Effects Of Dietary Vitamin D3 Research Articles

Protective Effects of Dietary Vitamin D3, Turmeric Powder, and Their Combination against Gasoline Intoxication in Rats.

The inhalation of gasoline vapors (GV) is associated with developing various pathologies. Particularly, oil refinery and gas station workers are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and hematological disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia. Therefore, preventing the harmful effects of GV and alleviating their consequences appear to be important and timely issues. In this study, we investigated the potential of vitamin D3, turmeric powder, and their combination to ameliorate the toxicity of gasoline fumes in rats. Separate groups of animals fed with a standard rodent diet, with or without the supplementation of vitamin D3 (750 IU/kg body weight) and/or turmeric powder (0.5%, w/w, in food), were untreated or treated with GV (11.5 ± 1.3 cm3/h/m3/day) for 30, 60, or 90 days. Changes in the body weight were monitored weekly. Histological, biochemical, and hematological parameters were determined at the end of each treatment period. While the exposure of rats to GV resulted in a time-dependent reduction in body weight, supplementation with vitamin D3, but not with turmeric root powder or their combination, partially prevented weight loss. Macroscopical and histological analyses showed pronounced time-dependent changes in the organs and tissues of GV-treated rats. These included alveolar wall collapse in the lungs, the destruction of the lobular structure and hepatocytolysis in the liver, the shrinkage and fragmentation of glomeruli in the kidneys, and the disorganization of the lymphoid follicles in the spleen. However, co-treatment with the nutritional supplements tested, especially vitamin D3, noticeably alleviated the above conditions. This was accompanied by a significant improvement in the blood chemistry and hematological parameters. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the harmful effects of environmental exposure to GV can be reduced upon supplementation of vitamin D3. The fact that the protective activity of vitamin D3 alone was higher than that of turmeric root powder or the combined treatment suggests that combinations of these supplements may not always be more beneficial than each agent applied separately.

Effects of dietary vitamin D3 and carbohydrate levels on growth performance, carbohydrate metabolism, and intestinal health of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

The study was performed to determine effects of vitamin D3 (VD3) and carbohydrate levels in the diets on growth, carbohydrate absorption and metabolism, and intestinal health of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Four groups of yellow catfish with an average weight of 4.12 ± 0.00 g were provided with diets containing varying proportions of VD3 and carbohydrate. These diets included two VD3 levels at 1000 IU/kg (basic VD3) and 16,100 IU/kg diet (high VD3), each containing carbohydrate levels of 25% and 35%, respectively. After analyzing dietary VD3 and carbohydrate contents, these groups were labeled as follows: the control (30.78% carbohydrates +1040 IU/kg), the VD3 group (30.67% carbohydrates +16,041 IU/kg), the high-carbohydrate group (HCD group, 39.65% carbohydrates +1017 IU/kg), and the HCD + VD3 group (39.67% carbohydrates +16,061 IU/kg). Each tank consisted of three replicates, with each replicate containing 30 fish. The experiment continued for 10 weeks. Compared with the control, HCD group reduced growth performance, the muscular layer thickness, the zonulae occludentes1 and 3 (zo1, zo3), junctional adhesion molecules 3a (jam3a), claudin1, occludin, phosphoglucomutase 1 (pgm1) mRNA expression, but increased intestinal villi height, glycogen content, glycogen synthase (gs), glycogen branching enzyme (gbe), sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 and 2 (sglt1, sglt2) and glucose transporter 2 (glut2) mRNA expression, solute carrier family 5 member 1 (SGLT1) protein expression, and dietary VD3 group alleviated HCD-induced variations of these indices mentioned above. Compared to the control, HCD group significantly suppressed pyruvate carboxylase b (pcxb), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pepck), interleukin10 (il10), NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2 (nrf2), superoxide dismutase 2 (sod2) and catalase 1 (cat1) mRNA expression, and also inhibited the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), but increased hexokinase 1 (hk1), glucokinase (gk), 1-phosphofructokinase (pfkb), interleukin 1β (il1β), interleukin 6 (il6), tumor necrosis factor a and β (tnfa, tnfβ) mRNA expression, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content; dietary VD3 group further suppressed gluconeogenic genes (pcxb, pepck) expression, but significantly enhanced the expression of glycolytic genes (hk1, gk, pfkp). Dietary VD3 also alleviated HCD-induced variations of these indices involved in antioxidant and inflammatory responses in yellow catfish intestine. Based on these results, our study indicated that dietary VD3 contributed to alleviate HCD-induced adverse effects on intestinal carbohydrate utilization and health. Our study also elucidated the innovative insights into the interaction of HCD and VD3 in fish, and provided the potential strategies for improving dietary carbohydrate utilization of fish via VD3 addition in aquafeeds. These findings can potentially contribute to cost savings for businesses and serve as a reference for optimizing feed formulations.

