Synthesis and biological characterization of 1alpha,24,25-trihydroxy-2beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D(3) (24-hydroxylated ED-71)

24-Hydroxylated derivatives were synthesized in 24(R) and 24(S) forms by the convergent method as analogs related to 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-2beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D(3). In the convergent synthesis, the A-ring fragment, synthesized from diethyl D-tartarate, and the C/D-ring fragments in 24(R) and 24(S) forms (vitamin D numbering), obtained from vitamin D(2) via the Inhoffen-Lythgoe diol, were coupled in moderate yields to give 1alpha,24(R),25-trihydroxy-2beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D(3) and 1alpha,24(S),25-trihydroxy-2beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D(3). In preliminary biological evaluations, 24-hydroxylation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-2beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D(3) caused weakened affinity to vitamin D binding protein in vitro and less calcemic activity in vivo compared to the parent compound. While the affinity to vitamin D receptor in 24(R) epimer was sustained, the affinity in 24(S) epimer was less than that of the parent compound.     

Probing the vitamin D sterol-binding pocket of human vitamin D-binding protein with bromoacetate affinity labeling reagents containing the affinity probe at C-3, C-6, C-11, and C-19 positions of parent vitamin D sterols

The multiple physiological properties of vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) include organ-specific transportation of vitamin D(3) and its metabolites, manifested by its ability to bind vitamin D sterols with high affinity. In the present investigation we probed the vitamin D sterol-binding pocket of human DBP with affinity labeling analogs of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) ?25-OH-D(3) and 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) ?1,25(OH)(2)D(3) containing bromoacetate alkylating probe at C-3 (A-ring), C-6 (triene), C-11 (C-ring), and C-19 (exocyclic methylene) of the parent sterol. Competitive binding assays with DBP showed approximately 22-, 68-, and 2000-fold decrease in the binding of 1,25(OH)(2)-D(3)-11-BE, 25-OH-D(3)-3-BE, and 25-OH-D(3)-6-BE, respectively, compared to that seen with 25-OH-D(3), while there was no significant difference in the DBP-binding affinity of 25-OH-D(3)-19-BE and 25-OH-D(3). Surprisingly, ?(14)C25-OH-D(3)-11-BE and ?(14)C1, 25(OH)(2)-D(3)-19-BE failed to label DBP despite high-affinity DBP-binding, indicating the absence of any nucleophilic amino acid in the vicinity of their bromoacetate moiety to form a covalent bond, while these analogs are inside the binding pocket. In contrast, ?(14)C25-OH-D(3)-6-BE and ?(14)C25-OH-D(3)-3-BE specifically labeled DBP. BNPS-skatole digestion of DBP labeled with ?(14)C25-OH-D(3)-3-BE or ?(14)C25-OH-D(3)-6-BE produced two peptides (M(r) 17,400 and 33,840), with radioactivity associated with the N- and C-terminal peptides, respectively, raising the possibility that either different areas of the same vitamin D sterol-binding pocket, or different domains of DBP might be labeled by these analogs. Successful affinity labeling of recombinant domain I (1-203) of DBP with both reagents indicated that different areas of the same vitamin D-binding pocket (domain I) were labeled. These affinity analogs are potentially useful for "mapping" the vitamin D sterol-binding pocket and developing a functional model.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a 3-position diastereomer of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-2beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D3 (ED-71)

A 3-position diastereomer of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-2beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D3 (ED-71, 2), 3-epi-ED-71 (4), was synthesized by the convergent method coupling the A-ring fragment (5) with the C/D-ring fragment (6). As the results of preliminary in vitro biological evaluation of 3-epi-ED-71 (4), the inhibition of parathyroid hormone secretion in bovine parathyroid cells and binding affinity to human recombinant vitamin D receptor and to human vitamin D binding protein in comparison with ED-71 (2), 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3, 1), and 3-epi-1,25(OH)2D3 (3) are described.     

Affinity differences for vitamin D metabolites associated with the genetic isoforms of the human serum carrier protein (DBP)

Human vitamin D binding protein (DBP) displays considerable polymorphism with 120 described alleles. Among these, three alleles are frequently observed, Gc 1F (pI 4.94–4.84), Gc 1S (pI 4.95–4.85) and Gc 2 (pI 5.1). Differences between these genetic forms of the protein in affinity for vitamin D metabolites have been detected by electrophoretic methods. The constant affinity (Ka) values determined in this study confirm these differences. The affinities of six rare variants were also examine. Those of the DBP genetic forms to the vitamin D derivatives 25-OH-D₃ and 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ seem to be related to the isoelectric point of the proteins: a high affinity corresponding to a low isoelectric point. The Gc 1A9 and 1A11 mutants were associated with higher affinity for the vitamin D derivatives and the Gc 1C1 and 1C21 mutants were deficient.     

