Vitamin D-Binding Protein in Pregnancy and Reproductive Health

Abstract

Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), the main carrier of vitamin D, has recently been implicated in reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Improved methods for measuring VDBP and an increased understanding of its role in biological processes have led to a number of newly published studies exploring VDBP in the context of pregnancy. Here, we synthesize the available evidence regarding the role of VDBP in reproductive health and pregnancy, and we highlight areas requiring further study. Overall, low levels of maternal serum VDBP concentrations have been associated with infertility, endometriosis, PCOS and spontaneous miscarriage, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes including GDM, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. However, increased VDBP concentration in cervicovaginal fluid has been linked to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and premature rupture of membranes. Some genetic variants of VDBP have also been associated with these adverse outcomes. Further studies using more accurate VDBP assays and accounting for ethnic variation and potential confounders are needed to clarify whether VDBP is associated with reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes, and the mechanisms underlying these relationships.

Maternal BMI, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D serum level and Cervical Length Measurements: Markers for Preterm Delivery

“…However, diet is a poor source of vitamin D . 9 Moreover, it has both classic functions (e.g., calcium absorption, Disclosure: The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article. The Article Processing Charge was paid for by the authors.…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Threatened Miscarriage: Advantages and Risks

“…Global reports suggest that 40%-98% of pregnant women have 25(OH)D levels below 50 nmol/L and 15%-84% have levels below 25 nmol/L [192,193]. Importantly, vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) levels are often low in maternal serum, and such deficiencies are associated with miscarriage and adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction [194]. VDBP is expressed at low levels in the placenta and decidua in spontaneous miscarriages, and it might serve as a potential biomarker for miscarriages and has implications in the pathophysiology of spontaneous miscarriage [195].…”

Вплив Дефіциту Вітаміну D На Перебіг Вагітності

“…Calcitriol rises during pregnancy, almost doubled by the end of third trimester and then returns to normal levels after delivery. During pregnancy, even placenta and fetal kidney express 1α-hydroxylase stimulated by prolactin and placental lactogen, though the major function is still performed by the maternal renal hydroxylase [16]. Fetal serum calcium levels are higher than maternal serum calcium levels, thereby re-quiring specific transplacental carriers to transfer calcium against the concentration gradient.…”