Comparative studies on the contents of vitamin D3, 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 and 7-dehydrocholesterol in fish liver

• 1.1. The contents of vitamin D₃, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D₃) and 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) in 22 kinds of fish liver samples were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method.
• 2.2. Vitamin D₃ was detected in all fish liver samples, but its contents varied from 84 to 264,000 ng/g wet tissue. The liver of fish belonging to Carangidae and Scombridae contained large amounts of the vitamin and therefore we deduced that vitamin D₃ levels in liver might have some relations with taxonomical positions of fishes.
• 3.3. 25-OH-D₃ was detected in 7 out of 22 kinds of fish liver samples, while 7-DHC was in 14 out of 22. The contents of the two sterols were generally much lower than those of vitamin D₃ and there was no special relationship between the contents of the sterols and the vitamin.

     

Topographical and developmental studies on target sites of 1,25 (OH2) vitamin D3 in skin

Summary Tritium-labeled 1,25 (OH₂) vitamin D₃, when injected into vitamin D-deficient adult and pregnant rats is concentrated and retained strongest in nuclei of cells in the outer root sheath of the hair, followed by the stratum granulosum, spinosum, and basale of the epidermis. In the hair follicle, in addition to the most heavily labeled outer root sheath, nuclear labeling exists also in cells of the hair bulb and of the inner root sheath, as well as in basal cells of the sebaceous gland. In contrast, cells of the dermal papilla and the connective tissue of the dermis are generally unlabeled, except for labeled cells in the outer connective tissue sheath at the infundibulum of vibrissae of 20-day fetal rats and a few scattered labeled cells in the dermis, probably macrophages. In the developing hair, in 18- and 20-day fetal rats, a distinct topographic pattern of labeled cells can be seen, which is characteristic of the different stages of hair follicle development. In the hair germ, heavily labeled cells appear first in the stratum spinosum. In the hair peg, they remain in this position in its juxtaepidermal portion; however, when a dermal papilla develops, heavily labeled cells assume a marginal position. This suggests a sequential epidermal-epidermal and mesenchymal-epidermal receptor induction. Injection of tritium labeled 25 (OH) vitamin D₃ did not show nuclear concentration in these tissues and excess unlabeled 25 (OH) vitamin D₃ — unlike excess 1,25 (OH₂) vitamin D₃ — did not prevent nuclear uptake of tritium labeled 1,25 (OH₂) vitamin D₃. The results indicate differential effects of 1,25 (OH₂) vitamin D₃ on different structures in the epidermis and dermis.Supported by US PHS grant PCM8200569     

Isolation and identification of 23,25-dihydroxy-24-oxo-vitamin D3: A metabolite of vitamin D3

A new metabolite of vitamin D₃ has been isolated in pure form from incubations of rat kidney homogenates with 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [25-OH-D₃]. It was identified as 23,25-dihydroxy-24-oxo-vitamin D₃ [23,25(OH)₂-24-oxo-D₃] by means of ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry. Also, 25-OH-D₃-26,23-lactone and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ were obtained from the same incubation mixtures. The enzyme activity responsible for the conversion of 25-OH-D₃ to 23,25(OH)₂-24-oxo-D₃ was induced by perfusion of the kidneys $\text{in}\text{vitro}$ with 50 nM 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [1,25(OH)₂D₃].     

Use of vitamin D4 analogs to investigate differences in hepatic and target cell metabolism of vitamins D2 and D3

In this study, we used molecules with either of the structural differences in the side chains of vitamin D₂ and vitamin D₃ to investigate which feature is responsible for the significant differences in their respective metabolism, pharmacokinetics and toxicity. We used two cell model systems—HepG2 and HPK1A-ras—to study hepatic and target cell metabolism, respectively. Studies with HepG2 revealed that the pattern of 24- and 26-hydroxylation of the side chain reported for 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₂ (1α-OH-D₂) but not for 1α-OH-D₃ is also observed in both 1α-OH-D₄ and Δ²²-1α-OH-D₃ metabolism. This suggests that the structural feature responsible for targeting the enzyme to the C24 or C26 site could be either the C24 methyl group or the 22–23 double bond. In HPK1A-ras cells, the pattern of metabolism observed for the 24-methylated derivative, 1α,25-(OH)₂D₄, was the same pattern of multiple hydroxylations at C24, C26 and C28 seen for vitamin D₂ compounds without evidence of side chain cleavage observed for vitamin D₃ derivatives, suggesting that the C24 methyl group plays a major role in this difference in target cell metabolism of D₂ and D₃ compounds. Novel vitamin D₄ compounds were tested and found to be active in a variety of in vitro biological assays. We conclude that vitamin D₄ analogs and their metabolites offer valuable insights into vitamin D analog design, metabolic enzymes and maybe useful clinically.     

Metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in kidney homogenates of chicks supplemented with vitamin D3.

Kidney homogenates from chicks fed a vitamin D-deficient diet for 10 days and supplemented with 6.5 nmol of vitamin D₃ 48 hr prior to sacrifice metabolized $\text{in}\text{vitro}\text{[}{}^3\text{H}\text{]}$-25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D₃) to 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [24,25-(OH)₂-D₃] and 3 other metabolites (peaks A, C and E). When the homogenates were incubated with purified [³H]-24,25-(OH)₂-D₃, 3 similar metabolites (peaks A′, C′ and E′) were produced. On high pressure liquid chromatography, peaks A, C and E migrated to exactly the same respective positions as peaks A′, C′ and E′. Kidney homogenates from D-deficient chicks failed to produce these metabolites from [³H]-25-OH-D₃ or [³H]-24,25-(OH)₂-D₃. These results strongly suggest that the new metabolites reported here are synthesized via 24,25-(OH)₂-D₃ in the kidney of chicks supplemented with vitamin D₃.     

Transformation of vitamin D3 to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 via 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 using Amycolata sp. strains

To enzymatically synthesize active metabolites of vitamin D₃, we screened about 500 bacterial strains and 450 fungal strains, of which 12 strains were able to convert vitamin D₃ to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [1,25(OH)₂D₃] via 25-hyroxyvitamin D₃ [25(OH)D₃]. The conversion activity was only detected in strains belonging to the genus Amycolata among all the organisms tested. A preparative-scale conversion of vitamin D₃ to 25(OH)D₃ and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in a 200-1 tank fermentor using A. autotrophica FERM BP-1573 was accomplished, yielding 8.3 mg 25(OH)D₃/l culture and 0.17 mg 1,25(OH)₂D₃/l culture. A related compound, vitamin D₂, could be also converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂ and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ using the same strain. The cytochrome P-450 of FERM BP-1573 was detected by reduced CO difference spectra in whole-cell suspensions. Vitamin D₃ in the culture induced cytochrome P-450 and the conversion activity simultaneously, suggesting that the hydroxylation at C-25 of vitamin D₃ and at C-1 of 25(OH)D₃ originates from cytochrome P-450.Correspondence to: J. Sasaki     

Simplified method for the determination of 25-hydroxy and 1α,25-dihydroxy metabolites of vitamins D2 and D3 in human plasma application to nutritional studies

A simplified method for the determination of 25-hydroxy and 1α,25-dihydroxy metabolites of vitamins D₂ and D₃ in human plasma was developed. Plasma samples were deproteinizated and applied to a Bond Elut C₁₈ OH cartridge to separate 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) and 1α-25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)₂D] fractions. The 25-OH-D fraction was purified by a Bond Elut C₁₈ cartridge and 25-OH-D₂ and 25-OH-D₃ were assayed by HPLC using a Zorbax SIL column. The 1,25(OH)₂D fraction obtained above was subsequently applied to HPLC using a Zorbax SIL column to separate 1,25(OH)₂D₂ and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ fractions which were determined by a radioreceptor assay (RRA) using calf thymus receptor. The method was applied to nutritional studies.     

Cross-talk among structural domains of human DBP upon binding 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Serum vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) is structurally very similar to serum albumin (ALB); both have three distinct structural domains and high cysteine-content. Yet, functionally they are very different. DBP possesses high affinity for vitamin D metabolites and G-actin, but ALB does not. It has been suggested that there may be cross-talk among the domains so that binding of one ligand may influence the binding of others. In this study we have employed 2-p-toluidinyl-6-sulfonate (TNS), a reporter molecule that fluoresces upon binding to hydrophobic pockets of DBP. We observed that recombinant domain III possesses strong binding for TNS, which is not influenced by 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D₃), yet TNS fluorescence of the whole protein is quenched by 25-OH-D₃. These results provide a direct evidence of cross-talk among the structural domains of DBP.     

