Plasma Vitamin D-binding Protein Research Articles

Investigation of the Changes in Concentrations of Vitamin D-Binding Protein and Lactoferin in Plasma and Peritoneal Fluid of Patients with Endometriosis.

An evaluation of the association between the concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein and lactoferrin in the plasma and peritoneal fluid may facilitate the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in endometriosis. Vitamin D-binding protein and lactoferrin concentrations were measured by ELISA in plasma and peritoneal fluid samples from 95 women with suspected endometriosis as classified by laparoscopy into groups with (n = 59) and without endometriosis (n = 36). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in the plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein and lactoferrin between women with and without endometriosis. In women with endometriosis, there was a significant correlation between plasma and peritoneal fluid vitamin D-binding protein concentrations (r = 0.821; p = 0.000), but there was no correlation between lactoferrin concentrations in those compartments (r = 0.049; p > 0.05). Furthermore, in endometriosis, lactoferrin was found to correlate poorly with vitamin D-binding protein (r= -0.236; p > 0.05) in plasma, while in the peritoneal fluid, the correlation between those proteins was significant (r = 0.399; p = 0.002). The characteristic properties of vitamin D-binding protein and lactoferrin and the associations between their plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations found in women with endometriosis may provide a novel panel of markers to identify high-risk patients in need of further diagnostic measures.

Evaluation of Vitamin D-Binding Protein Gene Polymorphism and its Plasma Concentration in Kurdish Patients With Breast Cancer in Sanandaj, Iran

Background: Several studies have indicated that polymorphism in vitamin D pathway genes is associated with breast cancer (BC) risk. Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) is a vital element in the metabolism of the vitamin D. VDBP carries the serum 25(OH) D3 to cells to promote vitamin D biological functions, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Missense SNP (rs.7041) is a common polymorphism in VDBP gene, which shows ethnic-specific allele frequencies. Objectives: This study presents the correlation of the rs7041 (Asp432Glu) gene polymorphism and plasma concentrations of VDBP in Kurdish patients with BC in Sanandaj, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 44 premenopausal BC patients and 44 healthy subjects. Plasma VDBP concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The VDBP (rs7041) was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: VDBP level was associated with a non-significant risk of BC (P=0.397). Frequencies of individuals with VDBP (rs7041) TT, TG, and GG genotypes were 13.6%, 52.2%, and 34.09% in case group and 11.3%, 79.5%, and 9.9% in control group, respectively. Genotype GG associated with increased susceptibility to developing BC (odds ratio [OR]=5.172, CI: 1.555-17.2, P=0.007). There was a significant reverse correlation between GT genotype and BC (OR=0.282, 95% CI: 0.110-0.722, P=0.008) Conclusion: The changes in the vitamin D pathway may increase susceptibility to develop BC in the Iranian Kurdish population.

Prediagnostic Circulating Concentrations of Vitamin D Binding Protein and Survival among Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

Higher total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are associated with improved survival among patients with colorectal cancer, but the relationships between circulating vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and bioavailable or free 25(OH)D, and colorectal cancer survival remain unknown. We examined the associations between prediagnostic plasma levels of vitamin D-related markers and survival among 603 White participants diagnosed with colorectal cancer from two prospective U.S. cohorts. Plasma VDBP and total 25(OH)D were directly measured, while bioavailable and free 25(OH)D was calculated using a validated formula on the basis of total 25(OH)D, VDBP, and albumin levels. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate HRs for overall and colorectal cancer-specific mortality, with adjustment for other prognostic markers and potential confounders. Higher VDBP levels were associated with improved overall (P trend = 0.001) and colorectal cancer-specific survival (P trend = 0.02). Compared with patients in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of VDBP had a multivariate HR of 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-0.80] for overall mortality and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.37-0.91) for colorectal cancer-specific mortality. The results remained similar after further adjustment for total 25(OH)D levels. In contrast, neither bioavailable nor free 25(OH)D levels were associated with overall or colorectal cancer-specific mortality (all P trend > 0.15). Prediagnostic circulating concentrations of VDBP were positively associated with survival among patients with colorectal cancer. The clinical utility of VDBP as a prognostic marker warrants further exploration, as well as research into underlying mechanisms of action.