Effect of dietary vitamin D3 and ultraviolet-B light on the behaviour and growth of broilers challenged with social isolation stress

Within intensive poultry production systems, broilers are reared indoors, at fast growth rates in controlled environments with little access to natural light, which together impacts the expression of natural behaviours. Birds can see into the ultraviolet spectrum and the provision of ultraviolet-B (UVB) light may support the expression of natural behaviour and endogenous synthesis of vitamin D3 (vitD3). Commercially, chickens regularly encounter stressors, and both the environment and diet can influence their response to stressors. This study was designed to compare the impacts of providing dietary vitD3 at 4000 IU/kg (VitD) compared with provision via UVB light on the behaviour of broilers challenged with periodic social isolation stress. One-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 192) were randomly allocated to non-isolated (control) and periodically isolated groups and were provided with either, additional dietary vitD3, or UVB light, in a 2 × 2 factorial design. UVB lamps were provided in all pens (12% UVB D3 of 55 cm length, 24-Watt, 280–315 nm wavelength and 28.12 µW/cm2 intensity) but in the VitD treatment, there were filters to remove UVB. Behaviour was recorded from video footage using instantaneous scans measuring the number of birds engaged in each behaviour six times per day on 12 days spread across days 2–39, resulting in 72 scan samples per pen. Body weight was measured weekly and analysed to provide context for understanding the activity of broilers. Body weight was modelled using growth curves and poisson models were used to analyse behaviour, controlling for the number of birds visible in scans. Chickens performed less active behaviour when they had been periodically isolated. Chickens spent more time sitting inactive (and less sitting active) and sleeping when they received UVB light but were not isolated. Sunbathing was lower in isolation treatments compared to controls, but this effect was reduced when they received UVB lighting. The growth rate of chickens was highest in the isolation and VitD treatment and higher for VitD compared to UVB treatments. Higher activity on days 2 and 39 was associated with a lower growth rate. These results indicate some benefits of supplementation of UVB light in terms of observing natural behaviour when chickens are exposed to stressors. However, we did not observe large differences in behaviour in chickens receiving UVB light compared to those provided with VitD. Further research is needed to investigate the benefits and optimal level of UVB light to support the behaviour and welfare of broilers.

Interactive effect of dietary vitamin D3 and zinc (Zn) on growth performance, Zn metabolism, and intestinal health of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

Both vitamin D3 (VD3) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients to fish, and VD3 can regulate Zn uptake and metabolism in various animals. However, the interactive effect of VD3 and Zn on growth performance, Zn metabolism, and intestinal health remains largely unknown in fish. The study formulated four experimental diets to culture yellow catfish, i.e., basic VD3 addition without extra Zn addition (control), basic VD3 addition with extra Zn addition (Zn group), high VD3 addition without extra Zn addition (VD3 group), and high VD3 and Zn addition (Zn + VD3 group). Four experimental groups contain Zn and VD3 contents at 41.15 mg/kg + 1027 IU/kg (control), 94.77 mg/kg + 1033 IU/kg (Zn group), 41.04 mg/kg + 16,047 IU/kg (VD3 group), and 94.89 mg/kg + 16,109 IU/kg (Zn + VD3 group), respectively. The experiment continued for 10 weeks. Dietary Zn and VD3 interacted to affect specific growth rate (SGR), Zn content and mRNA expression of Zn metabolism (zip4, zip9, zip14, znt1, znt2, mtf-1, and mt), SUMOylation-relevant genes (sae1, ubc9, pias1, sumo1, senp2, and senp5), tight junction-relevant genes (claudin-4, zo1, zo2, zo3, and jam2a), antioxidant (nrf2 and cat) and inflammatory genes (il1b and il8). Compared to the control, high dietary Zn addition increased intestinal mRNA expression of zip4, znt1, znt2, mt, sae1, ubc9, pias1, sumo1, claudin4, zo1, zo2, and jam2a and il1b, and Zn contents, but decreased mRNA expression of zip9, senp2, senp5, nrf2 and cat. Compared to high Zn addition in the diets, Zn and VD3 co-addition increased SGR, Zn contents, and mRNA expression of zip4, znt1, znt2, mt, mtf-1, senp2, senp5, claudin4, zo1, zo2, zo3, jam2a, nrf2 and cat, but decreased mRNA expression of zip9, zip14, sae1, ubc9, pias1, sumo1 and il1b. Dietary Zn and VD3 co-addition interacted to influence Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT and GPx activities, T-AOC, MDA content. Compared to control, high dietary Zn addition decreased intestinal Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT, GPx activities and T-AOC but increased MDA content. Compared to extra Zn addition in the diets, Zn and VD3 co-addition increased Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT and GPx activities as well as T-AOC but decreased MDA content. Based on these observations, our study indicated that high dietary Zn addition influenced Zn metabolism and SUMOylation modification, damaged the tight junction, induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the intestine, and dietary vitamin D3 addition promoted growth performance and alleviated high dietary Zn-induced negative effects on the intestine of yellow catfish. Significance of relevanceOur study elucidated the innovative insights into the interaction of Zn and VD3 in fish, which provided the important references for dietary Zn and VD3 addition in aquafeeds.

