Objectives

To evaluate association of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene with mandibular prognathism (MP) and relationships between mandibular morphology and GHR gene SNPs in the Korean population.

Materials and Methods

A total of 325 subjects were divided into two groups based on sagittal maxillomandibular relationship by the lateral cephalography: the MP and control groups. From the SNPs in the GHR gene, three SNPs (rs6180, rs6182, and rs6184) were selected. SNP genotyping was performed using direct sequencing. The craniofacial measurements of lateral cephalography were analyzed.

Results

We found lack of association between GHR and MP. However, in analysis according to the values of cephalometric measurements, rs6180 was significantly associated with ANB, SNB, effective mandibular length, and SNMP in females. Additionally, rs6182 and rs6184 were significantly associated with ramal height in males.

Conclusion

GHR SNPs may affect not only the sagittal development of mandible but also the vertical development of ramal height, and GHR SNPs may gender-differently influence mandibular morphology. This finding supports that the GHR might be susceptible on mandibular morphogenesis in the Korean population