In a recent study, researchers found a genetic component to IOP, otherwise known as idiopathic osteoporosis.
Idiopathic osteoporosis is osteoporosis that has no discernable cause. Osteoporosis in and of itself is a bone disease marked by a decrease in bone density, which leads them to be brittle and easily broken. Osteoporosis is most common in elderly women, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
In this study, researchers sequenced the genomes of multiple individuals with idiopathic osteoporosis, and found significant variations in the MTNR1A gene. This gene codes for melatonin receptors, which is a key factor in maintaining bone density. In addition, researchers examined the gene in mice, which managed to produce offspring with low bone density as well.
This research is extremely important towards understanding what causes idiopathic osteoporosis, and has the potential to further advancements in osteoporosis medication.
Sources:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adj0085
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21365462/
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