Association of vitamin d receptor genotypes with calcium excretion in nephrolithiatic subjects in northern India

Our objective was to investigate the association between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) allelic variants (Bsm I and Fok I) and nephrolithiasis in northern India. A total of 150 nephrolithiatic patients and 100 age and sex matched controls were enrolled for study. A 10 ml blood sample was obtained for biochemical analysis and DNA isolation. In addition, 24 h urine samples were obtained from each patient for the estimation of calcium and creatinine. PCR was performed for the Bsm I and Fok I VDR variants. The association between Bsm I and Fok I VDR polymorphism and nephrolithiasis was investigated after digestion with restriction enzymes (3 U). The product was analysed on 3% agarose gel for Bsm I and 15% polyacrylamide gel for Fok I allelic variants. We did not observe any significant differences in the prevalence of either the Bsm I or Fok I VDR genotypes between stone formers and controls. The B allele was found to be more prevalent in hypercalciuric patients compared to controls and nephrolithiatic subjects. The subjects with the bb genotype exhibited a higher calcium excretion than the BB genotype. Patients with the F allele were also found to excrete higher urinary calcium. VDR genotypes may be associated with increased calcium excretion in hypercalciuric nephrolithiatic subjects.     

Vitamin D receptor genotype and risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in elderly women of Utah: an effect modified by parity

Introduction The associations between vitamin D receptor (VDR) Bsm I and Fok I genotypes, parity, and risk of osteoporotic hip fracture were evaluated in a statewide population-based case-control study in Utah.Methods Women age 50–89 years with hip fracture (n=882) were ascertained via surveillance of 18 Utah hospitals from 1997 to 2001. Age-matched controls were randomly selected (n=897). Participants were interviewed in their homes, and blood samples were collected for genotyping.Results In logistic regression analyses that controlled for multiple confounders, Bsm I VDR genotype but not Fok I genotype was associated with risk of osteoporotic hip fracture (OR bb vs. BB genotype: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.95). In similar analyses, no overall association was observed between parity status and risk of osteoporotic hip fracture. However, the effect of VDR genotype was modified by parity status. Among nulliparous women (n=140), Bsm I genotype was not associated with risk of hip fracture (OR bb vs. BB: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.28, 2.4); among primiparous women (n=133), bb genotype was associated with increased risk of hip fracture (OR bb vs. BB: 3.30; 95% CI: 0.96, 11.29); among multiparous women (n=1,400), bb genotype was associated with decreased risk of hip fracture (OR bb vs. BB: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.84).Conclusion VDR Bsm I genotype was associated with risk of hip fracture in Utah women, and this effect was modified by parity status. Hormonal or lifestyle factors related to parity may underlie this interaction.     

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and bone mass indices in post-menarchal Indian adolescent girls

To study the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and bone mass indices in adolescent girls, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 120 post-menarchal girls aged 15–18 years in Pune city, India. Serum levels of ionised calcium, inorganic phosphorous, parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxy vitamin-D were measured. Bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured at total body (TB), lumbar spine (LS) and left femoral neck (FN) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Polymorphisms of the VDR gene at the Fok1 and Bsm1 loci were detected using SYBR Green quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The overall distribution of genotypes at the Bsm1 locus in this study was 33.3 % Bb, 29.2 % bb and 37.5 % BB while that for the Fok1 locus was 44.2 % Ff, 7.5 % ff and 48.3 % FF. There were no significant differences in the blood parameters when classified according to Bsm1 or Fok1 genotypes. Subjects with BB genotype have significantly higher mean TBBMC, TBBA, TBBMD and LSBMD than Bb and bb (p < 0.05) and showed a tendency for association with LSBMC and LSBA (p < 0.1). Subjects with Ff genotype showed a tendency for association with left FNBMC and FNBA (p < 0.1). Bsm1 genotype did not show an association with FN bone indices whereas Fok1 genotype did not show association with TB or LS bone indices. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates VDR gene polymorphism, defined by Bsm1 genotype, has an influence on total body and lumbar spine bone mass indices in post-menarchal Indian girls.     

