Vitamin D Serum Levels in Subjects Tested for SARS-CoV-2: What Are the Differences among Acute, Healed, and Negative COVID-19 Patients? A Multicenter Real-Practice Study.

Vitamin D might play a role in counteracting COVID-19, albeit strong evidence is still lacking in the literature. The present multicenter real-practice study aimed to evaluate the differences of 25(OH)D3 serum levels in adults tested for SARS-CoV-2 (acute COVID-19 patients, subjects healed from COVID-19, and non-infected ones) recruited over a 6-month period (March-September 2021). In a sample of 117 subjects, a statistically significant difference was found, with acute COVID-19 patients demonstrating the lowest levels of serum 25(OH)D3 (9.63 ± 8.70 ng/mL), significantly lower than values reported by no-COVID-19 patients (15.96 ± 5.99 ng/mL, p = 0.0091) and healed COVID-19 patients (11.52 ± 4.90 ng/mL, p > 0.05). Male gender across the three groups displayed unfluctuating 25(OH)D3 levels, hinting at an inability to ensure adequate levels of the active vitamin D3 form (1α,25(OH)2D3). As a secondary endpoint, we assessed the correlation between serum 25(OH)D3 levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with extremely low serum 25(OH)D3 levels (<1 ng/mL) and in a subset supplemented with 1α,25(OH)2D3. Although patients with severe hypovitaminosis-D showed no significant increase in IL-6 levels, acute COVID-19 patients manifested high circulating IL-6 at admission (females = 127.64 ± 22.24 pg/mL, males = 139.28 ± 48.95 ng/mL) which dropped drastically after the administration of 1α,25(OH)2D3 (1.84 ± 0.77 pg/mL and 2.65 ± 0.92 ng/mL, respectively). Taken together, these findings suggest that an administration of 1α,25(OH)2D3 might be helpful for treating male patients with an acute COVID-19 infection. Further studies on rapid correction of vitamin D deficiency with fast acting metabolites are warranted in COVID-19 patients.

Impaired 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 action and hypophosphatemia underlie the altered lacuno-canalicular remodeling observed in the Hyp mouse model of XLH.

Osteocytes remodel the perilacunar matrix and canaliculi. X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is characterized by elevated serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), leading to decreased 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) production and hypophosphatemia. Bones from mice with XLH (Hyp) have enlarged osteocyte lacunae, enhanced osteocyte expression of genes of bone remodeling, and impaired canalicular structure. The altered lacuno-canalicular (LCN) phenotype is improved with 1,25D or anti-FGF23 antibody treatment, pointing to roles for 1,25D and/or phosphate in regulating this process. To address whether impaired 1,25D action results in LCN alterations, the LCN phenotype was characterized in mice lacking the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in osteocytes (VDRf/f;DMP1Cre+). Mice lacking the sodium phosphate transporter NPT2a (NPT2aKO) have hypophosphatemia and high serum 1,25D levels, therefore the LCN phenotype was characterized in these mice to determine if increased 1,25D compensates for hypophosphatemia in regulating LCN remodeling. Unlike Hyp mice, neither VDRf/f;DMP1Cre+ nor NPT2aKO mice have dramatic alterations in cortical microarchitecture, allowing for dissecting 1,25D and phosphate specific effects on LCN remodeling in tibial cortices. Histomorphometric analyses demonstrate that, like Hyp mice, tibiae and calvariae in VDRf/f;DMP1Cre+ and NPT2aKO mice have enlarged osteocyte lacunae (tibiae: 0.15±0.02µm2(VDRf/f;DMP1Cre-) vs 0.19±0.02µm2(VDRf/f;DMP1Cre+), 0.12±0.02µm2(WT) vs 0.18±0.0µm2(NPT2aKO), calvariae: 0.09±0.02µm2(VDRf/f;DMP1Cre-) vs 0.11±0.02µm2(VDRf/f;DMP1Cre+), 0.08±0.02µm2(WT) vs 0.13±0.02µm2(NPT2aKO), p<0.05 all comparisons) and increased immunoreactivity of bone resorption marker Cathepsin K (Ctsk). The osteocyte enriched RNA isolated from tibiae in VDRf/f;DMP1Cre+ and NPT2aKO mice have enhanced expression of matrix resorption genes that are classically expressed by osteoclasts (Ctsk, Acp5, Atp6v0d2, Nhedc2). Treatment of Ocy454 osteocytes with 1,25D or phosphate inhibits the expression of these genes. Like Hyp mice, VDRf/f;DMP1Cre+ and NPT2aKO mice have impaired canalicular organization in tibia and calvaria. These studies demonstrate that hypophosphatemia and osteocyte-specific 1,25D actions regulate LCN remodeling. Impaired 1,25D action and low phosphate levels contribute to the abnormal LCN phenotype observed in XLH.

