Genetic link found for osteoporosis
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: NBC
Two large studies have singled out seven genes that are associated with osteoporosis.
The first study, conducted by researchers in London, identifies two gene mutations that appear to predict the risk for the disease for 20 percent of caucasian people. The study looked at 2,094 female twins and identified a link between decreased bone mineral density and changes in genes on chromosomes 8 and 11. The second study found variations in five genetic regions that are linked to bone density and osteoporosis. In that study, researchers analyzed the genes of over 5,000 people
from Iceland.
Researchers say identifying these genes will not have an immediate impact on diagnosis or treatment, rather they will be used in the lab as potential targets for new drugs. They also say finding these genes has allowed them to understand some of the biological pathways involved in disease development.
Researchers say there are many factors involved in osteoporosis development, and genes only account for a small part of the disease.
