DNA is hypomethylated in circadian manifestations of bruxism.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the global DNA methylation levels in patients under bruxism treatment and a control group. Subjects undergoing bruxism treatment were classified in awake bruxism (42 patients), sleep bruxism (32 patients) and both conditions (42 patients). The control group included 42 individuals. A colorimetric assay (MethylFlash Methylated DNA 5-mC Quantification Kit, Epigenetic Group Inc., NY, USA) was used to determine the global DNA methylation levels. Statistically significant differences were found in amounts of methylated DNA in all circadian manifestations of bruxism compared with a control group (sleep bruxism=0.95% ± 2.02%; awake bruxism=0.87% ± 2.1%; sleep and awake bruxism=0.17% ± 0.25%; Control=1.69% ± 1.6%; Kruskal-Wallis test [p=.0001] followed by Dunn's test [p<.05]). Patients undergoing bruxism treatment exhibited hypomethylated DNA levels when compared to control group. Our results suggest that DNA hypomethylation might be a novel aetiologic factor in bruxism aetiology. Further researches must be performed exploring the role of epigenetics modifications in circadian manifestations of bruxism.