[The association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms, bone mineral density and osteocalcin in Chinese women].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the correlations between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms, and bone mineral density (BMD) as well as osteocalcin.


METHODS
We used PCR-RFLP and Southern hybridization analysis to determine VDR genotypes in 202 Chinese women. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and serum osteocalcin level was determined by radioimmunoassay. Analysis of covariance was used to test differences in mean BMDs across genotypes.


RESULTS
We realized that VDR genotype frequencies in Chinese women were apparently different from those of Caucasians. In group of postmenopausal women, "bb" or "aa" genotype was related to lower BMD in Femoral Neck and Trochanter. No association was found between VDR genotypes and the serum osteocalcin level.


CONCLUSIONS
There was some association between VDR genotypes and BMD in Chinese women. Its function in predicting osteoporosis still requires further study.
Zhao
J
J
PUMC Hospital, CAMS, Beijing.
Zhou
X
X
Meng
X
X
Liu
G
G
Xing
X
X
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D015519:Bone Density; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000097:blood*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000235:genetics*; D044465:White People
D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D015675:Osteocalcin