Sputum Vitamin D Binding Protein (VDBP) GC1S/1S Genotype Predicts Airway Obstruction: A Prospective Study in Smokers with COPD.

IntroductionThe vitamin D binding protein (VDBP, also known as GC-globulin) and vitamin D deficiency have been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). rs7041 and rs4588 are two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the VDBP gene, including three common allelic variants (GC1S, GC1F and GC2). Previous studies primarily assessed the serum levels of vitamin D and VDBP in COPD. However, less is known regarding the impact of the local release of VDBP on COPD lung function. Thus, we examined the association of sputum and plasma VDBP with lung function at baseline and at four years, and examined potential genetic polymorphism interactions.MethodsThe baseline levels of sputum VDBP, plasma VDBP and plasma 25-OH vitamin D, as well as the GC rs4588 and rs7041 genotypes, were assessed in a 4-year Finnish follow-up cohort (n = 233) of non-smokers, and smokers with and without COPD. The associations between the VDBP levels and the longitudinal decline of lung function were further analysed.ResultsHigh frequencies of the haplotypes in rs7041/rs4588 were homozygous GC1S/1S (42.5%). Higher sputum VDBP levels in stage I and stage II COPD were observed only in carriers with GC1S/1S genotype when compared with non-smokers (p = 0.034 and p = 0.002, respectively). Genotype multivariate regression analysis indicated that the baseline sputum VDBP and FEV1/FVC ratio at baseline independently predicted FEV1% at follow-up.Discussion and ConclusionThe baseline sputum VDBP expression was elevated in smokers with COPD among individuals with the GC1S/1S genotype, and predicted follow-up airway obstruction. Our results suggest that the GC polymorphism should be considered when exploring the potential of VDBP as a biomarker for COPD.

P431 Vitamin D binding protein in the limelight: IBD-related inflammation and circulating levels of vitamin D binding protein, total, free and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency occurs frequently in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). While recent cohort studies support an association of vitamin D with important clinical parameters and outcomes in IBD, the complex interplay of inflammation with vitamin D metabolism in IBD poses a viscious circle. We sought to further illucidate the relation between inflammation and different vitamin D parameters. To the best our knowledge, this was the first study to focus on the relationship between vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), circulating total, free, and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and inflammation, in adult IBD patients. Methods This was a comparative, single-centred, cross-sectional study in patients with IBD aged 18–65 years. Full blood count, transferrin, albumin and hsCRP were determined by standard methods. The presence/absence of inflammation was assessed based on serum hsCRP levels (cutoff <5mg/l). VDBP levels were determined by ELISA, and 25(OH)D by LCMS. Free and bioavailable vitamin D levels were calculated using the validated formula. IBM SPSS version 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results In total, 129 subjects with IBD (70 male/59 female; 82 CD/47 UC; mean age 41.7 ± 12.6 years) were enrolled. Of these, 38/129 had inflammation (19 m/19 f; 26 CD/12 UC; 39.6 ± 12.9 years) while 91/129 had no inflammation (40 m/51 f; 56 CD/35 UC; 42.5 ± 12.5 years). Subjects with disease activity had significantly higher leukocyte, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and hsCRP, but lower transferrin, transferrin saturation (TSAT) and albumin levels than those without inflammation (p < 0.05). Average serum levels of 25(OH)D (24.6[6.8–54.8] vs. 26.4[5.0–74.4]ng/ml), free 25(OH)D (5.9[1.3–13.3] vs. 1.0[1.0–21.4]ng/ml) and bioavailable 25(OH)D(2.3 [0.1–4.7] vs. 2.4[0.5–19.5]ng/ml) were similar in patients with vs. without inflammation (p > 0.05). However, VDBP levels were significantly higher in inflammatory conditions (359.6[252.2–530.6] mg/l vs. 327.4[183.5–560.3]mg/l; p < 0.05) and showed a positive correlation with CRP levels (0.293, p < 0.001). Ratio of free/total 25(OH)D correlated negatively with CRP levels (−0.282, p = 0.002). Conclusion High levels of circulating VDBP were associated with inflammatory activity. Moreover, free/total 25(OH)D ratio was inversely associated with inflammation. Other vitamin D parameters including total, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D showed no association with inflammation. These findings suggest that VDBP may play a bigger role than thought as a modulator of vitamin D and inflammation, and that simultaneous detection and investigation of plasma VDBP may provide additional insights into this complex interaction.

