Leukocyte telomere length as a compensatory mechanism in vitamin D metabolism

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is common among postmenopausal women. Telomere length can be a potential protective mechanism for age-related diseases. The objective of our study is to examine the association of vitamin D supplementation on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in healthy postmenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency. The study was designed as a placebo-controlled study to investigate the short-term effects of vitamin D supplementation and seasonal changes on vitamin D related parameters, including 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D parathormone (PTH), Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), vitamin D receptor (VDR), and telomere length in a cohort of postmenopausal women (n = 102). The group was divided as supplementation (n = 52) and placebo groups (n = 50). All parameters were measured before and after treatment. Serum VDBP levels were measured by ELISA method and VDR, GC (VDBP) gene expressions and relative telomere lengths were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using a quantitative real-time PCR method. The results demonstrate that baseline levels were similar between the groups. After vitamin D supplementation 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D, PTH and VDBP levels were changed significantly compared to the placebo group. At the end of the study period, LTL levels were significantly increased in both groups and this change was more prominent in placebo group. The change in GC expression was significant between treatment and placebo groups but VDR expression remained unchanged. Even though the study was designed to solely assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation, LTL was significantly increased in the whole study group in summer months suggesting that LTL levels are affected by sun exposure and seasonal changes rather than supplementation. The study displayed the short-term effect of Vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D, PTH levels, LTL and vitamin D associated gene expressions. The relation between Vitamin D and LTL is not linear and could be confounded by several factors such as the population differences, regional and seasonal changes in sun exposure.

Very Low and High Levels of Vitamin D are Associated with Shorter Leukocyte Telomere Length in 148,321 UK Biobank Participants

“…They reported that vitamin D supplementation for 12 months improved cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress regulated by increased LTL in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In contrast, Agirbasli et al [23] investigated the short-term effects of vitamin D supplementation on LTL in a cohort of vitamin D-deficient postmenopausal women (n = 102). The group was divided into supplementation those with oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) at a dose of 50,000 IU/week for eight weeks (n = 52) and placebo groups (n = 50).…”

Very Low and High Levels of Vitamin D Are Associated with Shorter Leukocyte Telomere Length in 148,321 UK Biobank Participants

“…They reported that vitamin D supplementation for 12 months improved cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress regulated by increased LTL in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In contrast, Agirbasli et al [ 24 ] investigated the short-term effects of vitamin D supplementation on LTL in a cohort of vitamin D-deficient postmenopausal women ( n = 102). The group was divided into supplementation those with oral vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol) at a dose of 50,000 IU/week for eight weeks ( n = 52) and placebo groups ( n = 50).…”