Control del fósforo y prevención de fracturas en el paciente renal / Control of phosphorus and prevention of fractures in the kidney patient

El paciente con enfermedad renal tiene incrementado el riesgo de fracturas, y a los factores habituales de la población general se suman otros propios de la uremia. Los mecanismos que favorecen las fracturas en la uremia no son suficientemente conocidos, aunque es ampliamente aceptado que la disminución del contenido mineral óseo y la alteración en la arquitectura ósea son responsables de un aumento en la fragilidad ósea. Con la progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), el riesgo de fractura aumenta, siendo especialmente evidente cuando el paciente requiere diálisis. Dentro de las numerosas causas implicadas en el aumento de fracturas óseas se encuentran la edad avanzada, la amenorrea, la exposición a esteroides, el descenso de la vitamina D, el aumento de la hormona paratiroidea (PTH) y también la desnutrición y la inflamación crónica. La concentración de fósforo sérico ya sea alto o muy bajo también se ha correlacionado con el riesgo de fractura. El aumento del fosfato sérico puede afectar el metabolismo óseo directamente e indirectamente a través del desarrollo de mecanismos hormonales adaptativos que tratan de prevenir la hiperfosfatemia, como el aumento de PTH y el factor de crecimiento de fibroblastos 23 (FGF23), y la disminución del calcitriol. Estos mecanismos de adaptación son de menor intensidad si la absorción intestinal de fosforo se disminuye con el uso de captores de fósforo; los cuales parecen tener un impacto positivo en la reducción del riesgo de fracturas. En este documento se describirán los posibles mecanismos que relacionan el riesgo de fracturas con: los niveles de fósforo sérico, los mecanismos adaptativos propios de la enfermedad renal y el uso de fármacos para controlar la hiperfosfatemia. No existen estudios que proporcionen evidencia sobre la influencia de diversos tratamientos en el riesgo de fracturas en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica. Sugerimos que el control del fósforo debería ser un objetivo a tener en cuenta

Patients with chronic kidney disease have a higher risk of fractures than the general population due to the added factor of uraemia. Although the mechanisms behind uraemia-associated fractures are not fully understood, it is widely accepted that the decrease in bone mineral content and alteration in bone architecture both increase bone fragility. As chronic kidney disease progresses, the risk of fracture increases, especially once the patient requires dialysis. Among the many causes of the increased risk are advanced age, amenorrhoea, steroid exposure, decreased vitamin D, increased parathyroid hormone (PTH), malnutrition and chronic inflammation. Serum phosphorus, whether high or very low, seems to correlate with the risk of fracture. Moreover, increased serum phosphate is known to directly and indirectly affect bone metabolism through the development of adaptive hormonal mechanisms aimed at preventing hyperphosphataemia, such as the increase in PTH and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and the reduction in calcitriol. These adaptive mechanisms are less intense if the intestinal absorption of phosphorus is reduced with the use of phosphorus captors, which seem to have a positive impact in reducing the risk of fractures. We describe here the possible mechanisms associating serum phosphorus levels, the adaptive mechanisms typical in kidney disease and the use of drugs to control hyperphosphataemia with the risk of fractures. We found no studies in the literature providing evidence on the influence of different treatments on the risk of fractures in patients with chronic kidney disease. We suggest that control of phosphorus should be an objective to consider

