Research questions:Can we identify genetic, metabolic, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors contributing to the onset and progression of bone disorders (e.g., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, spinal degenerative disease) using UK Biobank data?Are there specific biomarkers or genetic variations that predict the occurrence of complications such as fractures, chronic pain, disability, or reduced physical function?How do lifestyle and environmental exposures (e.g., physical activity, diet, smoking, occupational factors) interact with genetic predisposition in determining susceptibility and clinical outcomes?Can integrative models combining genomics, metabolomics, and clinical data improve prediction and prevention of bone disorders and their complications?
Objectives: The primary aim is to comprehensively investigate the multi-factorial etiology of bone disorders, evaluate predictive biomarkers, and assess their prognostic value for disease complications and functional outcomes.
Scientific rationale: Bone disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, particularly in aging populations. Conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and spinal degeneration significantly impair mobility and quality of life, while complications like fractures, chronic pain, and disability contribute to increased healthcare costs and economic burden.Although risk factors such as genetic susceptibility, low physical activity, malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency, and environmental exposures are recognized, the interactions between these factors and their precise biological mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. UK Biobank offers a unique opportunity to explore these relationships using large-scale genetic, biomarker, lifestyle, and imaging data.By analyzing these comprehensive datasets, this project aims to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms of bone disorders, identify high-risk populations, and support the development of predictive and preventive strategies