Abstract 3297: Prediagnostic circulating concentrations of vitamin D binding protein and survival among colorectal cancer patients

Abstract Higher total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are associated with an improvement in survival among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, but the relationships between plasma vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), bioavailable or free 25(OH)D, and CRC survival remain unknown. In two prospective cohort studies, the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and the Nurses’ Health Study, we examined the association between prediagnostic plasma levels of VDBP, bioavailable 25(OH)D, and free 25(OH)D and survival among 604 participants diagnosed with CRC between 1991 and 2011. Plasma 25(OH)D and VDBP were directly measured, while bioavailable and free 25(OH)D were calculated using a validated formula based on total 25(OH)D, VDBP, and albumin levels. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for overall and CRC-specific mortality, adjusted for other prognostic markers and potential confounders. During the follow-up, there were 279 deaths, 177 of which were due to CRC (63%). Higher VDBP levels were associated with a significant improvement in overall and CRC-specific survival (Ptrend=0.005 and 0.02, respectively). Compared to patients in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of VDBP had a multivariable-adjusted HR of 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.89) for overall mortality and 0.56 (95% CI, 0.35-0.92) for CRC-specific mortality. The results remained similar after further adjustment for total 25(OH)D levels. In contrast, no association with overall or CRC-specific mortality was observed for bioavailable or free 25(OH)D levels. In conclusion, higher prediagnostic plasma VDBP levels were associated with improved survival among CRC patients. The clinical utility of VDBP as a prognostic marker warrants further exploration, as well as research into underlying mechanisms of action. Citation Format: Chen Yuan, Mingyang Song, Brian M. Wolpin, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, Shuji Ogino, Bruce W. Hollis, Andrew T. Chan, Charles S. Fuchs, Kana Wu, Molin Wang, Stephanie A. Smith-Warner, Edward L. Giovannucci, Kimmie Ng. Prediagnostic circulating concentrations of vitamin D binding protein and survival among colorectal cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3297.

Plasma VDBP, 25(OH)D, and GSH levels predict surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

This study intends to investigate the predictive values of plasma Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and glutathione (GSH) levels in the outcome of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) surgery. Surgery outcomes of 236 CSM patients were determined. Recovery rate was calculated according to Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores during follow-up. CSM patients with a recovery rate >50% were assigned with good prognosis and the rest were with fair prognosis. Preoperative and postoperative neurologic function scores were compared among groups. Plasma VDBP and 25(OH)D levels, as well as GSH levels were measured by ELISA and glutathione reductase recycling assay, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed to analyze the correlation among plasma VDBP, 25(OH)D, and GSH levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to evaluate the predictive value of plasma VDBP, 25(OH)D, and GSH levels for surgical outcome. Logistic regression model was used to analyze risk factors for surgical outcome. Compared with those with fair prognosis, CSM patients with good prognosis group exhibited higher postoperative neurologic function scores, plasma VDBP, 25(OH)D, and GSH levels, and better improvements in spinal cord compression and motions of the cervical vertebra. Plasma VDBP, 25(OH)D, and GSH levels were favorable prognostic factors for CSM surgical outcome. The sensitivity and specificity of plasma VDBP, plasma 25(OH)D, and plasma GSH were 89.8% and 91.7%, 85.8% and 84.4%, and 79.5% and 91.7%, respectively. Our study provides evidence that higher plasma VDBP, 25(OH)D, and GSH levels may predict better surgical outcome in CSM patients.

Quantification of Total Vitamin-D-Binding Protein and the Glycosylated Isoforms by Liquid Chromatography-Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry.