Circadian rhythm of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 production in egg-laying hens.

The activity of renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃(25-OH-D₃)-1α- and 24-hydroxylase and the plasma concentrations of vitamin D metabolites were investigated in relation to the ovulatory cycle in egg-laying hens. The time after ovulation was estimated from the position of the egg in the oviduct and the dry weight of the egg-shell. The $\text{in}\text{vitro}$ renal 25-OH-D₃-1α-hydroxylase activity was significantly enhanced 14–16 hr after ovulation, whereas 25-OH-D₃-24-hydroxylase activity remained unchanged. The plasma level of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1α,25-(OH)₂-D] was also increased 14–16 hr after ovulation in accord with the enhancement of the renal 1α-hydroxylase activity. The plasma level of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D did not change during the ovulatory cycle. These results strongly suggest that 1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃ production in the kidney varies in a circadian rhythm during the ovulatory cycle in egg-laying hens.     

Metabolism and Action of the Hormone Vitamin D: Its Relation to Diseases of Calcium Homeostasis

Extensive experimental evidence has established a significant role of calciferol in the maintenance of normal calcium homeostasis. Present knowledge indicates that vitamin D₃ must first be converted to 25-OH-D₃ and then to 1,25(OH)₂D₃, the most active known form of the steroid. Many of the factors regulating the rate of production of this last steroid from its precurser have been evaluated, and the concept that vitamin D functions as a steroid hormone seems to be well established.Deranged action of calciferol, caused by impaired metabolism of the steroid or through altered sensitivity of target tissues, may be involved in the pathophysiology of several disease states with abnormal calcium metabolism.It is noted that liver disease, osteomalacia due to anticonvulsant therapy, chronic renal failure, hypophosphatemic rickets, hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis and idiopathic hypercalciuria have possible relation to alterations in metabolism or action of vitamin D.The future clinical availability of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and other analogs of this steroid may offer potential therapeutic benefit in the treatment of certain of the disease entities discussed.     

Metabolism of 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in perfused rat liver.

The metabolism of 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (1α-OH-D₃) was studied in rat liver perfused with [³H]-1α-OH-D₃. [³H]-1α-OH-D₃ was converted very rapidly to a more polar metabolite, which was identified as 1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D₃ [1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃] by co-chromatography with synthetic 1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃ as well as by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. [³H]-1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃ appeared in the perfusate as early as 20 min after addition of [³H]-1α-OH-D₃, and its level in the perfusate increased linearly for at least 120 min. These data strongly indicate that 1α-OH-D₃ is metabolized to 1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃, which exerts biological effects on bone and intestine.     

Bone resorbing activities of 24-hydroxy stereoisomers of 24-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

R and S isomers of 24-OH-D₃ and 24,25-(OH)₂D₃ were tested for their effects on bone resorption $\text{in vitro}$. 24(R), 25-(OH)₂D₃ was more active than 24(S),25-(OH)₂D₃. Likewise, 24(R)-OH-D₃ was more active than 24(S)-OH-D₃. The bone resorbing activity of 24(R)-OH-D₃ was equivalent to that of 25-OH-D₃; 24(R),25-(OH)₂D₃ was somewhat less potent. The results indicate that there is discrimination between the isomers of these compounds at the level of the responding tissue.     

A specific binding protein for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in rat intestinal cytosol.

In the presence of 0.3 M potassium chloride and 0.5 mM dithiothreitol, rat intestinal cytosol contains two binding proteins for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25-(OH)₂D₃)¹ having sedimentation coefficients of 3.2S and 5–6S. The 3.2S protein is specific for 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ as determined by competition analysis, whereas the 5–6S protein binds 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D₃) exclusively.     

Induction of calcium-binding protein in organ-cultured chick intestine by fluoro analogs of vitamin D3

