The Regulation of Marrow Fat by Vitamin D: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

To review the available literature regarding a possible relationship between vitamin D and bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT), and to identify future avenues of research that warrant attention. Results from in vivo animal and human studies all support the hypothesis that vitamin D can suppress BMAT expansion. This is achieved by antagonizing adipogenesis in bone marrow stromal cells, through inhibition of PPARγ2 activity and stimulation of pro-osteogenic Wnt signalling. However, our understanding of the functions of BMAT is still evolving, and studies on the role of vitamin D in modulating BMAT function are lacking. In addition, many diseases and chronic conditions are associated with low vitamin D status and low bone mineral density (BMD), but BMAT expansion has not been studied in these patient populations. Vitamin D suppresses BMAT expansion, but its role in modulating BMAT function is poorly understood.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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