Genetic variant of lactase-persistent C/T-13910 is associated with bone fractures in very old age.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the relation between the C/T(-13910) single-nucleotide polymorphism residing 13,910 base pairs from the 5' end of the lactase gene associated with lactase persistence and the occurrence of bone fractures in elderly people.

DESIGN:

Population-based study.

SETTING:

Vantaa 85+ population-based study, including all 601 subjects born before April 1, 1906, who were living in the city of Vantaa, Finland, on April 1, 1991.

PARTICIPANTS:

Four hundred eighty-three people aged 85 and older (106 men and 377 women).

MEASUREMENTS:

Genotype determination was made using a polymerase chain reaction minisequencing technique.

RESULTS:

The frequency of the genotype C/C(-13910) associated with adult-type hypolactasia (low lactase enzyme activity or primary lactose malabsorption (LM)) was significantly greater in individuals with hip fractures, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.7 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.8-7.8), wrist fractures with an adjusted OR of 2.5 (95% CI=1.2-5.2), and hip and wrist fractures combined with an adjusted OR of 4.1 (95% CI=2.0-8.3).

CONCLUSION:

The C/C(-13910) genotype associated with primary LM could represent a genetic risk factor for bone fractures for elderly people.

• Authors: Nabil S Enattah, Raimo Sulkava, Pirjo Halonen, Kimmo Kontula, Irma Järvelä
• Journal: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (J Am Geriatr Soc) Vol. 53 Issue 1 Pg. 79-82 (Jan 2005) ISSN: 0002-8614 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15667380 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Lactase

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Bone Density
• Female
• Finland
• Genotype
• Hip Fractures (etiology, genetics)
• Humans
• Lactase (genetics, metabolism)
• Lactose Intolerance (complications, genetics)
• Male
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Risk Factors
• Wrist Injuries (etiology, genetics)