Vitamin D ameliorates adipose browning in chronic kidney disease cachexia.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 insufficient. We studied whether vitamin D repletion could correct aberrant adipose tissue and muscle metabolism in a mouse model of CKD-associated cachexia. Intraperitoneal administration of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 (75 µg/kg/day and 60 ng/kg/day respectively for 6 weeks) normalized serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 in CKD mice. Vitamin D repletion stimulated appetite, normalized weight gain, and improved fat and lean mass content in CKD mice. Vitamin D supplementation attenuated expression of key molecules involved in adipose tissue browning and ameliorated expression of thermogenic genes in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in CKD mice. Furthermore, repletion of vitamin D improved skeletal muscle fiber size and in vivo muscle function, normalized muscle collagen content and attenuated muscle fat infiltration as well as pathogenetic molecular pathways related to muscle mass regulation in CKD mice. RNAseq analysis was performed on the gastrocnemius muscle. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the top 12 differentially expressed genes in CKD were correlated with impaired muscle and neuron regeneration, enhanced muscle thermogenesis and fibrosis. Importantly, vitamin D repletion normalized the expression of those 12 genes in CKD mice. Vitamin D repletion may be an effective therapeutic strategy for adipose tissue browning and muscle wasting in CKD patients.

Vitamin D-VDR Signaling Inhibits Wnt/ß-Catenin-Mediated Melanoma Progression and Promotes Antitumor Immunity.

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 signals via the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Higher serum vitamin D is associated with thinner primary melanoma and better outcome, although a causal mechanism has not been established. As patients with melanoma commonly avoid sun exposure, and consequent vitamin D deficiency might worsen outcomes, we interrogated 703 primary melanoma transcriptomes to understand the role of vitamin D-VDR signaling and replicated the findings in The Cancer Genome Atlas metastases. VDR expression was independently protective for melanoma-related death in both primary and metastatic disease. High tumor VDR expression was associated with upregulation of pathways mediating antitumor immunity and corresponding with higher imputed immune cell scores and histologically detected tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. High VDR-expressing tumors had downregulation of proliferative pathways, notably Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Deleterious low VDR levels resulted from promoter methylation and gene deletion in metastases. Vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L ∼ 10 ng/mL) shortened survival in primary melanoma in a VDR-dependent manner. In vitro functional validation studies showed that elevated vitamin D-VDR signaling inhibited Wnt/ß-catenin signaling genes. Murine melanoma cells overexpressing VDR produced fewer pulmonary metastases than controls in tail-vein metastasis assays. In summary, vitamin D-VDR signaling contributes to controlling pro-proliferative/immunosuppressive Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in melanoma and this is associated with less metastatic disease and stronger host immune responses. This is evidence of a causal relationship between vitamin D-VDR signaling and melanoma survival, which should be explored as a therapeutic target in primary resistance to checkpoint blockade. SIGNIFICANCE: VDR expression could potentially be used as a biomarker to stratify patients with melanoma that may respond better to immunotherapy.

Vitamin D and regulation of vascular cell function.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to pathogenesis of many diseases including cardiovascular, cancer, and various eye diseases. In recent years, important roles for vitamin D in regulation of immune function, inflammation, angiogenesis, and aging have been demonstrated. Thus, vitamin D and its analogs have been evaluated for the treatment of various types of cancer and chronic diseases. We have previously shown that the active form of vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D3] is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. This activity is consistent with the important role proposed for vitamin D and its analogs in the mitigation of tumor growth through inhibition of angiogenesis. Here, we review the important nutritional value of vitamin D and the abnormalities linked to its deficiency. We will explore its potential role as a regulator of angiogenesis and vascular cell function and the role vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression plays in these activities during vascular development and neovascularization. Our studies have established an important role for 1,25(OH)2D3 and VDR in the regulation of perivascular supporting cell function. In addition, the interaction of 1,25(OH)2D3 and VDR is essential for these activities and inhibition of neovascularization. Delineating the signaling pathways involved and identification of genes that are the target of 1,25(OH)2D3 regulation in vascular cells will allow us to identify novel pathways that are targets for regulation of vascular function and angiogenesis.

