Discovery of Osteoporosis Gene!

Decode Genetics of Iceland says it has identified a gene linked to osteoporosis. Its findings conclude that people with any of three specific variants of gene have a threefold risk of developing Osteoporosis, characterized by brittle bones. The test for variant forms of the gene is being developed by Roche Diagnostics and will be available in diagnostic laboratories by next year. The genetic test needs to be taken only once in a lifetime, and if the gene variant is found, a high-calcium diet and plenty of exercise would be prescribed.

The gene test may turn out to be more useful than a bone density test, because it is more predictive. Although a density test shows the state of a person’s current bone mineral loss – which may or may not lead to fracture – a positive gene test would indicate a definite risk.
Although the initial gene tests were done on Icelandic families with at least one member who had both low bone-mineral density and bone fractures, the tests have been confirmed in Denmark, and are now being validated in the United States in a group of women monitored for many years at the University of California at San Francisco.

 

For more information call me or email me for a consultation .