Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association between a single nucleotide polymorphism in the farnesyl diphosphate synthase gene (FDPS), BMD and bone turnover markers. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-three community-dwelling Caucasian women aged 65 or older were screened from the greater Boston area. A validated FDPS SNP (rs2297480, A/C) was genotyped and evaluated for effect on bone mineral density (spine, hip, forearm) and bone turnover markers (urine N-telopeptide cross-linked collagen type 1, osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase). RESULTS: BMD was lower at all sites measured in women with the C/C or C/A genotypes. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found at the PA spine, trochanter, distal radius, and proximal ulna after adjustment for age and BMI. No significant differences were found in bone turnover markers. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the FDPS gene (rs2297480) may be a genetic marker for lower BMD in postmenopausal Caucasian women.