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.
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Correspondence
D. Seto-YoungPhD
Division of Endocrinology
Beth Israel Medical Center
317 East 17th Street
10003 NY
Fierman Hall 7th Floor
New York
USA
Phone: +1/212/420 4666
Fax: +1/212/420 2224
Email: dyoung@chpnet.org