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Association between exercise and pubertal BMD is modulated by estrogen receptor alpha genotype
Miia Suuriniemi1, Anitta Mahonen, Vuokko Kovanen
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. miisu@sport.jyu.fi
Summary
The PvuII polymorphism in the estrogen receptor-alpha gene influences how exercise affects bone density in girls. Heterozygous carriers benefit most from physical activity, especially at loaded bone sites.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Bone Biology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Peak bone mass achieved during puberty is crucial for preventing osteoporosis later in life.
- Both genetic and environmental factors influence bone mass, but their interactions are not fully understood.
- Understanding these interactions is key to developing targeted interventions for bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between the ER-alpha gene PvuII polymorphism and physical activity on bone mass and geometry.
- To determine how genetic variations in the estrogen receptor influence the skeletal response to exercise in young girls.
- To identify potential genetic predispositions affecting bone development during early puberty.
Main Methods:
- Study included 245 pre- and early pubertal Finnish girls (ages 10-13).
- Assessed physical activity using questionnaires and measured bone properties via DXA and pQCT.
- Controlled for Tanner stage and body size index in the analyses.
Main Results:
- Girls with the heterozygote ER-alpha genotype (Pp) and high physical activity showed significantly higher bone mass, BMD, and cortical thickness at loaded sites.
- No significant differences in bone properties were observed at the non-weight-bearing distal radius.
- Homozygote groups (PP and pp) showed no differences in bone properties regardless of physical activity levels.
Conclusions:
- The PvuII polymorphism in the ER-alpha gene modulates exercise effects on BMD at loaded bone sites.
- Heterozygotes (Pp) appear to gain the most benefit from exercise, while homozygotes show no significant improvement.
- High physical activity may mitigate the effects of less favorable genotypes, suggesting lifestyle can compensate for genetic predispositions in early puberty.