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Related Experiment Videos

Bone density determinants in elderly women: a twin study

L Flicker1, J L Hopper, L Rodgers

  • 1University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research : the Official Journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
|November 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Genetic factors significantly influence bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly women, particularly at the spine and hip. Lifestyle factors like lean mass and smoking also play a role, but genetics are a major determinant of BMD variation.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Bone Biology
  • Twin Studies

Background:

  • Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for skeletal health in aging women.
  • Understanding factors influencing BMD is vital for preventing osteoporosis and fractures.
  • Twin studies offer a powerful design to disentangle genetic and environmental influences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the contributions of constitutional, lifestyle, and genetic factors to BMD in elderly women.
  • To identify specific lifestyle factors (e.g., lean mass, fat mass, tobacco, alcohol) associated with BMD.
  • To quantify the heritability of BMD in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional twin study involving 69 female twin pairs (37 MZ, 32 DZ) aged 60-89 years.
  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) used to measure BMD, bone mineral content (BMC), lean mass, and fat mass.

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  • Questionnaires collected data on medical history, tobacco, and alcohol consumption.

    • Main Results:

    • Lean mass was independently associated with BMD at all measured sites.
    • Lifetime tobacco use was independently associated with BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, and forearm.
    • Genetic factors were estimated to account for approximately 75% of the residual variation in BMD at non-forearm sites.

    Conclusions:

    • While lean mass and smoking influence BMD, genetic factors play a substantial role in explaining BMD variation in elderly women, especially at the proximal femur and lumbar spine.
    • These findings highlight the complex interplay of genetics and lifestyle in maintaining bone health during aging.
    • Further research can explore specific genetic pathways influencing BMD.