Vitamin D regulates steroidogenesis and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) production in human ovarian cells

Horm Metab Res. 2010 Sep;42(10):754-7. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1262837. Epub 2010 Aug 13.

Abstract

Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) is expressed in both animal and human ovarian tissue, however, the role of vitamin D in human ovarian steroidogenesis is unknown. Cultured human ovarian cells were incubated in tissue culture medium supplemented with appropriate substrates, with or without 50 pM-150 pM or 50 nM-150 nM of 1,25-(OH)2D3, and in the presence or absence of insulin. Progesterone, testosterone, estrone, estradiol, and IGFBP-1 concentrations in conditioned tissue culture medium were measured. Vitamin D receptor was present in human ovarian cells. 1,25-(OH)2D3 stimulated progesterone production by 13% (p<0.001), estradiol production by 9% (p<0.02), and estrone production by 21% (p<0.002). Insulin and 1,25-(OH)2D3 acted synergistically to increase estradiol production by 60% (p<0.005). 1,25-(OH)2D3 alone stimulated IGFBP-1 production by 24% (p<0.001), however, in the presence of insulin, 1,25-(OH)2D3 enhanced insulin-induced inhibition of IGFBP-1 production by 13% (p<0.009). Vitamin D stimulates ovarian steroidogenesis and IGFBP-1 production in human ovarian cells likely acting via vitamin D receptor. Insulin and vitamin D synergistically stimulate estradiol production. Vitamin D also enhances inhibitory effect of insulin on IGFBP-1 production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calcitriol / pharmacology*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Granulosa Cells / drug effects
  • Granulosa Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin / pharmacology
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / biosynthesis*
  • Ovary / cytology*
  • Ovary / drug effects
  • Ovary / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / genetics
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / metabolism
  • Steroids / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • IGFBP1 protein, human
  • Insulin
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Calcitriol
  • Steroids
  • Calcitriol