Vitamin D binding protein and monocyte response to 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D: analysis by mathematical modeling

Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) plays a key role in the bioavailability of active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D) and its precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), but accurate analysis of DBP-bound and free 25OHD and 1,25(OH)(2)D is difficult. To address this, two new mathematical models were developed to estimate: 1) serum levels of free 25OHD/1,25(OH)(2)D based on DBP concentration and genotype; 2) the impact of DBP on the biological activity of 25OHD/1,25(OH)(2)D in vivo. The initial extracellular steady state (eSS) model predicted that 50 nM 25OHD and 100 pM 1,25(OH)(2)D), <0.1% 25OHD and <1.5% 1,25(OH)(2)D are 'free' in vivo. However, for any given concentration of total 25OHD, levels of free 25OHD are higher for low affinity versus high affinity forms of DBP. The eSS model was then combined with an intracellular (iSS) model that incorporated conversion of 25OHD to 1,25(OH)(2)D via the enzyme CYP27B1, as well as binding of 1,25(OH)(2)D to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The iSS model was optimized to 25OHD/1,25(OH)(2)D-mediated in vitro dose-responsive induction of the vitamin D target gene cathelicidin (CAMP) in human monocytes. The iSS model was then used to predict vitamin D activity in vivo (100% serum). The predicted induction of CAMP in vivo was minimal at basal settings but increased with enhanced expression of VDR (5-fold) and CYP27B1 (10-fold). Consistent with the eSS model, the iSS model predicted stronger responses to 25OHD for low affinity forms of DBP. Finally, the iSS model was used to compare the efficiency of endogenously synthesized versus exogenously added 1,25(OH)(2)D. Data strongly support the endogenous model as the most viable mode for CAMP induction by vitamin D in vivo. These novel mathematical models underline the importance of DBP as a determinant of vitamin D 'status' in vivo, with future implications for clinical studies of vitamin D status and supplementation.     

Convergent synthesis, chiral HPLC, and vitamin D receptor affinity of analogs of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol

A series of analogs of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol was obtained with an additional chiral center at the terminus of the aliphatic side chain (C-25). The analogs were obtained from (+)-(R)- and (-)-(S)-2-methylglycidols, by opening of the oxirane ring with the carbanions derived from vitamin D C23a,24- or C22-sulfones. The diastereomeric purity of the analogs was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography on a chiral stationary phase. The binding affinity of analogs for the calf thymus intracellular vitamin D receptor (VDR) was two orders of magnitude lower than that of the lead compound of this group, 24a,24b-dihomo-1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, and it was comparable to the affinity of analogs of 24-nor-1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. However, a twofold difference was observed for analogs diastereomeric at C-25 in their affinity for VDR. The diastereodifferentiation of the binding affinity was found to be specific for vitamin D vicinal 25,26-diols as it disappears for analogs where 26-hydroxyl, neighboring the C-25 chiral center, is replaced with methyl.     

6-Fluoro-vitamin D3: a new antagonist of the biological actions of vitamin D3 and its metabolites which interacts with the intestinal receptor for 1 alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3

The biological activity and the binding affinity for the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] intestinal receptor of a new fluorine-containing vitamin D compound, namely 6-fluoro-vitamin D3 (6-F-D3), is reported. A significant interaction of 6-F-D3 with the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor was found, with a relative competitive index (RCI) of 0.26 +/- 0.04, which is intermediate between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (0.14 +/- 0.01) and 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (0.46 +/- 0.08), where the RCI of 1,25(OH)2D3 is defined to be 100. In contrast, vitamin D3 was unable to interact with the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor. Also, the biological activity of 6-F-D3 was assessed in vivo in the vitamin D-deficient chick. 6-F-D3 at doses up to 130 nmol displayed no biological action on either intestinal calcium absorption (ICA) or bone calcium mobilization (BCM) over the time interval of 14-48 h after dosing. However, when 130 nmol 6-F-D3 was given 2 h before and 6 h after vitamin D3 (1.62 nmol), a significant inhibition of vitamin D-mediated ICA was noted. Also, a dose of 130 nmol 6-F-D3 given 2 h before and 6 h after 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.26 nmol) significantly inhibited ICA, as measured at 12 h. 6-F-D3 is the first vitamin D analog found which has an ability to both bind to the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor and to antagonize the production of biological responses by 1,25(OH)2D3.     

