Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and bone mineral density in elderly Chinese men and women in Hong Kong

Although genetic factors have been strongly implicated in determining bone mineral density (BMD), the role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphis m remains controversial. An overall consensus is difficult, as the populati ons studied have been heterogeneous with respect to menopausal status and e thnicity. Moreover, some studies have examined only small populations, and relatively few studies have been conducted in Asian populations. There is m ounting evidence that calcium homeostasis in Asian populations differs from that in Caucasians. This difference may be mediated, in part, through VDR effects. In a cross-sectional study we have examined the relationship betwe en the VDR polymorphism and BMD in 272 women (mean age 75 years) and 237 me n (mean age 73 years) of Chinese origin from Hong Kong. Consistent with oth er studies in Asian populations we found higher frequencies of the T, b and a alleles compared with those reported in Caucasian populations. Moreover, no significant difference in BMD was observed when subjects were grouped b y a combination of the genotypes (bbAATT, bbAaTT, bbaaTT, BbAaTt. BbAATt. T hese results suggest that VDR polymorphism is not associated with BMD in el derly Hong Kong Chinese men and women.