Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of selected genetic polymorphisms and bone mineral density (BMD) in children reaching puberty and atthe age of 18. The study sample consisted of 168 boys residing in Slavonski Brod, Croatia. Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound measurements were undertaken with Sahara device (Hologic). Genetic polymorphisms for CYP19 aromatase, IGF-1,estrogen receptor and androgen receptor were analysed. Each examinee completed a survey in order to estimate dietary habits and other possible behavioural patterns associated with bone mineral density. The results indicated significant association ofCYP19 aromatase polymorphism and estrogen receptor gene with quantitative ultrasound index (P=0.039) and estimated bone mineral density (P=0.049), as well as significant association of calcium intake and physical activity. Although bone mineral density is a result of very complex and multiple mechanisms, findings of this study give us an insight to which subjects are at increased risk for developing osteoporosis and other related adverse events in later life and suggests means of an interventional program including dietary habits, calcium intake and increased physical activity that could ameliorate bone structure density weakness, detected in pre-pubertal period and connected to mentioned gene polymorphisms. The program should take place during puberty itself, a known period of largest bone mineral density acquirement.
Highlights
The purpose of this study was to determine the value of ultrasonographical measures of calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD) in children entering puberty and after the period of largest bone mineral content (BMC) gain, to analyse the association of these parameters with microsatellite genetic polymorphisms as well as behavioural and habit differences.Bone gain in humans is greatest during the intensive growth period, puberty and adolescence [1,2,3]
The purpose of this study was to determine the value of ultrasonographical measures of calcaneal BMD in children entering puberty and after the period of largest BMC gain, to analyse the association of these parameters with microsatellite genetic polymorphisms as well as behavioural and habit differences
Parents had to provide a written consent and allow for their child to be involved in the study. They all completed a survey in order to estimate dietary habits and other possible behavioural patterns like a consumption of calcium /mg per day, fizzy drinks /dcl per day, watching TV / hours per day/, sun exposer sumer or winter /hours per day/ Blood samples were taken to these respondents, consisting a total of 30 mL of blood for biochemical and genetic analysis
Summary
Bone gain in humans is greatest during the intensive growth period, puberty and adolescence [1,2,3] At this stage of growth children reach 90% of adult height, but only 57% of total adult bone mineral content (BMC), adding up to 90% of adult BMC around age 18 [3]. This significant increase stops at the end of the third decade [4,5,6]. Peak bone mass is an important risk factor for the development of osteoporosis in later life [7]. By optimizing the attainment of peak bone mass better prevention of osteoporosis in later life [9] could be achieved
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