Characterization of a specific, high affinity binding macromolecule for 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in cultured chick kidney cells

Cytosol prepared from vitamin D3-deficient kidney cells in culture contains a 3.7 S protein that specifically binds 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with high affinity and low capacity. Whole kidney homogenate cytosol preparations are shown to possess two 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 binding macromolecules. One of the binding proteins sediments at 3.5 to 3.7 S while the second sediments at 6.0 S. The 6.0 S component has a greater affinity for 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 than for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Cultured cell cytosol was found to have little 6.0 S 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 binding protein. Scatchard analysis of the cultured cell cytosol reveals an equilibrium binding constant (KD) of 5.6 x 10 (-11) with 57 fmol of sites/mg of protein. The receptor-like protein has a Mr = 72,000 and as with other steroid receptors it aggregates in the presence of low potassium concentrations. Analog competition for receptor binding reveals the following potency order: 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 > 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 > 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 > 24(R),25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; the receptor had no detectable affinity for vitamin D3. The kidney cells respond to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by diminishing 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1 alpha-hydroxylation and increasing 24R-hydroxylation. Cultured cells provide a preparation of cytosol which has allowed extensive characterization of the renal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor and should facilitate investigations into the role this receptor plays in renal control of vitamin D3 metabolism.     

Structure function analysis of vitamin D analogs with C-ring modifications.

Analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3) with substitutions on C-11 were synthesized. Small apolar substitutions (11 alpha-methyl, 11 alpha-fluoromethyl) did not markedly decrease the affinity for the vitamin D receptor, but larger (11 alpha-chloromethyl or 11 alpha- or 11 beta-phenyl) or more polar substitutions (11 alpha-hydroxymethyl, 11 alpha-(2-hydroxyethyl] decreased the affinity to less than 5% of that of 1 alpha,25-OH)2D3. Their affinity for the vitamin D-binding protein, however, increased up to 4-fold. The biological activity of 11 alpha-methyl-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 closely resembled that of the natural hormone on normal and leukemic cell proliferation and bone resorption, whereas its in vivo effect on calcium metabolism of the rachitic chick was about 50% of that of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3. The 11 beta-methyl analog had a greater than 10-fold lower activity. The differentiating effects of the other C-11 analogs on human promyeloid leukemia cells (HL-60) agreed well with their bone-resorbing activity and receptor affinity, but they demonstrated lower calcemic effects in vivo. Large or polar substitutions on C-11 of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 thus impair the binding of the vitamin D receptor but increase the affinity to vitamin D-binding protein. The effects of many C-11-substituted 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 analogs on HL-60 cell differentiation exceeded their activity on calcium metabolism.     

Side-chain modified vitamin D analogs require activation of both PI 3-K and erk1,2 signal transduction pathways to induce differentiation of human promyelocytic leukemia cells

Synthetic analogs of vitamin D for potential use in differentiation therapy should selectively regulate genes necessary for differentiation without inducing any perturbations in calcium homeostasis. PRI-1906, an analog of vitamin D2, and PRI-2191, an analog of vitamin D3 bind nuclear vitamin D receptor (nVDR) with substantially lower affinity than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3), but have higher differentiation-inducing activity as estimated in HL-60 leukemia cellmodel. To examine how their increased differentiation-inducing activity is regulated we tested the hypothesis that membrane-mediated events, unrelated to nVDR, take part in the differentiation in response to PRI-1906 and PRI-2191. The induction of leukemia cell differentiation in response to the analogs of vitamin D was inhibited by LY294002 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor), PD98059 (inhibitor of MEK1,2, an upstream regulator of extracellular-signal regulated kinase) and rapamycin (p70S6K inhibitor) pointing out that activation of signal transduction pathways unrelated to nVDR is necessary for differentiation. On the other hand, inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A2 accelerated the differentiation of HL-60 cells induced by either 1,25-D3 or by the vitamin D analogs suggesting possible existence of a feedback loop between extracellular-signal regulated kinases and phospholipase A2.     

Synthesis and biological activity of the 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 diastereomer with unnatural configuration at the rings C/D side-chain moiety

1Alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 diastereomer, differing from the parent compound in configuration at four asymmetric carbon atoms in the rings C/D and side chain (C13, C14, C17 and C20), was synthesized and shown to have a significant affinity for the vitamin D receptor.     

