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Apolipoprotein E gene E2/E2 genotype is a genetic risk factor for vertebral fractures in humans: a large-scale study

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Abstract

Purpose

Although many studies have been performed to evaluate whether or not apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) polymorphisms are differentially associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures, the results have been conflicting. This large-scale study was performed to investigate whether a relationship exists between APOE polymorphisms and risk of fracture.

Methods

A hospital-based case–control study was conducted in 3,000 patients with fractures and 3,000 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was applied to assess the APOE gene polymorphisms.

Results

Patients with fractures had a significantly higher frequency of APOE E2/E2 genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 2.02, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.30, 3.14; P = 0.002] than healthy controls. When stratifying by fracture type, it was found that patients with vertebral fractures had a significantly higher frequency of APOE E2/E2 genotype (OR = 2.86, 95 % CI = 1.73, 4.73; P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in nonvertebral (hip or wrist or other) fractures.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that APOE E2/E2 genotype is a potential genetic risk factor for vertebral fractures in humans.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks are expressed to all coinvestigators, local project coordinators, research assistants, laboratory technicians, and secretaries/administrative assistants.

Disclosures

All authors state that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, NO.168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China

    Shu Qi Zhang, Wei Ying Zhang, Wen Qin Ye, Ling Juan Zhang & Fan Fan

Authors
  1. Shu Qi Zhang
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  2. Wei Ying Zhang
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  3. Wen Qin Ye
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  4. Ling Juan Zhang
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  5. Fan Fan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wen Qin Ye.

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Zhang, S., Zhang, W., Ye, W. et al. Apolipoprotein E gene E2/E2 genotype is a genetic risk factor for vertebral fractures in humans: a large-scale study. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 38, 1665–1669 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-014-2380-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-014-2380-4

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