Effects of Dietary Vitamin D3 on Growth Performance, Immune Status, and Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism in Litopenaeus vannamei Under Different Salinity Conditions

Effects of Dietary Vitamin D3 on Growth Performance, Immune Status, and Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism in Litopenaeus vannamei Under Different Salinity Conditions

Effect of vitamin D source and amount on vitamin D status and response to endotoxin challenge

The objectives were to test the effects of dietary vitamin D3 [cholecalciferol (CHOL)] compared with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [calcidiol (CAL)] on vitamin D status and response to an endotoxin challenge. Forty-five Holstein bull calves (5 ± 2 d of age) were blocked into weekly cohorts, fed a basal diet that provided 0.25 µg/kg body weight (BW) CHOL, and assigned randomly to 1 of 5 treatments: control [(CON) no additional vitamin D], 1.5 µg/kg BW CHOL (CHOL1.5), 3 µg/kg BW CHOL (CHOL3), 1.5 µg/kg BW CAL (CAL1.5), or 3 µg/kg BW CAL (CAL3). Calves were fed milk replacer until weaning at 56 d of age and had ad libitum access to water and starter grain throughout the experiment. Treatments were added daily to the diet of milk replacer until weaning and starter grain after weaning. Measures of growth, dry matter intake, and serum concentrations of vitamin D, Ca, Mg, and P were collected from 0 to 91 d of the experiment. At 91 d of the experiment, calves received an intravenous injection of 0.1 µg/kg BW lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Clinical and physiological responses were measured from 0 to 72 h relative to LPS injection. Data were analyzed with mixed models that included fixed effects of treatment and time, and random effect of block. Orthogonal contrasts evaluated the effects of (1) source (CAL vs. CHOL), (2) dose (1.5 vs. 3.0 µg/kg BW), (3) interaction between source and dose, and (4) supplementation (CON vs. all other treatments) of vitamin D. From 21 to 91 d of the experiment, mean BW of supplemented calves was less compared with CON calves, but the effect was predominantly a result of the CHOL calves, which tended to weigh less than the CAL calves. Supplementing vitamin D increased concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in serum compared with CON, but the increment from increasing the dose from 1.5 to 3.0 µg/kg BW was greater for CAL compared with CHOL (CON = 18.9, CHOL = 24.7 and 29.6, CAL = 35.6 and 65.7 ± 3.2 ng/mL, respectively). Feeding CAL also increased serum Ca and P compared with CHOL. An interaction between source and dose of treatment was observed for rectal temperature and derivatives of reactive metabolites after LPS challenge because calves receiving CHOL3 and CAL1.5 had lower rectal temperatures and plasma derivatives of reactive metabolites compared with calves receiving CHOL1.5 and CAL3. Supplementing vitamin D increased plasma P concentrations post-LPS challenge compared with CON, but plasma concentrations of Ca, Mg, fatty acids, glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, haptoglobin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and antioxidant potential did not differ among treatments post-LPS challenge. Last, supplementing vitamin D increased granulocytes as a percentage of blood leukocytes post-LPS challenge compared with CON. Supplementing CAL as a source of vitamin D to dairy calves was more effective at increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Ca, and P concentrations compared with feeding CHOL. Supplemental source and dose of vitamin D also influenced responses to the LPS challenge.

Intestinal segment and vitamin D3 concentration affect gene expression levels of calcium and phosphorus transporters in broiler chickens.

