Study finds genetic variants that increase osteoporosis risk in Asian women
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Variations in genes encoding the interleukin (IL) proteins are associated with an increased risk of fracture in Asian women, according to a study presented by Interleukin Genetics. The trial, involving over 1,200 Korean and Japanese women, found that Korean women who had a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the IL-10 gene were 70% more likely to have a vertebral fracture. Those with an SNP in the IL1-RN gene had a 50% increased risk. The study also found differences in genetic markers between Asian and Caucasian postmenopausal women. The researchers hope the results could be used to identify high-risk women and guide the treatment of osteoporosis. The findings were reported at the eighth International Symposium on Osteoporosis: Translating Research into Clinical Practice, in Washington, DC, on April 4.