Correction: The investigation of WNT6 and WNT10A single nucleotide polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for dental pulp calcification in orthodontic patients.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288782.].

The investigation of WNT6 and WNT10A single nucleotide polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for dental pulp calcification in orthodontic patients.

The aim of this study is to evaluate if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in WNT6 and WNT10A are associated with the risk of dental pulp calcification in orthodontic patients. This cross-sectional study followed the "Strengthening the Reporting of Genetic Association Studies" (STREGA) guidelines. Panoramic radiographs (pre- and post-orthodontic treatment) and genomic DNA from 132 orthodontic patients were studied. Dental pulp calcification (pulp stones and/or pulp space narrowing) was recorded in upper and lower first molars. The SNPs in WNT6 and WNT10A (rs7349332, rs3806557, rs10177996, and rs6754599) were assessed through genotyping analysis using DNA extracted from buccal epithelial cells. The association between pulp calcification and SNPs were analyzed using allelic and genotypic distributions and haplotype frequencies (p<0.05). Prevalence of dental pulp calcification was 42.4% in the 490 studied molars. In the genotypic analysis, the SNPs in WNT10A showed a statistically significant value for molar calcification (p = 0.027 for rs1017799), upper molar calcification (p = 0.040 for rs1017799) (recessive model), and molar calcification (p = 0.046 for rs3806557) (recessive model). In the allelic distribution, the allele C of the SNP rs10177996 in WNT10A was associated with molar calcifications (p = 0.042) and with upper first molar calcification (p = 0.035). Nine combinations of haplotypes showed statistically significant value (p<0.05). The findings of this study indicates that SNPs in WNT10A and WNT6 are associated with dental pulp calcification in molars after orthodontic treatment and may be considered as biomarkers for dental pulp calcification.

Impact of genetic variations in the WNT family members and RUNX2 on dental and skeletal maturation: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated if genetic variations in the WNT family members and RUNX2 are associated with craniofacial maturation, investigating dental and skeletal maturity in children and teenagers. METHODS: Radiographs from pre-orthodontic treatment of Brazilian patients (7 to 17 years-old) were used to assess dental (panoramic radiographs) and skeletal maturity (cephalometric radiographs). The chronological age (CA) was calculated based on the date of birth and the time the radiographs were performed. For the dental maturity analysis, the Demirjian (1973) method was used and a delta [dental age - chronological age (DA-CA)] was calculated. For the skeletal maturity analysis, the Baccetti et al. (2005) method was used and the patients were classified as "delayed skeletal maturation", "advanced skeletal maturation" or "normal skeletal maturation". DNA isolated from buccal cells was used for genotyping of two genetic variations in WNT family genes: rs708111 (G > A) in WNT3A and rs1533767 (G > A) in WNT11; and two genetic variations in RUNX2: rs1200425 (G > A) and rs59983488 (G > T). A statistical analysis was performed and values of p < 0.05 indicated a significant difference. RESULTS: There were no associations between dental maturity and genotypes (p > 0.05). In the skeletal maturity analysis, the allele A in the rs708111 (WNT3A) was statistically more frequent in patients with delayed skeletal maturation (Prevalence Ratio = 1.6; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.00 to 2.54; p-value = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The rs708111 in the WNT3A gene impacts on skeletal maturation.

Testosterone suppression impacts craniofacial growth structures during puberty : An animal study.

AIM: Hormones play a crucial role in growth development; however, the impact of testosterone suppression (TS) on craniofacial growth during puberty remains inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of TS during puberty on cephalometric measurements and histological characteristics of facial growth centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six heterogenic Wistar male rats were randomly allocated into experimental orchiectomy (ORX) and control (sham) groups. At an age of 23 days (prepubertal stage), orchiectomy and placebo surgery were performed. Cephalometric measurements were performed via lateral cephalograms during and after puberty. The animals were euthanized at an age of 45 days (pubertal stage) and 73 days (postpubertal stage). Histological slices of the growth centers (condyle, premaxilla, and median palatine suture) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and sirius red. Student's t or Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare linear and angular cephalometric measurements across groups (α error = 5%). RESULTS: Linear and angular measurements were statistically different in ORX animals (cranial bones, maxilla, and mandible) at 45 days and 73 days. Condylar histology showed a decrease in prechondroblast differentiation and a delay of mineralization in ORX animals. Vascularization of the medium palatine suture was lower in the ORX group at 45 days. Type I and III collagen fiber synthesis was lower in the ORX groups. In the premaxillary suture, collagen fibers were better organized in the sham groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that testosterone suppression affects craniofacial growth during puberty.