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and calcium urolithiasis in the Chinese Han population

To investigate the effect of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) Fok I Bsm I Dde I Apa I Taq I polymorphism on the clinical presentation of calcium urolithiasis, 464 patients with urolithiasis and 450 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University between January 2010 and March 2011. Five SNPs of VDR polymorphism were detected using polymerase chain reaction-based restriction analysis. The frequency of VDR Apa I genotypes between the patients and the healthy controls was significantly different (P = 0.006). Apa I a allele was found to be associated with increased risk of stone recurrence (P = 0.028). We also found Fok I Dde I Apa I showed a significant difference between male and female in the patients group (P < 0.05). Haplotype analysis of the five VDR polymorphisms showed a significant association with urolithiasis (global-P value = 0.0001). Genetic polymorphisms of VDR are important in the clinical presentation of patients with calcium urolithiasis in the Han population of southern China.     

Vitamin D Receptor Genotypes and Intestinal Calcium Absorption in Postmenopausal Women

Several studies have shown that bone mass and bone turnover are genetically determined. This genetic component is thought to be mediated in part by polymorphisms at the vitamin D receptor (VDR) locus, even though the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. To evaluate a possible site of differential action of the VDR gene alleles we examined their correlation with intestinal calcium absorption in 120 Caucasian postmenopausal women (aged 61 ± 0.6 years). VDR gene polymorphisms for Apa I, Bsm I, and Taq I restriction endonucleases were assessed by Southern blotting analysis. The most common genotypes observed in our population were AaBbTt (37%), AABBtt (20%), aabbTT (15%), AabbTT (15%), and AABbTt (9%). Although there was some evidence of 13% higher lumbar BMD values in aabbTT genotype with respect to AABBtt genotype, this difference of approximately 0.1 g/cm² did not reach statistical significance, possibly because of the limited number of observations. On the contrary, no relationship was found between genotypes and femoral neck BMD values. Intestinal calcium absorption was significantly lower in BB and tt genotypes than, in bb and TT genotypes, respectively, and in AABBtt genotype than in either aabbTT or AaBbTt genotypes (P= 0.0015 ANOVA). No significant differences in intact PTH, alkaline phosphatase, 25OHD₃, and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ were found among subjects with different VDR genotypes. These results are consistent with a possible role of VDR alleles on intestinal calcium absorption.     

广西壮、汉族绝经后妇女维生素D受体基因型与骨密度的关系

目的 探讨维生素D受体基因(VDR)型在广西壮、汉族绝经后妇女中的分布及其与骨密度(BMD)的关系。方法 在广西居住20年以上、无血缘关系的健康绝经后妇女198名,其中三代均为壮族的116名,均为壮族的82名。记录他们的年龄、绝经年龄,测量他们的身高、体重。用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法测定受试者的VDR基因型;用双能X线吸收法测定髋部、腰椎和前臂的骨密度。结果 壮、汉两组妇女VDR基因型和VDR等位基因频率分布均无显著性差异(P>0.05);198名妇女BB、Bb、bb基因型检出率分别为6.57％、66.16％和27.27％;B、b等位基因分别为39.65％和60.35％。BB基因型组第二腰椎(L2)BMD较bb基因型组低10.03％(P=0.047),第四腰椎(L4)BMD分别较bb、Bb基因型组低9.63％(P=0.043)和12.44％(P=0.005)。BB基因型组骨质疏松发生率最高(46.15％),Bb基因型组次之(19.86％),bb基因型组最低(14.81％),差异有显著性(P=0.04)。结论 VDR基因型与广西壮、汉族绝经后妇女BMD有关联,BB基因型可能可作为预测广西壮、汉族绝经后妇女骨质疏松危险性的遗传学标志之一。     

Large-scale population-based study shows no evidence of association between common polymorphism of the VDR gene and BMD in British women.

The VDR is a candidate gene for osteoporosis. Here we studied five common polymorphisms of VDR in relation to calcium intake and vitamin D status in a population-based cohort of 3100 British women, but found no significant association with bone mass, bone loss, or fracture. INTRODUCTION: Population studies of vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have produced conflicting results. We performed a comprehensive study dealing with all potential confounders in a large population to determine whether polymorphisms in the VDR gene influence bone health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 3100 women (50-63 years old) with bone markers, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, PTH, diet, and physical activity collected in 1998-2000. BMD was measured in 1990-1994 and 1998-2000. Fracture prevalence was assessed in 2002. Women were genotyped for five polymorphisms in the VDR gene: Cdx-2, Fok1, Bsm1, Apa1, and Taq1. The relationship between VDR and BMD, and interactions between VDR genotype, dietary calcium, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, were examined using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Compared with carriers of the G allele, homozygotes for the rare Cdx-2 A polymorphism (n = 136) had less bone loss (-0.5 +/- 1.2 versus -0.7 +/- 1.0%/year [SD]; p = 0.01) and lower PTH (3.0 +/- 1.6 versus 3.4 +/- 2.0 pM; p = 0.03) despite similar vitamin D status. The association was not significant after correction for multiple testing or adjustment for confounders. At low calcium intakes, AA homozygotes had greater femoral neck (FN) BMD compared with carriers of the G allele, but at higher calcium intakes, the association was reversed. At low calcium intake, homozygotes for the b allele of Bsm1 had greater BMD compared with carriers of the B allele, but at higher calcium intakes, there was no difference. Similar results were seen for the Taq1 polymorphism. There was no evidence of gene-nutrient interaction when adjusted for body weight. No interactions between genotypes and vitamin D status on BMD were observed. CONCLUSIONS: VDR does not seem to influence BMD or bone turnover in early postmenopausal white women with adequate calcium intake. Gene-nutrient interactions on BMD may be an indirect consequence of interactions between genotype and calcium intake on weight.     

Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and nutritional rickets in Nigerian children.

Nutritional rickets is common in Nigeria where vitamin D deficiency is rare and dietary insufficiency of calcium is common. It occurs more commonly in siblings of affected children than of unaffected children. Postulating that vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms might relate to the susceptibility of some Nigerian children to develop rickets in the setting of low calcium intake, we compared the VDR genotypes, as determined by the presence or absence of Bsm I, Apa I, Taq I, and Fok I restriction enzyme cleavage sites, between 105 children with active nutritional rickets and 94 subjects representative of the community from which the rachitic children came. In the rickets group, the ff genotype was less common than in the community group, and the FF genotype was relatively increased (f allele frequency, 17% in rachitic children and 26% in the community group, p = 0.03). Neither individual allele frequencies for the other polymorphisms nor combinations of genotypes at different sites were different between the rachitic and community groups. Although it is not clear why a presumed better-functioning VDR variant (F allele) is associated with an increased risk of developing rickets, this study raises the possibility that VDR alleles might be important in determining an individual's susceptibility to developing rickets when faced with dietary calcium deficiency.     

The Contribution of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Osteoporosis and Familial Osteoporosis

It is well established that genetic factors play a major role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Previous reports have suggested that vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms, particularly the BB, tt and AA genotypes, are associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). If these VDR genotypes are indeed an important determinant of BMD, then a population of related osteoporotic individuals (mother–daughter or sister–sister relationship) should have a high prevalence of the BB, tt or AA VDR genotypes. To test this hypothesis we determined the VDR genotypes in 26 osteoporotic persons (age 44.3 ± 12.7 years, mean ± SD) belonging to 12 families. Furthermore, for comparison with existing studies, we applied the VDR genotype analysis in a population of 53 unrelated healthy subjects (age 45.2 ± 9.8 years, mean ± SD) and 59 unrelated osteoporotic subjects (age 52.1 ± 9.0 years, mean ± SD). The menopausal status of the healthy and osteoporotic populations was pre-, peri- and mostly early postmenopausal. The proportions of the three genotypes, BB, tt and AA, within the 12 osteoporotic families were 15%, 12% and 27%, respectively, whereas the proportions of the other three homozygous genotypes (bb, TT, aa) were 50%, 50% and 23%. The distribution of the BB, tt and AA genotypes in the normal population was 21%, 21% and 36%, respectively (vs bb, TT, aa: 36%, 38%, 21%), whereas in the osteoporotic population it was 24%, 20% and 34% (vs bb, TT, aa: 27%, 34%, 14%). Our data indicate that there is not a statistically significant (p>0.05) difference in the VDR genotype frequencies within osteoporotic families as compared with the same genotypes in the population of unrelated normal or osteoporotic subjects. VDR genotype analysis showed no significant relation between VDR polymorphisms and BMD or Z-score values at the lumbar spine. This study demonstrates the lack of a heritability pattern between the BB, tt and AA genotypes and low BMD. Received: 29 October 1998 / Accepted: 19 April 1999     

Vitamin D receptor Fok1 polymorphisms affect calcium absorption, kinetics, and bone mineralization rates during puberty.

