The influence of g.19124G>a genetic polymorphism in the OPG gene on bone mineral density in Chinese women.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to detect the influence of g.19124G>A genetic polymorphism in the osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene on bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis in Chinese postmenopausal women.


METHODS
A total of 403 primary osteoporosis subjects and 409 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The BMD value of the femoral neck hip, lumbar spine (L(2-4)), and total hip was analyzed by Norland XR-46 dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was utilized to investigate the genotype of g.19124G>A genetic polymorphism.


RESULTS
We found significant differences of the femoral neck hip, lumbar spine (L(2-4)), and total hip of BMD among different genotypes of g.19124G>A genetic polymorphism, individuals with the genotype GG had significantly higher BMD than those of genotype GA and AA (p<0.05).


CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that the g.19124G>A genetic polymorphism in the OPG gene is potentially related to BMD and osteoporosis in Chinese postmenopausal women, and the allele A could be associated with a lower BMD and an increased risk factor for osteoporosis.