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Biomedical subjects

M F Holick

Publications and source records attributed to M F Holick.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Metabolism of 3H-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in cultured human keratinocytes.

In the present investigation we studied the metabolism of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-[1 beta-3H]vitamin D3 (3H-1,25(OH)2D3) in culture-grown human keratinocytes (CHK). Our results showed that the cellular uptake of 3H-1,25(OH)2D3, upon incubation with CHK, occurred very rapidly; and it paralleled a decrease in the concentration of 3H-1,25(OH)2D3 in the medium. The amount of 3H-calcitroic acid, on the other hand, increased slowly in the medium, while the concentration of 3H-calcitroic acid in the cell remained undetectable during the whole period of incubation. When the cells were preincubated with 1,25(OH)2D3 (10(-8)M), conversion of 3H-1,25(OH)2D3 to 3H-calcitroic acid increased almost twofold, indicating that 1,25(OH)2D3 catalyzed its own catabolism.

Calcitriol↗
PubMed1995

Noncalcemic actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and clinical applications.

Vitamin D is absolutely essential for the maintenance of a healthy skeleton. Without vitamin D, children develop rickets and adults exacerbate their osteoporosis and develop osteomalacia. Casual exposure to sunlight is the major source of vitamin D for most people. During exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet B photons photolyze cutaneous stores of 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3. Previtamin D3 undergoes a thermal isomerization to form vitamin D3. Increased skin pigmentation, changes in latitude, time of day, sunscreen use, and aging can have a marked influence on the cutaneous production of vitamin D3. Once vitamin D3 is formed in the skin or ingested in the diet, it must be hydroxylated in the liver and kidney to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. It is now recognized that a wide variety of tissues and cells, both related to calcium metabolism and unrelated to calcium metabolism, are target sites for 1,25(OH)2D3. 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulates intestinal calcium absorption and mobilizes stem cells to mobilize calcium stores from bone. Noncalcemic tissues that possess receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 respond to the hormone in a variety of ways. Of great interest is that 1,25(OH)2D3 is a potent antiproliferative and prodifferentiation mediator. As a result, 1,25(OH)2D3 and its analogs have wide clinical application in such diverse clinical disorders as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis; diabetes mellitus type I; hypertension; cardiac arrhythmias; seizure disorders; cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon; some leukemias and myeloproliferative disorders; chemotherapy-induced hair loss; and skin rejuvenation as well as skin diseases like psoriasis and ichthyosis.

Binding, Competitive↗
PubMed1995

Defects in the synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D.

It is now recognized that it is casual exposure to sunlight that provides most humans with their vitamin D requirement. During exposure to sunlight, the high energy ultraviolet B photons (290-315 mm) photolyzes cutaneous stores of 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3. Once formed, previtamin D3 undergoes a thermal isomerization that results in the formation of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is biologically inert and requires successive hydroxylations in the liver and kidney to form its biologically active hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The major physiologic function of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 is to maintain blood calcium in the normal range. It accomplishes this by increasing the efficiency of intestinal calcium absorption and mobilizing stem cells to become osteoclasts which, in turn, remove calcium from the bone. It is now recognized that there are a variety of calcium metabolic disorders that are related to defects in the synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D. Chronic granulomatous disorders are often associated with hypercalciuria and hypercalcemia. The mechanism by which this occurs is that activated macrophages within granulomatous tissue, in an unregulated manner, convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Besides its calcemic activity 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is a potent antiproliferative factor for cells and tissues that possess its vitamin D receptor. This has clinical utility in that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its analogs have been successfully used for the treatment of the hyperproliferative skin disease psoriasis.

Calcifediol↗
PubMed1995

Environmental factors that influence the cutaneous production of vitamin D.

