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Published on: December 9, 2015
Metabolomics: A potential way to know the role of vitamin D on multiple sclerosis
Diego Luque-Córdoba1, María D Luque de Castro1
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; University of Córdoba Agroalimentary Excellence Campus, ceiA3, Spain; Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, E-14005 Córdoba, Spain.
Abstract:
The literature about the influence of vitamin D on multiple sclerosis (MS) is very controversial, possibly as a result of the way through which the research on the subject has been conducted. The studies developed so far have been focused exclusively on gene expression: the effect of a given vitamin D metabolite on target receptors. The influence of the vitamin D status (either natural or after supplementation) on MS has been studied by measurement of the 25 monohydroxylated metabolite (also known as circulating form), despite the 1,25 dihydroxylated metabolite is considered the active form. In the light of the multiple metabolic pathways in which both forms of vitamin D (D2 and D3) are involved, monitoring of the metabolites is crucial to know the activity of the target enzymes as a function of both the state of the MS patient and the clinical treatment applied. The study of metabolomics aspects is here proposed to clarify the present controversy. In "omics" terms, our proposal is to take profit from up-stream information-thus is, from metabolomics to genomics-with a potential subsequent step to systems biology, if required.
Insights
Investigating vitamin D
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- The role of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis (MS) is controversial.
- Previous studies focused on gene expression and circulating vitamin D metabolites.
- The active form of vitamin D and its metabolic pathways in MS are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the controversy surrounding vitamin D's influence on MS.
- To propose metabolomics as a novel approach to study vitamin D in MS.
- To investigate the activity of vitamin D metabolites and their relation to MS patient status and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Focus on metabolomics to analyze vitamin D pathways.
- Monitoring of both vitamin D2 and D3 metabolites.
- Assessing enzyme activity in relation to MS patient condition and treatment.
Main Results:
- The current literature presents conflicting findings on vitamin D and MS.
- Existing research has limitations in assessing vitamin D's active form and metabolic pathways.
- A metabolomics approach offers a more comprehensive understanding.
Conclusions:
- Metabolomics can clarify the controversial role of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis.
- Monitoring specific vitamin D metabolites is crucial for understanding MS.
- This approach may link metabolomics to genomics and systems biology for future MS research.
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