Vitamin D3 Supplementation Improves Spatial Memory, Muscle Function, Pain Score, and Modulates Different Functional Physiological Biomarkers in Vitamin D3 Deficiency Diet (VDD)-Induced Rats Model
Abstract
Background Vitamin D Deficiency is recognized as a pandemic, which is associated with high mortality. An
inadequate level of vitamin D is associated with autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and cancer. The study was
aimed to assess the pharmacological effects of chronic vitamin D3 supplementation on the manipulation diet
regiment of deprived cholecalciferol (vitamin D3 deficient diet, VDD) rats.
Methods Memory performance (Y-maze task), muscular function (muscle grip strength), and pain score (pressure
application measurement meter) were measured. Functional biomarkers were measured using ELISA method in
different matrix viz. in serum (parathyroid hormone; PTH, calcitonin, thyroxine, and C-reactive protein; CRP, 25-OH
Vit D3), and in CSF (klotho and β-endorphin). 25-OH Vit D3 was also estimated in liver and kidney homogenate using
ELISA. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) was measured spectrophotometrically in liver and adipose tissue.
Results VDD-induced rats showed a decrease in number of entries and time spent in the novel arm and
spontaneous alternations in the Y-maze task. Significant improvements of neuromuscular function and pain score
after addition of vitamin D3. In comparison to the VDD group, VDR expression (liver) and active metabolites of vitamin
D3 (25-OH vit.D3) in serum were significantly higher by 48.23% and 280%, respectively. The PTH and CRP levels were
significantly reduced by 32.5% and 35.27%, respectively, whereas calcitonin was increased by 36.67% compared with
the VDD group. Klotho and β-endorphin expressions in cerebrospinal fluid were significantly elevated by 19.67% and
133.59%, respectively, compared to VDD group.
Conclusions Overall, the results indicate that supplementation of cholecalciferol significantly improved spatial
memory impairment, VDR expression, and may provide an opportunity to manage vitamin D deficiencies.
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