All vertebrates, including humans, obtain most of their daily vitamin D requirement from casual exposure to sunlight. During exposure to sunlight, the solar ultraviolet B photons (290-315 nm) penetrate into the skin where they cause the photolysis of 7-dehydrocholesterol to precholecalciferol. Once formed, precholecalciferol undergoes a thermally induced rearrangement of its double bonds to form cholecalciferol. An increase in skin pigmentation, aging, and the topical application of a sunscreen diminishes the cutaneous production of cholecalciferol. Latitude, season, and time of day as well as ozone pollution in the atmosphere influence the number of solar ultraviolet B photons that reach the earth's surface, and thereby, alter the cutaneous production of cholecalciferol. In Boston, exposure to sunlight during the months of November through February will not produce any significant amounts of cholecalciferol in the skin. Because windowpane glass absorbs ultraviolet B radiation, exposure of sunlight through glass windows will not result in any production of cholecalciferol. It is now recognized that vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency are common in elderly people, especially in those who are infirm and not exposed to sunlight or who live at latitudes that do not provide them with sunlight-mediated cholecalciferol during the winter months. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency exacerbate osteoporosis, cause osteomalacia, and increase the risk of skeletal fractures. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency can be prevented by encouraging responsible exposure to sunlight and/or consumption of a multivitamin tablet that contains 10 micrograms (400 IU) vitamin D.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Cultured human fibroblasts and not cultured human keratinocytes express a PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA.

There is increasing evidence that parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptides (PTHrP) are involved in normal skin cell growth; therefore, we investigated whether the PTH/PTHrP receptor was expressed in cultured human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Northern analyses of poly (A)+ RNA isolated from cultured fibroblasts revealed two PTH/PTHrP receptor transcripts with one major band at 2.5 kb and one minor band at 2.3 kb. These transcripts were consistent with those found in human osteosarcoma cells, which are known to express PTH/PTHrP-R mRNAs. In contrast, after repeated Northern analyses no PTH/PTHrP receptor transcripts were found in poly (A)+ RNA isolated from cultured keratinocytes. Reverse-transcriptase/nested polymerase chain reaction analyses of total RNA isolated from cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts confirmed the Northern analyses data that the PTH/PTHrP receptor was expressed in cultured fibroblasts but not in cultured keratinocytes. When cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes were exposed to 10(-7) M PTH (1-34) there was a twofold increase in cAMP levels in the fibroblasts and no demonstrable increase was noted in keratinocytes. These results suggest that skin fibroblasts possess the classical PTH/PTHrP receptor and are target cells for PTH and PTHrP whereas keratinocytes do not have the receptor and are unresponsive to its N-terminal agonist in the stimulation of cAMP formation.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

The antiproliferative and differentiative activities of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 are potentiated by epidermal growth factor and attenuated by insulin in cultured human keratinocytes.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is a potent inhibitor of keratinocyte proliferation, as well as a stimulator of epidermal terminal differentiation. In the present studies, we investigated the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin on the antiproliferative and differentiation activities of 1,25(OH)2D3. Our results indicate the following: (1) EGF caused a dramatic potentiation of the 1,25(OH)2 D3-induced inhibition of 3H-thymidine incorporation into keratinocytes in a dose-dependent manner; (2) insulin acted antagonistically on the EGF-dependent potentiation of the 1,25(OH)2D3-induced antiproliferative activity; (3) transforming growth factor-alpha potentiated 1,25(OH)2D3-induced antiproliferative activity similar to EGF; (4) the EGF effect was not dependent upon 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor mRNA up-regulation; and (5) removal of insulin from medium supplemented with growth factors significantly potentiated the 1,25(OH)2D3-induced inhibition on the number of basal cells and the 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent cornified envelope formation. In conclusion, the antiproliferative activity of 1,25(OH)2D3 in cultured normal human keratinocytes is greatly enhanced by EGF or transforming growth factor-alpha and reduced by insulin. Insulin also inhibits 1,25(OH)2D3-induced terminal differentiation of cultured normal human keratinocytes.