Absence of Calcitriol Causes Increased Lactational Bone Loss and Lower Milk Calcium but Does Not Impair Post-lactation Bone Recovery in Cyp27b1 Null Mice.

We hypothesized that adaptation to calcium supply demands of pregnancy and lactation do not require calcitriol. Adult Cyp27b1 null mice lack calcitriol and have hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and rickets. We studied wild-type (WT) and null sister pairs raised on a calcium-, phosphorus-, and lactose-enriched "rescue" diet that prevents hypocalcemia and rickets. Bone mineral content (BMC) increased >30% in pregnant nulls, declined 30% during lactation, and increased 30% by 4 weeks post-weaning. WT showed less marked changes. Micro-CT revealed loss of trabecular bone and recovery in both genotypes. In lactating nulls, femoral cortical thickness declined >30%, whereas endocortical perimeter increased; both recovered to baseline after weaning; there were no such changes in WT. Histomorphometry revealed a profound increase in osteoid surface and thickness in lactating nulls, which recovered after weaning. By three-point bend test, nulls had a >50% decline in ultimate load to failure that recovered after weaning. Although nulls showed bone loss during lactation, their milk calcium content was 30% lower compared with WT. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) was markedly elevated in nulls at baseline, reduced substantially in pregnancy, but increased again during lactation and remained high post-weaning. In summary, pregnant Cyp27b1 nulls gained BMC with reduced secondary hyperparathyroidism, implying increased intestinal calcium delivery. Lactating nulls lost more bone mass and strength than WT, accompanied by increased osteoid, reduced milk calcium, and worsened secondary hyperparathyroidism. This implies suboptimal intestinal calcium absorption. Post-weaning, bone mass and strength recovered to baseline, whereas BMC exceeded baseline by 40%. In conclusion, calcitriol-independent mechanisms regulate intestinal calcium absorption and trabecular bone metabolism during pregnancy and post-weaning but not during lactation; calcitriol may protect cortical bone during lactation. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Endogenous Calcitriol Synthesis Controls the Humoral IgE Response in Mice.

The vitamin D receptor participates in the control of IgE class-switch recombination in B cells. The physiologic vitamin D receptor agonist, 1,25(OH)2D3 (calcitriol), is synthesized by the essential enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), which can be expressed by activated immune cells. The role of endogenous calcitriol synthesis for the regulation of IgE has not been proven. In this study, we investigated IgE-responses in Cyp27b1-knockout (KO) mice following sensitization to OVA or intestinal infection with Heligmosomoides polygyrus Specific Igs and plasmablasts were determined by ELISA and ELISpot, Cyp27b1 expression was measured by quantitative PCR. The data show elevated specific IgE and IgG1 concentrations in the blood of OVA-sensitized Cyp27b1-KO mice compared with wild-type littermates (+898 and +219%). Accordingly, more OVA-specific IgG1-secreting cells are present in spleen and fewer in the bone marrow of Cyp27b1-KO mice. Ag-specific mechanisms are suggested as the leucopoiesis is in general unchanged and activated murine B and T lymphocytes express Cyp27b1 Accordingly, elevated specific IgE concentrations in the blood of sensitized T cell-specific Cyp27b1-KO mice support a lymphocyte-driven mechanism. In an independent IgE-inducing model, i.e., intestinal infection with H. polygyrus, we validated the increase of total and specific IgE concentrations of Cyp27b1-KO compared with wild-type mice, but not those of IgG1 or IgA. We conclude that endogenous calcitriol has an impact on the regulation of IgE in vivo. Our data provide genetic evidence supporting previous preclinical and clinical findings and suggest that vitamin D deficiency not only promotes bone diseases but also type I sensitization.

