SUMMARY

Background: In this study, we analysed the correlation between polymorphisms in the Vitamin D receptors (VDR) gene at the Apa I and FoK I loci and sports-related fractures (SRF). We also examined the inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10 to explore their potential role in fracture healing.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 110 patients with SRF admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to October 2023. Among these, 41 patients with poor fracture healing (research group) and 69 patients with good fracture healing (control group) were included. Serum levels of Vitamin D (VD), bone mineral density (BMD), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10) were measured to assess their relationship with fracture healing. Additionally, polymorphisms in the VDR gene at the Apa I and FoK I loci were analysed to determine the differences between the two groups.

Results: The VD levels in the research group were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). VD levels were positively correlated with BMD in both groups (P<0.05). Inflammatory cytokine analysis revealed that IL- 1 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher, while IL-10 levels were lower in the research group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Regarding VDR polymorphisms, the research group had a higher frequency of the FoK I CC genotype and a lower frequency of the TT genotype (P<0.05), while no significant differences were found for the Apa I polymorphism (P>0.05).

Conclusions: VDR gene polymorphisms, particularly at the FoK I locus, are closely associated with the rehabilitation progress of SRF. Additionally, an inflammatory imbalance, characterised by elevated IL-1 and IL-6 and reduced IL-10 levels, may contribute to poor fracture healing.