Effect of 1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3 on growth, homologous receptor and c-myc regulation in C3H/10T1/2 cells

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) receptor concentration, cell proliferation, and the steady-state level of c-myc mRNA were examined in the C3H/10T1/2 mouse embryo fibroblasts, before and after exposing the cells to 1,25-(OH)2D3. The non-transformed, logarithmically growing C3H/10T1/2 Cl 8 cells contained a high concentration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor (164 fmol/mg of protein). An up-regulation of the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor and a potent inhibition of cell growth were observed by exposing the cells to 10 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3. The concentration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor in the two chemically transformed, tumorigenic cell lines. C3H/10T1/2 Cl 16 and C3H/10T1/2 TPA 482, was 218 and 63 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. In the two transformed cell lines, 10 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 had only negligible effect on cell growth. In the Cl 16 cells, an up-regulation of the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor was demonstrated, but only a weak up-regulation was found in the TPA 482 cells by the 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment. No major changes were found in c-myc mRNA levels by the 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment. Despite inhibition of cell growth, the steady-state level of c-myc mRNA was slightly induced (35%, mean) in the Cl 8 cells compared to control cells. In the transformed cells, no consistent change of the c-myc level was found. In contrast to earlier reports, we did not find any correlation between the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor and c-myc level, nor did we find any decrease of c-myc mRNA by 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment in the C3H/10T1/2 fibroblasts.     

Effect of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] metabolism in vitamin D-deficient rats infused with 1,25-(OH)2D3

Previous studies revealed that administration of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25-(OH)2D3] to calcium (Ca)-deficient rats causes a dose-dependent reduction in markedly elevated serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 level. Although the results suggested that the metabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D3 was accelerated by 24,25-(OH)2D3, those experiments could not define whether the enhanced metabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D3 played a role in the reduction in the serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 level. In the present study, in order to address this issue more specifically, serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 was maintained solely by exogenous administration through miniosmotic pumps of 1,25-(OH)2D3 into vitamin D-deficient rats. Thus, by measuring the serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentration, the effect of 24,25-(OH)2D3 on the MCR of 1,25-(OH)2D3 could be examined. Administration of 24,25-(OH)2D3 caused a dose-dependent enhancement in the MCR of 1,25-(OH)2D3, and 1 microgram/100 g rat.day 24,25-(OH)2D3, which elevated serum 24,25-(OH)2D3 to 8.6 +/- 1.3 ng/ml, significantly increased MCR and suppressed serum levels of 1,25-(OH)2D3. The effect of 24,25-(OH)2D3 on 1,25-(OH)2D3 metabolism developed with a rapid time course, and the recovery of iv injected [1 beta-3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 in blood was significantly reduced within 1 h. In addition, there was an increase in radioactivity in the water-soluble fraction of serum as well as in urine, suggesting that 1,25-(OH)2D3 is rapidly degraded to a water-soluble metabolite(s). Furthermore, the reduction in serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 was associated with a reduction in both serum and urinary Ca levels. Because the conversion of [3H]24,25-(OH)2D3 to [3H]1,24,25-(OH)2D3 or other metabolites was minimal in these rats, 24,25-(OH)2D3 appears to act without being converted into other metabolites. These results demonstrate that 24,25-(OH)2D3 rapidly stimulates the metabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and reduces its serum level. It is suggested that 24,25-(OH)2D3 plays a role in modifying serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentrations by affecting the metabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and may have a therapeutic values in the treatment of hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria caused by 1,25-(OH)2D3 excess.     

Effect of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 on the serum concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D2, and 1,25(OH)2D3 in normal subjects

Serum concentrations of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 metabolites were measured in 19 normal subjects before and during treatment with either vitamin D2 or vitamin D3, 4000 IU per day for 8 weeks. Vitamin D2 treatment increased the serum concentration of 1,25(OH)2D2, but a corresponding decrease in 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in an unchanged serum concentration of total 1,25(OH)2D. During treatment with vitamin D3, the serum concentration of 1,25(OH)2D metabolites was unchanged. We conclude that the production of 1,25(OH)2D is tightly regulated and that 1 alpha-hydroxylase does not discriminate between D2 and D3 metabolites in normal subjects.     

