RRR- 96; controls- 96) attending outpatient clinics at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University. Demographic and clinical data were collected, the digital panoramic dental radiograph was obtained, and mandibular residual ridge height was measured. DNA was extracted from saliva and genotyping was conducted on "Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX". Genotype and allele frequencies of three SNPs were calculated and compared. The age at first diagnosis and bone height were compared in the three genotypes of each SNP. The age of the patients, age at first edentulism, and bone height ranged 21-80 years, 12-70 years, and 13-34.6 mm, respectively. All three genotypes of the studied SNPs (rs2279351, rs78054962 and rs2306852) were identified. SNP rs2279351 associated significantly with RRR, and the mutant C allele was highly predisposing. No association was observed for the other two SNPs. The genotypes of all SNPs had an influence on age at first edentulism and bone height, but the results were not statistically different. Since FGFR1OP2 plays a role in the process of rapid wound healing in the oral cavity, it may be playing a role in the development of RRR by influencing the rate of resorption of the jawbone. SNP rs2279351 may alter its expression and hence RRR development. This study is limited due to small a sample size, and further large-scale studies are required to confirm this association and to consider rs2279351 as a possible marker of RRR development.