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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research

Human male gamete endocrinology: 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) regulates different aspects of human sperm biology and metabolism

Authors: Saveria Aquila, Carmela Guido, Emilia Middea, Ida Perrotta, Rosalinda Bruno, Michele Pellegrino, Sebastiano Andò

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

A wider biological role of 1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the active metabolite of vitamin D3, in tissues not primarily related to mineral metabolism was suggested. Recently, we evidenced the ultrastructural localization the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor in the human sperm. However, the 1,25(OH)2D3 action in human male reproduction has not yet been clarified.

Methods and Results

By RT-PCR, Western blot and Immunofluorescence techniques, we demonstrated that human sperm expresses the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor (VDR). Besides, 25(OH)D3-1 alpha-hydroxylase, evidenced by Western blot analysis, indicated that in sperm 1,25(OH)2D3 is locally produced, highlighting the potential for autocrine-paracrine responses. 1,25(OH)2D3 through VDR, increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, motility and acrosin activity revealing an unexpected significance of this hormone in the acquisition of fertilizing ability. In sperm, 1,25(OH)2D3 through VDR, reduces triglycerides content concomitantly to the increase of lipase activity. Rapid responses stimulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 have been observed on Akt, MAPK and GSK3 implying that this secosteroid is involved in different sperm signalling pathways.

Conclusion

Our data extended the role of 1,25(OH)2D3 beyond its conventional physiological actions, paving the way for novel therapeutic opportunities in the treatment of the male reproduction disorders.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Human male gamete endocrinology: 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) regulates different aspects of human sperm biology and metabolism
Authors
Saveria Aquila
Carmela Guido
Emilia Middea
Ida Perrotta
Rosalinda Bruno
Michele Pellegrino
Sebastiano Andò
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-7-140

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