Reduced CpG island methylation of the TBC1D8 gene may predict risk for osteoporosis in Chinese postmenopausal women.

Objective: In this study, we collected samples from postmenopausal women aged >60 y and evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) in addition to other biochemical variables to evaluate risk factors for osteoporosis. Furthermore, we investigated whether an association exists between the CpG island methylation levels in the promoter region of the TBC1D8 gene and osteoporosis incidence. Our goal was to identify contributing factors to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and provide a theoretical basis for osteoporosis testing and therapy.

Materials And Methods: We used questionnaires to collect data from Chinese Han women in their communities. The following parameters were measured: uric acid, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, P1NP, β-CTX, PTH, 25(OH)D and bone mineral density from lumbar spine 1 to 4, femoral neck, and total hip. DNA was also extracted to assess the methylation level of the TBC1D8 gene.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a lower body mass index (BMI) infrequent exercise and certain sleep durations may be associated with osteoporosis. In addition, higher serum creatinine, β-CTX and PTH and lower 25(OH)D levels may be associated with osteoporosis. In Chinese Han postmenopausal women, decreased methylation of the TBCF1D8 gene promoter CpG islands is associated with osteoporosis. Finally, we also observed that TBC1D8 is negatively correlated with high density lipoprotein in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.