Osteoporosis and genetic influence: a three-generation study

We have studied 27 triads of mother, daughter and grandmother for possible genetic influence on distal and proximal forearm bone density, measured by single photon absorptiometry. We found a significant correlation of bone density at the proximal forearm between the mothers and grandmothers (r = 0.4...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Postgraduate medical journal 1994-11, Vol.70 (829), p.798-800
Main Authors: Kahn, S. A., Pace, J. E., Cox, M. L., Gau, D. W., Cox, S. A., Hodkinson, H. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorptiometry, Photon
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Body Height
Bone Density
Cross-Sectional Studies
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Family Health
Female
Hand Strength
Humans
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Osteoporosis - genetics
Osteoporosis - pathology
Osteoporosis. Osteomalacia. Paget disease
Skinfold Thickness
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Summary:We have studied 27 triads of mother, daughter and grandmother for possible genetic influence on distal and proximal forearm bone density, measured by single photon absorptiometry. We found a significant correlation of bone density at the proximal forearm between the mothers and grandmothers (r = 0.499, P < 0.01). There was also a weak correlation between proximal forearm bone densities of mothers and daughters (r = 0.327, P < 0.1). Significant correlations were found between the three generations for grip strength, pedometry, height and triceps skinfold thickness. There was also significant correlation between mother and grandmother for alcohol intake. There was no correlation for contraceptive pill use, smoking, dietary calcium intake, body weight or body mass index. The study concludes that, although there are similarities in bone mineral content between the three generations, genetic factors cannot be conclusively proven to be the major determinant of bone density. Lifestyle and environmental factors may have a bearing on achieving the peak bone mass and subsequent development of osteoporosis.
ISSN:0032-5473
1469-0756
DOI:10.1136/pgmj.70.829.798