Genetics co. finds possible link between Asian women and osteoporosis

WALTHAM, Mass. A U.S. genetic testing company will present research findings of a clinical study on osteoporosis in Asian women at the 8th International Symposium on Osteoporosis in Washington, the company announced Wednesday.

Interleukin Genetics said the study, titled “Identification of Inflammatory Gene Variants as Biomarkers of Osteoporosis Risk in Asian Women,” highlights genetic predisposition risk factors in Asian women for vertebral fractures and osteoporosis.

“While studies exist that look at the genetics of osteoporosis, there has been minimal research into the genetic risk for vertebral fractures,” Interleukin VP research and development Nazneen Aziz said. “Spinal or vertebral fractures are a common clinical manifestation of osteoporosis and often lead to serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain and deformity.”

The study evaluated more than 1,200 Korean and Japanese women, investigating predisposition for vertebral fractures and elevated bone biomarkers in candidate genes linked to osteoporosis, with statistical adjustments made for known risk factors such as age, body mass index and drug treatment. The study found that Korean women were 70% more likely to get vertebral fractures if they carried the genetic variation single nucleotide polymorphism, also known as SNP, in the IL-10 gene. Those who carried SNP in the IL1-RN gene were 50% more predisposed to vertebral fractures. The researchers also found differences in genetic markers between Asian and Caucasian women, despite both groups’ high susceptibility to osteoporosis.