Objective: To investigate the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and leptin receptor (LEPR) polymorphism (Gln223 Arg) in young women and postmenopausl osteoporotic women.
Methods: BMD values were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The Gln223 Arg genotypes of LEPR were analyzed by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.
Results: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was evident for LEPR polymorphism. The subjects carrying the GG genotype of LEPR had significantly higher BMD at lumbar spine as compared with the subjects with GA and AA genotype in young women [(1.213 +/- 0.127) g/cm(2) vs (1.154 +/- 0.124) g/cm(2), P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in BMD at the proximal femur among GG, GA and AA genotype in young women. No significant differences in BMD at all sites were observed among GG, GA and AA genotype in postmenopausl osteoporotic women. Correlation was found between BMD and leptin receptor polymorphism (Gln223 Arg) at lumbar spine (r = -0.151, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Leptin receptor polymorphism (Gln223 Arg) has association with peak bone mass in young women, which may be used as genetic marker in predicting the risk of developing osteoporosis in Chinese women of Han nationality.