Vitamin-D-binding protein (VDBP), a transporter of 25-hydroxyvitamin D metabolites, has three common isoforms. The relationship of the isoforms and their glycosylation state with various diseases has been under recent examination. In this work, liquid chromatography coupled to isotope dilution mass spectrometry was evaluated for quantification of VDBP, the three common isoforms, and total glycosylation. Protocols using guanidine, urea, RapiGest, trifluoroethanol, or tris buffer were also evaluated for optimal tryptic digestion. Differences in peptide release were detected between purified and plasma VDBP; however, for both protein sources, ELPEHTVK, TSALSAK, and VLEPTLK concentrations were reproducible between most protocols tested. The isoform-specific peptides, LPDATPK, LPDATPTELAK, and LPEATPTELAK, were optimally released when TFE was added to plasma. The total VDBP concentration calculated from the three shared peptides resulted in 97.6% accuracy compared with the concentration from amino acid analysis. Glycosylation of VDBP was also calculated for purified protein and donor samples using the ratio of the isoform-specific peptide(s) to the total protein concentration. Glycosylation of purified VDBP was found to be 99.5-111.1% the value determined by semiquantitative analysis of the intact protein by LC-MS. This approach may be used to quantify other samples containing a mixture of isoforms and post-translational modifications.

Characterization of equine vitamin D-binding protein, development of an assay, and assessment of plasma concentrations of the protein in healthy horses and horses with gastrointestinal disease.

OBJECTIVE To purify and characterize equine vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) from equine serum and to evaluate plasma concentrations of VDBP in healthy horses and horses with gastrointestinal injury or disease. ANIMALS 13 healthy laboratory animals (8 mice and 5 rabbits), 61 healthy horses, 12 horses with experimentally induced intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (IR), and 59 horses with acute gastrointestinal diseases. PROCEDURES VDBP was purified from serum of 2 healthy horses, and recombinant equine VDBP was obtained through a commercial service. Equine VDBP was characterized by mass spectrometry. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies were raised against equine VDBP, and a rocket immunoelectrophoresis assay for equine VDBP was established. Plasma samples from 61 healthy horses were used to establish working VDBP reference values for study purposes. Plasma VDBP concentrations were assessed at predetermined time points in horses with IR and in horses with naturally occurring gastrointestinal diseases. RESULTS The working reference range for plasma VDBP concentration in healthy horses was 531 to 1,382 mg/L. Plasma VDBP concentrations were significantly decreased after 1 hour of ischemia in horses with IR, compared with values prior to induction of ischemia, and were significantly lower in horses with naturally occurring gastrointestinal diseases with a colic duration of < 12 hours than in healthy horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Plasma VDBP concentrations were significantly decreased in horses with acute gastrointestinal injury or disease. Further studies and the development of a clinically relevant assay are needed to establish the reliability of VDBP as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in horses.

Prognostic value of circulating vitamin D binding protein, total, free and bioavailable 25-hydroxy vitamin D in patients with colorectal cancer.

Numerous studies have suggested that there was a significantly positive association between circulating total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and survival in colorectal cancer patients. Moreover, plasma vitamin D was also found significantly associated with the concentration of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP). However, there was no paper to clarify the prognostic value of VDBP, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D in colorectal carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the prognostic value of VDBP, total, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D in stage I-III colorectal cancer patients. A total of 206 colorectal cancer patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Preoperative plasma total 25(OH)D and VDBP concentrations were measured by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and albumin concentration was measured by Beckman automatic biochemical analyzer. Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D concentrations were calculated based on the concentrations of plasma VDBP, total 25(OH) D and albumin. X-title program was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of VDBP, total, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D. Results showed that elevated free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were significantly associated with better 5-year overall survival (OS) by univariate analysis. By multivariate cox analysis, we also found that the high level of free 25(OH)D (HR = 0.442, 95%CI = 0.238–0.819, P < 0.010) could be identified as an independent factor for better OS. In conclusion, our study suggested that higher levels of free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were associated with better OS in stage I-III colorectal cancer patients. Moreover, free 25(OH)D could be considered as an independent prognostic biomarker for OS.

Appropriate vitamin D loading regimen for patients with advanced lung cancer.

