MYOSIN 1H AND THE SOFT TISSUE PROFILE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALES WITH MANDIBULAR PROGNATHISM

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the influence of Myosin 1H on the soft tissue profile of African American females. Methods: Fourteen African American females from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Dental Registry and DNA Repository with the ancestral genotype GG, marker rs10850110, locus 12q24.11 were analyzed. For this investigation, measurements were taken of the eleven items that comprise the Holdaway soft tissue analysis. Profile differences between ethnicity and corresponding normative values were explored by independent-sample t tests for all facial profile measurements. Student’s t test for independent means was used to determine differences with accepted norms. Significance was set a p<0.05. Results: There were significant differences between four of the eleven Holdaway values and the reported values for African Americans. The mean convexity value of the African American female group was 1.0 mm less the normative value of 5.7 mm (p>0.000). In contrast, the H angle of the African American females was larger than the normative value. Conclusions: Our study confirms previous research that Myosin 1H contributes to mandibular prognathism. It agrees with the idea that Myosin 1H is less influential in the maxillary soft tissue complex. Understanding the genetic influence of soft tissue growth would allow improved therapies and prevention approaches.