Vitamin D promotes human extravillous trophoblast invasion in vitro.

S Y Chan, R Susarla, D Canovas, E Vasilopoulou, O Ohizua, C J McCabe, M Hewison, M D Kilby

Journal: Placenta 2015;36(4):403-9

PMID: 25596923

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.

Address: Centre for Women's & Children's Health and the School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.; Women, Children and Sexual Health Directorate, Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust, Walsall, WS2 9PS, UK.; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and the School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.; Centre for Women's & Children's Health and the School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TG, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.12.021