Few studies of the VDR polymorphisms have looked at calcium metabolism or long-term effects. We measured bone mineralization and calcium metabolic parameters longitudinally in a group of 99 adolescents. We found a significant relationship between calcium absorption and skeletal calcium accretion and the Fok1, but not other VDR or related, genetic polymorphisms. It seems that the Fok1 polymorphism directly affects bone mineralization during pubertal growth through an effect on calcium absorption. INTRODUCTION: There are few data regarding the relationship between genetic markers for low bone mass and changes in calcium metabolism in childhood or adolescence. We sought to identify the effects of polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) on calcium and bone mineral metabolism in a longitudinal study of pubertal adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adolescents (n = 99) received comprehensive stable isotope studies of calcium absorption, bone calcium kinetics, and bone mineralization. Studies were repeated 12 months later. Polymorphisms of putative genetic markers were determined and related to bone mineralization and calcium metabolic finding. Results were analyzed by ANOVA in which changes over time were determined using the initial value as a covariate. RESULTS: Polymorphisms of the Fok1 gene of the VDR were significantly related to calcium absorption (p = 0.008) and whole body BMC (p = 0.03) and BMD (p = 0.006). The Fok1 effect on whole body BMD was significant for those with Ca intake >800 mg/day (p < 0.001), whereas for those with Ca intake < or = 800 mg/day, the Fok1 genotype did not have a significant effect on whole body BMD (p = 0.40). The Fok1 genotype was significantly related to the changes during the year in whole body calcium accretion, with the ff genotype having a 63 +/- 20 mg/day deficit compared with the FF genotype (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The Fok1 polymorphism of the VDR receptor seems to directly affect bone mineral accretion during pubertal growth through an effect on calcium absorption. The relationship between different genetic polymorphisms and bone mineral metabolism may vary by life stage as well as diet.     

老年男性维生素D受体基因多态性与骨密度关系的研究

目的研究维生素D受体(vitamin D receptor,VDR)基因多态性在老年男性中的分布, 并进一步研究其与骨密度的关系。方法采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR- RFLP)方法,分析145例老年男性的VDR基因型,同时用双能X线吸收法测定腰椎及髋部骨密度。结果 VDR基因型分别为BB,0．014;Bb,0．117;bb,0．869。骨质疏松组与非骨质疏松组之间VDR基因型分布频率的差异无显著性(P>0．05)。比较各基因型组的骨密度,bb组及 Bb组只有在股骨颈处显示出BMD均低于BB组,差异有显著性(P<0．05),其它部位,三个基因型组的BMD均差异无显著性(P>0．05)。结论老年男性VDR基因型分布频率与某些西方国家人群分布不同,其VDR基因型与骨密度无明显相关性。VDR基因可能不是我们所研究群体 BMD的主要遗传基因。     

Risk factors for osteoporosis after renal transplantation and effect of vitamin D receptor Bsm I polymorphism

Objective

Rapid loss of vertebral or hip mineral density after renal transplantation is a major complication which occurs within 6-12 months. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors contributing to bone disease in the early stage after renal transplantation and the effect of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms.

Methods

We prospectively followed for up to 12 months 44 patients (29 men and 15 women) with end-stage renal disease who underwent kidney transplantation. All patients received prednisone with either cyclosporine (CsA)/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or tacrolimus (Tac)/MMF therapy. Spine, hip, and whole body bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at 12 months after transplantation. According to World Health Organization recommendations, our patients were categorized as normal, osteopenic, or osteoporotic BMD levels. VDR alleles were genotyped as BB, Bb, or bb by polymerase chain reactions based on polymorphism at the Bsm I restriction site.

Results

Forty-six percent of patients were normal, 43% osteopenic, and 11% osteoporotic. Significant risk factors for osteoporosis among renal transplant recipients were younger age and pretransplant high intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels. (P values .045 and .027, respectively). According to polymorphic group categorization, posttransplant serum Ca was significantly higher in patients with BB or Bb genotype than in those with bb genotype (P = .012). Although there was no statistical significance regarding iPTH levels, it was higher among Bb+BB than the bb genotype group. Also, first-year BMD analysis after transplantation according to Bsm I polymorphism showed significant differences in femur BMD levels according to the dual classification of polymorphism (P < .05). The BMD levels in the bb group was higher than in the Bb+BB group.

Conclusions

Although high pretransplant iPTH levels and younger age enhanced posttransplant bone loss, functionally different alleles of the VDR gene may modulate bone turnover during the first year after renal transplantation.     

The BsmI vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism in Israeli populations and in perimenopausal and osteoporotic Ashkenazi women.

