Objective:To investigate the association between vitamin D receptor(VDR) gene polymorphism and the bone mineral density of the chronic renal failure patients in the northern China. Methods:A total of 211 patients with chronic renal failure coming from unrelated families in the northern China were selected. The subjects were divided into the chronic renal failure group (n=110) and the uremia group(n=101) by the level of serum creatinine. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) was used to detect VDR BsmⅠpolymorphisms. Information on environmental-related risk factors was collected using a pre-tested standard questionnaire. Bone mineral density was measured by dual energy X-way absorptiometry. Concentration of serum intact parathyroid hormone was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results:According to the χ2 test,there was no significant difference between the chronic renal failure group and the uremia group (χ2 = 0.088,P = 0.591). Age had significant negative correlation with bone mineral density(P < 0.01) while body mass index had significant positive correlation with bone mineral density(P < 0.01). Statistical differences of bone mineral density in lumbar were showed among different VDR genotypes(P < 0.05). People with aa genotype had significant lower bone mineral density in lumbar spine (P < 0.05) after correcting the body mass index and age. Conclusion:The results show that there is a possible correlation between the polymorphisms of VDR gene BsmⅠand bone mineral density in chronic renal failure patients in the northern China. It indicates that the restriction site polymorphisms of BsmⅠgene may be used as a genetic markers.