A stress fracture is a tiny crack in your bone that occurs do to repeated pressure or stress on the bone. Usually, stress fractures are seen in you weight-bearing bones found in your lower leg and foot. Although a stress fracture is small, if not treated right away, the fracture can progress and become severe. We take a look at if your genes can increase your risk for a stress fracture.
A research study published in the journal Purinergic Signalling and conducted at the University of Liverpool in England has found a link between genes and stress fractures. Though more research is needed, the studies suggests that the specific gene, P2X7R, can contribute to the occurrence of stress fractures.
One of the researchers Jim Gallagher explained, “The study found that two specific variations within the gene were associated with stress fracture injuries in healthy, exercising individuals. The precise mechanism by which these variations may influence stress fracture risk is unknown, but may include decreased sensitivity of bone to mechanical loading or adverse changes to specific bone cells.
“The findings are the first to demonstrate an independent association between stress fracture injury and specific variations in purinergic receptor genes. This work builds on pioneering basic laboratory research over several years in which we first showed that purinergic receptors are expressed in bone cells and that they regulate the response of bone to mechanical loading.
“Further work with a larger sample group is needed to explain the mechanisms at work and to help us develop preventative measures and more suitable personalised treatments.”
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