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Paul Lips - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • vitamin d Physiology
    Progress in Biophysics & Molecular Biology, 2006
    Co-Authors: Paul Lips
    Abstract:

    Abstract Vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin during summer under the influence of ultraviolet light of the sun, or it is obtained from food, especially fatty fish. After hydroxylation in the liver into 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and kidney into 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the active metabolite can enter the cell, bind to the vitamin D-receptor and subsequently to a responsive gene such as that of calcium binding protein. After transcription and translation the protein is formed, e.g. osteocalcin or calcium binding protein. The calcium binding protein mediates calcium absorption from the gut. The production of 1,25(OH)2D is stimulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and decreased by calcium. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency are premature birth, skin pigmentation, low sunshine exposure, obesity, malabsorption and advanced age. Risk groups are immigrants and the elderly. Vitamin D status is dependent upon sunshine exposure but within Europe, serum 25(OH)D levels are higher in Northern than in Southern European countries. Severe vitamin D deficiency causes rickets or osteomalacia, where the new bone, the osteoid, is not mineralized. Less severe vitamin D deficiency causes an increase of serum PTH leading to bone resorption, osteoporosis and fractures. A negative relationship exists between serum 25(OH)D and serum PTH. The threshold of serum 25(OH)D, where serum PTH starts to rise is about 75 nmol/l according to most surveys. Vitamin D supplementation to vitamin D-deficient elderly suppresses serum PTH, increases bone mineral density and may decrease fracture incidence especially in nursing home residents. The effects of 1,25(OH)2D and the vitamin D receptor have been investigated in patients with genetic defects of vitamin D metabolism and in knock-out mouse models. These experiments have demonstrated that for active calcium absorption, longitudinal bone growth and the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts both 1,25(OH)2D and the vitamin D receptor are essential. On the other side, bone mineralization can occur by high ambient calcium concentration, so by high doses of oral calcium or calcium infusion. The active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D has its effects through the vitamin D receptor leading to gene expression, e.g. the calcium binding protein or osteocalcin or through a plasma membrane receptor and second messengers such as cyclic AMP. The latter responses are very rapid and include the effects on the pancreas, vascular smooth muscle and monocytes. Muscle cells contain vitamin D receptor and several studies have demonstrated that serum 25(OH)D is related to physical performance. The active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D has an antiproliferative effect and downregulates inflammatory markers. Extrarenal synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D occurs under the influence of cytokines and is important for the paracrine regulation of cell differentiation and function. This may explain that vitamin D deficiency can play a role in the pathogenesis of auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes type 1, and cancer. In conclusion, the active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D has pleiotropic effects through the vitamin D receptor and vitamin D responsive elements of many genes and on the other side rapid non-genomic effects through a membrane receptor and second messengers. Active calcium absorption from the gut depends on adequate formation of 1,25(OH)2D and an intact vitamin D receptor. Bone mineralization mainly depends on ambient calcium concentration. Vitamin D metabolites may play a role in the prevention of auto-immune disease and cancer.

  • Vitamin D Physiology
    Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology, 2006
    Co-Authors: Paul Lips
    Abstract:

    Vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin during summer under the influence of ultraviolet light of the sun, or it is obtained from food, especially fatty fish. After hydroxylation in the liver into 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and kidney into 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the active metabolite can enter the cell, bind to the vitamin D-receptor and subsequently to a responsive gene such as that of calcium binding protein. After transcription and translation the protein is formed, e.g. osteocalcin or calcium binding protein. The calcium binding protein mediates calcium absorption from the gut. The production of 1,25(OH)2D is stimulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and decreased by calcium. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency are premature birth, skin pigmentation, low sunshine exposure, obesity, malabsorption and advanced age. Risk groups are immigrants and the elderly. Vitamin D status is dependent upon sunshine exposure but within Europe, serum 25(OH)D levels are higher in Northern than in Southern European countries. Severe vitamin D deficiency causes rickets or osteomalacia, where the new bone, the osteoid, is not mineralized. Less severe vitamin D deficiency causes an increase of serum PTH leading to bone resorption, osteoporosis and fractures. A negative relationship exists between serum 25(OH)D and serum PTH. The threshold of serum 25(OH)D, where serum PTH starts to rise is about 75 nmol/l according to most surveys. Vitamin D supplementation to vitamin D-deficient elderly suppresses serum PTH, increases bone mineral density and may decrease fracture incidence especially in nursing home residents. The effects of 1,25(OH)2D and the vitamin D receptor have been investigated in patients with genetic defects of vitamin D metabolism and in knock-out mouse models. These experiments have demonstrated that for active calcium absorption, longitudinal bone growth and the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts both 1,25(OH)2D and the vitamin D receptor are essential. On the other side, bone mineralization can occur by high ambient calcium concentration, so by high doses of oral calcium or calcium infusion. The active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D has its effects through the vitamin D receptor leading to gene expression, e.g. the calcium binding protein or osteocalcin or through a plasma membrane receptor and second messengers such as cyclic AMP. The latter responses are very rapid and include the effects on the pancreas, vascular smooth muscle and monocytes. Muscle cells contain vitamin D receptor and several studies have demonstrated that serum 25(OH)D is related to physical performance. The active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D has an antiproliferative effect and downregulates inflammatory markers. Extrarenal synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D occurs under the influence of cytokines and is important for the paracrine regulation of cell differentiation and function. This may explain that vitamin D deficiency can play a role in the pathogenesis of auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes type 1, and cancer. In conclusion, the active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D has pleiotropic effects through the vitamin D receptor and vitamin D responsive elements of many genes and on the other side rapid non-genomic effects through a membrane receptor and second messengers. Active calcium absorption from the gut depends on adequate formation of 1,25(OH)2D and an intact vitamin D receptor. Bone mineralization mainly depends on ambient calcium concentration. Vitamin D metabolites may play a role in the prevention of auto-immune disease and cancer. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Annie Thompson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Mary Holt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Donald B. Defranco - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Glucocorticoid receptor Physiology
    Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 2007
    Co-Authors: Marjet D. Heitzer, Irene M. Wolf, Edwin R. Sanchez, Selma F. Witchel, Donald B. Defranco
    Abstract:

    Glucocorticoid action in cells is mediated by a specific receptor protein, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). GR is a member of a superfamily of ligand-inducible transcription factors that control a variety of physiological functions; such as, metabolism, development, and reproduction. Unliganded GR is predominantly localized within the cytoplasm but rapidly and efficiently translocates to the nucleus following hormone binding. This review will focus on the intracellular signaling pathway utilized by the GR including the mechanisms that control its intracellular trafficking, hormone binding and transcriptional regulation. Many receptor-interacting proteins are involved in distinct steps in GR signal transduction, each with a unique mechanism to regulate receptor action and providing potential drug targets for the manipulation of cellular responses to glucocorticoids.

Joseph Feher - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • male reproductive Physiology
    2012
    Co-Authors: Joseph Feher
    Abstract:

    The chapter begins with a description of cell division. Mitosis is used to reproduce somatic cells, and it is described as a contrast to meiosis that is used to produce the haploid germ cells, or gametes. Meiosis is described primarily to understand how genetic diversity of offspring is achieved. Separation of homologous chromosomes and crossing-over produce the great variety of potential combinations of maternal and paternal genes. The testicles have two functions: production of sperm and secretion of testosterone. The process of spermatogenesis is described, and the structure of the mature sperm is reviewed. The function of the Leydig cells, sensitive to LH, in the secretion of testosterone is discussed. Sertoli cells have FSH receptors and secrete inhibin that inhibits FSH secretion. Lastly, the involvement of the parasympathetic nervous system in erection and the sympathetic nervous system in ejaculation is discussed.

  • female reproductive Physiology
    2012
    Co-Authors: Joseph Feher
    Abstract:

    The chapter begins with a description of the anatomy of the female reproductive system, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, and the overall function of each of these structures. Oogenesis begins before birth, we learn, and the population of potential ova peaks while the female is still in its mother! These cells lie in an arrested prophase meiosis I until puberty. At most a few hundred of these will actually ovulate. The chapter then discusses the phases of the menstrual cycle, beginning with a description of the cyclic hormonal changes and endometrium lining during the period. The cause of the estrogen peak in the first half of the cycle is explained as estradiol synthesis by granulosa cells of the current dominant Graafian follicle, which requires both FSH and LH and the synthesis of androstenedione by the thecal cells lying just outside the basement membrane of the follicle. Ovulation follows a surge of LH from the anterior pituitary. The peak of estrogen in the follicular phase informs the CNS of the follicle’s maturity. The conversion of the Graafian follicle to the corpus luteum is discussed, along with the mechanism of production of progesterone and estradiol in the luteal phase of the cycle.