FokI Variant of Vitamin D Receptor Gene and Factors Related to Atherosclerosis Associated With Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament of the Spine

STUDY DESIGN A sex- and age-matched case-control study with genotyping of the FokI variant of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) was carried out. OBJECTIVES To facilitate the early prediction, prevention, and treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the spine, we analyzed the FokI variant of VDR and past body mass indexes, histories of past illness, family history, and body pliability along with lifestyle factors. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Many possible genetic and environmental risk factors for OPLL have been suggested, including male sex, high body mass index, diabetes mellitus, trauma, hormonal imbalance, and dietary and sleeping habits and genetic variants. METHODS Both a self-administered questionnaire and whole blood samples were obtained from 63 patients with OPLL and 126 sex-, age-, and hospital-matched controls free of backbone diseases were randomly selected from hospital patients. VDR genotyping was carried out using PCR-RFLP methods. After univariate analysis, multivariate and subgroup analyses according to the VDR genotype was applied to clarify the confounding relationship between VDR genotype and other possible risk factors. RESULTS A multivariate analysis revealed that the VDR FF genotype, family history of myocardial infarction, high body mass index at age 40, long working hours, and working with night shift to be independent potent risk factors for OPLL. CONCLUSION The risk of developing OPLL may possibly be reduced gradually and effectively by removing or minimizing the effect of such lifestyle factors one at a time through targeted preventive intervention.