Role of vitamin D on gut microbiota in cystic fibrosis. Issue 175 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kanhere, Mansi; Chassaing, Benoit; Gewirtz, Andrew T.; Tangpricha, Vin
• Is Part Of: Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology. Issue 175(2017)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Vitamin D -- Intestinal microbiota -- Cystic fibrosis -- Vitamin D receptor -- Inflammation; Steroid hormones -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Hormones -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Hormones stéroïdes -- Périodiques; Steroid hormones; Periodicals; 572.579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-0760

Abstract

Highlights: Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the gut epithelium. The mechanism underlying this association involves the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 and inhibition of inflammation-induced apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells by vitamin D. Intestinal dysbiosis is prevalent in CF owing to multiple factors including malabsorption of nutrients and recurrent antibiotics. VDR regulates the composition and functions of the gut microbiota and decreased expression of intestinal epithelial VDR disrupts microbial homeostasis. Vitamin D could be a potential treatment option for altering dysbiosis in CF, but additional trials are needed to evaluate this. Abstract: This review explores the potential for vitamin D to favorably alter the gut microbiota, given emerging evidence of the role of vitamin D in controlling mucosal inflammation in the gut. It will focus on cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, a population with both vitamin D deficiency due to gut malabsorption and an altered gut microbiota composition. Recent evidence shows that vitamin D acts to maintain the integrity of the gut mucosal barrier by enhancement of intercellular junctions that control mucosal permeability and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8. In addition, vitamin D receptor-mediated signaling has been shown to inhibit inflammation-induced apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. As a result of these effects on the intestinal mucosa, maintenance of sufficient vitamin D status may be essential for the development of a healthy gut microbiota, particularly in conditions defined by chronic mucosal inflammation such as CF. We hypothesize here that high dose vitamin D may be used to favorably manipulate the aberrant mucosa seen in patients with CF. This may result in improved clinical outcomes in association with a low inflammatory environment that allows beneficial bacteria to outcompete opportunistic pathogens. Current evidence is sparse but encouraging, and additional evidence is needed to establish vitamin D as a therapeutic approach for gut microbiota modification.