Consequences of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms for growth inhibition of cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3
Em. Colin et al., Consequences of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms for growth inhibition of cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3, CLIN ENDOCR, 52(2), 2000, pp. 211-216
OBJECTIVE In the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene a BsmI restriction fragment
length polymorphism (RFLP) in intron 8 and a translational start-site polym
orphism, identified as a FokI RFLP, have been described. Crucial for a prop
er interpretation of these polymorphisms in association studies is the know
ledge whether they have direct consequences for 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3 action at c
ellular level. The present study was designed to assess functional signific
ance of the FokI and BsmI VDR gene polymorphisms in peripheral blood mononu
clear cells (PBMC) with a natural occurring VDR genotype for cell growth in
hibition by 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3.
DESIGN PBMC of women were isolated, VDR genotyped and in vitro inhibition b
y 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3 of Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated growth of PBMC was
examined in relation to VDR genotype.
RESULTS PHA-stimulated growth and maximal growth inhibition were independen
t of VDR genotype. However, the FF genotype had a significant lower ED50 th
an the Ff genotype corresponding to an allele dose effect of 0.32 nm per f
allele copy (P = 0.0036). For BsmI genotypes no differences in ED50 were ob
served.
CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates for the first time in cells with
a natural VDR genotype a direct functional consequence of the VDR gene tran
slational start-site polymorphism for the action of 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3. Especi
ally under conditions of vitamin D insufficiency these findings might have
clinical implications.