1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2 D3 ] has recently been shown to have immunomodulatory property. This study aimed to investigate the expression and potential role of 1,25(OH)2 D3 in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the Uygur population. Blood samples were obtained from 22 patients with proliferative DR (PDR), 29 patients with nonproliferative DR (NPDR), and 24 normal controls. ELISA was performed to estimate the serum levels of 1,25(OH)2 D3 . Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured with or without 1,25(OH)2 D3 in the presence of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies to detect the secretion of cytokines and cell proliferation. The FACS cytometric bead array system was used to analyze cytokine levels in the serum and culture supernatants. The Cell Counting Kit was used to determine the rate of cell proliferation. In this study, we found that the patients with PDR showed a decreased serum level of 1,25(OH)2 D3 and increased production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A, by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies activated PBMCs. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)2 D3 significantly inhibited the proliferation of PBMCs, as well as the secretion of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A. Overall, our findings suggest a potential protective effect of 1,25(OH)2 D3 in DR, whereas supplementation with 1,25(OH)2 D3 might be an effective strategy for preventing the development of DR. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(6):445-451, 2016.
Keywords: 1,25(OH)2D3; Th cells; Uygur population; diabetic retinopathy; proinflammatory cytokines.
© 2016 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.