Icelandic researchers say that they have identified a gene that may increase the risk of osteoporosis in some women. Unnur Styrkarsdottir and colleagues at deCODE Genetics Inc found that a certain version of a gene known as BMP2 trebles a woman’s risk of developing the bone-thinning disease. BMP2 codes for a protein known as bone morphogenetic protein 2, which plays a role in bone development. DeCODE say that their findings will help doctors to identify “those at elevated risk before they begin to lose bone mass” and therefore “more closely monitor bone density and implement more targeted and effective prevention strategies, involving lifestyle changes and-or existing medications.”
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 3rd November 2003.
