Genetic polymorphisms are associated with serum levels of sex hormone binding globulin in postmenopausal women
2008

Genetic Variants Affect SHBG Levels in Postmenopausal Women

Sample size: 753 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Riancho José A, Valero Carmen, Zarrabeitia María T, García-Unzueta María T, Amado José A, González-Macías Jesús

Primary Institution: Hospital UM Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain

Hypothesis

The study aims to analyze the influence of common polymorphisms of the SHBG gene on serum SHBG, bone mineral density (BMD), and osteoporotic fractures.

Conclusion

Common genetic variants of the SHBG gene influence serum SHBG levels, but no significant association with BMD or osteoporotic fractures was found.

Supporting Evidence

  • Age, body weight, and two polymorphisms of the SHBG gene were significantly associated with serum SHBG.
  • Women with the AA genotype at the rs1799941 locus had 39% higher SHBG levels than those with the GG genotype.
  • No significant differences in BMD were found across SHBG genotypes.

Takeaway

Some genes can change the amount of a protein called SHBG in women after menopause, but this doesn't seem to affect their bone health.

Methodology

The study analyzed four polymorphisms of the SHBG gene using Taqman assays and measured BMD by DXA and serum SHBG by ELISA in postmenopausal women.

Potential Biases

Potential biases include genotyping errors and population stratification.

Limitations

The study's moderate sample size may limit the ability to detect small effects of SHBG polymorphisms on BMD or fractures.

Participant Demographics

753 postmenopausal women over 60 years of age, living in Cantabria, Spain.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0004

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2350-9-112

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