Genetic polymorphisms in 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 correlate with the postdexamethasone cortisol levels and bone mineral density in patients evaluated for osteoporosis.

Context: Higher physiological cortisol levels may increase the risk of age-related osteoporosis. We hypothesized that common polymorphisms in the cortisol synthesis enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B) may cause interindividual variations in cortisol levels and age-related bone loss.

Study Design And Patients: We performed a retrospective study in a cohort of 452 ambulatory patients under evaluation for osteoporosis.