Calcitriol↗
PubMed1995

Markedly inhibited 7-dehydrocholesterol-delta 7-reductase activity in liver microsomes from Smith-Lemli-Opitz homozygotes.

We investigated the enzyme defect in late cholesterol biosynthesis in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, a recessively inherited developmental disorder characterized by facial dysmorphism, mental retardation, and multiple organ congenital anomalies. Reduced plasma and tissue cholesterol with increased 7-dehydrocholesterol concentrations are biochemical features diagnostic of the inherited enzyme defect. Using isotope incorporation assays, we measured the transformation of the precursors, [3 alpha- 3H]lathosterol and [1,2-3H]7-dehydrocholesterol into cholesterol by liver microsomes from seven controls and four Smith-Lemli-Opitz homozygous subjects. The introduction of the double bond in lathosterol at C-5[6] to form 7-dehydrocholesterol that is catalyzed by lathosterol-5-dehydrogenase was equally rapid in controls and homozygotes liver microsomes (120 +/- 8 vs 100 +/- 7 pmol/mg protein per min, P = NS). In distinction, the reduction of the double bond at C-7 [8] in 7-dehydrocholesterol to yield cholesterol catalyzed by 7-dehydrocholesterol-delta 7-reductase was nine times greater in controls than homozygotes microsomes (365 +/- 23 vs 40 +/- 4 pmol/mg protein per min, P < 0.0001). These results demonstrate that the pathway of lathosterol to cholesterol in human liver includes 7-dehydrocholesterol as a key intermediate. In Smith-Lemli-Opitz homozygotes, the transformation of 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholesterol by hepatic microsomes was blocked although 7-dehydrocholesterol was produced abundantly from lathosterol. Thus, lathosterol 5-dehydrogenase is equally active which indicates that homozygotes liver microsomes are viable. Accordingly, microsomal 7-dehydrocholesterol-delta 7-reductase is inherited abnormally in Smith-Lemli-Opitz homozygotes.

Cholesterol↗
PubMed1995

Compensation for the interracial variance in the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D.

We investigated the homeostatic compensation for the lower cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D in heavily melanized persons. Vitamin D2 (50,000 IU) was administered in a single oral dose to 24 young adults, 12 blacks and 12 whites, matched for age, gender, and socioeconomic status. We also included a group of eight healthy elderly white adults as representatives of a population with a nonracial mechanism for decreased cutaneous vitamin D synthesis. Plasma determinants were performed under basal conditions and at 6, 10, and 24 hours after vitamin D intake. Basal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) levels were significantly lower in blacks (12.5 +/- 2.2 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM)) and in elderly whites (19.2 +/- 1.9 ng/ml), compared with young whites (30.2 +/- 3.0 ng/ml (p < 0.0001)); levels of basal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2 -D) did not differ between groups. The vitamin D blood curve was similar between groups after the oral vitamin D2 load. Increases in 25-OH-D were 91.7 +/- 15.9% in blacks, 18.8 +/- 5.2% in young whites, and 28.6 +/- 6.9 in elderly whites; 1,25(OH)2-D levels increased slightly and did not differ between groups, although in blacks the change over time was significant (p < 0.05). As a whole, the study populations exhibited a strong relation between basal and peak 25-OH-D (r = -0.80; p < 0.001). Levels of intact parathyroid hormone and serum calcium of blacks and young whites did not differ within or between groups throughout the test.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

Effect of chronic respiratory acidosis on calcium metabolism in the rat.

