Vitamin D Auto-/Paracrine System Is Involved in Modulation of Glucocorticoid-Induced Changes in Angiogenesis/Bone

Olha Lisakovska1, Ihor Shymanskyi1, Dmytro Labudzynskyi1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry of Vitamins and Coenzymes, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine.

Insights

Vitamin D3 supplementation can counteract bone loss caused by glucocorticoids by improving bone remodeling, angiogenesis, and mineral metabolism. This study highlights vitamin D

Area of Science:

  • Bone Biology and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential medications but induce osteoporosis, a significant side effect.
  • The role of vitamin D (VD) in bone homeostasis is established, yet its specific mechanisms in GC-induced bone disturbances are unclear.
  • Understanding VD's impact on GC-affected bone remodeling is crucial for mitigating GC-induced bone loss.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and GC-induced alterations in bone remodeling.
  • To elucidate how VD influences the coupling of angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone resorption under GC treatment.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential of VD3 in preventing GC-induced bone pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Prednisolone administration to female Wistar rats, with or without vitamin D3 supplementation.
  • Assessment of femur biomechanical properties, serum mineral and alkaline phosphatase levels.
  • Analysis of VEGF-A, caspase-3, VDR, Cyp27b1 mRNA, and RANK expression.

Main Results:

  • Glucocorticoid treatment significantly reduced bone biomechanical parameters and serum 25(OH)D levels.
  • GCs impaired VD auto/paracrine signaling, increased apoptosis (caspase-3), and reduced angiogenesis (VEGF-A) and osteoclast marker (RANK).
  • Vitamin D3 supplementation normalized 25(OH)D, improved gene expression, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced bone mineral and biomechanical properties.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D3 effectively mitigates GC-induced bone remodeling disturbances.
  • VD3 supplementation restores angiogenesis/osteogenesis coupling and improves bone mineral and biomechanical integrity.
  • Vitamin D3 demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for managing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

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