Attenuation of constitutive DNA damage signaling by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

In addition to its traditional role in the regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, vitamin D also exhibits immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative and cancer preventive activities. Molecular mechanisms that confer the chemo-preventive properties to vitamin D are poorly understood. We previously reported that constitutive phosphorylation of histone H2AX on Ser139 (γH2AX) and activation of ATM (Ser1981 phosphorylation), seen in untreated normal or tumor cells predominantly in S phase of the cell cycle, is to a large extent indicative of DNA replication stress occurring as a result of persistent DNA damage caused by endogenous oxidants, by-products of oxidative metabolism. In the present study we observed that exposure of mitogenically stimulated human lymphocytes, pulmonary carcinoma A549 and lymphoblastoid TK6 cells to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-VD) reduced the level of constitutive expression of γH2AX and ATM-S1981P. We also observed that the H2O2-induced rise in the level of γH2AX in lymphocytes was attenuated by 1,25-VD. Whereas in lymphocytes 1,25-VD reduced by 50-70% the level of endogenous oxidants as determined by their ability to oxidize 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH) in A549 and TK6 cells the attenuation of DNA damage signaling by 1,25-VD was seen in the absence of detectable reduction in DCFH oxidation. These findings suggest that while the anti-oxidant activity of 1,25-VD may contribute to a reduction in the intensity of DNA replication stress in lymphocytes, other factors play a role in the 1,25-VD effects seen in A549 and TK6 cells. The data are consistent with the recent report on the interaction between DNA damage signaling (ATM activation) and 1,25D receptor (VDR) phosphorylation that lead to enhancement of DNA repair efficiency, and provide further support for the chemo-preventive and anti-aging properties of this vitamin/hormone.     

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on TSH secretion from rat pituitary cells in culture

The effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on TSH secretion from rat pituitary cells was studied. When incubating cells with 1,25(OH)2D3 even at 100 X the physiological concentrations (10(-8)), no effect on basal TSH secretion was observed. The TRH-induced TSH secretion increased after a 24-h incubation with 10(-8) mol/l 1,25(OH)2D3 (2.9 +/- 0.2 ng/well vs 4.3 +/- 0.5 ng/well, mean +/- SD; P less than 0.05). When serum was omitted from the incubation medium, the potentiating effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the TRH-induced TSH release was blunted. No effect on cellular protein content was observed after incubating the cells with 10(-8) mol/l 1,25(OH)2D3. The results indicate that at unphysiological concentrations, 1,25(OH)2D3 affects the TRH-induced TSH secretion from pituitary cells. The physiological significance remains unclear.     

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on rat pituitary prolactin release

The effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on PRL secretion from rat pituitary in vivo and in vitro was investigated. Treating the rats for three days with 0.05 microgram/kg per day had no effect on basal PRL secretion, whereas the TRH-induced PRL secretion was increased (P less than 0.001). The enhancing effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 was blunted by verapamil. Incubating dispersed anterior pituitary cells with 10(-8) mol/l 1,25(OH)2D3 induced a significant increase in PRL secretion after 96 h (364 +/- 30 ng/well vs 481 +/- 33 ng/well, P less than 0.001; mean +/- SEM) compared with control cells. The TRH-induced PRL secretion was increased in cells incubated with 1,25(OH)2D3 for 144 h (0.766 +/- 0.061 vs 1.024 +/- 0.076 microgram/well, P less than 0.05; mean +/- SEM) compared with control cells. Neither 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OH-D3) nor 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 had any effects on the PRL secretion. However, when the cells were incubated with both 10(-8) mol/l 1,25(OH)2D3 and 10(-6) mol/l 25OHD3, the enhancing effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the basal PRL secretion was blunted. The results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 possibly affects the regulation of PRL release from the rat pituitary and that this effect is specific for 1,25(OH)2D3.     

A comparison between 1,25-dihydroxy-22-oxavitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 regarding suppression of parathyroid hormone secretion and calcemic action

1alpha,25-dihydroxy-22-oxavitamin D(3) (maxacalcitol;OCT), a vitamin D analogue with reduced calcemic activity, showed potency 10 times greater than 1alpha,25 (OH) (2)D(3) in differentiation induction of HL-60 cells. In addition, OCT showed immunomodulating activity, anti-proliferative effect and a suppressive effect on PTH secretion in vitro. OCT suppressed the expression of PTH mRNA in both normal and nephrectomized rats, and up-regulated VDR in the parathyroid gland in uremic rats to the same degree as 1alpha,25 (OH) (2)D(3). The results of a comparison between OCT and 1alpha,25 (OH) (2)D(3) indicate that the dissociation between efficacy and side effects with OCT is greater than with 1alpha,25 (OH) (2)D(3) in uremic rats. In future, we expect that OCT would contribute a great deal to the dialysis field in clinical.     