1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency increases TM40D tumor growth in bone and accelerates tumor-induced bone destruction in a breast cancer bone metastasis model.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies and bone is the commonest site of distant metastases. Evidences indicate that adequate supply of vitamin D will decrease the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer. However, the main role of vitamin D deficiency in breast cancer bone metastases remains unclear. In this study, the relationship between vitamin D and breast cancer bone metastases were evaluated. Results showed that 1,25(OH)2D3 can not only inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cell TM40D in vitro, but also attenuate the breast cancer cell TM40D-induced bone destruction in vivo, whose underlying mechanism was at least partially through decreasing the number of the osteoclasts. To our knowledge, this is the first to use 1-alpha-hydroxylase [1α(OH)ase] knockout mice which characterized vitamin D deficiency to establish the breast cancer bone metastases model. Based on this model, we also found that vitamin D deficiency will accelerate the osteolytic lesions, and 1,25(OH)2D3 supplement will restrain osteolytic lesions. Therefore, these findings suggest that vitamin D has the potential capacity to be a therapeutic agent for the breast cancer bone metastases.

Prevalência de hipovitaminose D em um grupo de pacientes com doenças autoimunes / Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a group of patients with autoimmune diseases

Introdução: Doenças autoimunes afetam cerca de 7% da população mundial, chegando a ser consideradas um problema de saúde pública. Além do importante papel relacionado à homeostase óssea, estudos atuais têm relacionado a hipovitaminose D com várias doenças autoimunes, pois o calcitriol possui diversas atividades no corpo humano, entre elas imunomoduladores, visto que os linfócitos T e B possuem o receptor de ligação de vitamina D. O objetivo desta pesquisa é avaliar os níveis de vitamina D e realizar a classificação mediante o resultado da avaliação. Método: Estudo do tipo transversal descritivo, por meio de revisão de prontuários, sendo selecionados um grupo de pacientes com doenças autoimunes, avaliando os níveis séricos de 25-OH-Vit.D, 1,25-(OH)2-Vit.D3 e PTH molécula inteira. Resultados: O número de prontuários coletados foi de 384 pacientes, 275 do sexo masculino (71,61%) e 109 do sexo feminino (28,39%), com idade média de 43,9±11,8 anos. A prevalência de hipovitaminose D no grupo avaliado foi de 89,06%, sendo classificados em níveis deficiente e insuficiente cerca de 13,5% e 75,5%, respectivamente. Aproximadamente 82% dos pacientes apresentaram níveis de 1,25-hidroxivitamina2D3 dentro dos valores de referência, porém este não é considerado um bom parâmetro de avaliação, em razão de possuir um curto tempo de meia-vida e sofrer influência dos níveis séricos de cálcio e paratormônio. Em relação aos níveis de paratormônio PTH, foi observado que todos pacientes estão dentro dos valores de referência (15,0 ­ 65,0 pg/ml). Conclusão: Foi demonstrado que os pacientes com doenças autoimunes analisados apresentam um nível evidente de hipovitaminose D, o que pode ser considerado um agravante à autoimunidade.(AU)

Introduction: Autoimmune diseases affect about 7% of the world, coming to be considered a public health problem. Besides the important role related to bone homeostasis, recent studies have related vitamin D deficiency with several autoimmune diseases because calcitriol has several activities in the human body, including immunomodulators, as the T and B lymphocytes have the vitamin D receptor binding. The objective of this research is to assess the levels of vitamin D and perform the classification by the evaluation result. Methods: Study of descriptive cross-sectional through chart review and selected a group of patients with autoimmune diseases, evaluating serum levels of 25-OH-Vit.D, 1,25- (OH) 2 Vit.D3 and PTH entire molecule. Results: The number of records was collected from 384 patients, 275 were male (71.61%) and 109 females (28.39%) with a mean age of 43.9±11.8 years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the studied group was of 89.06% when classified as deficient and insufficient levels about 13.5% and 75.5% respectively. Approximately 82% of patients had levels of 1,25-hidroxivitamina2D3 within the reference values, but this is not considered a good parameter to assess, due to have a short half-life and be influenced by serum calcium levels and parathyroid hormone. Related to the levels of parathyroid hormone PTH was observed that all patients are within the reference range (15.0 - 65.0 pg / ml). Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that patients with autoimmune diseases analyzed present one evident level of vitamin D deficiency, which can be regarded as an aggravating autoimmunity.(AU)

Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Postrenal Transplant: An Often Forgotten Hormone.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 is likely to be the most important regulator of phosphate homeostasis, which mediates its functions through fibroblast growth factor receptors and the coreceptor Klotho. In addition to reducing expression of the sodium-phosphate cotransporters NPT2a and NPT2c in the proximal tubules, fibroblast growth factor 23 inhibits renal 1α-hydroxylase and stimulates 24-hydroxylase and appears to reduce parathyroid hormone secretion in short-term studies. Fibroblast growth factor 23 synthesis and secretion by osteocytes and osteoblasts are upregulated through 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and through an increased dietary phosphate intake. Recent studies have indicated that a low-protein diet and calcium deficiency reduce circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 levels, but magnesium deficiency increases fibroblast growth factor levels. Drugs such as phosphate binders, bisphosphonate, and estrogens have various effects on circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 levels. The high cardiovascular disease event rates and mortality associated with elevated levels of this hormone may be due to various effects on the cardiovascular system, including left ventricular hypertrophy, arterial stiffness, vascular calcifications, endothelial dysfunction, and increased levels of inflammatory markers. In addition, elevated levels of this hormone may contribute to mineral bone metabolism disorders and to patient and allograft survival after renal transplant. Here, we discuss the effects of fibroblast growth factor 23 on adverse renal, bone, and cardiovascular outcomes after kidney transplant.

1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D circulating levels, calcitriol administration, and incidence of acute rejection, CMV infection, and polyoma virus infection in renal transplant recipients.

Observation that 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin-D3 has an immunomodulatory effect on innate and adaptive immunity raises the possible effect on clinical graft outcome. Aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of biopsy-proven acute rejection, CMV infection, BKV infection, with 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin-D3 deficiency and the benefit of calcitriol supplementation before and during the transplantation. Risk factors and kidney graft function were also evaluated. All RTRs received induction therapy with basiliximab, cyclosporine, mycophenolic acid, and steroids. During the first year, the incidence of BPAR (4% vs 11%, P=.04), CMV infection (3% vs 9%, P=.04), and BKV infection (6% vs 19%, P=.04) was significantly lower in users compared to controls. By multivariate Cox regression analysis, 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin-D3 deficiency and no calcitriol exposure were independent risk factors for BPAR (HR=4.30, P<.005 and HR=3.25, P<.05), for CMV infection (HR=2.33, P<.05 and HR=2.31, P=.001), and for BKV infection (HR=2.41, P<.05 and HR=2.45, P=.001). After one year, users had a better renal function: eGFR was 62.5±6.7 mL/min vs 51.4±7.6 mL/min (P<.05). Only one user developed polyomavirus-associated nephropathy vs 15 controls. Two users lost their graft vs 11 controls. 1,25(OH)2-D3 deficiency circulating levels increased the risk of BPAR, CMV infection, BKV infection after kidney transplantation. Administration of calcitriol is a way to obtain adequate 1,25(OH)2-D3 circulating levels.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Deficiency is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy in the Uygur Population of China.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2 D3 ] has recently been shown to have immunomodulatory property. This study aimed to investigate the expression and potential role of 1,25(OH)2 D3 in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the Uygur population. Blood samples were obtained from 22 patients with proliferative DR (PDR), 29 patients with nonproliferative DR (NPDR), and 24 normal controls. ELISA was performed to estimate the serum levels of 1,25(OH)2 D3 . Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured with or without 1,25(OH)2 D3 in the presence of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies to detect the secretion of cytokines and cell proliferation. The FACS cytometric bead array system was used to analyze cytokine levels in the serum and culture supernatants. The Cell Counting Kit was used to determine the rate of cell proliferation. In this study, we found that the patients with PDR showed a decreased serum level of 1,25(OH)2 D3 and increased production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A, by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies activated PBMCs. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)2 D3 significantly inhibited the proliferation of PBMCs, as well as the secretion of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A. Overall, our findings suggest a potential protective effect of 1,25(OH)2 D3 in DR, whereas supplementation with 1,25(OH)2 D3 might be an effective strategy for preventing the development of DR. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(6):445-451, 2016.

