Bone mineral density-affecting genes in Africans.
BACKGROUND
We have recently reported the role of environmental exposure in the ethnic diversity of bone mineral density (BMD). Potential genetic difference has not been adequately assessed.


OBJECTIVE
To determine allele frequencies of BMD-affecting genes and their association with BMD in Africans.


METHODS
Allele frequencies at 18 polymorphic sites in 13 genes that affect BMD in Asians and/or Caucasians were determined in 143 recent immigrants (55 men and 88 women, 18-51 years of age) from sub-Saharan Sudan to the United States. Genetic association studies were performed.


RESULTS
Among the 14 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 10 were significantly different in allele frequency between Sudanese and Asians, and 10 between Sudanese and Caucasians. Only the osteocalcin gene was not significantly different in allele frequency among Sudanese, Asians and Caucasians. Allele frequencies in the TGFB, COL1A1 and CSR genes were extremely low (<0.04) in the Sudanese. Frequencies of microsatellite alleles in four genes were significantly different among Sudanese, Asians and Caucasians. SNPs in the VDR and ERalpha genes were associated with BMD and/or BMC (bone mineral content) at several bone sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Genetic difference may play a role in the ethnic diversity in BMD and/or BMC.
Gong
Gordon
G
Center, University of Texas at Houston, Houston, TX, USA. gordon.gong@ttuhsc.edu
Haynatzki
Gleb
G
Haynatzka
Vera
V
Howell
Ryan
R
Kosoko-Lasaki
Sade
S
Fu
Yun-Xin
YX
Yu
Fei
F
Gallagher
John C
JC
Wilson
M Roy
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000235:genetics; D044383:Black People / Q000235:genetics*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000235:genetics*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013397:Sudan / Q000208:ethnology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics; D001741:Black or African American