Insulin permits parathyroid hormone stimulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 production in cultured kidney cells

Primary cultures of chick kidney cells in serum free medium respond to PTH with increased production of 1,25(OH)2D3 only when exposed to insulin. The response of 1,25(OH)2D3 is maximal at 5 ng bPTH (1-34) per ml and decreases at higher hormone concentrations. Increased 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis is not evident after 30 minutes exposure to bPTH and is maximal at 4-6 hours of treatment. Insulin does not increase the cyclic AMP response to PTH suggesting that whatever permissive role it is playing occurs beyond the generation of cyclic AMP.     

Insulin modulates the stimulation of renal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 production by parathyroid hormone

Previous studies have shown that there is an impairment in renal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the major biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3, in diabetes. This impairment is not due to a deficiency in the parathyroid hormone (PTH), a major stimulator of renal 1,25(OH)2D3 production. Therefore, we have investigated the capacity of PTH to stimulate 1,25(OH)2D3 production in insulin deficiency and with insulin replacement. Experiments were performed in rats fed a 0.6% calcium, vitamin D sufficient diet for 2 weeks. Thyroparathyroidectomy was performed on all rats. Rats to be rendered diabetic were injected with streptozotocin immediately after surgery. In non-diabetic rats, PTH administration significantly increased renal 1,25(OH)2D3 production (11 +/- 2 vs 46 +/- 5 pg/min/g; P less than 0.05). In diabetic rats, however, PTH caused only a modest increase in 1,25(OH)2D3 production (11 +/- 1 vs 19 +/- 4 pg/min/g; P less than 0.05). With insulin replacement, PTH stimulation of 1,25(OH)2D3 production was markedly increased over that seen in diabetic rats (48 +/- 12 vs 19 +/- 4 pg/min/g; P less than 0.05). PTH was equally effective in raising serum calcium, depressing serum phosphorus and tubular reabsorption of phosphate in non-diabetic as well as in diabetic rats. These results demonstrate that insulin is necessary for the maximal stimulation of renal 1,25(OH)2D3 production by PTH. However, insulin is not necessary for PTH action in terms of renal handling of phosphate and inducing hypercalcaemia. These results suggest multiple pathways for the action of PTH, only some of which are insulin requiring.     

Regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors by vitamin D analogs in cultured mammalian cells

The pig kidney cell line (LLC-PK1) has been shown to possess 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] receptors and to exhibit functional responses to vitamin D metabolites. Here we report that these receptors appear to undergo homologous up-regulation by 1,25-(OH)2D3 and other vitamin D analogs. This phenomenon was also observed in other cell lines, including human skin fibroblasts and human mammary cancer cells (MCF-7). Treatment with active hormone or vitamin D analogs results in a substantial increase (200-400%) in the number of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors without altering the affinity of receptor for hormone. The up-regulated receptor, like the basal receptor, has an apparent Kd of about 0.04 nM and sediments at 3.3S on hypertonic sucrose gradients. In addition, approximately 50% of the total receptors from both control and treated cells bind to DNA-cellulose and elute at 0.18 m KCl. These results indicate that the up-regulated receptor is similar to the classical 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor. While the time necessary to achieve the maximal receptor increment is 16-20 h, there is a rapid component in the rise observed within 5 min. The maximal effect persists for 4-6 h after hormone removal. The increased binding is not a result of differential receptor localization or extractability. 1,25-(OH)2D3, 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3, 24,25-(OH)2D3, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 all increase receptor binding to similar levels, and the dose required closely reflects the affinities of the various metabolites for the receptor. Treatment of cells with the RNA synthesis inhibitor actinomycin D indicates that the increase in receptors is partially dependent on RNA synthesis. Mutant skin fibroblasts from patients with vitamin D-dependent rickets type II, containing nonresponsive 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors, failed to exhibit the characteristic up-regulation observed in normal cells. Taken together, these results indicate that vitamin D metabolites regulate the number of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors in part by receptor occupancy and, more importantly, by a receptor-mediated induction mechanism.     

