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Genetic variants and physical activity interact to affect bone density in Hispanic children
Ruixue Hou1, Shelley A Cole2, Mariaelisa Graff3
1Department of Nutrition and Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA.
BMC Pediatrics
|February 16, 2021
Summary
Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) benefits bone mineral density (BMD) in Hispanic children, especially those with a high genetic risk for low BMD. Calcium intake did not show a modifying effect on this gene-environment interaction.
Area of Science:
- Human Genetics
- Pediatric Bone Health
- Gene-Environment Interactions
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) is influenced by genetic factors and lifestyle.
- Understanding gene-environment interactions is crucial for optimizing bone health in children.
- Hispanic children represent a population group where these interactions may be particularly relevant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between physical activity, calcium intake, and BMD-related genetic variants (SNPs) on BMD in Hispanic children.
- To determine if lifestyle factors modify the effect of genetic predisposition on bone health.
- To assess the combined influence of polygenic risk scores (PRS), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and calcium intake on BMD.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 750 Hispanic children (4-19 years) from the Viva La Familia Study.
- Assessment of MVPA using accelerometers and dietary intake via 24-hour recalls.
- Measurement of total body and lumbar spine BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
- Computation of a polygenic risk score (PRS) based on known BMD-related SNPs.
- Regression analysis to examine interactions between PRS, MVPA, and calcium intake with BMD.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant interaction between PRS and MVPA on total body and lumbar spine BMD (p < 0.05).
- Higher PRS was associated with lower BMD in the low MVPA group.
- Calcium intake did not significantly modify the relationship between genetic variants and BMD.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity interacts with genetic variants to influence BMD in Hispanic children.
- MVPA provides greater benefits for bone health in children with a high genetic risk for low BMD.
- Findings can inform personalized strategies for disease risk prediction and health advice delivery.
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