Changes in hematopoiesis-supporting ability of C3H10T1/2 mouse embryo fibroblasts during differentiation

To investigate the functional change of stromal cells along with differentiation, we used a differentiation-inducible mouse embryo fibroblast cell line, C3H10T1/2 (10T1/2). Stably determined preadipocyte and myoblast cell lines were established after a brief exposure of 10T1/2 cells to 5-azacytidine. These cell lines terminally differentiated into adipocytes and myotubes, respectively, under appropriate conditions. The hematopoiesis-supporting ability of each 10T1/2-derived cell line was examined by coculture with FACS-sorted murine hematopoietic stem cells (Thy-1lo c-kit+ Lin-). The number of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (CFU-GM) was slightly reduced after 7 days of culture with parent 10T1/2 fibroblasts, whereas a marked increase in CFU-GM number was observed when the cells were cultured on preadipocytes. Mature adipocytes and myogenically determined cell lines, on the other hand, did not support CFU-GM growth. Further, Northern analysis showed that the preadipocyte cell line acquired the ability to produce a significant amount of stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor, and macrophage colony- stimulating factor mRNAs in response to IL-1 or lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Terminal adipocytic differentiation resulted in reduced ability to express these cytokine mRNAs. Similarly, highest IL-6 activity was detected in the supernatant of preadipocyte culture, whereas adipocytes did not secrete IL-6 even after IL-1 stimulation. Interestingly, hematopoiesis-nonsupporting myoblasts and myotubes also expressed abundant SCF mRNA, suggesting that SCF, per se, may not be sufficient for stem cell growth and survival. The 10T1/2-derived cell lines could provide a valuable tool to aid in the analysis of stromal cell development and the search for novel stromal factors.     

The importance of vitamin C for hydroxylation of vitamin D3 to 1,25(OH)2D3 in man

Summary The effects of vitamin C on 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis in humans were evaluated; the study included 20 females. They were divided into 2 groups. The first of the 10 subjects (age range 55–71) received ascorbic acid at a dose of 150 mg/die i.v. for 10 days; the second 10 subjects (age range 55–69) received a placebo i.v. for 10 days. In a later study (after a 30-day washout) the same two groups were tested for the second time with ascorbic acid at a dose of 1,000 mg/die i.v. for 10 days and placebo i.v. for 10 days. Serum calcium and phosphorus, serum Ca++, serum proteins, blood and urinary pH, serum 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3, serum PTH, urinary hydroxyprolin were tested before and after the treatments. In the first study a significant increase in serum 1,25(OH)2D3 was observed after ascorbic acid while no significant variation was observed for the other parameters. In the second study, a significant increase in serum Ca++ and a significant decrease in serum 1,25(OH)2D3 were observed after ascorbic acid while no significant variation was observed for the other parameters. The authors conclude that ascorbic acid promotes 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis at a paraphysiologic dose (150 mg/die) in humans but this synthesis is inhibited at higher doses (1,000 mg/die). The latter effect by Ca++ or by an effect of ascorbate on 1 alpha-hydroxylase enzyme could be mediated.     

Contrasting effects of exogenous 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] versus endogenous 1,25-(OH)2D, induced by dietary calcium restriction, on vitamin D receptors

The biological actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] are mediated by specific binding of the hormone with an intracellular vitamin D receptor, which ultimately regulates expression of genes within the target tissues. The quantity of vitamin D receptors varies between target tissues and within target tissues, depending on the physiological state of the animal. One factor that can modulate tissue vitamin D receptor content is 1,25-(OH)2D. In the present study performed in male rats, exogenous administration of 36 ng 1,25-(OH)2D3/day for 7 days increased plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentrations 5-fold above those in control rats (to 261 +/- 17 pg/ml). Compared with those in control rats, 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in duodenal vitamin D receptor content (351 +/- 16 vs. 520 +/- 21 fmol/mg protein) and a 3-fold increase in renal vitamin D receptor content (60.3 +/- 5.2 vs. 193.8 +/- 22.7 fmol/mg protein). The effects of endogenously produced 1,25-(OH)2D on tissue vitamin D receptor content were studied by feeding rats either a 0.02% or 1% calcium diet for 2, 7, 14, or 21 days. Rats fed the low calcium diet exhibited plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentrations similar to (day 7) or exceeding (days 14 and 21) those achieved by exogenous administration of 1,25-(OH)2D3, yet duodenal vitamin D receptor content was not up-regulated by dietary calcium restriction at any time point. The renal vitamin D receptor content of calcium restricted rats was 20-38% lower (P less than 0.05) than that in rats fed a calcium-replete diet 7, 14, and 21 days after initiation of the dietary treatments. These data suggest that under physiological conditions, increased plasma concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D do not result in up-regulation of tissue vitamin D receptor concentrations, and that dietary calcium restriction must induce some factor(s) that results in down-regulation of vitamin D receptors in the kidney.     

