(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Scientists found a modest but consistent link between a gene variant, low bone mineral density (BMD) and a high risk of fractures in the spine and hip. The authors say the evidence might have been missed in a smaller study.

Researchers looked at the association between two gene variants -- LRP5 and LRP6 -- the risk to bone mineral density and risk of fracture. Study authors say they were able to gather evidence that genetic variation of the LRP5 gene is associated with both BMD and fracture risk. “The magnitude of the effect was modest but very consistent across studies,” study authors write.
 

Other studies have shown genetic factors determine up to 80 percent of the variance in bone density -- a key predictor for osteoporosis. But, the genes that contribute to differences in the fracture risk are for the most part unknown. Variations of LRP5 have been linked before to changes in bone density, but the results have been inconclusive, mostly because of the small sample size.

Because of the large size and scope of this research, study authors write, “This may be the first time that an association in this field crosses the threshold of genome-wide statistical significance.” They go on to say, “Single genetic risk variants such as LRP5 may also offer useful insights about mechanisms and pathways that may be useful in drug development.”


SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2008;299:1277-1290