|There seems to be quite a few older adults in my family with
hip fractures from osteoporosis. Is this a hereditary disease?
|There is new evidence that genetics plays a role in
osteoporosis. Many different genes affect bone growth. Genes to
code the structure of proteins that help build bone are
important. Genes involved in making sex hormones are involved.
Estrogen and testosterone are key factors in bone growth.
Vitamin D is needed for calcium to be used in forming bone. A
special gene is linked with this activity, too. In general these
kinds of genes are called osteoporosis candidate genes. Any
changes in these genes can cause a problem with bone growth. Men
seem to be more affected by genetic factors than women. A study
of families show bone mass is lower in relatives of men with
osteoporosis. Increasing age seems to be related to increased
bone loss in men with certain types of gene structure. More
research is needed in this area to know what and how genetics
plays a role in osteoporosis. There may be s