Two experiments were conducted in this research. Experiment 1 investigated the spatial expression characteristics of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) transporters in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of 21-day-old broilers provided with adequate nutrient feed. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of dietary vitamin D3 (VD3) concentration (0, 125, 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 IU/kg) on growth performance, bone development, and gene expression levels of intestinal Ca and P transporters in 1-21-day-old broilers provided with the negative control diet without supplemental VD3. Results in experiment 1 showed that the mRNA levels of calcium-binding protein 28-kDa (CaBP-D28k), sodium-calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1), plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1b (PMCA1b), and IIb sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIb) were the highest in the broiler duodenum. By contrast, the mRNA levels of inorganic phosphate transporter 1 (PiT-1) and 2 (PiT-2) were the highest in the ileum. Results in experiment 2 showed that adding 125 IU/kg VD3 increased body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), bone weight, and percentage and weight of Ca and P in the tibia and femur of 1-21-day-old broilers compared with the negative control diet (p < 0.05). The rise in dietary VD3 levels from 125 to 1,000 IU/kg further increased the BWG, FI, and weights of the bone, ash, Ca, and P (p < 0.05). No difference in growth rate and leg bone quality was noted in the broilers provided with 1,000 and 2,000 IU/kg VD3 (p > 0.05). Supplementation with 125-2,000 IU/kg VD3 increased the mRNA abundances of intestinal Ca and P transporters to varying degrees. The mRNA level of CaBP-D28k increased by 536, 1,161, and 28 folds in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, after adding 1,000 IU/kg VD3. The mRNA levels of other Ca and P transporters (PMCA1b, NCX1, NaPi-IIb, PiT-1, and PiT-2) increased by 0.57-1.74 folds by adding 1,000-2,000 IU/kg VD3. These data suggest that intestinal Ca and P transporters are mainly expressed in the duodenum of broilers. Moreover, the addition of VD3 stimulates the two mineral transporter transcription in broiler intestines.

32. Effect of dietary vitamin D3 and UVB light on growth performance and corticosterone levels of broilers challenged with stress

32. Effect of dietary vitamin D3 and UVB light on growth performance and corticosterone levels of broilers challenged with stress

Effect of Dietary Vitamin D3 and Ultraviolet B Light on Growth Performance, Blood Serum Parameters, Gut Histology, and Welfare Indicators of Broilers

Stressors are commonly encountered by all farmed species, including chickens, but the impact of these stressors on the animal and their productivity can be influenced by the environmental conditions in which they are kept. This study investigated the effects of dietary vitamin D3 (vitD3) and ultraviolet light (UVB) on growth performance, organ weight, serum corticosterone levels (CORT), serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D3) status, gut histology, and welfare indicators of broiler chickens challenged with social isolation stress. One day (d) old Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 192) were individually weighed, wing-tagged, and allocated to non-isolated (control) and isolated groups; control birds were never isolated, while isolated birds were subjected to regular sessions of social isolation for about 15-min periods over the course of 3 d a week for 2 weeks starting from d 10 (1.30 h total exposure) with inter treatment interval of 48 h. Birds were treated with either dietary vitD3 at 4,000 IU/kg (HD) or UVB light (UVB). The UVB lamp (24 Watt 12% UVB D3, 55 cm) with wavelength: 280–315 nm, intensity; 28.12 μW/cm2 hung 50 cm above the substrate was used for the broilers in all the treatment groups but were filtered to remove UVB in the HD group. Growth performance measure; body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were estimated at the end of starter (day 10), grower (day 24), and finisher periods (day 38). Broilers were feather and gait scored to measure welfare at 22/35 and 24/37 days of age, respectively. The selected birds were weighed and euthanized to obtain serum to determine 25-OH-D3 and CORT levels, GIT weights, and gut histology. Subjecting the birds to 2-week social isolation (for 15 min, three times per week) increased CORT levels but did not alter GP and 25-OH-D3 levels of broilers. However, UVB-treated broilers demonstrated better welfare, duodenal absorptive capacity, and reduced FCR compared to HD chickens. Results suggest some beneficial effects of UVB lighting on welfare indicators and the potential to support early life growth of commercial broilers reared indoors, which are often challenged with stressors.

Effects of dietary vitamin D3 on growth performance, antioxidant capacities and innate immune responses in juvenile black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus.

