Poladych I. V., Avramenko S. O.

THE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D3 DEFICIENCY ON CALCIUM–PHOSPHATE HOMEOSTASIS AND THE RANKL/OPG REGULATORY SYSTEM: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

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Poladych I. V., Avramenko S. O.

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CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE

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Scientific article

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Pregnancy is accompanied by profound physiological and metabolic adaptations, among which calcium-phosphate metabolism plays a key regulatory role. Vitamin D₃ is essential for mineral homeostasis, immune regulation, and placental function. Its deficiency during gestation may disturb bone remodeling and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Aim is to evaluate the effect of vitamin D3 deficiency on calcium–phosphate metabolism and the RANKL/OPG system in pregnant rats. Thirty-five female Wistar rats (8-10 weeks, 174±12 g) were divided into three groups: I – vitamin D3-deficient diet for 60 days before mating (n=14); II – the same diet with oral cholecalciferol (1000 IU/kg/day, n=12); and control (n=10) – standard diet. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), RANKL, and OPG were measured by spectrophotometric and ELISA methods. Statistical analysis was performed using oneway ANOVA. Vitamin D3 deficiency caused a marked decrease in calcium (1.86±0.02 mmol/L) and phosphate (1.79±0.03 mmol/L) with compensatory hyperparathyroidism (PTH = 325.6±12.8 pg/mL; p<0.05) and elevated ALP activity, indicating increased bone resorption. The RANKL/OPG ratio rose to 0.09±0.007, reflecting activation of osteoclastogenesis. Cholecalciferol supplementation normalized biochemical parameters, reduced PTH by 18%, increased calcium by 3-4%, and lowered ALP by 25-30%. Vitamin D₃ deficiency disrupts calcium-phosphate homeostasis and enhances RANKL-mediated bone resorption. Correction with cholecalciferol restores mineral balance and osteoimmune regulation. These findings underscore the pathogenetic significance of vitamin D3 in maintaining skeletal metabolism and preventing gestational complications.

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2025 Issue 4, 179, 178-186 pages, index UDC 612.015.6:615.356–092.9(043.3)

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2025-4-179-178-186