Could a common gene variant weaken bones early?
NCT ID NCT02306993
First seen Aug 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 25, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether carrying sickle cell trait—a genetic variant common in African Americans—might lead to bone thinning at a younger age than usual. It also aims to understand why people with sickle cell disease often have thinner bones, by checking whether the body makes too little bone or loses too much. Researchers will measure bone density and bone turnover markers in African American women aged 18 to 45, with and without the trait.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If sickle cell trait is linked to earlier bone thinning, it could identify a group at higher risk for fractures and guide earlier screening or prevention.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, so it can show associations but not prove cause and effect. Results may not apply to men or other racial groups.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 45 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2014
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
The target population includes healthy African American female volunteers with and without SCT and African American female volunteers with SCD.
- Ages
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18 to 45 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-45 years. * Female. * Regular menstrual periods. * Self-identification of African American race. Exclusion Criteria: * Taking oral contraceptives or medications known to influence bone metabolism (e.g. Glucocorticoids, anti-resorptive or anabolic medications for osteoporosis, pharmacologic Vit D dosing). * Known metabolic bone disorder (e.g. uncontrolled thyroid disease, hyperparathyroidism). * Pregnant, breast-feeding, or within 3 months post-partum. * Taking an investigational drug.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UConn Health
Farmington, Connecticut, 06030, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Nonmyeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood mobilized hematopoietic precursor cell transplantation for severe congenital anemias including sickle cell disease (SCD) and B-Thalassemia
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- Can a softer transplant cure sickle cell disease?
- Mindfulness on your phone: a new test for sickle cell pain and sleep
- Urine and MRI: a new hope for spotting silent kidney injury in sickle cell kids?
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