The aim of this experiment was used to investigate the effects of different contents of dietary vitamin D3 on the growth performance and antioxidant and innate immune responses in juvenile black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus. Black carp juveniles were fed six levels of dietary vitamin D3 (VD3) (96, 220, 412, 840, 1480, and 3008 IU/Kg) for 9 weeks. Results showed that highest weight gain (WG) and special growth ratio (SGR) were obtained at 534.2 IU/Kg dietary VD3 according to the second-order polynomial regression model. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) of black carp could be significantly increased by 412, 840, and 1480 IU/Kg dietary VD3 (p < 0.05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were reduced by 412, 840, and 1480 IU/Kg dietary VD3 (p < 0.05). Adequate dietary VD3 content (412, 840, and 1480 IU/Kg) could significantly upregulate expression levels of lipoxygenase 5 (LPO 5); increase the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR); and improve GSH contents and total antioxidant capacities (T-AOC) in the liver of black carp. However, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced by adequate dietary VD3 content (412, 840, and 1480 IU/Kg) in the fish liver. In addition, 412, 840, and 1480 IU/Kg dietary VD3 could significantly upregulate the mRNA expression levels of interferon-α (IFN-α), lysozyme (LYZ), hepcidin (HEPC), natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP), and complement component 3 (C3) and C9 in the hemocytes and liver of black carp juveniles compared with the VD3-deficient diet (96 IU/Kg). Meanwhile, higher contents of dietary VD3 could increase serum LYZ and ACP activities and C3 and C4 contents in black carp juveniles compared with the groups fed VD3-deficient diet. In conclusion, these results suggest that adequate dietary VD3 could increase growth performances, improve antioxidant capacities, and then enhance innate immune parameters in black carp juveniles.

Effect of Dietary Vitamin D3 on T Helper-Related Activities of Lupus-Prompt New Zealand Black/New Zealand White F1 Mice

We investigated the effect of dietary vitamin D3 on T helper-related activities and progress of lupus in NZB/NZW F1 mice. Mice were fed with 0.4 or 2 μg vitamin D3 dissolved in 50 μL olive oil every other day. Expression of T cell-related cytokine genes including those of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and IFN-γ was monitored during the disease course by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, total serum IgG1 and IgG2a and anti-dsDNA antibody were measured. We observed a prolonged survival of mice receiving 2μg of vitamin D3 as compared with control mice. However, vitamin D3 did not significantly affect the anti-DNA antibody formation, IgG subtype proportion, or cytokine expression profile.

Effect of vitamin D3 on the immunomodulation of head kidney after Edwardsiella ictaluri challenge in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

Edwardsiella ictaluri (E. ictaluri) causes severe infections in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), which leads to a massive loss in the aquaculture industry especially in catfish commercial production. Previous studies have confirmed that vitamin D3 is essential in immune regulation in mammals. Based on next-generation sequencing, this study explored the immunomodulatory effects of dietary vitamin D3 on the head kidney of yellow catfish after E. ictaluri challenge. Current results showed that increasing the content of dietary vitamin D3 within the experimental concentration range (1120IU/kg-16600IU/kg) could reduce the mortality of the yellow catfish after E. ictaluri challenge. Results of the next-generation sequencing showed that dietary vitamin D3 regulates the immune mechanism of the head kidney mainly through three pathways i.e. negative regulation of interferon-β production, negative regulation of interleukin-6 production and neutrophil chemotaxis. Proteins HSPA8, MAP4K4 and MRC1 may be involved in vitamin D3-mediated immunoregulation in the head kidney. qPCR results showed that increasing the content of dietary vitamin D3 can improve the immune function of the yellow catfish by down-regulating ifn-β and pro-inflammatory factors tnf-α, il1-β, il-6, il-8 and up-regulating the anti-inflammatory factor il-10. The above results indicated that dietary addition of vitamin D3 regulated the immune response in head kidney of yellow catfish and helped the fish to resist the negative effects of infection by E. ictaluri in a dose-dependent manner.

The effect of dietary vitamin D3, minerals (Ca, P) and plant-protein sources in the development of systemic granulomatosis in meagre (Argyrosomus regius, Asso, 1801)

Systemic Granulomatosis (SG) affects the majority of cultured meagre (Argyrosomus regius). This pathological condition, whose aetiology is still not known, is identified by multiple granulomas in a variety of organs that become calcified and necrotic with time. The available evidence supports the hypothesis that SG is a metabolic disorder associated with nutritional imbalances, and the present study examined the role of dietary vitamin D3, minerals (Ca, P) and plant-protein sources in the development of the disease. The use of plant-protein in the diet formulation exacerbated the progression of SG, while vitamin D3 did not prevent its occurrence. On the other hand, the severity of SG was improved by increasing the P content in the feed. However, the exact irritant that causes this inflammatory response in meagre is still unknown and more research needs to examine other nutritional factors.