Injection of 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 enhances resistance artery contractile properties

The hypothesis that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3] modulates vascular smooth muscle contractile function was tested. 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 (50 ng/day) was administered by intraperitoneal injection over a 3-day period to 13-15-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto normotensive rats. On the fourth day, serum was prepared and contractile force generation of isolated mesenteric resistance arteries was examined. Treatment with 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 approximately doubled serum levels of the hormone and increased ionized and total serum Ca2+ and phosphate by 5-10%. No effect on blood pressure was detected. 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 injection in both strains enhanced maximal stress generation to norepinephrine and serotonin by 30-40%, with no effect on apparent sensitivity of the vessels to the agonists. To assess the effect of a maneuver that elevates serum ionized Ca2+ without the addition of exogenous hormone, maximal stress generation was examined in resistance arteries isolated from rats fed diets containing 0.5% or 2% calcium over a 6-7-week period. Maximal stress generation in response to norepinephrine was greater in vessels from rats of both strains maintained on 0.5% calcium. It is concluded that 72-hour in vivo treatment with 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 increases contractile force-generating capacity of resistance arteries without affecting blood pressure. It is proposed that this action of 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 is the result of a direct action of the hormone on the vascular wall.     

Probabilistic view of the transformation of cultured C3H/10T1/2 mouse embryo fibroblasts by 3-methylcholanthrene.

When C3H/10T1/2 cells are treated with a given concentration of a chemical carcinogen, the transformation frequency can vary over 4 orders of magnitude, depending primarily upon the number of cells plated. To explain this phenomenon, we have developed a probabilistic theory of the formation of transformed foci in this system. We define p1 as the probability that a cell will be activated by carcinogen treatment, p2 as the probability per cell generation that an activated cell will be transformed, and p3 as the probability per cell generation that an activated cell will be deactivated. The equation we have derived: log (F/N) = log [2p1p2(1 -- p3)/2(1 -- p3) -- 1]+ n log (1 -- p3) describes focus formation; F is mean number of loci per dish after carcinogen treatment, N is number of cells in a dish at confluence, and n is number of cell generations to confluence. This equation has been verified experimentally; p3 = 0.24 and p1p2 = 3.8 X 10(-6) at a single concentration of 3-methylcholanthrene. This relationship explains previously inexplicable effects of cell density on transformation frequency.     

Effects of vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, 24,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 on the in vitro intestinal calcium absorption in the marine teleost, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

The role of vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, 24,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, in the regulation of calcium absorption across the intestine in the marine teleost, Gadus morhua, was investigated. The intestine was perfused, in vitro, both vascularly and through the intestinal lumen, and the calcium influx was measured using 45Ca. Vitamin D3 and its metabolites were tested in perfusate concentrations of 10 ng.ml-1.25(OH)D3 increased the intestinal calcium uptake by 65%, while 24,25(OH)2D3 decreased it by 36%. Vitamin D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3, on the other hand, did not affect the calcium influx across the intestinal mucosa. This indicates that 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 may be active regulators of calcium transport across the intestine of Atlantic cod.     

