1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 affect parathormone (PTH) -sensitive adenylate cyclase activity and alkaline phosphatase secretion of osteoblastic cells through different mechanisms of action

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and bone metabolism

The 1alpha-hydroxylated metabolite of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), is the biologically most active metabolite of vitamin D. The 24-hydroxylated metabolites were generally considered as degradation products of a catabolic pathway finally leading to excretion of calcitroic acid. Studies with analogues fluorinated at the C-24 position did not indicate a physiological function for 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3). Nevertheless throughout the years various studies showed biologic effects of other metabolites than 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). In particular the metabolite 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3) has been functionally analyzed, e.g. with respect to a role in normal chicken egg hatchability and effects on chondrocytes in the resting zone of cartilage. Numerous studies have shown the presence of the vitamin D receptor in bone cells and effects of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) on bone and bone cells. Also for 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3) studies have been performed focusing on effects on bone and bone cells. The purpose of this review is to summarize the data regarding 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3) and bone and to evaluate its role in bone biology.

24,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 modulates the L-type Ca2+ channel current in UMR 106 cells: involvement of protein kinase A and protein kinase C

In this study, the effect of 24,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 (24,25D3), on the L-type Ca2+ channel current (L-channel current) in UMR 106 cells was investigated using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique. It was found that 24,25D3 had a dual effect on the L-channel current: a low concentration of 24,25D3 (1 x 10(-8) M) increased the amplitude of the L-channel current by 49 +/- 11%, whereas a high concentration of 24,25D3 (1 x 10(-5) M) reduced the amplitude of the current by 55 +/- 7%. The effect of a low concentration of 24,25D3 was mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP and inhibited by Rp-cAMPs, indicating the involvement of the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway. In contrast, the effect of a high concentration of 24,25D3 was mimicked by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and inhibited by calphostin C, indicating the involvement of protein kinase C. In comparison, a high concentration of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 (1,25D3) (1 x 10(-6) M) increased the L-channel current in UMR 106 cells. Therefore, 24,25D3 appears to have an action on the L-channel current that is distinct from that of 1,25D3. This demonstration of a non-genomic effect of 24,25D3 on calcium channels suggests that 24,25D3 is an active metabolite of vitamin D3 and may play an important role in regulating the function of bone cells.

Cell-bound and extracellular matrix-associated alkaline phosphatase activity in rat periodontal ligament. Experimental Oral Biology Group

In previous studies it was noted that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in periodontal ligament does not only seem to be related to cells but may also be associated with the extracellular matrix. In an attempt to clarify this we studied the distribution of the enzyme at the electron microscopic level. In addition, ALP-activity was assessed biochemically following extraction of the ligament with (i) agents dissolving the membrane or splitting the phosphatidylinositol anchor (Triton X-100 or phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C, respectively), and (ii) a matrix-degrading enzyme cocktail (collagenase, hyaluronidase and elastase). Histochemical observations revealed (a) a heterogeneous distribution of ALP-activity, with highest activity adjacent to the alveolar bone and (b) two pools of activity; one bound to cells and one associated with the collagenous extracellular matrix. In line with this were the biochemical data indicating that approximately 10% of the enzyme activity was firmly bound to the extracellular matrix and 90% to plasma membranes. Isoelectric focusing did not reveal differences between the two fractions, both samples yielding a single broad band corresponding with an isoelectric point of about 4.4.

Vitamin D3 analogs and salmon calcitonin partially reverse the development of renal osteodystrophy in rats

We have previously established an uremic rat model which is suitable for investigating the effect of various treatment modalities on the progression of renal osteodystrophy [1]. Four months subsequent to 5/6 nephrectomy, animals were treated three times a week for 3 months with either vehicle, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3], 1,25(OH)2D3 + calcitonin (CT), or 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25(OH)2D3 + CT. At termination of the study, clinical chemistry, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of femurs, calvarial parathyroid hormone (PTH)-elicited adenylate cyclase (AC), and phospholipase C (PL-C) activities, femoral cross-sectional area, and bone histomorphometry were analyzed. The main findings were that 1,25(OH)2D3 +/- 24,25(OH)2D3 treatment enhanced elasticity as well as time to fracture at the femoral metaphysis. CT potentiated the increase in elasticity obtained by 1,25(OH)2D3 +/- 24,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Only 24,25(OH)2D3 administration rectified the supernormal PTH-stimulated uremic bone AC, and only 1,25(OH)2D3 medication normalized the diminished CT-elicited AC. The obliterated uremic bone PTH-sensitive PL-C was fully normalized by all drug regimens. Femoral shaft inner zone diameter was enhanced by uremia, however, all drug treatments normalized it. Ditto effect was registered with either drug treatment on the subnormal outer and inner zone widths. Histomorphometrical analyses showed that 1,25(OH)2D3 administration reduced both eroded and osteoid surfaces. Most prominently, adjuvant 24,25(OH)2D3 or CT administration potentiated the beneficial effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on fibrosis and osteomalacia. We assert that vitamin D3 treatment markedly reverses the development of renal osteodystrophy, and CT potentiates the effect of vitamin D3.

