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Horm Metab Res 2002; 34(6): 330-337
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-33262
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

VDR Gene Polymorphisms are Overrepresented in German Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Compared to Healthy Controls without Effect on Biochemical Parameters of Bone Metabolism

W.  J.  Fassbender 1 , B.  Goertz 2 , K.  Weismüller 2 , B.  Steinhauer 2 , H.  Stracke 2 , D.  Auch 3 , T.  Linn 3 , R.  G.  Bretzel 3
  • 1Medical Dept. I, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
  • 2Institute of Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
  • 3Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
W. J. Fassbender and B. Goertz contributed equally to this manuscript.
Further Information

Publication History

Received 18 June 2001

Accepted after Revision 6 February 2002

Publication Date:
12 August 2002 (online)

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Abstract

Type 1 diabetic individuals are known to develop disorders of bone metabolism resulting in osteopenia. Previous studies have suggested an influence of vitamin D receptor alleles on bone metabolism and susceptibility for type 1 diabetes mellitus. The present study was initiated to investigate the distribution of vitamin D receptor alleles in Caucasian type 1 diabetic patients and their relation to bone turnover parameters.

75 patients were included and compared to 57 healthy controls. Three vitamin D receptor alleles were examined (BsmI, TaqI and FokI); serum levels of intact osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, bone specific alkaline phosphatase, the carboxy terminal extension peptide of type I procollagen, 25-OH-vitamin D levels, HbA1c and urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion were measured.

We observed a higher frequency of the TT genotype in diabetic patients, but no difference in markers of bone turnover between diabetics and non-diabetics in either sex. Bone turnover was different in men and in women without any association with vitamin D receptor genotype. No association was found between diabetes duration, age of onset or metabolic control and bone turnover parameters.

In summary, our results show an association between the TT genotype and diabetes in Germans, but no difference in bone turnover markers between diabetics and non-diabetics.

Key words

Bone Metabolism - Genetics - Osteopenia - Hormone Receptor - Autoimmune

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B. Goertz, M.D.

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