Clastogenic action of hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-icosatetraenoic acids on the mouse embryo fibroblasts C3H/10T1/2.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induces the release of a low molecular weight clastogenic factor from monocytes. Hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-icosatetraenoic acids represent major components of clastogenic factor. We report that several isomeric hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-icosatetraenoic acids efficiently induce DNA strand breakage and/or alkali-labile sites in the mouse embryo fibroblasts C3H/10T1/2. Fe chelation by desferrioxamine suppresses breakage by approximately equal to 42% indicating the participation of Fe-catalyzed radical reactions. An additional 37% inhibition is observed upon addition of the Ca2+ chelators EGTA and quin-2. This result suggests that hydroxyperoxy-5,8,11,13-icosatetraenoic acid may activate a Ca2+-dependent nuclease. The addition of the antioxidant enzymes CuZn-superoxide dismutase and catalase had no effect, while glutathione peroxidase suppressed strand breakage by 90%. To our knowledge, our results yield a first insight into the mechanism of action of monocyte clastogenic factor and the role of inflammation in tumor promotion.     

Active oxygen acts as a promoter of transformation in mouse embryo C3H/10T1/2/C18 fibroblasts.

There is much evidence from in vivo and in vitro carcinogenesis studies that active oxygen species play a role in tumor promotion. We tested directly whether superoxide produced extracellularly by xanthine-xanthine oxidase (X-XO) has the capacity to promote initiated mouse embryo C3H/10T1/2 fibroblasts. Cell cultures initiated with either 137Cs gamma-rays or benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide I were found to transform 3-30 times more effectively when subsequently treated daily for 3 weeks with nontoxic doses of X-XO. Scavengers of active oxygen radicals such as superoxide dismutase or superoxide dismutase in combination with catalase reduced the frequency of appearance of transformed foci by 3-25 times when compared to cultures receiving X-XO alone. These results show that active oxygen species such as superoxide and H2O2 can act in a promotional manner that mimics the effects of the mouse skin promoter phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in this system. X-XO also acted as a weak complete carcinogen.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] increases insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptors in clonal osteoblastic cells. Study on interaction of IGF-I and 1,25-(OH)2D3

We previously reported a cooperative effect between insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] in murine clonal osteoblastic cells, MCT3T3-E1. In the present study, the possible mechanism of interaction between these hormones was investigated. The effect of IGF-I on 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors in MC3T3-E1 cells was examined. The affinity and hormone binding capacity of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors were not altered by IGF-I. Immunoblot analysis showed about 54 kilodaltons (kDa) 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors, similar to that observed for mouse fibroblasts. The synthesis of IGF-I by the cells under a serum-free condition was determined by RIA. The assay revealed immunoreactive IGF-I secreted by MC3T3-E1 cells (1.79 +/- 0.04 x 10(-9) M, mean +/- SE, n = 5). Rat GH significantly increased the concentration of IGF-I, but 1,25-(OH)2D3 did not. IGF-I radioligand-receptor assay revealed specific binding of IGF-I to MC3T3-E1 cells. The relative potency of IGF-I-related peptides to bind with the cells was in the order of IGF-I much greater than multiplication-stimulating activity (the rat homologue of IGF-II) greater than insulin, and the receptor protein migrated as a 130-kDa band in autoradiography. Scatchard analysis showed a significant increase in IGF-I binding sites by 50% after 3-day treatment with 5 x 10(-11) M 1,25-(OH)2D3, without any change in affinity. These results indicate that the interaction of IGF-I and 1,25-(OH)2D3 in the culture of MC3T3-E1 cells may be mediated by the effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on IGF-I receptors.     

Regulation of rat ileal NHE3 by 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3

We have previously demonstrated a modulation of Na⁺/H⁺ exchange (NHE) activity by vitamin D₃ in the rat ileum and Caco-2 cells. However, the molecular mechanism(s) of action of vitamin D₃ on NHE are still not understood. The current studies were undertaken to understand the regulation of individual NHE isoforms on mRNA levels in two distinct models of vitamin D₃ deficiency. Acute D₃ deficiency was induced secondary to streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus, while chronic D₃ deficiency was induced by feeding a D₃-deficient diet in an environment devoid of fluorescent light. Vitamin D₃ deficiency in both models increased the initial rates of rat ileal brush-border membrane (BBM) Na⁺/H⁺ exchange by 2.5-fold compared to D-repleted controls. In parallel to the increased exchanger activity, NHE3 mRNA abundance was increased about twofold in both acute and chronic D deficiency compared to control. There was no change in NHE1 or NHE2 abundance in vitamin D₃-deficient rat ileum. These findings indicate that vitamin D₃ regulates Na⁺/H⁺ exchange activity in rat ileum by influencing the mRNA levels of NHE3, the predominant luminal membrane isoform involved in vectorial Na⁺ transport.     

