Estrogen receptor gene polymorphism and craniofacial morphology in female TMJ osteoarthritis patients

Female symptomatic TMJ OA patients carrying Px haplotype showed significantly smaller facial axis angle (P < 0.05) and mandibular body length (P < 0.05) than the non-carriers. The association between the presence of Px haplotype and short mandibular body length was also ascertained. This study suggests that ERa polymorphism contributes to the altered mandibular dimensions in female symptomatic TMJ OA patients. Further studies on the role of the genetic markers relevant to the craniofacial growth and adaptation are expected to broaden our understanding of determinants of the craniofacial morphology.