Remote Scottish isles may provide genetic clues to osteoporosis

A new study involving 2,000 people in Scotland will hopefully shed some light on why some people develop the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis.

The study led by Professor of Rheumatology Stuart Ralston and Royal Society Research Fellow, Dr. Jim Wilson, who comes from Orkney, aims to find the genes behind osteoporosis.

The study will be carried out in the islands of Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and Shapinsay, as well as Orkney and will span over the next three years.

Apparently this population has been specifically selected because it is both isolated and stable, and specific genes will be easier to track down and identify.

According to the research team although some genes that predispose people to osteoporosis have been identified, most remain undiscovered.

They say the project will involve genetic mapping studies in several large families in order to try and discover the location and identify the genes that influence bone density and predispose people to the common condition.

The new study will utilise some existing data from a research project in Orkney (ORCADES) which has involved 1,400 volunteers and is looking at genetic influences on cardiovascular disease.

Volunteers will have their bone mineral density tested on a DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Bone Densitometer) machine, and if they are found to have thin bones will be offered appropriate treatment from their GP.

Blood samples will also be taken, and a genome wide scan carried out on their DNA in laboratories in Edinburgh.

Professor Ralston says they are confident that new genes that predispose people to osteoporosis will be found during the course of the project.

He believes the results will be of value in developing genetic tests with which to assess the risk of fractures occurring, and the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

The study will be financed by the Arthritis Research Campaign.