Vitamin D Receptor Gene Expression in Adipose Tissue of Obese Individuals is Regulated by miRNA and Correlates with the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Level.

Abstract

Background: Given the role that vitamin D (VD) plays in the regulation of the inflammatory activity of adipocytes, we aimed to assess whether obesity changes the expression of VD-related genes in adipose tissue and, if so, to investigate whether this phenomenon depends on microRNA interference and how it may influence the local inflammatory milieu. Methods: The expression of genes encoding VD 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) and receptor (VDR), selected interleukins and microRNAs was evaluated by real-time PCR in visceral (VAT) and in subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissues of 55 obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2) and 31 normal-weight (BMI 20-24.9 kg/m2) individuals. Results: VDR mRNA levels were higher, while CYP27B1 levels were lower in adipose tissues of obese patients than in those of normal-weight controls (VAT: P = 0.04, SAT: P < 0.0001 and VAT: P = 0.004, SAT: P = 0.016, respectively). The expression of VDR in VAT of obese subjects correlated negatively with levels of miR-125a-5p (P = 0.0006, rs = -0.525), miR-125b-5p (P = 0.001, rs = -0.495), and miR-214-3p (P = 0.009, rs = -0.379). Additionally, VDR mRNA concentrations in visceral adipose tissues of obese subjects correlated positively with mRNA levels of interleukins: 1β, 6 and 8. Conclusions: We observed obesity-associated up-regulation of VDR and down-regulation of CYP27B mRNA levels in adipose tissue. VDR expression correlates with the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and may be regulated by miRNAs.

• Authors: Marta Izabela Jonas, Alina Kuryłowicz, Zbigniew Bartoszewicz, Wojciech Lisik, Maurycy Jonas, Krzysztof Kozniewski, Monika Puzianowska-Kuznicka
• Journal: International journal of molecular sciences (Int J Mol Sci) Vol. 20 Issue 21 (Oct 24 2019) ISSN: 1422-0067 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 31652924 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• MicroRNAs
• RNA, Messenger
• Receptors, Calcitriol
• 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase
• CYP27B1 protein, human

Topics

• 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase (genetics, metabolism)
• Adipose Tissue (metabolism)
• Adult
• Cytokines (genetics, metabolism)
• Down-Regulation
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• MicroRNAs (genetics, metabolism)
• Middle Aged
• Obesity (metabolism, pathology)
• RNA, Messenger (metabolism)
• Receptors, Calcitriol (genetics, metabolism)
• Up-Regulation
• Young Adult