BACKGROUND: The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and bone mineral density (BMD) is controversial, and may be effected by ethnic ancestry and age. AIMS: To determine the distribution of the BsmI VDR gene polymorphism in healthy Israeli populations, and to study its association with BMD in perimenopausal and osteoporotic Ashkenazi women. METHODS: Allele and genotype frequencies of the VDR gene defined by BsmI restriction site were determined in 634 healthy Israelis of seven ethnic groups, 90 Ashkenazi perimenopausal women and in 75 Ashkenazi osteoporotic women. Genotype-related differences in spinal and femoral neck BMD were determined in Ashkenazi perimenopausal women. Allele and genotype frequencies in Ashkenazi osteoporotic women were compared with Ashkenazi controls. RESULTS: The frequency of the BB genotype was higher in Yemenites compared with Ashkenazi and Libyan Jews (23, 11 and 8%, respectively, p < 0.05), and lower in Ashkenazi compared with Iraqi and Persian Jews (11, 20 and 21%, respectively, p = 0.05). BMD did not vary by genotype in perimenopausal women, nor were there differences in the frequencies of the B allele or the BB genotype in osteoporotic women compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: There is ethnic variability in the frequency of the BsmI VDR gene polymorphism. In Ashkenazi perimenopausal and osteoporotic women this polymorphism is not associated with BMD.     

维生素D受体基因型与骨密度

目的考察维生素D受体(VDR)基因多态性在我国汉族人群中的分布频率,分析VDR基因型与骨密度的关系.方法采用聚合酶链反应和限制性酶切技术检测100例绝经前健康妇女VDR基因多态性.应用双能X线骨密度仪检测受试者腰椎及髋部骨密度.结果VDR基因型分布频率为BB型4.0%,Bb型10.0%,bb型86.0%;而三种基因型受试者髋部及腰椎骨密度均表现出Bb＞bb＞BB,经F检验腰椎骨密度3基因型比较,P＜0.05,具有显著差异.结论绝经前妇女VDR基因型分布频率与西方及国内的一些报道不尽相同,且骨密度显示出Bb＞bb＞BB,亦与国内外一些研究结果不同.     

甲状旁腺素和维生素D受体基因多态对糖尿病患者骨密度的影响

目的探讨甲状旁腺素(PTH)基因多态性与中国北方汉族人糖尿病患者骨密度的关系,联合分析维生素D受体(VDR)基因和PTH基因多态性与骨密度的相关性。方法选自青岛市内分泌糖尿病医院1998年1月~2002年1月住院的糖尿病患者,运用聚合酶链反应限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)技术检测了1型糖尿病(T1DM)组54例,2型糖尿病(T2DM)组104例,健康对照(CON)组102例,260例中国北方汉族人PTH基因多态性;采用双能X线吸收法骨密度仪(DEXA)测量骨密度。结果校正年龄和BMI后,1型糖尿病组腰椎、股骨颈骨密度低于对照组(P0.05);2型糖尿病组与对照组相比,骨密度差异无显著性(P0.05);甲状旁腺素(BSTB1位点)基因型和等位基因分布频率在1型糖尿病组、2型糖尿病组与对照组间差异无显著性(P0.05);在对照组及2型糖尿病组,BB基因型者腰椎(L2-4)和股骨颈部位骨密度显著高于Bb/bb基因型(P0.05);在1型糖尿病组,BB基因型仅腰椎L2-4部位骨密度高于Bb/bb基因型(P0.05);联合VDR基因多态(Apa I酶切位点)分析结果表明,Bbaa基因型在腰椎和股骨颈骨密度低于其他基因型(P0.05)。结论糖尿病患者PTH基因多态性(BSTB1位点)可能是预测骨量减少、骨质疏松易感性的遗传标志。联合VDR基因多态(Apa I酶切位点)有助于识别糖尿病患者发生骨质疏松的高危人群。     

Genotypes and clinical aspects associated with bone mineral density in Argentine postmenopausal women

The aim of this study was to determine genotypes and clinical aspects associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women from Córdoba, Argentina. Polymorphisms were assessed by RFLP-PCR technique using BsmI and FokI for vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) and XbaI and PvuII for estrogen receptor-alpha gene (ERalpha) as restrictases. Sixty-eight healthy, 54 osteopenic, and 64 osteoporotic postmenopausal women were recruited. Femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD were inversely correlated with age in the entire analyzed population. Height was lower in osteopenic and osteoporotic women as compared to healthy women (P < 0.05). Weight and body mass index (BMI) were the lowest in osteoporotic women (P < 0.01 versus healthy group). Serum procollagen type I Nterminal propeptide (PINP) was higher in osteoporotic women as compared to the other groups. Distribution of VDR and ERalpha genotypes was similar in the three groups. Genotype bb (VDR) was associated with low values of lumbar BMD in the healthy group (P < 0.05 versus genotype Bb), and with low values of femoral BMD (P < 0.05 versus genotype BB) in osteoporotic women. BB*Pp interaction was associated with the highest femoral neck BMD (P < 0.05), whereas the bb*xx interaction was associated with the lowest femoral neck BMD in the total population analyzed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, parameters such as age, height, weight, BMI, serum PINP, VDR genotypes, and interactions between VDR and ERalpha genotypes could be useful to predict a decrease in BMD in Argentine postmenopausal women.     

