The analysis of DKK1 polymorphisms in relation to skeletal phenotypes and bone response to alendronate treatment in Chinese postmenopausal women.

AIM:To investigate the correlation between DKK1 polymorphisms with bone phenotypes and response to alendronate treatment. MATERIALS & METHODS:Five tag single nucleotide polymorphisms of DKK1 were analyzed in 639 Chinese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Bone mineral density (BMD), β-CTX and ALP were measured before and after alendronate treatment. RESULTS:Genotypes at rs1896367, rs1528877 and rs2241529 correlated to baseline BMD (p < 0.05). rs1528877 and rs2241529 polymorphisms correlated to baseline β-CTX levels (p < 0.05). rs2241529 polymorphisms of DKK1 had a small influence on the skeletal response to alendronate treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:DKK1 polymorphisms may correlate to baseline BMD and serum β-CTX levels, but present a weak effect on the response to alendronate.