Association between an AluI Polymorphism in the Calcitonin Receptor Gene and Quantitative Ultrasound Parameters in Korean Men

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between an AluI RFLP of the calcitonin receptor (CTR) gene and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters in Korean men, and the interaction with nutrition as a lifestyle factor. Materials and Methods: Broadband ultrasound attenuation, speed of sound and stiffness index of the calcaneus were measured using an ultrasound bone densitometer in 201 Korean men (mean age ± SD: 51.6 ± 11.7 years). The PCR-RFLP method was used to analyze an AluI polymorphism in the CTR gene. Results: In all subjects, the distribution of CC, CT and TT genotypes occurred with frequencies of 87.1, 12.4 and 0.5%, respectively. When stratified by omnivore and vegetarian groups, there was a significant association between an AluI polymorphism in the CTR gene and QUS parameters such as speed of sound and stiffness index in only vegetarian subjects. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the AluI polymorphism of the CTR gene can be useful as a genetic marker in the interindividual susceptibility of QUS parameters by the interaction with nutritional status as a lifestyle factor.