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Vitamin D receptor Fok1 polymorphism and blood lead concentration in children

Erin N Haynes1, Heidi J Kalkwarf, Richard Hornung

  • 1Cincinnati Children's Environmental Health Center and General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. erin.haynes@cchmc.org

Environmental Health Perspectives
|October 7, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene influence how children’s blood lead levels respond to environmental lead exposure, particularly from floor dust. Specific VDR genotypes modify this relationship, impacting public health strategies for lead poisoning prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Genetics
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Blood lead concentration is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics.
  • The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is a potential candidate for modifying lead exposure effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between blood lead concentration and a VDR gene polymorphism (Fok1).
  • To determine if VDR genotype modifies the relationship between environmental lead exposure and blood lead levels in children.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of environmental samples and blood lead levels in 245 children.
  • Assessment of nutritional and behavioral factors.
  • Determination of VDR Fok1 genotype.

Main Results:

  • A significant interaction was observed between floor dust lead levels and VDR genotype on blood lead concentration.
  • Children with the VDR -ff genotype showed a higher percentage increase in blood lead with increasing floor dust lead compared to FF and Ff genotypes.
  • At low floor dust lead levels (< 10 microg/ft(2)), children with the VDR -ff genotype had the lowest blood lead concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • The VDR Fok1 gene polymorphism acts as an effect modifier in the relationship between floor dust lead exposure and blood lead concentration.
  • These findings highlight the importance of considering genetic factors in understanding individual susceptibility to lead toxicity and in developing targeted interventions.

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