Study finds vitamin D holds promise for targeting biological mechanisms of aging

In a recently published review article, nutrientsresearchers summarized what is currently known about the potential effects of vitamin D (VitD) on the regulation of several hallmarks of aging and age-related diseases.

Overall, a small body of evidence indicates that VitD has pleiotropic properties that may alter the aging process, but further research is required to draw clinical conclusions and develop therapeutics. Is required.

study: Targeting the hallmarks of aging with vitamin D: starting to decipher the myths. Image credit: FotoHelin/Shutterstock.com

aging process

Aging is characterized by a gradual and progressive decline in organ function, increasing the likelihood of developing age-related diseases and dying. Age-related changes are closely linked to specific pathways or “signatures.”

In mammals, these include intestinal dysbiosis, chronic inflammation, altered cell-to-cell communication, stem cell depletion, cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of nutrient sensing, inactivation of macroautophagy, loss of proteostasis, These include epigenetic changes, telomere attrition, and genomic instability.

These features exhibit complex interrelationships, acting synergistically or individually to cause cellular and molecular damage through integrative, primary, or antagonistic mechanisms.

These damages are cumulative and universally detrimental. However, understanding the relationships between these characteristics may lead to the identification of interventions that modulate these mechanisms, thereby preventing or reducing age-related diseases.

VitD’s contribution

VitD is an important fat-soluble hormone synthesized by ultraviolet irradiation of 7-dehydrocholesterol. It follows a metabolic pathway similar to cholesterol, starting with acetyl-coenzyme A in the cytosol.

After being processed in the liver, it is converted to its active form, calcitriol. Calcitriol regulates calcium and phosphorus homeostasis by binding to the VitD receptor (VDR). Beyond bone health, VitD also has immunomodulatory functions, influencing mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Mutations in the VDR gene have been studied for their effects on VitD function and may affect physiological processes.

Although studies on the effects of VitD on aging are limited, the genomic actions of VitD through VDR and plasma membrane receptors suggest effects on diverse cells.

VitD and aging characteristics

VitD has shown potential in regulating deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity and stability, particularly in conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer.

Studies suggest that VitD supplementation may reduce DNA damage and oxidative parameters, providing protective effects against genomic instability and oncogene-induced aging.

Epigenetic changes associated with disease and aging correlate with DNA methylation (DNAm). VitD may regulate epigenetic aging and reduce methylation levels.

In pregnant women, VitD supplementation is associated with decreased retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA) methylation, which affects offspring bone mass and infant developmental outcomes.

Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, involves decreased proliferative capacity and a proinflammatory secretory phenotype (SASP). VitD supplementation has promise in reducing aging and inflammation.

Trials with nutraceuticals and alfacalcidol have demonstrated improved immune profiles in older adults, highlighting the immunomodulatory role of VitD in aging and chronic inflammation.

VitD regulates protein homeostasis and influences longevity and muscle health.in Nematode, VitD reduces protein insolubility and toxicity and promotes longevity. In rats, VitD deficiency increases muscle protein breakdown and contributes to muscle atrophy.

VitD also affects cell signaling involved in myogenesis, activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) during metabolic stress.

VitD influences cellular and mitochondrial function across a variety of systems. Reduces oxidative stress, improves muscle and lung function, and reduces oxidative damage in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

VitD has also shown potential to alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction in conditions such as sarcopenia and Crohn’s disease.

VitD also plays an important role in regulating immune responses due to its widespread distribution among immune cells and autonomous control of active VitD concentrations at sites of inflammation.

Several studies have linked VitD supplementation to reductions in inflammatory markers in various conditions, but despite potential benefits in specific diseases, the overall evidence is inconclusive.

Chronic inflammation can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, as seen in conditions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and osteoarthritis (OA). VitD supplementation may be effective in restoring microbial balance and reducing inflammation.

Studies have shown a role for VitD in enhancing antimicrobial peptides, stabilizing the intestinal barrier, and regulating microbiota composition.

VitD shows potential in bone regeneration and regulation of neural stem cells, which are important for nervous system development and repair. It affects signaling in brain neurogenesis and may have implications for the treatment of conditions like acute myeloid leukemia. However, further research is required to fully explore its potential in stem cell therapy.

Research on the role of VitD in intercellular communication, particularly in bone cells, is limited. Studies suggest that VitD influences gene expression in osteoclastogenesis and may influence receptor expression in osteoblast-like cells. Further research is needed to fully explore its impact.

VitD shows different associations with telomere length in different populations. Although some studies suggest a positive correlation between VitD levels and telomere length, Mendelian randomization studies do not support a causal relationship. However, VitD supplementation may enhance telomerase activity and benefit telomere health.

conclusion

Understanding aging involves complex interactions between different biological mechanisms. VitD has shown potential to influence aging characteristics such as genome stability and senescence.

However, further research is required to fully understand its impact and potential clinical applications in promoting healthy aging.