Vitamin D-like steroids added to the culture medium induce a specific calcium-binding protein (CaBP) in embryonic chick duodenum maintained in organ culture. This system provides a biologically relevant assay, i.e., a physiological response in a principle target organ, for the study of the relative biopotency of vitamin D metabolites and analogs. A number of fluoro analogs of vitamin D₃ (D₃) and its metabolites were assayed in the present study. Analogs fluorinated in the lα position (1α-F-D₃) or in both the 1α and 25 positions (1α,25-F₂-D₃) were markedly more potent than vitamin D₃ itself although 1α,25-F₂-D₃ was only $\text{1}\text{7}\text{th}$ as potent as 1α-F-D₃. The 25-fluoro analog (25-F-D₃) was a very weak inducer; only $\text{1}\text{45}\text{th}$ as potent as vitamin D₃. The 25-fluoro analog of 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (1α-OH-25-F-D₃) was less potent than its nonfluorinated counterpart. Although 25-fluorination reduced biopotency in all other analogs tested, 24R-OH-25-F-D₃ was about 15 times more potent than 24R,25-(OH)₂-D₃. Of considerable interest was the effect of difluorination at the 24-carbon position: both 24,24-F₂-25-OH-D₃ and 24,24-F₂-1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃ were about four times as potent as their nonfluorinated counterparts. The 24,24-F₂-1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃ is, therefore, the most potent vitamin D₃ analog yet tested in this system i.e., it is four times more potent than the most potent naturally occurring vitamin D₃ metabolite, 1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃.     

Synergistic effect of low K and D vitamin status on arterial stiffness in a general population

Both vitamins K and D are nutrients with pleiotropic functions in human tissues. The metabolic role of these vitamins overlaps considerably in calcium homeostasis. We analyzed their potential synergetic effect on arterial stiffness. In a cross-sectional study, we analyzed aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) in 1023 subjects from the Czech post-MONICA study. Desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix γ-carboxyglutamate protein (dp-ucMGP), a biomarker of vitamin K status, was measured by sandwich ELISA and 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D₃) by a commercial immunochemical assay. In a subsample of 431 subjects without chronic disease or pharmacotherapy, we detected rs2228570 polymorphism for the vitamin D receptor. After adjustment for confounders, aPWV was independently associated with both factors: dp-ucMGP [β-coefficient(S.E.M.) = 13.91(4.87); P=.004] and 25-OH-D₃ [0.624(0.28); P=.027]. In a further analysis, we divided subjects according to dp-ucMGP and 25-OH-D₃ quartiles, resulting in 16 subgroups. The highest aPWV had subjects in the top quartile of dp-ucMGP plus bottom quartile of 25-OH-D₃ (i.e., in those with insufficient status of both vitamin K and vitamin D), while the lowest aPVW had subjects in the bottom quartile of dp-ucMGP plus top quartile of 25-OH-D₃ [9.8 (SD2.6) versus 6.6 (SD1.6) m/s; P<.0001]. When we compared these extreme groups of vitamin K and D status, the adjusted odds ratio for aPWV≥9.3 m/s was 6.83 (95% CI:1.95–20.9). The aPWV was also significantly higher among subjects bearing the GG genotype of rs2228570, but only in those with a concomitantly poor vitamin K status. In conclusion, we confirmed substantial interaction of insufficient K and D vitamin status in terms of increased aortic stiffness.     

Oral Supplementation with Cholecalciferol 800 IU Ameliorates Albuminuria in Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Nephropathy

Background

Low vitamin D levels can be associated with albuminuria, and vitamin D analogs are effective anti-proteinuric agents. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in vitamin D levels between those with micro- and those with macroalbuminuria, and to determine whether low dose cholecalciferol increases vitamin D levels and ameliorates albuminuria.

Methods

Two studies were performed in which 25-OH vitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃) concentrations were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay: 1) a cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 481) and healthy controls (n = 78); and 2) a longitudinal study of T2DM patients with albuminuria treated with conventional doses, 800 IU, of cholecalciferol for 6 months (n = 22), and a control group (n = 24).

Results

1) Cross-sectional study: Compared to controls and T2DM patients with normoalbuminuria, serum 25(OH)D₃ concentrations were significantly lower in patients with macro-albuminuria, but not in those with micro-albuminuria. Serum 25(OH)D₃ levels were independently correlated with microalbuminuria. 2) Longitudinal study: Cholecalciferol significantly decreased microalbuminuria in the early stages of treatment, in conjunction with an increase in serum 25(OH)D₃ levels.

Conclusions

Low vitamin D levels are common in type 2 diabetic patients with albuminuria, particularly in patients with macroalbuminuria, but not in those with microalbuminuria. Conventional doses of cholecalciferol may have antiproteinuric effects on Chinese type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy.     

Early effect of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2-D3) on the ability of parathyroid hormone (PTH) to elevate cyclic AMP of intact bone cells.

