Role of genetic pattern on bone mineral density in thalassemic patients

Objectives To evaluate the role of genetic background in osteoporosis/osteopenia development in beta-Thalassemia Major patients. Design and methods The influence of VDR (FokI, BsmI) as well as COLIA1 (Sp1) gene polymorphisms on BMD was investigated in 40 patients. Results Although the examined gene polymorphisms did not significantly affect BMD variations in our population, BsmI was found to display beneficial effects on patient response to alendronate therapy. Conclusion Genetic factors retain a potential role for improvement of osteoporosis management in thalassemic patients.