Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Serum Vitamin D Levels in a Greek Rural Population (Velestino Study)

Background/Aim: An alarming increase in vitamin D deficiency even in sunny regions highlights the need for a better understanding of the genetic background of the vitamin D endocrine system and the molecular mechanisms of gene polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). In this study, the serum levels of 25(OH)D3 were correlated with common VDR polymorphisms (ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI) in 98 subjects of a Greek homogeneous rural population. Methods: 25(OH)D3 concentration was measured by ultra-HPLC, and the VDR gene polymorphisms were identified by quantitative real-time PCR followed by amplicon high-resolution melting analysis. Results: Subjects carrying either the B BsmI (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.27–0.99) or t TaqI (OR: 2.06, 95%: 1.06–3.99) allele presented twice the risk for developing vitamin D deficiency compared to the reference allele. Moreover, subjects carrying 1, 2, or all 3 of these genotypes (BB/Bb, Tt/tt, and FF) demonstrated 2-fold (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 0.42–9.92), 3.6-fold (OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.07–12.2), and 7-fold (OR: 6.92, 95% CI: 1.68–28.5) increased risk for low 25(OH)D3 levels, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a cumulative effect of specific VDR gene polymorphisms that may regulate vitamin D concentrations explaining, in part, the paradox of vitamin D deficiency in sunny regions, with important implications for precision medicine

Effects of Different Exercise Modes on the Urinary Metabolic Fingerprint of Men with and without Metabolic Syndrome

Exercise is important in the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of risk factors that raises morbidity. Metabolomics can facilitate the optimization of exercise prescription. This study aimed to investigate whether the response of the human urinary metabolic fingerprint to exercise depends on the presence of MetS or exercise mode. Twenty-three sedentary men (MetS, n = 9, and Healthy, n = 14) completed four trials: resting, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME), and resistance exercise (RE). Urine samples were collected pre-exercise and at 2, 4, and 24 h for targeted analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Time exerted the strongest differentiating effect, followed by exercise mode and health status. The greatest changes were observed in the first post-exercise samples, with a gradual return to baseline at 24 h. RE caused the greatest responses overall, followed by HIIE, while CME had minimal effect. The metabolic fingerprints of the two groups were separated at 2 h, after HIIE and RE; and at 4 h, after HIIE, with evidence of blunted response to exercise in MetS. Our findings show diverse responses of the urinary metabolic fingerprint to different exercise modes in men with and without metabolic syndrome

Phospho-sulindac (OXT-922) inhibits the growth of human colon cancer cell lines: a redox/polyamine-dependent effect

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as sulindac are promising chemoprevention agents against colon cancer, but their weak potency and side effects limit their use for both chemoprevention and chemotherapy. Here, we evaluated the effect of a new sulindac derivative, phospho-sulindac or OXT-922, on the growth of human cancer cell lines and its mechanism of action. OXT-922 inhibited the growth of human cancer cell lines originating from colon, pancreas and breast ∼11- to 30-fold more potently than sulindac. This effect was mediated by a strong cytokinetic effect. Compared with control, OXT-922 inhibited cell proliferation by up to 67%, induced apoptosis 4.1-fold over control and blocked the G1 to S cell cycle phase transition. OXT-922 suppressed the levels of cell cycle regulating proteins, including cyclins D1 and D3 and Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6. The levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially those of mitochondrial O2•−, were markedly elevated (5.5-fold) in response to OXT-922. ROS collapsed the mitochondrial membrane potential and triggered apoptosis, which was largely abrogated by antioxidants. OXT-922 suppressed nuclear factor-kappaB activation and downregulated thioredoxin-1 expression. It also suppressed the production of prostaglandin E2 and decreased cyclooxygenase-1 expression. Similar to sulindac, OXT-922 enhanced spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase activity, reduced the cellular polyamine content and synergized with difluoromethylornithine to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Our results suggest that OXT-922 possesses promising anticancer properties and deserves further evaluation