Abstract
Although there have been a number of studies indicating a heritable component for osteoporosis in middle to late adulthood, the etiology of osteoporosis in young people is uncertain. The present study aims to evaluate the extent to which genetic factors influence familial resemblance for bone mineral density (BMD) in families ascertained on the basis of young osteoporotic probands. The sample comprises eight families (74 total individuals) that were identified through a proband under the age of 35 years with a history of two or more fractures and a spinal bone density of at least 2.5 SDs below the mean for age and sex (Z score). Secondary causes of osteoporosis were excluded in the probands. In total, 27% (18/66) of the probands' relatives had osteoporosis and an additional 30% (20/66) had osteopenia. Classical segregation analysis was performed to evaluate the extent to which a genetic etiology could account for familial resemblance in these families. The results indicate a major gene of codominant inheritance for spinal BMD. Model-fitting comparisons revealed no support for environmental effects or for polygenic inheritance.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1132-1137 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Bone and Mineral Research |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Print publication - Jun 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Bone mineral density
- Idiopathic osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis
- Segregation analysis