Chronic metabolic acidosis typically results in hypercalciuria and negative calcium balance. The impact of chronic respiratory acidosis on calcium metabolism has been less well studied. To address this issue, metabolic balance and static bone histomorphometric data were obtained during a 14-day exposure of rats to 10% CO2 (blood pH 7.33, PaCO2 83 mm Hg) and were compared with pair-fed controls. All rats were fed a 0.8% calcium diet. Urinary calcium excretion (mg/period, mean +/- SEM) was increased during both week 1 and week 2 (16 +/- 3 vs 9 +/- 1 and 16 +/- 2 vs 9 +/- 1, CO2 group vs controls, respectively [p < 0.05]). Net intestinal calcium absorption (intake minus fecal excretion) was increased throughout the period of hypercapnia (week 1, 213 +/- 19 mg vs 135 +/- 15 mg; week 2, 135 +/- 16 mg vs 43 +/- 14 mg; and cumulatively, 344 +/- 27 mg vs 178 +/- 20 mg, CO2 group vs controls [p < 0.01]). As a consequence of the marked increment in intestinal calcium absorption during hypercapnia, mean net calcium balance was more positive than that of controls throughout the study (week 1, 197 +/- 18 mg vs 126 +/- 15 mg; week 2, 120 +/- 15 mg vs 34 +/- 15 mg; and cumulatively, 317 +/- 25 mg vs 159 +/- 20 mg, CO2 group vs controls, respectively [p < 0.01]). There were no significant differences in calcium intake, plasma total calcium, immunoreactive parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or creatinine clearance between the two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acidosis, Respiratory↗
PubMed1994

A parathyroid hormone antagonist stimulates epidermal proliferation and hair growth in mice.

The biologic action of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related peptide (PTHrP) in normal skin was investigated in cultured human keratinocytes and in SKH-1 hairless mice. The results indicate that the PTHrP agonists human PTHrP-(1-34) and PTH(1-34) are potent inhibitors of epidermal cell proliferation. [Nle8,18,Tyr34]bovine PTH-(7-34)-amide, an antagonist of the PTH/PTHrP receptor, blocked the inhibitory effect of PTH-(1-34) in cultured keratinocytes. In the SKH-1 mice, PTH-(7-34) caused a 244% increase of [3H]thymidine incorporation into isolated epidermal DNA and 246% and 180% increases in the number and length of hair shafts, respectively. Thus, PTH and PTHrP may play an important role in the normal physiology of skin, and their agonists and antagonists have potentially wide therapeutic applications in the treatment of hyperproliferative skin disorders and aging skin and could also be effective in stimulating and maintaining hair growth.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Binding characteristics of a membrane receptor that recognizes 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its epimer, 1 beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

The steroid hormone 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has been shown to exert rapid effects (15 s to 5 min) in osteoblasts. These effects occur in osteoblast-like cells lacking the nuclear vitamin D receptor, ROS 24/1, suggesting that a separate signalling system mediates the rapid actions. These non-genomic actions include rapid activation of phospholipase C and opening of calcium channels, pointing to a membrane localization of this signalling system. Previous studies have shown that the 1 beta epimer of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 can block these rapid actions, indicating that the 1 beta epimer may bind to the receptor responsible for the rapid actions in a competitive manner. We have assessed the displacement of 3H-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by vitamin D compounds, as well as the apparent dissociation constant of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its 1 beta epimer for the membrane receptor in membrane preparations from ROS 24/1 cells. Increasing concentrations of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 7.25 nM to 725 nM, displaced 3H-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 from the membranes with 725 nM of the hormone displacing 40-49% of the radioactivity. Similarly, 1 beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 7.25 nM and 72.5 nM, displaced 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 binding while 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 72.5 nM and 725 nM, did not. The apparent dissociation constant (KD) for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was determined from displacement of 3H-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 yielding a value of 8.1 x 10(-7) M by Scatchard analysis. The KD for the 1 beta epimer determined from displacement of 3H-1 beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was 4.8 x 10(-7) M.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1994

A possible genetic defect in 25-hydroxylation as a cause of rickets.

We examined two siblings who had severe rickets at ages 2 and 7 years, respectively, despite a history of adequate vitamin D intake. The patients' sera had calcium concentrations at the lower limits of normal, low phosphate concentrations, elevated alkaline phosphatase activity, and low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Treatment with high doses of vitamin D2 resulted in resolution of the biochemical abnormalities and radiographic deformities; pharmacologic doses of vitamin D2 were required to maintain normal concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the serum even though vitamin D absorption was normal. These children may have a genetic defect of the 25-hydroxylation step in vitamin D activation.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2↗
PubMed1994

Elderly women in northern New England exhibit seasonal changes in bone mineral density and calciotropic hormones.

