Genetic variant of lactase-persistent C/T-13910 is associated with bone fractures in very old age.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relation between the C/T(-13910) single-nucleotide polymorphism residing 13,910 base pairs from the 5' end of the lactase gene associated with lactase persistence and the occurrence of bone fractures in elderly people.


METHODS
Population-based study.


METHODS
Vantaa 85+ population-based study, including all 601 subjects born before April 1, 1906, who were living in the city of Vantaa, Finland, on April 1, 1991.


METHODS
Four hundred eighty-three people aged 85 and older (106 men and 377 women).


METHODS
Genotype determination was made using a polymerase chain reaction minisequencing technique.


RESULTS
The frequency of the genotype C/C(-13910) associated with adult-type hypolactasia (low lactase enzyme activity or primary lactose malabsorption (LM)) was significantly greater in individuals with hip fractures, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.7 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.8-7.8), wrist fractures with an adjusted OR of 2.5 (95% CI=1.2-5.2), and hip and wrist fractures combined with an adjusted OR of 4.1 (95% CI=2.0-8.3).


CONCLUSIONS
The C/C(-13910) genotype associated with primary LM could represent a genetic risk factor for bone fractures for elderly people.
Enattah
Nabil S
NS
Department of Medical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Sulkava
Raimo
R
Halonen
Pirjo
P
Kontula
Kimmo
K
Järvelä
Irma
I
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005838:Genotype; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D043322:Lactase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D007787:Lactose Intolerance / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics
D043322:Lactase