A study by Interleukin Genetics Inc. shows that women are more likely to suffer vertebral fractures and osteoporosis if they carry a specific gene variation.
The Waltham-based biomarker maker, which is flirting with a de-listing by the New York Stock Exchange, said its clinical study of 1,200 Asian women that Korean women are 70 percent more disposed to vertebral fracture if they carry a genetic variation in the IL-10 gene.
The variation, called a single nucleotide polymorphism, can also affect the IL1-RN gene. Women showing that variation are 50 percent more predisposed to vertebral fracture, Interleukin said.
The company, which makes genetic tests for the personalized health market, will reveal the findings from Identification of Inflammatory Gene Variants as Biomarkers of Osteoporosis Risk in Asian Women at the 8th International Symposium on Osteoporosis in Washington D.C. April 4.