Lack of association between vitamin D and calcitonin receptor gene polymorphisms and forearm bone values of young Greek males.
INTRODUCTION--HYPOTHESIS: Since the genetic bases of bone mass regulation in males are still poorly understood and the role of calciotropic hormones on bone mineral metabolism is absolute, our hypothesis is based on the certainty that specific genetic polymorphism will contribute, at least, on bone mass values. Our objective was to examine the relative contribution of genetic variables to the regulation of bone values in a population of young healthy men, focusing on the BsmI polymorphism of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and the AluI polymorphism of calcitonin receptor (CTR) gene.


METHODS
Areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and geometrical areas at specific skeletal sites of the forearm, of 301 healthy Caucasian young men, aged 18-25, were assessed by single X-ray absorptiometry (Osteometer DTX-100). VDR and CTR alleles were determined by BsmI and AluI endonuclease restriction fragment analyses. Analysis of covariance was used as a statistical model.


RESULTS
No significant differences in the forearm aBMD, BMC or in area values were observed between the VDR and CTR genotypes. Findings did not change after adjusting for demographic characteristics.


CONCLUSIONS
The BsmI and AluI polymorphisms are not related to the forearm bone values either reflecting mass or geometrical variables in this male population.
Charopoulos
I
I
Laboratory for Research of Musculoskeletal System, University of Athens, KAT Hospital, 14561 Athens, Greece. jcharopoylos@yahoo.com
Trovas
G
G
Stathopoulou
M
M
Kyriazopoulos
P
P
Galanos
A
A
Dedoussis
G
G
Antonogiannakis
E
E
Lyritis
G P
GP
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density / Q000235:genetics*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005542:Forearm; D005838:Genotype; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D018003:Receptors, Calcitonin / Q000235:genetics*; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000235:genetics*; D055815:Young Adult
D018003:Receptors, Calcitonin; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol