Influence of vitamin D and estrogen receptor gene polymorphisms on calcium absorption: Bsm I predicts a greater decrease during energy restriction

• Published in: Bone (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 81; pp. 138 - 144
• Main Authors: Chang, B, Schlussel, Y, Sukumar, D, Schneider, S.H, Shapses, S.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2015
• Subjects: Orthopedics; Vitamin D receptor ( VDR); Gene polymorphism; Estrogen receptor ( ESR1); Calcium absorption
• ISSN: 8756-3282
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.07.011

Abstract Low calcium absorption is associated with low bone mass and fracture. In this study, we use gold standard methods of fractional calcium absorption (FCA) to determine whether polymorphisms of intestinal receptors, vitamin D receptor ( VDR ) and estrogen receptor α ( ESR1 ), influence the response to energy restriction. Fractional calcium absorption was measured using dual stable isotopes (42 Ca and43 Ca) in women given adequate calcium and vitamin D and examined at baseline and after 6 weeks of energy restriction or no intervention. After genotyping, the relationship between VDR and ESR1 genotypes/haplotypes and FCA response was assessed using several genetic models. One-hundred and sixty-eight women (53 ± 11 years of age) were included in this analysis. The ESR1 polymorphisms, Pvu II and Xba I and VDR polymorphisms ( Taq I, Apa I) did not significantly influence FCA. The BB genotype of the VDR polymorphism, BsmI , was associated with a greater decrease in FCA than the Bb / bb genotype. Multiple linear regression showed that the Bsm I polymorphism or the VDR haplotype, BAt , in addition to changes in weight and vitamin D intake explained ~ 16% of the variation in changes in FCA. In conclusion, the reduction in calcium absorption due to energy restriction is greatest for those with the BB genotype. Previous candidate gene studies show that VDR polymorphisms are associated with higher risk for osteoporosis, and the current study supports the notion that the Bsm I polymorphism in intestinal VDR may be contributing to alterations in bone health.