Long-term vitamin D deficiency in older adult C57BL/6 mice does not affect bone structure, remodeling and mineralization.

Animal models show that vitamin D deficiency may have severe consequences for skeletal health. However, most studies have been performed in young rodents for a relatively short period, while in older adult rodents the effects of long-term vitamin D deficiency on skeletal health have not been extensively studied. Therefore, the first aim of this study was to determine the effects of long-term vitamin D deficiency on bone structure, remodeling and mineralization in bones from older adult mice. The second aim was to determine the effects of long-term vitamin D deficiency on mRNA levels of genes involved in vitamin D metabolism in bones from older adult mice. Ten months old male C57BL/6 mice were fed a diet containing 0.5% calcium, 0.2% phosphate and 0 (n=8) or 1 (n=9) IU vitamin D3/gram for 14 months. At an age of 24 months, mice were sacrificed for histomorphometric and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis of humeri as well as analysis of CYP27B1, CYP24 and VDR mRNA levels in tibiae and kidneys using RT-qPCR. Plasma samples, obtained at 17 and 24 months of age, were used for measurements of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (all samples), phosphate and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (terminal samples) concentrations. At the age of 17 and 24 months, mean plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were below the detection limit (<4nmol/L) in mice receiving vitamin D deficient diets. Plasma phosphate and PTH concentrations did not differ between both groups. Micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis of bone mineral density, structure and remodeling did not reveal differences between control and vitamin D deficient mice. Long-term vitamin D deficiency did also not affect CYP27B1 mRNA levels in tibiae, while CYP24 mRNA levels in tibiae were below the detection threshold in both groups. VDR mRNA levels in tibiae from vitamin D deficient mice were 0.7 fold lower than those in control mice. In conclusion, long-term vitamin D deficiency in older adult C57BL/6 mice, accompanied by normal plasma PTH and phosphate concentrations, does not affect bone structure, remodeling and mineralization. In bone, expression levels of CYP27B1 are also not affected by long-term vitamin D deficiency in older adult C57BL/6 mice. Our results suggest that mice at old age have a low or absent response to vitamin D deficiency probably due to factors such as a decreased bone formation rate or a reduced response of bone cells to 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D. Older adult mice may therefore be less useful for the study of the effects of vitamin D deficiency on bone health in older people.

Prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease seen in internal medicine.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the elderly population, few data are available on the frequency of secondary hyperparathyroidism in the Spanish population affected by this problem. We undertook a study on this issue in patients attending the internal medicine departments in our area. DESIGN AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional survey performed at internal medicine departments on 415 patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease. Clinical history and risk factors were collected using a standardized protocol. Serum creatinine, phosphate, calcium, intact parathormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (25-OH-vitD) levels were measured in all patients. RESULTS: Among stage 3 patients, 62.9% had PTH levels ≥70pg/mL and 32.7% levels ≥110pg/mL. Median PTH level in stage 4 patients was 120pg/mL (p <0.001), and 77.9% of these patients had PTH ≥70pg/mL (p <0.001) and 54.1% ≥110pg/mL (p=0.015). Adequate 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol levels were found in only 7.2% of stage 3 patients and 4.1% of stage 4 patients. Only 7.2% of stage 3 patients had hyperphosphatemia, as compared to 25.4% of stage 4 patients (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperparathyroidism is a common complication of stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease which is not associated to detectable changes in serum calcium and phosphate levels. It is therefore advisable to measure PTH levels in all patients with decreased glomerular filtration rate.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 impairs the differentiation of effector memory T cells in vitro in multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) and increased disease activity. Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator but the effects of vitamin D treatment on T cell memory have not been explored. We studied the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on T cell memory in MS patients (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 10). In vitro treatment of PBMC cultures with 1,25(OH)2D3, led to a decrease in the proportion of effector memory T cells with an increase in naïve T cells, compared to vehicle in both groups. Further studies to unravel the mechanism of this effect and to understand its long-term implications are required.

