Objective: Matrilin-3, a structural protein of the cartilage extracellular matrix, has a role on chondrocyte proliferation. Gene alterations of matrilin-3 may cause skeletal and chondro-cartilage diseases like Temporomandibular joint internal derangements Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether matrilin-3 gene (MATN-3) alterations are associated with TMJ internal derangements or not.

Materials and methods: Genomic DNA was extracted by conventional methods from 57 patients (32.7 ± 8.2) with TMJ internal derangements and 62 controls (27.01 ± 5.65) without TMJ disorders. Following PCR with specific primers, single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) was performed. Samples with a different pattern were subjected to DNA sequencing.

Results: Rs 28598872 polymorphism (11608C>T) in exon 2 of MATN-3 is more prevalent in TMJ internal derangement group when compared to the control group (T/T: OR: 2.15, CI: 0.71–6.47, p < 0.2). When TMJ patients are divided into two different groups such as anterior disc displacement with reduction and anterior disc displacement without reduction, 11608C>T polymorphism is more prevalent in the anterior disc displacement without reduction cases (T/T: OR: 4.15, CI: 0.93–18.4, p < 0.1).

Conclusion: This study suggests that MATN-3 rs28598872 polymorphism may increase the risk of initiation and precipitation of the internal derangements of the TMJ and the person’s predisposition to developing TMJ internal derangements, however further studies also needed to establish that relationship.

Conflict of interest: None declared.