Mechanism of action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced stimulation of alkaline phosphatase in cultured osteoblast-like cells

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] stimulates the alkaline phosphatase of rat and human osteoblast-like cells in culture. Here the mechanism of this effect was investigated using the rat osteogenic sarcoma cell line ROS 17/2-8. We found that 50% maximum alkaline phosphatase stimulation is elicited by 1,25(OH)2D3 at 7 X 10(-10) M. The concentration of serum in the culture medium influences inversely the effective 1,25(OH)2D3 concentration. Increased alkaline phosphatase appears after a lag period of cell exposure to 1,25(OH)2D3 which is between 8 and 24 h; during 96 h culture in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 the enzyme activity continues to rise. Cycloheximide (0.1-1 micrograms/ml) added in the cultures for 3 days or actinomycin-D (1-30 ng/ml) added for 24 h inhibit the 1,25(OH)2D3 effect on alkaline phosphatase in a dose-dependent fashion; withdrawal of cycloheximide restores the responsiveness of cells to 1,25(OH)2D3 completely, but withdrawal of actinomycin-D restores cell responsiveness only partially. These findings suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3-induced stimulation of alkaline phosphatase in the osteoblast-like cells involves genome activation and de novo protein synthesis.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 up-regulates the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in vivo.

The level of mRNA encoding the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in the intestine of vitamin D-deficient rats given 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was determined by Northern blot analysis using a 32P-labeled cDNA probe to the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor. mRNA levels increased 10-fold above deficiency levels at 6 and 12 hr after an intravenous dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, returning to predosing levels at 24 hr. Total receptor protein level determined by an immunoradiometric assay was increased 2-fold at 12 hr. No change in unoccupied receptor levels determined by ligand-binding assay was observed during this period. These results suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 increases receptor mRNA and total receptor level to maintain constant levels of unoccupied receptor.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 enhances thyrotropin releasing hormone induced thyrotropin secretion in normal pituitary cells

The findings of specific binding of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] in normal rat pituitary tissue and selective effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on gene expression in clonal pituitary tumour cells have suggested that vitamin D may regulate pituitary function. Therefore, the in vitro effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on normal pituitary cells was investigated. Primary anterior pituitary cell cultures prepared from female rats were maintained in experimental medium +/- 10(-8) M 1,25-(OH)2D3 for up to 24 h and then incubated with fresh experimental medium containing TRH (10(-10)-10(-8) M) or vehicle for 1 h. Pretreatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 24 h led to increased TSH release at all TRH concentrations tested (P less than 0.0001), a decrease in the half-maximal stimulatory dose of TRH for TSH release from 2 X 10(-9) M to 0.4 X 10(-9) M, a 22% increase in maximal TSH release (P less than 0.01), and an 81% increase in TSH release at 10(-9) M TRH (P less than 0.001). 1 X 10(-9) M 1,25-(OH)2D3 increased TRH (10(-9) M)-induced TSH release by 20% (P less than 0.05) but 10(-7) M and 10(-6) M 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D3) had no effect. The effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on TRH (10(-9) M)-induced TSH release was evident within 8 h and was maximal by 16 h. There was no effect on basal TSH release, TSH accumulation in the medium in the preceding 24 h nor on cell-associated TSH. 1,25-(OH)2D3 pretreatment had no effect on TRH-induced PRL secretion, PRL accumulation in the medium nor on cell-associated PRL. We have shown that 1,25-(OH)2D3 acts selectively on the thyrotroph to enhance in vitro responsiveness to physiologically relevant concentrations of TRH. These findings are consistent with the reported autoradiographic localization of [3H]-1,25-(OH)2D3 in the thyrotroph and support a permissive or regulatory role of vitamin D in the normal pituitary gland.     

Immunocytochemical localization of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in target cells

We have used a monoclonal antibody (9A7) against the purified avian 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor to develop an immunocytochemical technique for visualization of the protein in fixed tissues and cultured cells. In Bouin's-fixed, chick intestine, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor-like immunoreactivity was localized mainly in nuclei of epithelial cells and was more abundant in the crypt than in the villar cells. Receptor staining was low or undetectable in liver hepatocytes but was present in nuclei of cells lining the hepatic sinusoids. In rat brain, receptor-like immunoreactivity was abundant and widely distributed, but did not always coincide with the presence of vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein; 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor was absent from cerebellar Purkinje cells that contained abundant calcium-binding protein. In disaggregated rat bone cells, receptor immunoreactivity was present in mononuclear cells including osteoblasts and fibroblasts but was absent from osteoclasts. Two separate clones of osteoblast-like, rat osteosarcoma cells, shown in previous studies to be either receptor positive (17/2.8) or negative (24.1), demonstrated nuclear immunoreactivity in exact concordance with receptor levels as determined by ligand binding. The phenomenon of hormone-induced up-regulation of receptor was visualized in receptor-positive 3T6 fibroblasts by demonstration of markedly enhanced nuclear reactivity in cells treated with 10(-7) M 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for 48 h. Our studies demonstrate the feasibility of the immunocytochemical approach to visualize the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in target tissues and show that it is predominantly a nuclear protein in the relatively unoccupied and fully activated states. Moreover, the vitamin D-dependent calcium binding is not a universal marker for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 action. Rather, our observations suggest that the expression of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor may be connected with the state of cellular differentiation.     

Stimulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production by parathyroid hormone and hypocalcemia in man

The serum levels of 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] were increased in five patients with primary hyperparathyroidism [60 +/- 13 (SD) pg/ml; normal value, 33 +/- 15 (SD) pg/ml] but fell rapidly after parathyroidectomy to values of 23 +/- 9 (SD) pg/ml. This was accompanied by parallel decreases in the serum concentrations of calcium and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone. Over the following 5--35 days, the serum 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations increased markedly to levels of 59 +/- 17 (SD) pg/ml, which could most likely be explained by a stimulatory effect of the hypocalcemia per se on the renal production of 1,25(OH)2D3.     

Inhibition of interleukin-1 production by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The hormonal form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], inhibits the proliferation of T lymphocytes and production of growth-promoting factors (including interleukin-2) (IL2) in CTLL2 murine cells. In this study, we investigated the role of monocytes in this hormone-mediated inhibitory effect, by testing the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on the ability of the mitogenic lectin phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to induce T cell activation in either a monocyte-dependent or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-driven (monocyte-independent) system. The results indicate that proliferation of T cells and production of growth-promoting factors are inhibited by 1,25-(OH)2D3 only in the monocyte-dependent system. Preincubation of monocytes with 1,25-(OH)2D3 for various periods of time and subsequent removal of the hormone resulted in inhibition of the PHA-driven proliferation of T cells. Preincubation for 2 h resulted in 20% inhibition, while preincubation for 36 h reduced proliferation to 50% of the control value [no 1,25-(OH)2D3 exposure]. These data suggested that monocytes are important participants in 1,25-(OH)2D3-mediated events. Therefore, we tested the effects of the hormone on the production of IL1, a monocyte-derived product thought to be involved in the induction of IL2 release and the subsequent development of the T cell proliferative response. 1,25-(OH)2D3 inhibited the production of both extracellular and cell-associated immunoreactive IL1 alpha and IL1 beta. Indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, did not alter the inhibitory properties of 1,25-(OH)2D3, suggesting that prostaglandins are not responsible for the inhibitory phenomenon. We conclude that part of the ability of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to inhibit T cell proliferation may be due to direct effects on monocytes by down-regulating IL-1 production. However, it is unlikely that the immunoregulatory properties of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on T cells are mediated solely through monocytes, and it is possible that the hormone also exerts its influence directly on T cells.     

Combined effects of dexamethasone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on parathyroid hormone secretion in cultured bovine parathyroid cells

The present studies investigate the effects of glucocorticoids on the function of the parathyroid glands using primary cultures of bovine parathyroid cells. Treatment of parathyroid cell cultures with dexamethasone for 48 h caused a dose-dependent stimulation of PTH secretion. The minimal concentration of dexamethasone required for a significant stimulation of PTH secretion was 0.1 nM. The stimulatory effect of dexamethasone on the secretion of PTH was found within 12 h of treatment with 100 nM dexamethasone. The steroids deoxycorticosterone and cortexolone, which do not have glucocorticoid activity were without effect of PTH secretion. Since glucocorticoids may modulate the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] in other tissues, additional studies were performed to evaluate the interactions of glucocorticoids and 1,25-(OH)2D3. Addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to parathyroid cell cultures for 48 h significantly suppressed PTH secretion. In the presence of dexamethasone, however, 1,25-(OH)2D3 also significantly decreased PTH secretion, although it did not reduce PTH secretion to control levels. The treatment of parathyroid cell cultures with 100 nM dexamethasone did not affect the parathyroid cell content of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors. In summary, these studies indicate that glucocorticoids significantly increase the secretion of PTH in vitro. This stimulatory effect can be inhibited by 1,25-(OH)2D3. The parathyroid gland is an additional site of physiological antagonism of glucocorticoids and 1,25-(OH)2D3.     

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: a kidney-produced steroid hormone essential to calcium homeostasis

Principal among the many relationships involving the metabolism and function of vitamin D is the central role of the kidney in the production of the biologically active steroid, 1,25-dihydroxychole-calciferol. Three important topics under intensive investigation in many laboratories are (1) the role of the kidney as an endocrine organ producing the biologically active form of vitamin D, (2) the regulation of the endocrine organ and its integration in the process of calcium homeostasis, and (3) reevaluation of the wide variety of vitamin D-related disease states as they relate to the central role of the kidney in vitamin D action.