Molecular actions of Vitamin D in reproductive cell biology

Vitamin D (VitD) is an important secosteroid and has attracted attention in several areas of research due to common VitD deficiency in the population, and its potential to regulate molecular pathways related to chronic and inflammatory diseases. VitD metabolites and the VitD receptor (VDR) influence many tissues including those of the reproductive system. VDR expression has been demonstrated in various cell types of the male reproductive tract, including spermatozoa and germ cells, and in female reproductive tissues including the ovaries, placenta and endometrium. However, the molecular role of VitD signalling and metabolism in reproductive function have not been fully established. Consequently, the aim of this work is to review current metabolic and molecular aspects of the VitD-VDR axis in reproductive medicine and to propose the direction of future research. Specifically, the influence of VitD on sperm motility, calcium handling, capacitation, acrosin reaction and lipid metabolism is examined. In addition, we will also discuss the effect of VitD on sex hormone secretion and receptor expression in primary granulosa cells, along with the impact on cytokine production in trophoblast cells. The review concludes with a discussion of the recent developments in VitD-VDR signalling specifically related to altered cellular bioenergetics, which is an emerging concept in the field of reproductive medicine

Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Radiographic Primary Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain in older adults and may result in decreased mobility and quality of life. Although the presentation of hip osteoarthritis varies, surgical management is required when the disease is severe, longstanding, and unresponsive to nonoperative treatments. For stakeholders to plan for the expected increased demand for surgical procedures related to hip osteoarthritis, including arthroplasty, it is important to first understand its prevalence. We conducted a systematic review by searching MEDLINE® and EMBASE to identify recent English language articles reporting on the prevalence of radiographic primary hip osteoarthritis in the general adult population; references including studies and primary studies from previous systematic reviews were also searched. This strategy yielded 23 studies reporting 39 estimates of overall prevalence ranging from 0.9% to 27% with a mean of 8.0% and a standard deviation of 7.0%. Heterogeneity was noted in study populations, eligibility criteria, age and gender distribution, type of radiographs, and method of diagnosis. Although the association between radiographic hip osteoarthritis and the need for eventual surgical management is still unclear, this study supports assertions that hip osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition whose treatment will continue to place important demands on health services