BackgroundMost patients attending cancer clinics have hypovitaminosis D. Correcting or preventing this abnormal condition could mitigate the emotional and physical complications of their disease, but clinical trials of vitamin D therapy in this setting are hindered by the unavailability of safe, effective and practical loading dose regimens.MethodsIn this single arm open-label pharmacokinetic trial, outpatients with advanced lung cancer consumed 20,000 IU vitamin D daily with the largest meal of the day for 14 days followed by 10,000 IU per day for a further 7 days. Plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone, calcium, vitamin C and C-reactive protein were measured on protocol days 0, 14 and 21, and serum vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) concentrations on days 0 and 21. As a secondary objective, preliminary information was obtained regarding clinical effects of rapid vitamin D loading on mood and symptoms by administering appropriate questionnaires two times at baseline and after 14 and 21 days of vitamin D therapy.ResultsOf the 91 patients enrolled in the study, 85 % had hypovitaminosis D and 41 % had hypovitaminosis C. Plasma VDBP concentrations were in the normal range. The vitamin D load increased the average plasma 25(OH)D concentration to 116 ± 34 nmol/L (mean ± SD); the median concentration was 122 nmol/L (interquartile range 103–134); VDBP concentrations did not change. Final plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were subnormal (<75 nmol/L) for 13 % of the patients and sub-target (<120 nmol/L) for 44 % of them. In most cases, subnormal and sub-target 25(OH)D concentrations were attributable to obesity and/or a low baseline 25(OH)D concentration. Mood and symptom scores did not change significantly throughout the 3-week protocol.ConclusionHypovitaminosis D and C are very common in outpatients with advanced lung cancer. A vitamin D load of 20,000 IU per day for 14 days failed to achieve the target concentration in 44 % of the participants in this trial. These results suggest that a loading dose of 30,000 IU per day for 14 days would be safe and effective for patients who are obese or at risk of severe hypovitaminosis D. The preliminary nature of the study design, and the failure to achieve target 25(OH)D concentrations for a large proportion of the patients, do not allow any firm conclusion about the clinical effects of correcting hypovitaminosis D in this patient population. Nevertheless, no evidence was obtained that partial correction of hypovitaminosis D greatly improved mood, reduced distress or relieved cancer-related symptoms. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01631526.

Vitamin D-binding protein as a biomarker of active disease in acute intermittent porphyria

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominant metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of hepatic porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD). The disease is characterized by life threatening acute neurovisceral attacks. The aim of this study was to identify metabolites secreted by the hepatocytes that reflect differential metabolic status in the liver and that may predict response to the acute attack treatment. Plasma vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) from a mouse model of AIP displayed an abnormal migration in 2D-electrophoresis that is efficiently recovered upon gene therapy leading to liver specific over-expression of the PBGD protein. The change in VDBP mobility results from a differential isoelectric point suggesting a post-translational modification that takes place preferably in the liver. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis of human samples before and after glycosidase treatment revealed glycosylated plasma VDBP specifically in patients with recurrent attacks of AIP. Glycosylated VDBP recovered normal values in three severely afflicted AIP patients submitted to therapeutic liver transplantation. Our findings suggest that post-translational modification of VDBP might be considered as a promising biomarker to study and monitor the liver metabolic status in patients with AIP. SignificanceWe describe an increased glycosylation of VDBP in porphyric livers. Normal glycosylation was recovered upon liver gene therapy in a mouse model of porphyria or after liver transplantation in severely afflicted patients with AIP. Moreover, quantification of glycosylated VDBP by our ELISA immunoassay or LC–MS protocol in patients undergoing PBGD-gene therapy (www.aipgene.org) may be used as a marker indicating improvement or normalization of the patient's hepatic metabolism.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: HUPO 2014.

Plasma Vitamin D-Binding Protein and Risk of Heart Failure in Male Physicians

Previous studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency might contribute to the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF); however, limited data are available on the association of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP)--a major transport protein for vitamin D--and the development of HF. Thus, we investigated whether plasma VDBP is inversely associated with HF risk. Using a prospective nested case-control design, we selected 464 cases and 464 matched controls from the Physicians' Health Study for the present analyses. VDBP was determined using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Self-reported HF was obtained through annual follow-up questionnaires and validated in a subsample by a review of the medical records. We used conditional logistic regression analyses to compute the adjusted odds ratios. The mean age was 58.6 years, and the median VDBP was 307.8 μg/ml (interquartile range 265.2 to 354.6). Plasma VDBP was not associated with HF in our study. Across the consecutive quintiles of VDBP, the odds ratio was 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] reference), 1.05 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.65), 1.28 (95% CI 0.80 to 2.06), 1.07 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.75), and 1.28 (95% CI 0.76 to 2.15); p for linear trend = 0.41, after adjustment for matching factors, body mass index, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. In conclusion, our data have shown no significant association between the plasma levels of VDBP and HF risk in apparently healthy male physicians.

