OSU has been a major contributor in women’s health from advances in maternal fetal medicine, studies that explore health care disparities for women in Appalachia to studies that examine factors that influence attainment in peak bone mass or define new risk factors for fracture. Currently, OSU investigators are involved in more than 100 research studies than span the breadth of topics facing women across their lifespan. The clinical, educational and research initiatives ongoing in the OSUMC are being integrated into the newly established Center for Women’s Health, led by Rebecca D. Jackson, MD. Dr Jackson has a more than 20-year commitment to women’s health with a specific interest on osteoporosis and she currently serves as vice chair for the NIH-sponsored Women’s Health Initiative, a longitudinal research study that examines major health issues for postmenopausal women as they age.
Hip fracture represents a significant problem with enormous economic implications. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), an estimated 300,000 hip fractures occur in the United States each year, leading to multiple health and personal care problems, and, in some cases, premature death. Treatment and recovery from hip fracture are expensive processes, with the average case, one that requires replacement or repair, running about $40,000 for hospital care alone. Therefore, finding biomarkers that can predict and prevent hip fracture becomes extremely important in terms of improving patient outcomes and reducing health care costs.
Jackson has been awarded a National Institutes of Health Grant to conduct the first ever genomewide association studies between genetic variations and hip fracture in women. As part of the national Women’s Health Initiative, these studies focus on identifying genetic predisposition for women who experience hip fracture. Using the Illumina HumanHap 550K, total of 750 DNA samples from women with hip fracture, paired with women who have not experienced hip fracture, will be analyzed to identify candidate genes with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These studies will provide significant value in predicting women who will develop hip fracture, which in turn can translate into prevention and intervention for hip fracture.
References
Jackson RD, LaCroix AZ, Gass M, Wallace RB, Robbins J, Lewis CE, Bassford T, Beresford SA, Black HR, Blanchette P, Bonds DE, Brunner RL, Brzyski RG, Caan B, Cauley JA, Chlebowski RT, Cummings SR, Granek I, Hays J, Heiss G, Hendrix SL, Howard BV, Hsia J, Hubbell FA, Johnson KC, Judd H, Kotchen JM, Kuller LH, Langer RD, Lasser NL, Limacher MC, Ludlam S, Manson JE, Margolis KL, McGowan J, Ockene JK, O'Sullivan MJ, Phillips L, Prentice RL, Sarto GE, Stefanick ML, Van Horn L, Wactawski-Wende J, Whitlock E, Anderson GL, Assaf AR, Barad D; Women's Health Initiative Investigators Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of fractures. N Engl J Med. 2006;16;354(7):669-83.
Jackson RD, Wactawski-Wende J, LaCroix AZ, Pettinger M, Yood RA, Watts NB, Robbins JA, Lewis CE, Beresford SA, Ko MG, Naughton MJ, Satterfield S, Bassford T; Women's Health Initiative Investigators Effects of conjugated equine estrogen on risk of fractures and BMD in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy: results from the women's health initiative randomized trial. J Bone Miner Res. 2006;21(6):817-28.
To locate more information pertaining to the above referenced articles please visit the PubMed database.