Characterization of 25-hydroxyvitamin D binding protein from intestinal cells

We have previously purified a cytosolic vitamin D metabolite binding protein (cDBP) from rat enterocytes, which has characteristics distinct from other vitamin D binding proteins. In these studies, we demonstrate that cDBP in a semi-purified fraction from human intestinal cells (Caco-2 cells) binds 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) with at least a 1000-fold greater affinity than 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D) or 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Treatment of cells with 1,25(OH)(2)D reduced 25OHD binding to approximately one third that of the untreated cells (0.42 CPM/mg total protein vs 1.34 CPM/mg total protein, respectively). Finally, the cDBP is not immunoreactive to antibodies prepared against the C-terminus of the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). In summary, cDBP bound 25OHD with greater affinity than either 1,25(OH)(2)D or 24,25 dihydroxyvitamin D, the cytosolic binding activity was down-regulated by 1,25(OH)(2)D and cBDP is distinct from the nuclear VDR.     

Effects of novel 26,27-dialkyl analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on differentiation-inducing activity of human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells in serum-supplemented or serum-free culture.

Monocytic differentiation-inducing activity of steroidal side chain-lengthened 26,27-dialkyl analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was examined in human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells in serum-supplemented or serum-free culture. The order of in vitro potency for reducing nitroblue tetrazolium was 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-26,27-dimethylvitamin D3 greater than or equal to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-26,27-diethylvitamin D3 much greater than 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-26,27-dipropylvitamin D3 under serum-free culture conditions. Analysis by sucrose density-gradient centrifugation or polyethylene glycol precipitation technique showed that the potency order for differentiation-inducing activity correlated well with binding affinity of these analogs for vitamin D3 receptor of HL-60 cells. Under serum-supplemented culture conditions, the lack of correlation between biologic activity and analog-binding affinity for receptor was caused by differences in binding affinity of these analogs for serum vitamin D-binding proteins. These results suggest that serum vitamin D-binding proteins apparently modulate monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells by these analogs under serum-supplemented culture conditions.     

Synthesis and biological evaluations of A-ring isomers of 26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The activated vitamin D3 derivative 26,27-F6-1alpha,25(OH)2D3 (2a), its three A-ring diastereomers (2b, 2c, 2d), and 5,6-trans isomer (2e) were prepared. Two analogues (2b, 2c) of these isomers were synthesized by a palladium catalyzed coupling reaction using vinyl bromide 5 and enynes (6a, 6b), which were derived from readily commercially available 2S-(+)-glycidyl p-toluenesulfonate 7, as a common starting material. Competitive vitamin D receptor (VDR) binding affinities of these diastereomers of 2a were evaluated. Interestingly, the stereochemical effects at C-1,3 of 2a were considerably more moderate than those of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 (1). In particular, isomerization at the 5,6-double bond of 2a only slightly reduced VDR affinity, whereas 5,6-trans-1alpha,25(OH)2D3 had a significantly lower binding affinity than 1.     

Ligands with a 3,3-diphenylpentane skeleton for nuclear vitamin D and androgen receptors: Dual activities and metabolic activation

Ligands possessing dual vitamin D(3) (VD(3))-agonistic and androgen-antagonistic activities with various activity spectra were prepared based on a substituted 3,3-diphenylpentane (DPP) skeleton. Among the compounds, (R,S)-DPP-1023 [(R,S)-7b] and (S,S)-DPP-0123 [(S,S)-7c] showed the most potent vitamin D(3)-agonistic activity [with potency comparable to that of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-VD(3))] and nuclear androgen receptor (AR)-binding activity (with higher affinity than that of hydroxyflutamide), respectively. Metabolic activation (reduction of the carbonyl group) of pivaloyl analogs [DPP-1113 (3a), DPP-1013 (3b), DPP-0113 (3c), and DPP-0013 (3d)] in HL-60 cells was found to be necessary for binding to nuclear vitamin D(3) receptor (VDR).     

