Vitamin D and estrogen receptor-alpha genotype and indices of bone mass and bone turnover in Danish girls

Abstract

Peak bone mass is a major determinant of osteoporosis risk in later life. It is under strong genetic control; however, little is known about the identity of the genes involved. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between polymorphisms in the genes encoding the vitamin D receptor (VDR) (FokI, TaqI) and estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) (PvuII, XbaI), and bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and markers of bone turnover in 224 Danish girls aged 11-12 years. BMD and BMC were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum osteocalcin, 25(OH)D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured by ELISA assays and urinary pyridinium cross-links by HPLC. Physical activity, dietary calcium, and Tanner stage were assessed by questionnaire. In general, there were no significant differences in anthropometrical variables, physical activity, dietary calcium, serum 25(OH)D, or PTH among genotype groups. BMD or BMC of lumbar spine or whole body (adjusted for body and bone size and pubertal status) were not associated with VDR or ERalpha genotypes or the combination of these genotypes. This lack of association remained even after adjustment for dietary and environmental factors. VDR genotypes had no effect on bone turnover markers. XX and PP ERalpha genotypes were associated (P < 0.05) with reduced levels of urinary pyridinium cross-links, whereas serum osteocalcin was similar among genotypes. These findings suggest that the rate of bone resorption was influenced by ERalpha genotypes, even though these biochemical differences were not evident in bone mass indices.