TNF-α G-308A polymorphism in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis

Introduction
One of the most common health problems affecting the elderly population in the world is osteo­porosis. Osteoporosis is defined as a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass (density), due to inability of the body to control mineral content in bones and accompanied by damage to bone architecture. Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and micro architecturally deteriorated bone tissue, along with increased both bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Genetic polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene is a risk factor for osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. TNF-α acts as a regulator of bone resorption.

Objectives
This research aimed to screen for the TNF-α G-308A genetic polymorphism and differentiate its distribution in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis.

Material and methods
One hundred stored biological samples (50 samples from post-menopausal women with osteoporosis and 50 healthy control samples) were analyzed, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique with the Ncol restriction enzyme. Subsequently, they were assessed statistically using c2 test.

Results
The AG genotype was the most frequent genotype in both samples. Fisher’s exact test revealed no significant association between the TNF-α G-308A polymorphism and post-menopausal osteoporosis (p = 0.117).

Conclusions
The TNF-α G-308A genetic polymorphism was detected in post-menopausal Indonesian women. However, it was not associated with osteoporosis in these populations.