We delved into how vitamin D, specifically its receptor activation with ligands like calcitriol, influences heart health when glucocorticoids are involved. Our research showed that glucocorticoids, while effective as immunosuppressants, can harm the musculoskeletal and cardiac systems, leading to significant issues such as falls, fractures, and cardiovascular events in long-term users.
Notably, we discovered that glucocorticoids trigger the expression of certain proteins, known as atrogenes, in bones, muscles, and the heart, which promote protein degradation. However, activating the vitamin D receptor helped prevent this negative response in all three tissues. This protective effect was also supported by the use of carfilzomib, which inhibits the proteasome directly.
Additionally, when we looked at genetic changes alongside glucocorticoid treatment, we noted that mice lacking a specific atrogene, MuRF1, experienced less damage in their skeletal and heart muscles. This suggests that targeting the pathway related to MuRF1 may offer a strategy to cushion the adverse impacts of glucocorticoids on these tissues. Ultimately, our findings highlight vitamin D’s potential role in safeguarding heart and muscle health amidst glucocorticoid treatment.