Objective: 

Bone mineral density (BMD) is the most crucial determinant of bone strength. While some studies suggested that lean body mass (LBM), but not fat mass (FM), was related with BMD; other studies have demonstrated that FM, but not LBM, is an important determinant of BMD. Individual genetic specifications may be the reason of these controversial findings. The polymorphism on codon 27 was more frequent in overweight people and Glu27 allele was associated with weight gain, fat mass and obesity. The purpose of this study was to address the relationship between the anthropometric parameters and lumbar BMD in postmenopausal women who carry Glu27 allele.

Methods: 

Forty-four postmenopausal women (55.45±5.55 years) participated in our study. BMD was measured for anteroposterior lumbar spine (L1-L4) by DXA. FM, body fat % (%BF), LBM and weight were determined. The ADRB2 polymorphism (Gln27Glu) was identified by PCR-RFLP.

Results: 

There were no significant differences between Glu27 allele carriers and non-carriers in mean values of FM, %BF, LBM and weight. While positive significant correlations were found between lumbar BMD and FM (r= 0.43), % BF (r=0.41) and weight (r=0.40) in Glu27 allele carriers, there was no significant relationship in Glu27 non-carriers. Yet, the relationship between lumbar BMD and LBM was significant neither in Glu27 allele carriers nor in non-carriers.

Conclusions: 

Our results suggest that the presence of the Glu27 allele may be the determinant factor of the association among BMD and FM, and weight. It can be speculated that FM, %BF and weight may not have protective effects on every individual, as claimed, but may be protective only for individuals who carry Glu27 allele.