Lack of association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism (BsmI) and osteomalacia

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism has been reported to be a determinant of bone formation and intestinal calcium absorption. We carried out this study to assess the role of VDR gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of osteomalacia. We investigated BsmI polymorphisms in the gene encoding the 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D receptor in 38 patients with osteomalacia and 31 healthy controls, along with examination of serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels. VDR allelic variants were: BB, 31.6%; Bb, 44.7%; and bb, 23.7% in the osteomalacia patients and BB, 19.4%; Bb, 61.3%; and bb, 19.4% in the controls. Although heterozygotes (Bb) were more frequent than other genotypes in both groups, the BB genotype was found to be more prevalent in osteomalacia than in controls. There was no statistical relationship between VDR genotype and osteomalacia. It is concluded that, in this small group of patients, there was no relationship between VDR allelic polymorphisms and osteomalacia.     

Vitamin D receptor gene Fok1 polymorphism predicts calcium absorption and bone mineral density in children.

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene has been implicated as one of the major genetic components of osteoporosis. We evaluated the relationship between markers of mineral status and restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the VDR gene in 72 healthy children age 7-12 years. Using stable isotope techniques and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, we measured dietary calcium absorption, bone calcium deposition rates, and total body bone mineral density (BMD). The Fok1 polymorphism at the VDR translation initiation site was significantly associated with BMD (p = 0.02) and calcium absorption (p = 0.04). Children who were FF homozygotes had a mean calcium absorption that was 41.5% greater than those who were ff homozygotes and 17% greater absorption than Ff heterozygotes. BMD was 8.2% greater in the FF genotype than the ff genotype and 4.8% higher than the Ff genotype. These results suggest a substantial relationship between the VDR gene and bone metabolism at one or more levels, including dietary absorption of calcium and BMD in growing children.     

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms modulate the skeletal response to vitamin D supplementation in healthy girls

ObjectivesVitamin D receptor (VDR) gene plays an important role in bone mass regulation. We have previously shown a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on bone mass in girls. This study investigated whether the musculo-skeletal response to Vitamin D was modulated by polymorphisms in VDR gene.DesignRandomized placebo-controlled trial.Methods179 girls (10–17 years), were randomly assigned to placebo or Vitamin D3 for one year. VDR genotypes were determined in 167 girls using BsmI, TaqI and ApaI restriction enzymes. Bone mass at the spine, hip, forearm and total body, and lean mass were measured by DXA at baseline and at one year.ResultsAfter one year, VDR gene polymorphisms using Bsm1 and TaqI restriction enzymes were associated with percent changes in bone area, BMC and BMD at multiple skeletal sites in the Vitamin D3 group but not in the placebo group. The least increments were observed in the BB and tt genotypes. No similar effect was observed with ApaI enzyme. This relationship between VDR genotypes and changes in BMD and BMC remained significant after adjustment for puberty, changes in lean mass, height and bone area.ConclusionVDR gene polymorphisms influence the skeletal response to vitamin D supplementation in healthy adolescent girls.     

维生素D受体基因FokⅠ多态性与良性前列腺增生合并组织学前列腺炎的关系

目的：研究维生素D受体（VDR）基因启动子FokⅠ多态性与良性前列腺增生（BPH）合并组织学前列腺炎的关系。方法：应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性（PCR-RFLP）对79例BPH合并前列腺炎患者（炎症组）及81例单纯BPH患者（对照组）的外周血进行FokⅠ多态性检测,分析两组间基因型和等位基因的频率分布。结果：炎症组基因型分布FF：27%（21/79）,Ff：30%（24/79）,ff：43%（34/79）;对照组FF：33%（27/81）,Ff：36%（29/81）,ff：31%（25/81）,其中ff基因型分布在两组中差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。炎症组与对照组等位基因F分布频率分别为42%（142/338）和51%（159/312）,P〉0.05,f分别为58%（196/338）和49%（153/312）,P〈0.05。结论：VDR基因FokⅠ多态性与BPH中组织学前列腺炎发生有一定关系。