By: Disaboom Health Team

Results from a recent study show that variants of the gene LRP5 are associated with up to a 20% increase in the risk of fractures, as well as lower levels of bone mineral density (BMD) in the spine and hip.  Previous studies have shown that genetic factors determine up to 80 percent of the variance in low BMD, which is a frequent cause of osteoporotic fractures.  The gene LRP5 has been linked to low BMD previously, but past studies have been small and inconclusive.

The most recent study utilized data from 37,534 participants from 18 teams across Europe and North America.  BMD was assessed using imaging techniques such as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.  Fractures were identified through questionnaires, medical records, or radiographic documentation. Assistance in individual genetic analysis was given from the full Genetic Markers for Osteoporosis consortium (GENOMOS).

According to researchers, the results showed a clear association between the gene LRP5 and BMD.  "In this large-scale multicenter collaborative study, we obtained evidence that genetic variation of the LRP5 gene is associated with both BMD and fracture," the study stated.

Researchers believe that the study will have a positive effect on the medical communities' ability to combat low BMD in the future.  They also are confident that the sample size was large enough to establish the results as being conclusive

"Although the magnitude of the effect was modest, the effect was very consistent in determining BMD and fracture risk through life in the general population," the study reads.  It goes on to say that despite the fact that "any single marker explains only a small portion of the phenotype risk, identification of several such osteoporosis risk variants may eventually help in improving clinical prediction."

For more information: "Gene variants associated with increased risk of bone fractures, low bone mineral density," Joyce B.J. van Meurs, Ph.D, Journal of American Medical American Medical Association vol 299, no 11, March 2008.