The vitamin D receptor and the etiology of RANTES/CCL-expressive fatty-degenerative osteolysis of the jawbone: an interface between osteoimmunology and bone metabolism

BACKGROUND: Recent research on vitamin D indicates that our current understanding of the factors leading to chronic inflammation should be revised. One of the key mechanisms by which microbial immunosuppression occurs is the suppression of one of the most common endogenous cell nucleus receptors: the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Autoimmune diseases may be correlated with VDR deactivation (VDR-deac) which occurs when the receptor is no longer able to transcribe antimicrobial agents. Excess 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) is not converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D); thus, high 1,25D levels may be accompanied by low 25D values. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since 1,25D promotes osteoclast activity and may thereby cause osteoporosis, fatty-degenerative osteolysis of the jaw (FDOJ), as described by our team, may also be associated with VDR-deac. In 43 patients, vitamin D conversion, immune system function and the quality of bone resorption and formation in the jawbone were related factors that may enhance chronic inflammatory processes. Here, we examine the relationship between immunology and bone metabolism among 43 FDOJ patients and those with immune system diseases (ISDs). RESULTS: We provide a link between FDOJ, RANTES/CCL5 overexpression and VDR-deac. CONCLUSION: The clinical data demonstrate the interaction between VDR-deac and proinflammatory RANTES/CCL5 overexpression in FDOJ patients.