For Release at Noon, Wednesday Nov. 11
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Osteoarthritis of the Hip Is Strongly Linked to Genetics
Results of a twin study show that genetic factors have a substantial influence on the occurrence of osteoarthritis of the hip, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology National Scientific Meeting Nov. 8-12 in San Diego, Calif.
Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of cartilage that cushions bones in the joints. Virtually everyone over the age of 75 is affected with this disease in some form, but some people get it earlier and more severely than others. The disease affects 12 percent of the population, many of whom end up undergoing total joint replacement or becoming disabled.
Researchers in the United Kingdom examined x-rays from 616 pairs of female twins, both fraternal and identical, over the age of 40. Identical twins have the same genes and similar environments, whereas fraternal twins have only some of the same genes as well as similar environments. The difference between the two groups in the rate of both sisters having hip osteoarthritis can therefore be attributed to genetic factors. Three of the four indicators showed that genetic influences are responsible for at least 50 percent of hip osteoarthritis.
"This is the first comprehensive twin study of hip osteoarthritis and proves that genes contribute to this disease," said lead investigator Alex J. MacGregor, MD, of St. Thomas Hospital in London. "The results will stimulate the search for the specific genes involved in osteoarthritis."
The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization for rheumatologists and health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability and curing arthritis and related rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. For more information on this meeting, see http://www.rheumatology.org/educ/nm98/nm98.html.
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