Effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) on the local bone renin-angiotensin system in a murine model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Active vitamin D is closely related to the circulating renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in experimental animal models and humans; however, corresponding local bone data remain limited. The present study examined whether 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) supplementation altered local bone RAS elements in a murine model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). A total of 36 8-week-old mice were randomized into three equal-sized groups: The sham, GIOP and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) treatment groups. After 12 weeks, the cancellous bone microstructure of the third lumbar vertebra and left femur from the mice from each group were examined using micro-computed tomography. To access the impact of glucocorticoid use, the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) on cancellous bone microstructure, the expression of bone turnover markers, circulation and expression of the main RAS components was assessed. Results demonstrated that bone volume fraction, trabecular number and trabecular thickness of the treatment and sham groups were significantly higher than the GIOP group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the structure model index, trabecular separation and bone surface to bone volume ratio of the sham and treatment groups were significantly reduced compared with the GIOP group (P<0.05). All assessed parameters exhibited no significant differences between the treatment and sham groups. mRNA expression levels of local bone angiotensin type 1 and 2 receptors and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the GIOP group (P<0.05); however, there were no significant differences in circulating protein levels between the groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) may modulate bone metabolism by downregulating the local bone RAS in mice with GIOP.