PhD Scientific Days 2024

Poster Session K - Theoretical and Translational Medicine 2.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on the vascular adaptation of the carotid artery in a hyperandrogenic female rat model

Text of the abstract

Introduction
Vitamin D supplementation has a wide range of positive outcomes in additional to its beneficial effects on bone metabolism. Its cardiovascular and metabolic protective effects have already been demonstrated in patients with vitamin D-deficient PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). On the other hand, the potential beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation in non-vitamin D-deficient PCOS is still in focus of research.

Our aim was to study the effects of vitamin D supplementation and hyperandrogenic state on functional and morphological changes in blood vessels.

Material and methods
Female Wistar rats weighing 100 g were fed ad libitum with standard rat chow (Vitamin D: 1000 IU/chowkg). In half of the animals hyperandrogenism was induced by an 8-week-long transdermal testosterone treatment (0,0333g/kg). Half of the control and hyperandrogenic animals also received additional oral vitamin D supplementation (Vigantol®: 25µl + 70µl/kg). Phenylephrine (Phe)-induced contraction and acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation of carotid artery rings were examined in a myograph system. Wall thickness, intima media ratio and connective fiber density was studied on hematoxylin-eosin stained sections (wall thickness, intima-media ratio), while connective tissue density was investigated on resorcin fuchsin (RF) stained sections. The contractile element density of vascular smooth cells was assessed by smooth muscle actin (αSMA) immunostaining.

Results
Hyperandrogenic state caused no significant functional changes. Vitamin D treatment significantly improved acetylcholine-induced relaxation. In hyperandrogenic state, vessel wall thickness was significantly increased, whereas the intima-media ratio showed no difference. No significant changes were found in smooth muscle actin and connective fiber density.

Conclusion
Hyperandrogenic state did not result in short-term vascular dysfunction. The remodeling of the vascular wall induced by testosterone treatment had not yet led to functional changes. Short-term vitamin D supplementation had a beneficial effect on the relaxation capacity of the vascular wall.

Funding: NKFIH-FK129206