A seasonal component to bone loss has been reported in some postmenopausal women. We hypothesized that elderly women in northern New England would be at high risk for bone loss during winter because of their age, diet and lack of sunlight. Eighteen elderly but healthy women (mean age 77 years) started a 2-year observational study in a remote area of northwestern Maine (Greenville: 45.5 degrees N latitude). Fifteen women completed the study. Bone mineral density of the spine (L-BMD) and hip (F-BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured biannually. In vitro photo-conversion of provitamin D3 to previtamin D3 was determined in the winter and spring. Initial calcium and vitamin D intake averaged 700 +/- 72 mg/day and 6.2 +/- 1.2 micrograms/day, respectively. During the first year L-BMD dropped 4.2% (P = 0.002) while F-BMD dropped 2.4% (P = 0.09), primarily because of steep declines during the fall and winter (August to February: L-BMD: 3.6%, P = 0.001; F-BMD: 3.0%, P = 0.04). In that 6-month period, serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) fell 13 +/- 6% (P = 0.06) and PTH rose 27 +/- 11% (P = 0.01). Additionally, there was no detectable in vitro conversion of provitamin D to previtamin D over 8 h of one sunny winter day. In the summer, PTH and 25(OH)D reverted to basal levels and significant in vitro photoconversion of provitamin D to previtamin D was detected. In the 2nd year of the study, vitamin D consumption increased (+2.0 +/- 1.2 micrograms/day, P = 0.03 vs. baseline), L-BMD increased slightly (+1.8%, P = 0.05) and F-BMD did not change (+0.5%, P = NS). Again, changes in BMD and vitamin D were seasonal: L-BMD and F-BMD were constant during fall and winter but both sites showed increases during summer (L-BMD: +1.7%, P = 0.04, F-BMD: +1.6%, P = 0.25). In the second winter, serum 25(OH)D fell nearly 20% and PTH rose 17%. Increased dietary consumption of vitamin D was positively correlated with changes in F-BMD at 18 months (r = 0.61, P = 0.02) and resulted in slightly greater serum 25(OH)D concentrations during the second winter than the first. The difference in serum 25(OH)D between the first and second winter was the strongest predictor of lumbar bone accretion during the second year of the study (r = 0.59, P = 0.04). In this 24-month observational study, significant seasonal changes in BMD, 25(OH)D and PTH were reported.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1994

McCollum Award Lecture, 1994: vitamin D--new horizons for the 21st century.

Vitamin D is absolutely essential for the maintenance of a healthy skeleton throughout our lives. There is mounting evidence that vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency in elderly people is a silent epidemic that results in bone loss and fractures. It is casual exposure to sunlight that provides most humans with their vitamin D requirement. Seasonal changes, time of day, latitude, aging, sunscreen use, and melanin pigmentation can substantially influence the cutaneous production of vitamin D. Although the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D in adults is 5 micrograms (200 IU), there is mounting evidence that in the absence of exposure to sunlight the vitamin D requirement is at least 15 micrograms (600 IU)/d. The skin is a target tissue for the active form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol). 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol inhibits the proliferation of cultured keratinocytes and induces them to differentiate. 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol and its analogs have been developed as an effective new therapy for the treatment of the hyperproliferative skin disease psoriasis.

Awards and Prizes↗
PubMed1994

Characterization of the translocation process of vitamin D3 from the skin into the circulation.

The cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D3 and the subsequent translocation of vitamin D3 into the circulation are two key steps in the vitamin D endocrine system. To study the kinetic aspects of cutaneous synthesis and translocation of vitamin D3, both in vitro and in vivo chicken models have been developed. To assess the capacity of chicken skin to generate vitamin D3, the concentrations of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) in different skin areas were determined. It was found that the highest concentration of 7-DHC was in the leg skin (3524 +/- 937 ng cm-2), which was about 30 times greater than that in the back (120 +/- 62 ng cm-2). Whole body exposure of chickens to UV-B radiation (0.5 J cm-2) resulted in the production of previtamin D3 (preD3) in the skin of the legs and feet (43 +/- 7 and 54 +/- 17 ng cm-2, respectively), whereas no preD3 was detected in the back skin. In vitro, at 40 C, the forward (k1) and reverse (k2) rate constants of the preD3<-->vitamin D3 reaction in the leg skin were greatly increased compared to those in n-hexane (k1, 0.367 vs. 0.0369 h-1; k2, 0.042 vs. 0.0059 h-1). In vivo, the determined rate constants k1, k2, and k3 for the consecutive reactions preD3<-->vitamin D3-->vitamin D3 were 0.257, 0.034, and 0.114 h-1, respectively. To evaluate the circulating concentration of vitamin D3 in response to UV-B radiation, chicken legs were irradiated. The time course revealed a 4-fold increase in the circulating concentration of vitamin D3, with a peak about 30 h postradiation. No appreciable amount of preD3 could be detected in the circulation in the early hours after UV-B radiation, suggesting the existence of a process responsible for the specific translocation of vitamin D3 from the skin into the circulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Premature graying of hair is a risk marker for osteopenia.

Premature graying of hair is associated with several endocrine disorders, vitiligo, and the aging process. Although the pathophysiology of melanin depletion in hair follicles is unknown, genetic factors regulate the expression of this trait. As acquisition of bone mass is also genetically determined, we performed an exploratory case control study of the association between premature graying of hair and osteopenia (lumbar bone density t score, below -1.0). Subjects were recruited from a single metabolic bone clinic. Premature graying of hair in 36 men and women with osteopenia (cases) was compared to that in 27 men and women without osteopenia (controls). Subjects with premature graying but no other identifiable risk factor were 4.4 times as likely to have osteopenia as subjects without premature graying (P = 0.02). Subjects with osteopenia and premature graying in their teens and twenties had a stronger family history of osteoporosis than those who had osteopenia and graying later in their thirties (P = 0.06), but bone density and other characteristics were not different. The association between premature graying and low bone mass could be related to genes that control peak bone mass or factors that regulate bone turnover. Premature graying of hair may be an important risk marker for osteopenia.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Expression of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase mRNA in cultured human keratinocytes.

It is well documented that 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25[OH]2D3), the most active vitamin D metabolite, inhibits epidermal keratinocyte proliferation and promotes differentiation. 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 can be produced in keratinocytes from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 by the enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1 alpha-hydroxylase (1-OHase). Hydroxylation of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 by 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (24-OHase), the first step in the catabolic pathway of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 could significantly reduce the intracellular concentration of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. Therefore, the expression of 24-OHase could have a critical regulatory role in 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-dependent gene expression. As a first step to examine this possibility, the steady state level of 24-OHase mRNA in cultured human keratinocytes (CHK) was investigated. 24-OHase mRNA was not detected in control CHK. 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in 24-OHase mRNA level. The highest accumulation of 24-OHase mRNA was observed in CHK treated with 0.1-1 microM 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. The level of 24-OHase mRNA reached a plateau 12-24 hr after 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 treatment. 1 beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the stereoisomer of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, failed to induce 24-OHase mRNA expression significantly. In addition to 24-OHase mRNA, a 1.0-kb mRNA hybridized strongly with both rat and human 24-OHase cDNA probes. The origin of this 1.0-kb message is unknown at present, however, it was regulated by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. These results demonstrate that 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 up-regulates the expression of 24-OHase mRNA, and this may be an important first step in the initiation of catabolism of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 in human keratinocytes.

Calcitriol↗