The role of vitamin E in metabolism and reception of vitamin D

It was found that calcium exchange disturbances under vitamin E deficiency is due to changes in the metabolism of vitamin D. In vitamin E-deficient rats the serum blood levels of hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) showed no significant changes, whereas the concentration of the hormonal form of 1.25-hydroxyvitamin D [1.25(OH)2D], decreased by 40%. In vitro studies showed that the 25-hydroxylase D3 activity in the livers of rats with E-avitaminosis had a tendency to decrease (by 22%), whereas that of 24-hydroxylase dropped drastically (by 52%). The serum blood levels of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and kidney levels of cAMP under E-avitaminosis were significantly lowered. Preincubation of kidney slices with the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, increased the activity of 1-OHase in about the same degree as that in vitamin E-rich rats. The free radical scavenger, BHT, added to kidney slices suppressed the activity of the both enzymes; this finding testifies to the low O2-binding affinity of these monooxygenases. The content of 1.25(OH)2D3 receptors occupied in vivo in the kidneys of vitamin E-deficient rats decreased 2.5-fold; however, the binding of 1.25(OH)2D3-receptor complexes to heterologous DNA was unaffected thereby. The vitamin deficiency in vivo results in the inhibition of vitamin D metabolism in the liver and kidney concomitant with the formation of active metabolites and decreases the concentration of hormone-receptor complexes in target tissues.     

Determination of the affinity of vitamin D metabolites to serum vitamin D binding protein using assay employing lipid-coated polystyrene beads.

We have developed an assay to measure the affinity of serum vitamin D binding protein for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and vitamin D3, using uniform diameter (6.4 microns) polystyrene beads coated with phosphatidylcholine and vitamin D metabolites as the vitamin D donor. The lipid metabolite coated beads have a solid core, and thus all of the vitamin D metabolites are on the bead surface from which transfer to protein occurs. After incubating these beads in neutral buffer for 3 h, essentially no 3H-labeled vitamin D metabolites desorb from this surface. Phosphatidylcholine/vitamin D metabolite-coated beads (1 microM vitamin D metabolite) were incubated with varying concentrations of serum vitamin D binding protein under conditions in which the bead surfaces were saturated with protein, but most of the protein was free in solution. After incubation, beads were rapidly centrifuged without disturbing the equilibrium of binding and vitamin D metabolite bound to sDBP in solution was assayed in the supernatant. All three vitamin D metabolites became bound to serum vitamin D binding protein, and after 10 min of incubation the transfer of the metabolites to serum vitamin D binding protein was time independent. The transfer followed a Langmuir isotherm, and the Kd for each metabolite binding to serum vitamin D binding protein was derived by nonlinear least-squares fit analysis. From this analysis the following values for the Kd were obtained: 5.59 x 10(-6) M, 25-hydroxyvitamin D; 9.45 x 10(-6) M, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D; and 9.17 x 10(-5) M, vitamin D. In conclusion, we have developed a method which avoids problems encountered in previous assays and allows the precise and convenient determination of binding affinities of vitamin D metabolites and serum vitamin D binding protein.     

Probing the structural requirements for vitamin D3 inhibition of the hedgehog signaling pathway

A structure-activity relationship study to elucidate the structural basis for hedgehog (Hh) signaling inhibition by vitamin D3 (VD3) was performed. Functional and non-functional regions of VD3 and VD2 were obtained through straightforward synthetic means and their biological activity was determined in a variety of cell-based assays. Several of these compounds inhibited Hh signaling at levels comparable to the parent VD3 with no effects on canonical vitamin D signaling. Most notably, compounds 5 and 9, demonstrated potent inhibition of the Hh pathway, exhibited no binding affinity for the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and did not activate VDR in cell culture. In addition, several compounds exhibited anti-proliferative activity against two human cancer cell lines through a mechanism distinct from the Hh or VDR pathways, suggesting a new cellular mechanism of action for this class of compounds.     

Synthesis, biologic activity, and protein binding characteristics of a new vitamin D analog, 22-hydroxyvitamin D3

We synthesized a novel vitamin D analog, 22-hydroxyvitamin D3 9 and tested its biologic activity (and antivitamin properties) in vivo in vitamin D-deficient rats, and in vitro in the chick embryonic duodenum. We examined its ability to bind to the sterol carrier protein, vitamin D binding protein and the chick intestinal cytosol receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The new vitamin 9 was synthesized from 3 beta-hydroxy-22,23-dinorcholenic acid 1 in 12 steps. The vitamin 9 displayed no vitamin D agonist activity in the intestine or in bone in vivo and did not block the activity of vitamin D3 or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. It was a weak vitamin D3 agonist in the chick embryonal duodenum in vitro. It did not antagonize the activity of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Vitamin 9 bound to the chick intestinal cytosol receptor with low affinity. 22-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and various vitamin D sterols were bound to vitamin D binding protein in the following order: 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. (24R)-24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and (25S)-25,26-dihydroxyvitamin D3 greater than 22-hydroxyvitamin D3 greater than 11 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 greater than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 greater than vitamin D3. We conclude that the introduction of a hydroxyl group at C-22 in the side chain of the vitamin D3 molecule decreases its biological activity.