Vitamin D attenuates cytokine-induced remodeling in human fetal airway smooth muscle cells.

Asthma in the pediatric population remains a significant contributor to morbidity and increasing healthcare costs. Vitamin D3 insufficiency and deficiency have been associated with development of asthma. Recent studies in models of adult airway diseases suggest that the bioactive Vitamin D3 metabolite, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 ; 1,25(OH)2 D3 ), modulates responses to inflammation; however, this concept has not been explored in developing airways in the context of pediatric asthma. We used human fetal airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells as a model of the early postnatal airway to explore how calcitriol modulates remodeling induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cells were pre-treated with calcitriol and then exposed to TNFα or TGFß for up to 72 h. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, production of extracellular matrix (ECM), and cell proliferation were assessed. Calcitriol attenuated TNFα enhancement of MMP-9 expression and activity. Additionally, calcitriol attenuated TNFα and TGFß-induced collagen III expression and deposition, and separately, inhibited proliferation of fetal ASM cells induced by either inflammatory mediator. Analysis of signaling pathways suggested that calcitriol effects in fetal ASM involve ERK signaling, but not other major inflammatory pathways. Overall, our data demonstrate that calcitriol can blunt multiple effects of TNFα and TGFß in developing airway, and point to a potentially novel approach to alleviating structural changes in inflammatory airway diseases of childhood.

Vitamin D for infections.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Current data clearly support an interaction of vitamin D with cells of the immune system apart from its regulatory role in calcium homeostasis. The discovery that immune cells express the vitamin D receptor and are capable of metabolizing circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D into its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, has revolutionized the field and suggested a regulatory role on both the innate and adaptive immune systems. RECENT FINDINGS: Of particular interest with respect to infectious diseases, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D has been shown to trigger the production of antimicrobial peptides with a direct pathogen-killing capacity. Interestingly, pathogen-derived components influence the key players in the vitamin D metabolizing pathway, further supporting such an interaction. SUMMARY: Here, we review the potential mechanisms of vitamin D in promoting the innate immune response against infectious agents and discuss the possible implications for such a response in the prevention of or the intervention in various infectious diseases.

Cigarette smoke exposure is associated with vitamin D3 deficiencies in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoke (CS) plays a role in the exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS); however, the mechanism for this is unknown. We hypothesize that CS impairs human sinonasal epithelial cell (HSNEC) conversion of 25(OH)D3 (25VD3) to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25VD3) and, furthermore, that supplementation with 1,25VD3 will reverse smoke-induced inflammatory responses by HSNECs. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the effect of CS on vitamin D3 (VD3) levels, conversion, and regulation of CS-induced inflammation in control subjects and patients with CRS. METHODS: Blood and sinus tissue explants were collected at the time of surgery from control subjects, patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, and patients with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Expression of VD3 metabolizing enzymes were measured by using RT-PCR. Primary HSNECs were cultured from tissue explants. 25VD3 with and without cigarette smoke extract (CSE) was used to examine conversion of 25VD3 to 1,25VD3, as well as HSNEC production of proinflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: CS exposure was associated with reduced circulating and sinonasal 25VD3 levels in all groups compared with those seen in CS-naive, disease-matched counterparts. CS exposure decreased expression of CYP27B1 and was especially pronounced in patients with CRSwNP. CSE impairs control HSNEC conversion of 25VD3. HSNECs from patients with CRSwNP also demonstrate an intrinsic reduction in conversion of 25VD3 to 1,25VD3. Exogenous 1,25VD3 reduces CSE-induced cytokine production by HSNECs. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to CS is associated with reduced 25VD3 levels and an impaired ability of HSNECs to convert 25VD3 to 1,25VD3. Addition of 1,25VD3 reduces the proinflammatory effects of CS on HSNECs. Impaired VD3 conversion by CS exposure represents a novel mechanism through which CS induces its proinflammatory effects.