Pivotal role of vitamin D in mitochondrial health, cardiac function, and human reproduction

Abstract

Vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone, appears to have significant beneficial effects on various physiological systems, including the musculoskeletal system. Vitamin D assists in the regulation of numerous critical biological functions and physiological processes in humans, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial respiration, and is also linked to cardiac diseases. It is also reported that vitamin D plays a central role in molecular and cellular mechanisms, which reduce oxidative stress, and tissue damage and regulate cellular health. On the other side, hypovitaminosis D reduces mitochondrial activity and increases oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Hypervitaminosis D increases the prevalence and severity of cellular damage. It has also been reported that vitamin D is involved in many functions of the reproductive system in human and critically play an important role in the reproductive tissues of women and men. Its role is very well defined, starting from female menarche to menopause, pregnancy, and lactation, and finally in male fertility. Hence, the appropriate amount of vitamin D is necessary to maintain the normal function of cell organelles. Based on recent studies, it is understood that vitamin D is involved in the biological activities of mitochondria in cells, especially in cardiomyocytes. In this review, we emphasized the role of vitamin D in mitochondrial respiration, which could significantly influence heart health and human reproduction.

Keywords: Vitamin D; cardiac diseases; cell damage; inflammation; mitochondrial dysfunction; oxidative stress.

Figure 1. Vitamin D metabolism of human; an overview

Figure 2. Vitamin D and potential linkage with critical biological functions, cardiac and mitochondrial diseases

Figure 3. Effect of deficiency of vitamin D3 causing protein degradation and muscle atrophy

Figure 4. Vitamin D links mitochondrial dysfunction and the consequences on major biological processes and functions.

Figure 5. Classical and non-classical effects of vitamin D on human health

Figure 6. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) in both central and peripheral reproductive organs of both males and females