Tag Archives: vitamin D3 deficiency

Fibroblast growth factor 23, calcium and phosphate serum levels in experimental preeclampsia: impact of vitamin D(3) status

11.02.2026   Uncategorized

I. V. Poladych1*, I. O. Shymanskyi2, A. V. Khomenko2,
M. M. Veliky2, D. O. Govsieiev1

1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 1, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine;
2Department of Biochemistry of Vitamins and Coenzymes, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry,
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: iren.poladich@gmail.com

Received: 25 August 2025; Revised: 02 October2025;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, with its pathogenesis involving, in particular, impaired mineral homeostasis. Recent evidence suggest that fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a key regulator of phosphate balance and vitamin D3 metabolism, may contribute to pregnancy complications, however, its role in PE remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate serum FGF23 level and its relationship with vitamin D3 and calcium–phosphate balance at preeclampsia development in animal experimental model. Thirty-five Wistar female rats were divided into three groups: controls on a standard­ diet; vitamin D3-deficient rats; vitamin D3-deficient rats supplemented with cholecalciferol. Within each group, PE was induced by Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester administration. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, FGF23, parathyroid hormone (PTH), total calcium, inorganic phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were determined by ELISA and biochemical assays. It was shown that vitamin D3 deficiency was accompanied by hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated FGF23 and increased ALP activity in the serum. Supplementation with vitamin D3 increased 25(OH)D3, markedly reduced FGF23 levels and normalized mine­ral parameters. Induction of PE caused significant disturbances in calcium–phosphate status, hypertension, and 100% mortality of vitamin D3-deficient animals. In the presence of preeclampsia vitamin D3 efficacy was limited. In PE group, despite of vitamin D3 supplementation, serum FGF23 was markedly elevated, indicating impaired vitamin D3 metabolism. Our findings demonstrate that vitamin D3 deficiency amplifies PE severity through disruption of mineral homeostasis and FGF23 dependent signaling.

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Experimental preeclampsia development depends on vitamin D(3) status in female wistar rats

10.09.2025   Uncategorized   No comments

I. V. Poladych1*, I. O. Shymanskyi2, M. M. Veliky2, D. O. Govsieiev1

1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No 1,
Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine;
2Department of Biochemistry of Vitamins and Coenzymes,
Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: iren.poladich@gmail.com

Received: 08 May 2025; Revised: 08 August 2025;
Accepted: 12 September 2025; Available on-line: 17 September 2025

Deficiency of vitamin D3 during pregnancy is a widespread challenge associated with increased risk of complications, particularly preeclampsia (PE), a serious condition characterized by hypertension with proteinuria. This research aimed to study the experimental preeclampsia rates in pregnant rats depending on the vitamin D3 supply. Eight-week-old female Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups: control; vitamin D3-deficient for 60 days before mating; vitamin D3-deficient with oral vitamin D3 supplement (1000 IU/kg b.w.t) two weeks before mating. Subgroups with and without PE induction were analyzed. PE was induced by administration of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The blood level of vitamin D3 was measu­red using a 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 ELISA kit. Proteinuria was assessed using semi-quantitative urine test strips “Prototest”. The highest blood pressure and proteinuria levels were recorded in animals with combined vitamin D3 deficiency and induced preeclampsia. Administration of vitamin D3 contributed to normalization of hemodynamic parameters and kidney function, indicating the importance of an adequate vitamin D3 status for pregnancy health and PE prevention.

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