Effect of vitamin D3 on immunity and antioxidant capacity of pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii after transplantation: Insights from LC–MS-based metabolomics analysis

Postoperative care is a critical step of pearl culture that ultimately determines culture success. To determine the effect of dietary vitamin D3 (VD3) levels on immunity and antioxidant capacity of pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii during postoperative care and explore the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, five isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated by adding different levels of dietary VD3 (0, 500, 1000, 3000, and 10000 IU/kg), and the diets were fed to five experimental groups (EG1, EG2, EG3, EG4, and EG5) in turn and cultured indoors. The control group (CG) was cultured in the natural sea. Pearl oysters that were 1.5 years old were subjected to nucleus insertion. After culturing for 30 days, EG3 exhibited significantly higher survival rates than those in CG and EG5 (P < 0.05). Moreover, EG3 exhibited the highest activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and lysozyme. However, EG5 achieved the highest activities of glutathione peroxidase. Metabolomics-based profiling of pearl oysters fed with high levels of dietary VD3 (EG5) and optimum levels of dietary VD3 (EG3) revealed 76 significantly differential metabolites (SDMs) (VIP > 1 and P < 0.05). Pathway analysis indicated that SDMs were involved in 21 pathways. Furthermore, integrated key metabolic pathway analysis suggested that pearl oysters in EG5 regulated the pentose phosphate pathway, glutathione metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism in response to stress generated from excessive VD3. These findings had significant implications on strengthening the future development and application of VD3 in aquaculture of pearl oyster P. f. martensii.

Anti-inflammatory effects of dietary vitamin D3 in patients with multiple sclerosis.

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of dietary vitamin D3 on proinflammatory (interleukin-17A [IL-17A] and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines.MethodsOur study was conducted on 75 participants who were divided into 3 groups: multiple sclerosis participants (MSPs, n = 25), first-degree relative participants (FDRPs, n = 25), and healthy participants (HPs, n = 25). All groups received 50,000 IU vitamin D3/wk for 8 weeks. Serum 25-(OH) vitamin D3 levels and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of ILs were determined using electrochemiluminescence assay and real-time PCR, respectively.ResultsVitamin D3 affected the levels of IL-17A, IL-10, and IL-6 among the 3 groups (p < 0.001 for all). Levels of IL-17A (MSPs: fold change [FC] = 5.9, p = 0.014; FDRPs: FC = 5.2, p = 0.006; HPs: FC = 4.2, p = 0.012) and IL-6 (MSPs: FC = 5.6, p = 0.003; FDRPs: FC = 5.5, p = 0.002; HPs: FC = 5.1, p < 0.001) were downregulated after vitamin D3 treatment. In addition, levels of IL-10 (MSPs: FC = 6.2, p = 0.005; FDRPs: FC = 4.6, p < 0.001; HPs: FC = 5.2, p < 0.001) were upregulated after 8 weeks.ConclusionsAlthough supplementation with vitamin D3 reduced the mRNA expression levels of IL-17A and IL-6, it increased the mRNA expression level of IL-10 in all groups. However, these effects were more considerable in the MSP group than in the other groups. Of interest, in a deficiency state of serum vitamin D3, IL-17A expression had a positive feedback effect on the expression of IL-6. Conversely, in the sufficient state, IL-10 expression had a negative feedback effect on the expression of IL-17A and IL-6.

Effect of dietary vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation on plasma and milk 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration in dairy cows

