Vitamin D/VDR regulates peripheral energy homeostasis via central renin-angiotensin system

Some epidemiological studies have revealed that vitamin D (VD) deficiency is closely linked with the prevalence of obesity, however, the role of VD in energy homeostasis is yet to be investigated, especially in central nervous system. Given that VD negatively regulates renin in adipose tissue, we hypothesized that central VD might play a potential role in energy homeostasis.

The present study aims to investigate the potential role of VD in energy homeostasis in the CNS and elaborate its underlying mechanisms.

This study was conducted in Cyp27b1^-/- mice, VD-treated and wild-type mice. After the intraventricular injection of renin or its inhibitors, the changes of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and its down-stream pathway as well as their effects on metabolic rate were examined.

The RAS activity was enhanced in Cyp27b1^-/- mice, exhibiting a increased metabolic rate. Additionally, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a RAS-mediated protein regulating energy metabolism in the hypothalamus, increased significantly in Cyp27b1^-/- mice. While in VD-treated group, the RAS and sympathetic nerve activities were slightly inhibited, hence the reduced metabolic rate.

Collectively, the present study demonstrates that the VD/vitamin D receptor (VDR) has a significant impact on energy homeostasis through the modulation of RAS activity in the hypothalamus, subsequently altering CRH expression and sympathetic nervous activity.