Activation of the human osteocalcin gene by 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 occurs through the vitamin D receptor and the vitamin D-responsive element

1 alpha-25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25(OH)2D3], together with vitamin D receptor (VDR), directly activates human osteocalcin (hOC) gene expression through a vitamin D-responsive element (VDRE) located in the promoter of the hOC gene. We investigated the effect of 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24R,25(OH)2D3] on the regulation of the hOC gene promoter and compared it with that of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. 24R,25(OH)2D3 did not activate the natural promoter in VDR-negative CV-1 cells. 24R,25(OH)2D3, however, induced the activation of this promoter following cotransfection with an hVDR expression vector. In VDR-positive MC3T3-E1 cells, 24R,25(OH)2D3 activated not only the natural hOC promoter but also a chimeric promoter composed of a synthetic hOC VDRE sequence linked to the thymidine kinase promoter. In combination with 1 alpha-25(OH)2D3, 24R,25(OH)2D3 did not exhibit any antagonist activity on the hOC promoter. These results suggest that under conditions of high 24R,25(OH)2D3 levels in vivo, this metabolite of vitamin D3 may activate hOC gene expression through receptor mechanisms identical to that for 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3.

Surgically induced uremia in rats. II: Osseous PTH-susceptible signaling systems as predictors of bone resorption

Predicting the course of parathormone (PTH)-elicited bone turnover in both humans and experimental rat models with moderate chronic uremia, using only standard clinical chemistry analyses, is often difficult. Consequently, rat bone from 1 + 2/3 nephrectomized animals, after 230 days of progressive renal failure, was examined for PTH-stimulated adenylate cyclase (AC) and phospholipase C (PL-C) activities. Correlations to biological parameters related to the function of bone and kidney were made. Reduced renal function was demonstrated by increased serum creatinine; circulating 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 below detection level; diminished renal PTH-elicited AC activity; and decreased urinary cAMP excretion. PTH-activated renal PL-C was also reduced. However, no significant differences were seen in urine creatinine, calcium, phosphate, and hydroxyproline, nor in serum PTH, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphate. Notwithstanding, renal osteodystrophy developed as estimated by increased plasticity of the long bones, as well as reduction of the diaphyseal (Dd) and inner femoral mid-shaft (Di) diameters. Femoral cancellous bone exhibited a substantial elevation of both eroded surface (ES) and osteoid surface (OS) as well as a marked reduction in trabecular bone volume (TBV). Calvarial PTH-activated AC was enhanced, whereas corresponding PL-C was markedly reduced. PTH-enhanced AC correlated positively with ES and negatively with Di, respectively. PTH-enhanced PL-C, however, correlated positively with bone calcium content and negatively with ES. Our results indicate that bone modeling and remodeling are to a large extent related to PTH-elicited signaling systems, and cannot easily be predicted by standard clinical chemistry analyses.

Calcium regulating activity of 26,27-dimethyl analog of 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

To determine the possibility that methyl substitution in 26- and 27-positions of 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] alters activities of the original compound, the effects of 24,25(OH)2D3 on calcium (Ca) regulating activity were compared with those of its methyl analog [24,25(OH)2(CH3)2D3] in addition to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. 24,25(OH)2D3 at 10(-6) M and 24,25(OH)2(CH3)2D3 at 10(-7) M and above significantly stimulated both bone resorption in neonatal mouse calvaria cultures and formation of osteoclast-like multinucleated cells (MNC) in mouse bone marrow cultures. A stimulative effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on bone resorption and MNC formation was recognized in very low concentrations (10(-11) M and above). Although a potency of 24,25(OH)2(CH3)2D3 in stimulating bone calcium (Ca) mobilization and intestinal Ca transport was higher than that of 24,25(OH)2D3, the potencies of both compounds were similar to that of 1,25(OH)2D3 unlike in vitro experiments. As 1,24R,25-trihydroxy-26,27-dimethylvitamin D3 showed almost the same effect as 24,25(OH)2(CH3)2D3, the dihydroxy form is suggested to be hydroxylated at 1 alpha position and converted to trihydroxy form in vitamin D-deficient rats. From these results, methyl substitution in 26- and 27-position of 24,25(OH)2D3 was found to elevate Ca regulating activity of the original compound. In addition, it is suggested that the basis for a similarity in potency between 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 or its dimethyl analog in vitamin D-deficient rats is likely the result of 1 alpha-hydroxylation.

