External apical root resorption (EARR) is one of the most serious complications associated with orthodontic treatment. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationships between selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), purinoreceptor P2X7 (P2RX7) and EARR in patients after orthodontic treatment. The study comprised 101 patients who underwent a complex orthodontic treatment with a combination of fixed appliances. Roots were measured based on orthopantomograms and lateral cephalometric radiographs taken before and at the end of the treatment using diagnostic software. Proportional measurements of selected teeth were made using the modified Linge and Linge methods. Based on the presence or absence of EARR, patients were divided into two groups: control group, 61 patients without EARR (with 0.90 ≤ rRCR ≤ 1.00), and EARR group, 40 patients with EARR (rRCR < 0.90). Root resorption in selected groups was also evaluated with the scores of Malmgren and Levander. SNP analysis was performed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The analysis indicated that a specific haplotype of P2RX7 (rs208294) and IL1RN (rs419598) modified the risk of EARR development (p < 0.05), with a Bonferroni correction. The analysis of the P2RX7 and IL1RN gene polymorphisms showed that the presence of SNPs of these genes may predispose individuals to EARR. These findings indicate that EARR is a complex condition influenced not only by environmental factors and needs further study on the genetic risk factors.
Keywords: gene polymorphism; orthodontic treatment; root resorption.