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Association between LGR4 polymorphisms and peak bone mineral density and body composition.
Wei-Jia Yu1,2, Zeng Zhang3, Wen-Zhen Fu1
1Metabolic Bone Disease and Genetic Research Unit, Department of Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated the Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yi-Shan Rd, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism
|May 14, 2020
Summary
Genetic variations in the Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) gene are associated with peak bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in young Chinese men. This study confirms LGR4
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Metabolism
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) influences osteoblast differentiation and bone mass via Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
- LGR4 also plays a role in glycolipid metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between genetic variations in the LGR4 gene and peak bone mineral density (peak BMD) and body composition phenotypes.
- Focus on young Chinese nuclear families.
Main Methods:
- Selected 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and constructed five blocks within the LGR4 gene.
- Measured body composition (lean mass, fat mass) and peak BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Employed Quantitative Transmission Disequilibrium Test (QTDT) for association analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant associations found between LGR4 SNPs (e.g., rs11029986) and total fat mass (TFM), percentage of TFM (PFM), and total hip BMD.
- Specific SNPs (rs12787344, rs4128868, rs4923445, rs7936621) associated with body mass index (BMI).
- Haplotypes GCGT and AAGC in block 3 showed significant association with BMI.
Conclusions:
- This is the first family-based study demonstrating significant associations between LGR4 genotypes and peak BMD and body composition in young Chinese men.
- Results support and confirm the crucial role of the LGR4 gene in regulating both bone mineral density and body composition.
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