Dehydroepiandrosterone status in postmenopausal women is determined by the gene for the vitamin D receptor

Data documenting the indirect interaction of vitamin D and bone metabolism via hormonal systems are rare. The authors analysed the predictive role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene for circulating sex steroids and their precursors in postmenopausal women. Using the PCR technique, the polymorphic FokI, ApaI, TaqI and BsmI sites of the VDR gene were determined in relation to serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione (AD), testosterone, and estradiol levels. After adjustment to body mass and years since menopause, circulating DHEAS was higher in the Ff genotype than in ff (p < 0.001) and FF genotypes (p < 0.05, ANCOVA followed by least significant difference multiple comparison tests). The Ff genotype also contributed to the highest BMD at the hip (p < 0.01 as compared to ff genotype) and at the spine (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between ApaI, TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms and serum DHEAS or between FokI, ApaI, TaqI or BsmI and serum androstenedione, testosterone or estradiol. The study shows that the VDR gene predicts synthesis and/or metabolism of sexual steroid preursor DHEA in parallel with bone mineral density (BMD). The results indicate that DHEA production and bone mass share a common genetic control through VDR.