Vitamin D promotes human extravillous trophoblast invasion in vitro

Shiaoyng Chan, R. Susarla, D. Canovas, E. Vasilopoulou, O. Ohizua, Christopher McCabe, M. Hewison, Mark Kilby

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48 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Incomplete human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion of the decidua and maternal spiral arteries is characteristic of pre-eclampsia, a condition linked to low maternal vitamin D status. It is hypothesized that dysregulated vitamin D action in uteroplacental tissues disrupts EVT invasion leading to malplacentation.

METHODS: This study assessed the effects of the active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3), and its precursor, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-D3), on primary human EVT isolated from first trimester pregnancies. Expression of EVT markers (cytokeratin-7, HLA-G), the vitamin D-activating enzyme (CYP27B1) and 1,25-D3 receptor (VDR) was assessed by immunocytochemistry. EVT responses following in vitro treatment with 1,25-D3 (0-10 nM) or 25-D3 (0-100 nM) for 48-60 h were assessed using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of key target genes. Effects on EVT invasion through Matrigel(®) were quantified alongside zymographic analysis of secreted matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Effects on cell viability were assessed by measurement of MTT.

RESULTS: EVT co-expressed mRNA and protein for CYP27B1 and VDR, and demonstrated induction of mRNA encoding vitamin D-responsive genes, 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) and cathelicidin following 1,25-D3 treatment. EVT could respond to 1,25-D3 and 25-D3, both of which significantly increased EVT invasion, with maximal effect at 1 nM 1,25-D3 (1.9-fold; p < 0.01) and 100 nM 25-D3 (2.2-fold; p < 0.05) respectively compared with untreated controls. This was accompanied by increased pro-MMP2 and pro-MMP9 secretion. The invasion was independent of cell viability, which remained unchanged.

DISCUSSION: These data support a role for vitamin D in EVT invasion during human placentation and suggest that vitamin D-deficiency may contribute to impaired EVT invasion and pre-eclampsia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)403-9
Number of pages7
JournalPlacenta
Volume36
Issue number4
Early online date8 Jan 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2015

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Vitamin D
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Placenta
  • Extravillous trophoblast
  • Cell invasion

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