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3[1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3]-26,23-lactone inhibits 1,25-(OH)2D3-mediated fusion of mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells

Vitamin D3 and its hormonally active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] can be metabolized to a number of daughter metabolites, including 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone; this latter compound has four diastereoisomers. The 23(S),25(R)-lactone (naturally occurring) and the 23(R),25(S)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone are both known to be able to inhibit bone resorption induced by 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 under in vivo or in vitro conditions. To understand the mechanism of the inhibitory action of these two isomers on bone resorption we investigated the effects of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone on unfractionated mouse bone marrow cells in vitro. The addition of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 to these cultures dose-dependently stimulated the formation of multinucleated cells over a range of 10(-9) - 10(-7) M. The 23(S),25(S)- and 23(R),25(R)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactones also increased the number of multinucleated cells, whereas the 23(S),25(R)- and 23(R),25(S)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactones failed to do so. In addition, these latter two diastereomers inhibited the 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 stimulation of multinucleated cell formation, although the 23(S),25(S)- and 23(R),25(R)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactones and 24R,25-(OH)2D3 did not. These multinucleated cells responded to calcitonin and contained tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, both of which are characteristic of osteoclasts. The present data suggest that inhibition of multinucleated cell formation is the mechanism by which the 23(S),25(R)- or 23(R),25(S)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone inhibits bone resorption induced by 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3.     

Glucocorticoid regulation of 1,25(OH)2vitamin D3 receptors: divergent effects on mouse and rat intestine

We have investigated the possibility that glucocorticoids alter responsiveness to vitamin D by regulating the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor in rat intestine. In contrast to the mouse where glucocorticoids caused receptors to decline, rats treated with glucocorticoids showed a substantial increase ( approximately 50%) in the number of intestinal 1,25(OH)2D3 receptors. This resulted from an increase in receptor content with no change in affinity for 1,25(OH)2D3. Receptor stimulation was even greater in vitamin D-deplete rats. Moreover, adrenalectomy led to a significant decline in receptor number. Although the properties of the receptor are similar in rat and mouse intestine, the divergent response to glucocorticoids emphasizes major differences between species in the regulation of 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor number.     

Effect of age on plasma 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D in the rat

Levels of plasma calcium, phosphorus, creatinine and 1,25-(OH)₂-D were measured in healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6 months (mature) and 20–24 months (senescent). Plasma 1,25-(OH)₂-D levels fell from 95 ± 50 pmol/l in the mature rats to 41 ± 10 pmol/l in the senescent rats (p < 0.01). Despite a significant fall in plasma phosphate from 3.06 ± 0.37 mmol/l to 2.54 mmol/l (p < 0.005) in the two groups, respectively, plasma calcium remained constant at about 2.4 mmol/l in both groups.     

Effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (a vitamin D analogue) on passively sensitized human airway smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In asthma, airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) hyperplasia plays an important role in airway remodelling. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), a disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33) in ASMCs are also relevant to asthmatic airway remodelling. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)) has potent antiproliferative properties in vitro in various cell types; however, its role in ASMCs is not well understood. This study investigated the effect of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) on passively sensitized human bronchial (airway) smooth muscle cell (HASMC) proliferation and MMP-9 and ADAM33 expressions. METHODS: The effect of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) on cell proliferation was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide colorimetry assay; cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry; and immunocytochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The expression of MMP-9 and ADAM33 in HASMCs was investigated by real-time quantitative PCR and Western Blot analysis. RESULTS: 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) effectively suppressed passively sensitized HASMC proliferation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and G(1)/S transition in HASMCs passively sensitized with asthmatic serum. Further analysis showed that 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) significantly down-regulated the expressions of protein for MMP-9 and ADAM33, as well as their mRNA levels in passively sensitized HASMCs. CONCLUSIONS: 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) has direct inhibitory effects on passively sensitized HASMCs in vitro, including inhibition of cell proliferation and expression of MMP-9 and ADAM33, suggesting a possible beneficial role for 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in preventing and treating asthmatic airway remodelling.