Influence of the vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism on bone loss in men after liver transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Bone loss is a frequent complication after liver transplantation.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism influences bone loss in men after liver transplantation.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
55 male candidates for liver transplantation.


METHODS
Lumbar spine bone mineral density was measured before and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after liver transplantation. Vitamin D receptor genotype was determined by restriction endonuclease Bsml.


RESULTS
Vitamin D receptor genotypes were significantly associated with post-transplantation changes in bone mineral density (P = 0.028). Within 3 months after transplantation, patients with the genotypes Bb or BB showed a vertebral bone loss substantially greater than that in patients with the bb genotype (between-group difference in the percentage change with respect to baseline bone mineral density, 3.7% [95% CI, 0.6% to 6.9%1). In 3 to 24 months after transplantation, bone mineral density increased steadily in the three allelic groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism influences bone loss after liver transplantation. Patients with the bb genotype are, to some extent, protected against post-transplantation bone loss.
Guardiola
J
J
Ciutat Sanitària i Universitària de Bellvitge, Hospital Princeps d'Espanya, Barcelona, Spain.
Xiol
X
X
Sallie
R
R
Nolla
J M
JM
Roig-Escofet
D
D
Jaurrieta
E
E
Casais
L
L
D015519:Bone Density; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000235:genetics*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol