Recent advances of vitamin D in immune, reproduction, performance for pig: a review

Abstract

Vitamin D (VD) has been reported to play multiple and significant roles in improving pig health via modulating calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, skeletal muscle development and the immune system. Apart from food, photochemical action of 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin is the main source of this molecule for pigs. The VD from dietary intake or photosynthesized via skin can be absorbed into the liver for hydroxylation, and further hydroxylated into the hormone form of VD (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or 1,25(OH)2D3) in the kidney. As a sterol hormone, 1,25(OH)2D3 is able to bind with the VD receptor (VDR), and this ligand-receptor complex (VDR/retinoic X receptor) translocates from the cytoplasm into the nucleus to regulate gene expression, thus modulating metabolism. In this review, we summarized the recent studies regarding the non-skeletal health benefits of VD for pigs, and focused on the recent advances in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of VD that affects the immune system and reproductive health. This review provides a reference for future research and application of VD in pigs.

Impact of supplementation with dihydroxylated vitamin D3 on performance parameters and gut health in weaned Iberian piglets under indoor/outdoor conditions

“…The modulation of the immune response by vitamin D 3 and its active metabolite 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 has been associated with the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) on numerous cells of the immune system (monocytes, macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes) [ 3 , 5 , 10 ]. Blood leukocytes are key activators and regulators of inflammation and homeostasis in swine [ 3 ].…”

“…In the search for substitutes for these substances, the use of additives, such as vitamin D or its metabolites, represents a good alternative to improve the health, production, and immune status of the animals [ 2 ]. The beneficial effects of this vitamin have been widely demonstrated in the literature [ 3 ] and more recently during the fight against the current pandemic COVID-19 [ 4 ].…”

“…Significant roles have been attributed to vitamin D, including calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, skeletal muscle development and immune system functionality [ 3 ]. Regarding its immune system effects, vitamin D is an important modulator of the innate antimicrobial response and contributes to the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier [ 5 ].…”

Effect of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-Glycosides on the Farrowing Process and Piglet Vitality in a Free Farrowing System

“…The role of vitamin D to improve reproductive efficiency has become known in animals and humans in recent years [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. It has been described that mating success, litter size, and neonatal growth were reduced in rats with vitamin D deficiency [ 2 , 6 ].…”

“…On the other hand, it is known that an overdose of vitamin D is fetotoxic in mammals [ 9 ], and can lead to abortion at different stages of pregnancy in sows [ 10 ]. Overall, it is evident that vitamin D influences the reproductive tract and reproductive performance in mammals [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 8 , 11 ].…”