Milk enriched with vitamin D by supplementing dairy cow diets could provide a valuable dietary source of vitamin D, but information on the feasibility of this approach is limited. In the current study, the effects of supplementing dairy cows with either vitamin D3 or 25(OH)D3 over the transition/early lactation period on plasma and milk vitamin D concentrations were compared. Sixty dairy cows were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments from 14 d precalving to 56 d postcalving. Treatments were a control diet (control) for both precalving and postcalving periods containing 0.625 mg/d of vitamin D3; a precalving diet supplemented with 6 mg of 25(OH)D3/d, but with a postcalving diet matching that of the control diet [25(OH)D3 precalving]; the control diet precalving but with the postcalving diet supplemented with 2 mg of vitamin D3/d (D3max), and the control diet precalving but with the postcalving diet supplemented with 1.5 mg of 25(OH)D3/d [25(OH)D3 postcalving]. No treatment effect on milk yield, composition or 25(OH)D3 concentration was observed. However, an interaction was observed of treatment and time for plasma 25(OH)D3 concentration; this increased within 2 wk of supplementation for the 25(OH)D3 precalving treatment (peaking just after calving, 202 ng/mL), whereas that of the 25(OH)D3 postcalving group had a slower response following supplementation, continuing to increase at 56 d. Correlations were observed between plasma and milk 25(OH)D3 concentrations at d 4 and 14 of lactation, but not at later sampling times. The D3max treatment did not increase 25(OH)D3 concentration in plasma or milk. Overall, results from this study indicate that supplemental 25(OH)D3 is an effective means of enhancing dairy cow plasma 25(OH)D3 concentrations compared with vitamin D3 supplementation, but not necessarily milk concentrations.

Correlation between Plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and Fiber Composition of Skeletal Muscle in Response to Dietary Vitamin D3 or 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 Supplementation

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of dietary vitamin D3 (D3) level and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) on plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and skeletal muscle. Growing rats (3‐week‐old) were fed either D3‐sufficient diet (1000 IU/kg diet) or D3‐deficient diet for 4 weeks (Phase I). During Phase II for another 4 weeks, rats fed D3‐deficient diet were allotted to 7 treatments. Experimental diets included D3 at 0, 400, 700, 1000, 1500, and 2000 IU/kg diet or 400 IU 25OHD3/kg diet. Positive and negative control groups were fed either D3‐containing (1000 IU/kg diet) or D3‐deficient diet throughout the experiment. Body weight, plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, bone mineral density (BMD), lean percentage, and bicep femoris (representative of skeletal muscle) mass were determined. Also, fiber type composition and relative gene expression levels of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, PGC‐1α and Mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) in bicep femoris were determined. Dietary D3 levels or 25OHD3 did not affect body weight, BMD, lean percentage, or skeletal muscle mass in growing rats. However, plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level was increased in a dose‐dependent manner upon dietary D3 level, and 25OHD3 group resulted in the highest level among treatments. Compared to the same dose of D3 (400 IU/kg diet), dietary 25OHD3 showed 2.3‐fold increase in plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level (23.5±5.1 ng/mL vs. 53.3±1.5 ng/mL). Skeletal muscle fiber type composition was also altered by dietary D3 levels and 25OHD3. Vitamin D deficiency decreased type I fiber percentage and this decrease was diminished by dietary D3 in a dose‐dependent manner. Dietary 25OHD3, on the other hand, showed much more increase in type I percentage and decrease in type II percentage compared to same dose of D3 (400 IU/kg diet) (15.1±1.6 % vs. 5.4±1.7 %, and 63.4±1.6 % vs. 79.1±6.7 %), and showed the highest percentage of type I fiber than all the other treatments. However, relative gene expression levels of MHC isoforms did not coincided with the phenotypic difference. MHC I, PGC‐1α and Mfn1 transcript levels were numerically increased in response to dietary D3 level with the highest value resulted from 1500 IU/kg D3 supplementation. It showed 3‐fold increase in MHC I (3.4±2.4 vs. 1.0±0.7) and PGC‐1α (3.6±0.8 vs. 1.0±0.5), and 2‐fold increase in Mfn1 (2.4±0.6 vs. 1.0±0.8) transcript levels compared to positive control. In summary, 4 weeks of dietary D3 or 25OHD3 supplementation did not affect growth, lean percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and BMD in growing rats. However, plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level, percentage of type I fiber and its gene expression levels in skeletal muscle responded to dietary D3 levels and 25OHD3. Also, it is notable that correlation between plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level and percentage of type I fiber in bicep femoris was observed (r2=0.86). The present study demonstrates responses of plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level and skeletal muscle fiber type composition upon dietary D3 and 25OHD3 with greater efficacy.