25-OH-D₃ and 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ had no effects by themselves on the cyclic AMP levels of isolated bone cells but enhanced the stimulation seen following an exposure with submaximal concentrations of PTH for as little as 2 minutes. Preincubation with the 25-OH-D₃ or 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ resulted in a time dependent decrease in the enhancement of PTH response over a 1 hr period. It is, therefore, suggested that cyclic AMP may be involved in some aspects of the action of vitamin D₃ derivatives on bone cells.     

Temporal Relationship between Vitamin D Status and Parathyroid Hormone in the United States

Background

Interpretation of parathyroid hormone (iPTH) requires knowledge of vitamin D status that is influenced by season.

Objective

Characterize the temporal relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ levels [25(OH)D₃] and intact iPTH for several seasons, by gender and latitude in the U.S. and relate 25-hydrovitamin D₂ [25(OH)D₂] levels with PTH levels and total 25(OH)D levels.

Method

We retrospectively determined population weekly-mean concentrations of unpaired [25(OH)D₂ and 25(OH)D₃] and iPTH using 3.8 million laboratory results of adults. The 25(OH)D₃ and iPTH distributions were normalized and the means fit with a sinusoidal function for both gender and latitudes: North >40, Central 32–40 and South <32 degrees. We analyzed PTH and total 25(OH)D separately in samples with detectable 25(OH)D₂ (≥4 ng/mL).

Findings

Seasonal variation was observed for all genders and latitudes. 25(OH)D₃ peaks occurred in September and troughs in March. iPTH levels showed an inverted pattern of peaks and troughs relative to 25(OH)D₃, with a delay of 4 weeks. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was common (33% <20 ng/mL; 60% <30 ng/mL) as was elevated iPTH levels (33%>65 pg/mL). The percentage of patients deficient in 25(OH)D₃ seasonally varied from 21% to 48% and the percentage with elevated iPTH reciprocally varied from 28% to 38%. Patients with detectable 25(OH)D₂ had higher PTH levels and 57% of the samples with a total 25(OH)D > 50 ng/mL had detectable 25(OH)D₂.

Interpretation

25(OH)D₃ and iPTH levels vary in a sinusoidal pattern throughout the year, even in vitamin D₂ treated patients; 25(OH)D₃, being higher in the summer and lower in the winter months, with iPTH showing the reverse pattern. A large percentage of the tested population showed vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. These observations held across three latitudinal regions, both genders, multiple-years, and in the presence or absence of detectable 25(OH)D₂, and thus are applicable for patient care.     

Evidence for the metabolism of 24R-hydroxy-25-fluorovitamin D3 and 1alpha-hydroxy-25-fluorovitamin D3 to 1alpha,24R-dihydroxy-25-fluorovitamin D3.

High-pressure liquid chromatography capable of resolving all known vitamin D metabolites and a sensitive competitive binding protein assay specific for 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ were used to assay the blood of rats dosed with ethanol, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 24R-hydroxy-25-fluorovitamin D₃, or 1α-hydroxy-25-fluorovitamin D₃. Compared to the ethanoldosed animals, the blood of rats dosed with 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃ had increased levels of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃; but those dosed with the fluorinated vitamins did not. Instead, their blood contained a compound that cochromatographs with 1α,24R-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ on high-pressure liquid chromatography and binds to the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ receptor proteins. 1α,24R-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ binds as well as 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ to the chick-intestinal cytosol receptor protein for 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃; whereas 1α,24S-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ binds only one-tenth as well as 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃. Thus it appears that in vivo, the fluorinated vitamin D compounds are converted to a compound likely to be 1α,24R-dihydroxy-25-fluorovitamin D₃ and that may rival the potency of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.     

Effect of dietary calcium and phosphorus on intestinal calcium absorption and vitamin D metabolism.

To understand better dietary regulation of intestinal calcium absorption, a quantitative assessment of the metabolites in plasma and duodenum of rats given daily doses of radioactive vitamin D₃ and diets differing in calcium and phosphorus content was made. All known vitamin D metabolites were ultimately identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography. In addition to the known metabolites (25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, 25,26-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, and 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D₃), several new and unidentified metabolites were found. In addition to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D₃, the levels of some of the unknown metabolites could be correlated with intestinal calcium transport. However, whether or not any of these metabolites plays a role in the stimulation of intestinal calcium absorption by low dietary calcium or low dietary phosphorus remains unknown.