ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between Fas gene polymorphisms, and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: Restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the Fas A670G, G1377A gene site, and BMD at the lumbar spine and proximal femur were analyzed in 229 postmenopausal Korean women (81 normal, 111 osteopenic and 37 osteoporotic patients). BMDs were measured by DEXA. RESULTS: The distribution of A670G and G1377C polymorphisms in all postmenopausal women was as follows: AA 18.3%, AG 46.3%, GG 35.4%; GG 38.0%, GA 39.7%, AA 22.3%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors such as age, BMI, and menopause duration, A670G polymorphism was significantly associated with BMD at the lumbar spine, the femur neck and trochanter in osteopenic and osteoporotic patients, and G1377A polymorphism was significantly associated with BMD at lumbar spine and the femur neck in osteopenic patients. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Fas gene polymorphisms may be an important contributor to the variation of BMD among postmenopausal Korean women.