Abstract 670: Cigarette smoking, race, and genetic ancestry in association with plasma vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) in healthy African Americans (AA) and Caucasian Americans (CA)

Abstract Vitamin D and VDBP affect several pathways involved in inflammation, tumor growth, and immune surveillance relevant to carcinogenesis. In a previous pilot study (Bortner et al., 2010), using a proteomics approach, VDBP was down-regulated in the plasma of chronic cigarette smokers by as much as 3-fold. Therefore, using an existing study of healthy AA and CA participants, we conducted an investigation of the differences in VDBP between 39 current smokers and 82 never smokers, frequency matched on age, sex and race/ethnicity. VDBP plasma concentrations were determined in duplicate using the Quantikine® Human VDBP ELISA (CV%, 5.6%). Genotyping was conducted for a set of 112 previously validated Ancestry Informative Markers for the percent West African and European genetic ancestry, and VDBP coding region changes via rs7041 (Asp416Glu, T/G) and rs4588 (Thr420Lys, C/A). Vitamin D metabolites (25OHD3 and 24,25(OH)2D3) were determined using LC-MS/MS (CV% 2.7 and 6.3, respectively). T-test, Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact, and Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to determine statistically significant bivariate differences. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for multiple factors using the log-normal transformation of VDBP concentration with the Cochran-Armitage test for trend for VDBP genotype. Multiplicative interaction terms were tested along with their main-effects, adjusted for co-variates. There were no significant differences between current smokers and never smokers by age, VDBP genotype, body mass index, vitamin D metabolites, or genetic ancestry. VDBP concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI, r=−0.19, p=0.033), West African ancestry (r=−0.66, p&amp;lt;0.001), vitamin D metabolites (p-values&amp;lt;0.001), VDBP rs4588-A and rs7041-T alleles (VDBP genotypes were 100% correlated). VDBP genotypes coding Asp416Asp and Lys420Lys were at least 3.3-fold lower, compared with Glu416Glu and Thr420Thr, respectively, and this was regardless of smoking status (p-trend&amp;lt;0.001). There was no association between VDBP concentration and age or smoking status. In multiple regression models, serum vitamin D metabolites, self-reported race/ethnicity, West African ancestry and GC genotypes remained significantly associated with VDBP concentration. The magnitude of difference in these variables was similar among current and never smokers, although BMI remained significantly negatively associated with VDBP concentrations among never smokers (p-interaction =0.028). Smoking status was not highly correlated with VDBP plasma concentration, although may have some interactive effect with BMI. Future studies will need to account for the strong correlations with VDBP genotype and genetic ancestry. Support: 1K22CA120092-01A2 and 3K22CA120092-02S1. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 670. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-670

Antiproteinuric treatment reduces urinary loss of vitamin D-binding protein but does not affect vitamin D status in patients with chronic kidney disease

Vitamin D deficiency is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Increased urinary loss of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), the main transporter of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 in the circulation, has been postulated to contribute to vitamin D deficiency in proteinuria. To test this hypothesis we analyzed urinary and plasma levels of VDBP, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 from proteinuric patients, before and after antiproteinuric interventions. We performed a post-hoc analysis of a clinical trial in CKD patients ( n = 13, creatinine clearance median 60 (range 25–177) ml/min) subjected to the following study periods: washout (no antiproteinuric treatment, 4 weeks), lisinopril 40 mg QD (ACEi, 6 weeks), or indomethacin 75 mg BID (NSAID, 4 weeks) in randomized sequence. Healthy subjects screened for donation ( n = 10) served as controls. Plasma and urine VDBP levels were measured by ELISA, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 levels by LC–MS and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 levels by radioimmunoassay. In CKD patients urinary VDBP excretion was strongly increased (median (range) 5413 (155–211,027) μg/24 h) as compared to healthy controls (64 (23–111) μg/24 h, p < 0.001). Both NSAID and ACEi significantly decreased urinary VDBP excretion, in proportion to proteinuria reduction. Plasma VDBP, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 levels, however, were similar between patients and controls and not affected by antiproteinuric intervention. Urinary VDBP excretion is markedly increased in proteinuria and responds to antiproteinuric treatment. Urinary VDBP loss is not associated with plasma VDBP or vitamin D 3 levels, suggesting that urinary loss of VDBP does not affect vitamin D status.

