ANALYSIS OF BONE HEALTH IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN WITH DISTAL FOREARM

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Hypothesis 1: An analysis of environmental profiles, anthropometric data and diet will demonstrate that epidemiological risk factors linked with poor bone health are significantly associated with traumatic forearm fractures in African American children. These include factors associated with vitamin D deficiency, and increased body mass index. We will identify and compare sociodemographic/environmental profiles, anthropometric data and dietary risk factors in the groups. Hypothesis 2: An analysis of biochemical indicators of Vitamin D deficiency will demonstrate that at least ten percent of African American children with traumatic forearm fractures have deficient levels. The goal of this specific aim is to identify and compare the presence of subclinical vitamin D deficiency/vitamin D insufficiency in each of the groups. Hypothesis 3: Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA scan) measurements will demonstrate that low bone density and/or bone mineral content is associated with traumatic forearm fractures in African American children. Using DEXA scan, we will measure bone mineral content and density in a subset of each of the study groups. The goal of this specific aim is to identify and compare abnormal bone mineral content and density in each of the groups. Hypothesis 4: Genetic polymorphisms in genes related to bone health/quality, such as the vitamin D receptor polymorphism, are associated with increased risk of traumatic forearm fractures in African American children compared with fracture-free controls. Using the GCRC Genetics Core, genotyping of individuals for protein polymorphisms related to bone health/quality will be done. Testing for correlation between each polymorphism and factors associated with poor bone health described in aims 1-3 will be performed.