25‐Hydroxyvitamin D and its C‐3 Epimer in a Mouse Model of Non‐Melanoma Skin Cancer

Vitamin D has been proposed to have extraskeletal actions in several chronic diseases, including some cancers. The role of vitamin D in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the most prevalent cancer in the US, is debated. The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin D3 in an animal model of NMSC. Equal numbers of male and female SKH1 hairless and immunocompetent mice (n = 150) were fed 25, 150, or 1000 IU vitamin D3 for 29 weeks. Subgroups were exposed to one minimal erythemal dose of UVB light 3x/week for the last 25 weeks of the study. Vitamin D metabolites, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and C-3epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D (C3epi), were quantified in skin and serum from a representative sampling of mice (n = 36) using isotope dilution high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Levels of 25OHD rose in a dose dependent manner in serum and skin (P < 0.01), ranging from 4.5-35.8 nmol/L and 2.6-11.7 pmol/g, respectively. Serum and skin C3epi also increa...

Abstract A41: Effect of dietary vitamin D3 and calcium on the growth of androgeninsensitive human prostate tumor in a murine model

Abstract Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of prostate cancer in epidemiologic and prospective studies. An association has also been made between high dietary calcium and increased prostate cancer risk. Previous studies have demonstrated that normal prostate cells and some prostate cancer cells have the ability to convert 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)2D. This ability along with epidemiological evidence correlating an inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and prostate cancer risk suggests that vitamin D may be important for prostate cancer prevention. The effect of dietary vitamin D and calcium on the growth of human androgen-insensitive prostate tumor in an athymic mouse model was evaluated. Three factors were considered in evaluating the role of dietary calcium and vitamin D on prostate tumor in our mice model: tumor-growth, elevation of serum calcium and overall growth of the animals (body weight). Immunohistochemical staining and Real Time PCR analysis were performed on tumors to elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) involved in vitamin D regulation of prostate cancer. Tumor-growth was highest in normal calcium, vitamin D deficient diet group (381±59 mm3) while growth in normal calcium, vitamin D sufficient (179±36 mm3), high calcium, vitamin D sufficient (199±25 mm3) and deficient (204±43 mm3) diets were not significantly different from one another. The normal calcium, vitamin D deficient diet had mice that were normo-calcemic compared to the other diet groups though there was no significant difference between groups for the weights of the animals. Proliferative (Ki67) and apoptotic (Caspase 3) staining revealed no significant difference between vitamin D sufficient and deficient diet groups. Additional staining for p21 did not show any difference among the diet groups. Gene analysis for p21, p27 and p53 did not demonstrate altered transcriptional activity in vitamin D sufficient groups. Bax and bcl-2 mRNA expression were both increased in the high calcium, vitamin D deficient diet group. The difference in tumor growth between the normal calcium, vitamin D deficient diet and the other diets suggest an important role of dietary vitamin D as a preventive agent in androgen-insensitive prostate cancer. More in vivo studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanism(s) behind vitamin D's antitumorigenic effects. Citation Format: Rahul Ray, Mara Banks, Hilal Abuzahra, Kelly S. Persons, Vikram J. Eddy, James R. Lambert, Michael F. Holick. Effect of dietary vitamin D3 and calcium on the growth of androgeninsensitive human prostate tumor in a murine model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A41.

Dietary vitamin D3 at 10 fold the adequate intake may attenuate disease severity in the transgenic G93A mouse model of ALS

BackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a paralytic and fatal neurodegenerative disease due to motor neuron death. Vitamin D3 mitigates the severity of autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases that share some common pathophysiologies with ALS.ObjectiveTo determine the effects of dietary vitamin D3 on functional and disease outcomes and lifespan in the transgenic G93A mouse model of ALS.MethodsStarting at age 40 d, 24 G93A mice (7 F, 17 M) were assigned to a diet with either adequate (AI; 1 IU D3/g feed) or high (HiD; 10 IU D3/g feed) vitamin D3.Preliminary ResultsAround disease onset, HiD‐F had 60% higher ability to move and 40% higher body condition vs AI‐F (P &lt; 0.001, for both). HiD‐F (19 ± 4 d) had 26% prolonged progression to endpoint from onset vs AI‐F (15 ± 0 d), albeit not significant (P = 0.179). HiD mice had 26% lower cumulative clinical scores vs AI mice (28 ± 2 vs 38 ± 1; P = 0.072). Within females, HiD had 43% lower cumulative clinical scores vs AI (21 ± 6 vs 36 ± 8; P = 0.097). Males reached disease onset 2.8 fold faster (HR, 95% CI: 2, 11; P = 0.004) and endpoint 2.4 fold faster (HR, 95% CI: 1, 12; P = 0.025) vs females.ConclusionVitamin D3 at 10 fold the adequate intake may attenuate disease severity in the transgenic G93A mouse model of ALS, and improve functional outcomes in females. Supported by NSERC and Faculty of Health‐YORK U.