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Vitamin D Inhibits Adipokine Production and Inflammatory Signaling Through the Vitamin D Receptor in Human Adipocytes

Hataikarn Nimitphong1,2, Weimin Guo2, Michael F Holick2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|February 24, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Vitamin D, specifically 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, reduces inflammation and adipokine expression in human fat cells. This suggests vitamin D supplementation may help manage obesity-related metabolic issues.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation.
  • Obesity is linked to chronic inflammation and altered adipokine profiles.
  • Vitamin D's role in metabolic health is an area of active research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of vitamin D on adipokine expression and inflammation in human adipose tissue.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying vitamin D's effects on adipocytes.
  • To evaluate the role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in mediating these actions.

Main Methods:

  • Human omental and subcutaneous adipose tissues were treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.
  • Adipokine levels, gene expression, and inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-κB, ERK1/2) were analyzed.
  • RNA interference was used to knock down the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in adipocytes.

Main Results:

  • 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 significantly suppressed leptin and IL-6 expression and secretion in adipose tissue.
  • Vitamin D inhibited inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, in adipocytes.
  • VDR knockdown abrogated the inhibitory effects of vitamin D on adipokine expression and inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D, acting via the VDR, effectively inhibits inflammatory pathways and adipokine production in human adipocytes.
  • Enhancing vitamin D status may offer a therapeutic strategy to reduce adipose tissue inflammation.
  • This could potentially ameliorate metabolic complications associated with obesity.

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