Proteomic analysis of amniotic fluid in pregnancies with Klinefelter syndrome foetuses

Klinefelter syndrome is a sex chromosomal abnormality (47, XXY karyotype), occurring approximately in 1 in 1000 male live births. In the present study proteomic analysis was performed in twelve 2nd trimester amniotic fluid samples, eight coming from pregnancies with normal males and four with Klinefelter syndrome foetuses, as shown by routine prenatal cytogenetic analysis. Samples were analysed by 2-DE, coupled with MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. Three proteins (Ceruloplasmin, Alpha-1-antitrypsin and Zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein) were found to be up-regulated in samples obtained from pregnancies with Klinefelter syndrome foetuses, whereas four proteins (Apolipoprotein A-I, Plasma retinol-binding protein, Gelsolin, and Vitamin D-binding protein) were down regulated when compared to proteins detected in samples from normal foetuses. The differential expression of Ceruloplasmin, Apolipoprotein A-I and Plasma retinol-binding protein was further confirmed by immunoblotting. Since these proteins are likely to cross the placenta barrier and be detected in maternal plasma they could be used as biomarkers for the non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome.

Biological Activities of 2.ALPHA.-Substituted Analogues of 1.ALPHA.,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Transcriptional Regulation and Human Promyelocytic Leukemia (HL-60) Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

Biological activities of 2alpha-substituted 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogues were evaluated in vitro. Their binding affinity was examined with calf thymus cytosolic vitamin D receptor (VDR) and rat plasma vitamin D-binding protein (DBP). In addition, the transcriptional activity of the analogues was measured using a rat 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase gene promoter, a human osteocalcin gene promoter, and VDR-GAL4 system. This study investigated the biological activities of 2alpha-substituted analogues in comparison with 2beta-substitued analogues at the molecular level, with regard to the structural differences of alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxy substituents at the 2-position of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Crystal structure of the complex between actin and human vitamin D-binding protein at 2.5 A resolution.

A high-affinity complex formed between G-actin and plasma vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) is believed to form part of a scavenging system in the plasma for removing actin released from damaged cells. In the study presented here, we describe the crystal structure of the complex between actin and human vitamin D-binding protein at 2.5 A resolution. The complex contains one molecule of each protein bound together by extensive ionic, polar, and hydrophobic interactions. It includes an ATP and a calcium ion bound to actin, but no evidence of vitamin D metabolites bound to the DBP. Both actin and DBP are multidomain molecules, two major domains in actin and three in DBP. All of these domains contribute to the interaction between the molecules. DBP enfolds the end of the actin molecule, principally in actin subdomain 3 but with additional interactions in actin subdomain 1. This orientation is similar to the binding of profilin to actin, as predicted from previous studies. The more extensive interactions of DBP give an affinity for actin some 3 orders of magnitude higher than that for profilin. The larger "footprint" of DBP on actin also leads to an overlap with the actin-binding site of gelsolin domain I.

In Vitro Biological Activities of a Series of 2.BETA.-Substituted Analogues of 1.ALPHA.,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Biological activities of a series of 2beta-substituted analogues of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3] were evaluated in vitro in terms of their binding affinity with regard to calf thymus cytosolic vitamin D receptor (VDR) and rat plasma vitamin D-binding protein (DBP). Additionally, reporter gene luciferase activities using either a rat 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase gene promoter, including two vitamin D-responsive elements (VDREs), in transfected rat osteoblast-like ROS17/2.8 cells, or a human VDR-GAL4 modified two-hybrid system in transfected human epitheloid carcinoma, cervix HeLa cells were examined. Binding affinity for VDR, transactivation potency on the target gene and VDR-mediated gene regulation of the hydroxyalkyl and hydroxyalkoxy 2beta-substituted analogues were almost comparable to those of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3, while the alkyl and alkenyl analogues were much less active than 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. This study investigated the biological evaluation of a series of 2beta-substituted analogues at the molecular level, with regard to the structural differences of alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxy, alkoxy, hydroxy and chloro substituents at the 2beta-position of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3.

Genetic polymorphism of plasma vitamin D-binding protein (Gc) in some asian sheep

Genetic polymorphism of plasma vitamin D-binding protein (Gc) in some asian sheep