Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the oral manifestations and salivary composition in type 2 diabetics with periodontitis and to evaluate their association with CA6 gene polymorphism rs2274327.
Methods: Oral examination was performed by a single periodontist for 300 type 2 diabetics. Whole unstimulated saliva and blood were collected. The salivary pH, buffer capacity and flow rate were later measured. Immunoglobulin A and electrolytes were assessed using an autoanalyzer. CA6 gene polymorphism rs2274327 was screened by PCR-RFLP assay. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 20.0 version.
Results: The salivary pH, buffer capacity and flow rate were significantly lower in the patients carrying TT genotype compared to CC and CT genotype carriers (p < .05). Furthermore, the DMFT index, OHI-s, PI, PPD and CAL were significantly higher in the subjects with TT genotype (p < .05). Carrying at least one T allele seemed to increase the risk of dental caries (OR = 2.59, p < .001), xerostomia (OR = 2.11, p=.003) and taste impairment (OR = 1.97, p < .05).
Conclusion: CA6 gene polymorphism rs2274327 seemed to increase the risk of developing, dental caries, periodontitis, xerostomia and taste impairment in type 2 diabetics.
Keywords: Carbonic anhydrase 6; caries; periodontitis; salivary pH; xerostomia.