VITAMIN-D-RECEPTOR ALLELES DO NOT CORRELATE WITH BONE-MINERAL DENSITYIN PREMENOPAUSAL CAUCASIAN WOMEN FROM THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED-STATES

Genetic factors are important in determining peak bone density. Recent studies indicate that polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) m ay account for much of the genetic contribution to bone density, and V DR genotype may be useful to predict the risk of developing osteoporos is. However, the association between VDR genotype and bone mineral den sity (BMD) has not been observed in all populations. We determined VDR genotype in 69 healthy premenopausal Caucasion women from the southea stern United States and measured BMD at the lumbar spine (anterior-pos terior [AP] and lateral views) and proximal femur. We found no associa tion between VDR genotype and BMD at any site. Our results indicate th at in this population, VDR genotype does not predict peak bone density and should not be used to predict the risk of developing osteoporosis . Copyright (C) 1997 by W.B. Saunders Company.