Phosphodiesterase activity is a novel property of alkaline phosphatase from osseous plate

Phosphodiesterase activity is a novel property of the still-enigmatic alkaline phosphatase from osseous plate. Bis-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate was hydrolysed at both pH 7.5 and 9.4 with an apparent dissociation constant (K0.5) of 1.9 mM and 3.9 mM respectively. The hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-5'-thymidine phosphate followed hyberbolic kinetics with a K0.5 of 500 microM. For p-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonate, site-site interactions [Hill coefficient (h) = 1.3] were observed in the range between 0.2 and 100 microM, and K0.5 was 32.8 mM. The hydrolysis of cyclic AMP by the enzyme followed more complex kinetics, showing site-site interactions (h = 1.7) and K0.5 = 300 microM for high-affinity sites. The low-affinity sites, representing 85% of total activity, also showed site-site interactions (h = 3.8) and a K0.5 of about 22 mM. ATP and cyclic AMP were competitive inhibitors of bis-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphatase activity of the enzyme and Ki values (25 mM and 0.6 mM for cyclic AMP and ATP respectively) very close to those of the K0.5 (22 mM and 0.7 mM for cyclic AMP and ATP respectively), determined by direct assay, indicated that a single catalytic site was responsible for the hydrolysis of both substrates. Non-denaturing PAGE of detergent-solubilized enzyme showed coincident bands on the gel for phosphomonohydrolase and phosphodiesterase activities. Additional evidence for a single catalytic site was the similar pKa values (8.5 and 9.7) found for the two ionizing groups participating in the hydrolysis of bis-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate and p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The alkaline apparent pH optima, the requirement for bivalent metal ions and the inhibition by methylxanthines, amrinone and amiloride demonstrated that rat osseous-plate alkaline phosphatase was a type I phosphodiesterase. Considering that there is still confusion as to which is the physiological substrate for the enzyme, the present results describing a novel property for this enzyme could be of relevance in understanding the mineralization process.

Synthesis of human parathyroid-hormone-related protein(1-141) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A correct amino-terminal processing vital for the hormone's biological activity is obtained by an ubiquitin fusion protein approach

Gene fusions have been widely used in heterologous expression systems as a technique to stabilize the recombinant product against proteolysis, increase the translational initiation efficiency or to serve as an affinity handle for the purification of the protein. A further advantage is the potential to generate an authentic amino terminus of the foreign protein when this is vital for its biological activity, such as for the ability of human parathyroid-hormone-related protein (hPTHrP) to mediate activation of adenylate cyclase. We report here the construction and utility of a ubiquitin fusion protein system for production of the otherwise short-lived hPTHrP(1-141) as a carboxyl extension to ubiquitin in yeast. A hybrid gene containing the hPTHrP(1-141) cDNA coding region fused in-frame to the 3' end of the yeast ubiquitin cDNA was constructed and expressed under the control of the regulatable yeast metallothionein promoter. The recombinant protein was purified to homogeneity and finally characterized by N-terminal amino acid sequencing and amino acid composition analysis, demonstrating that the fusion protein was cleaved correctly and quantitatively in vivo by an ubiquitin-specific yeast endoprotease to generate authentic hPTHrP(1-141). hPTHrP(1-141) stimulated adenylate cyclase in rat osteosarcoma cell membranes to the same extent as equimolar amounts of recombinant human parathyroid hormone(1-84) and [Tyr34]hPTHrP(1-34)amide. Thus, this expression cloning strategy permits the production of authentic, biologically active recombinant hPTHrP(1-141), and the procedure can easily be adapted to make PTHrP analogues for further studies of its domain-specific activities and biological roles.

24,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 treatment inhibits parathyroid-stimulated adenylate cyclase in iliac crest biopsies from uremic patients

Renal osteodystrophy with increased bone resorption is a major clinical problem in patients with chronic renal failure. Previous reports have shown that treatment with 24,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) may result in decreased bone resorption. The present study addresses basic mechanisms for the action of 24,25(OH)2D3 in bone of patients with elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels due to chronic renal disease. Twenty-four patients 56 +/- 17 years old (mean +/- SE) with chronic kidney disease in the predialytic state (serum creatinine > 150 mumol/l) and elevated serum midregion PTH > 1.2 micrograms/l were randomly assigned to oral treatment with either 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) (0.25-0.50 microgram/day), 24,25(OH)2D3 (daily dose of 15 micrograms), or a combination of the two vitamin D3 analogs. The control group received calcium carbonate (maximal dosage of 1 g x 3). Selected variables in serum and urine as well as hormone sensitive adenylate cyclase (AC) in iliac crest biopsies were assessed before treatment and during follow-up after two and six months. Serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 were significantly (P < 0.05) increased after two and six months in the respective treatment groups. Net bone PTH-enhanced AC (PTH-AC) fell abruptly (P < 0.01) after two months of treatment and was nearly abolished (P < 0.01) after six months with 24,25(OH)2D3 given alone or in combination with 1,25(OH)2D3. An inverse relationship (r = -0.57, P < 0.05, n = 48) between net PTH-AC in bone and serum levels of 24,25(OH)2D3 was demonstrated. In all groups, serum total calcium (s-Ca) was maintained within normal range.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bone turnover in rats treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 or 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Female rats were given 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), 0.25 microgram per 100 g body weight (bw), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), 1.7 micrograms/100 g bw or 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) 1.7 micrograms/100 g bw, subcutaneously three times a week for 12 weeks. Traditional variables pertaining to calcium homeostasis and growth, i.e. blood and urine calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P), serum levels of vitamin D3 metabolites parathyroid hormone, (PTH), calcitonin (CT), prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) were measured every four weeks. This data pool was correlated with bone matrix turnover parameters, i.e. serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and urinary hydroxyproline (u-HYP) excretion. After 12 weeks of treatment, 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly enhanced serum total and ionized Ca, urine Ca and urine P, and also diminished urine cAMP due to reduced renal function (creatinine clearance). However, 25(OH)D3 administration had no such impact. 24,25(OH)2D3 opposed the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 after 12 weeks by significantly augmenting serum P and diminishing serum levels of total Ca and ionized Ca. Cross sectional group analyses showed that circulating levels of ALP were directly related with serum 1,25(OH)2D3 and inversely related to serum 24,25(OH)2D3 and CT. Total u-HYP and per cent non-dialysable HYP (ndHYP) were reciprocally and positively correlated with serum PRL, respectively. However, no such relations were observed with serum GH. It appears that rats with elevated circulating levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 exhibit increased bone resorption, while augmented 24,25(OH)2D3 is associated with the opposite. Apparently, high bone turnover (i.e. reduced total urinary HYP and enhanced ndHYP) is associated with high serum PRL.

Long-term administration of vitamin D3 metabolites alters PTH-responsive osteoblastic adenylate cyclase in rats

We have examined the effect of induced hyper D3 vitaminosis on bone-related variables in the rat with special reference to the parathyroid (PTH)-sensitive adenylate cyclase (AC) in rat calvariae. Subcutaneous injections three times a week of doses theoretically corresponding to about 10 times the average physiological serum levels of either 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), or 24,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) for 12 weeks gave the following results: At 12 weeks of treatment, 24,25(OH)2D3 levels in the groups receiving 25OHD3 or 24,25(OH)2D3 increased significantly, whereas 1,25(OH)2D3 levels remained unaffected. Correspondingly, PTH-sensitive AC activities in crude calvarial membrane fractions from 25OHD3- and 24,25(OH)2D3-treated animals were obliterated. This effect was apparent after 4 weeks of treatment. In the group receiving 25OHD3, both basal, plus Gpp(NH)p-, and forskolin-sensitive AC activities were significantly reduced after 4 weeks of treatment. Similar effects in crude kidney membrane fractions were, however, not observed. Liver membranes from 25OHD3- or 24,25(OH)2D3-treated animals showed insignificant changes in the isoprenalin-, PGE1-, Gpp(NH)p-, or forskolin-sensitive AC activities. Finally, the significance of reduced PTH-sensitive bone AC activity has been assessed. 25OHD3 treatment yielded normocalcemic and hypercalciuric rats, whereas 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced both serum and urine Ca2+ levels. 24,25(OH)2D3-treated and control animals were undiscernible in this respect. However, the 24,25-(OH)2D3 treatment caused reductions in both serum alkaline phosphatase levels and urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)