Calcium sensing receptor gene A986S polymorphism and responsiveness to calcium supplementation in postmenopausal women

Recently several studies in adolescent girls or premenopausal women have implicated the calcium sensing receptor (CASR) gene A986S polymorphism in calcium and bone metabolism. However, the role of this genetic variant in postmenopausal women, specifically the development of osteoporosis, is unknown. This study reports the findings of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of healthy postmenopausal women followed for 2 yr while taking placebo or supplementary calcium. Specifically, we examined the relationship between the CASR A986S polymorphism, bone biochemical profile, and bone mineral density at baseline and after 2 yr of treatment. We found no effect of this genetic variant in postmenopausal women at baseline or in response to calcium supplementation. These results are in contrast to those in young or premenopausal women, and they provide no support for an important role for the CASR A986S polymorphism in osteoporosis.