Yasutaka Kajita

Dietary calcium and phosphorus ratio regulates bone mineralization and turnover in vitamin D receptor knockout mice by affecting intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption

The effects of the dietary Ca and P ratio, independent of any vitamin D effects, on bone mineralization and turnover was examined in 60 VDRKO mice fed different Ca/P ratio diets. High dietary Ca/P ratio promoted bone mineralization and turnover with adequate intestinal Ca and P transports in VDRKO mice.

Chronic Phosphorus Supplementation Decreases the Expression of Renal PTH/PTHrP Receptor mRNA in Rats

Dietary intake of high levels of phosphorus is known to increase serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH); however, how this increased serum PTH affects the action of PTH in major target tissues, particularly by kidney, remains unknown. In the present study, we therefore undertook to clarify this point in intact animals fed a high-P diet by examining various parameters of PTH action. Twelve weanling Wistar male rats were assigned randomly to two groups: a control group with dietary Ca:P = 1:1 and a high-P group (Ca:P = 1:3) fed the standard AIN-76 diet supplemented with P (0.5 and 1.5 g/100 g of diet). After 3 weeks of feeding, in the high-P diet group, we observed that serum Ca was lowered, without a difference in serum P, when compared to the control group. Excretion of urinary cAMP, an index of renal PTH action, was also decreased, with higher excretion of urinary P in those rats fed the high-P diet. In agreement with the decreased cAMP excretion, a clear reduction in PTH/PTH-related protein (PTHrP) receptor gene expression as estimated by Northern blotting was observed in the kidney, despite increased levels of serum PTH. Thus, the present study indicated that a high-P diet reduces PTH action in the kidney, though the serum PTH is increased.

Magnesium deficiency increases serum fibroblast growth factor-23 levels in rats

A magnesium (Mg)-deficient diet results in decreased serum phosphorus (P) levels and increased urinary P excretion; however, the mechanisms responsible for these effects are unclear. Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) is a potent regulator of P homeostasis. To determine the mechanisms responsible for the change in serum levels and urinary excretion of P with Mg deficiency, the present study examined the effects of Mg deficiency on serum FGF-23 levels. Male rats were randomized by weight into two groups and fed a control diet (Mg concentration: 0.05%) or a Mg-deficient diet (Mg concentration: Mg-free) for 21 days. Serum P levels in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet were significantly lower than in rats fed the control diet. Furthermore, urinary P excretion was significantly higher in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet compared to rats fed the control diet. Conversely, the tubular reabsorption rate of P was significantly lower in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet than in the controls. Serum FGF-23 levels in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet were significantly higher than those in animals fed the control diet. The results from the present study indicate that 1) Mg deficiency increases serum FGF-23 levels; and 2) Mg deficiency causes increased urinary P excretion via inhibition of renal P reabsorption, resulting in a lowering of serum P levels. Moreover, we suggest that the high serum FGF-23 levels induced by Mg deficiency contribute to the decrease in renal P reabsorption.

Magnesium deficiency regulates vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and type II sodium-phosphate cotransporter mRNA expression in rats

A magnesium (Mg) deficiency induces changes in calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) metabolism; however, the mechanisms responsible for these effects remain unclear. Since 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and type II sodium-phosphate (Na/Pi) cotransporters are essential regulators of Ca and P metabolism, this study examined the effects of Mg deficiency on the mRNA expression of vitamin D metabolizing enzymes (25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (1α(OH)ase) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase (24(OH)ase)), and Na/Pi cotransporters (type IIa and IIc) in the rat kidney. Rats were divided into two groups and fed a control diet (Mg concentration: 0.05%) or a Mg-deficient diet (Mg concentration: Mg-free) for 21 days. 1α(OH)ase mRNA levels were significantly decreased in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet, while 24(OH)ase mRNA levels were significantly increased, compared to rats fed the control diet. Type IIa and IIc Na/Pi cotransporter mRNA levels in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet were significantly decreased compared to rats fed the control diet. These results suggest that Mg deficiency induces downregulation of 1α(OH)ase and type IIa and IIc Na/Pi cotransporters, and upregulation of 24(OH)ase in the kidney.

Changes in circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 induced by short-term dietary magnesium deficiency in rats

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a potent regulator of phosphorus (P) and vitamin D metabolism. Long-term dietary magnesium (Mg) deficiency increases circulating levels of FGF23, whereas the effects of short-term dietary Mg deficiency are unclear. Thus, the present study investigated whether short-term dietary Mg deficiency affects circulating levels of FGF23. We also assessed changes in renal mRNA expression of vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and type II sodium-phosphate (Na/Pi) cotransporters, since these are regulated by FGF23. Rats were fed a control diet (control group) or an Mg-deficient diet (Mg-deficient group) for 2, 4 or 7 days. Serum Mg levels were significantly lower in the Mg-deficient group than in the control group at all time points. Serum FGF23 levels were significantly higher in the Mg-deficient group than in the control group at day 7. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase (24(OH)ase) mRNA levels were significantly higher in the Mg-deficient group than in the control group at day 7 . No significant differences in types IIa and IIc Na/Pi cotransporter mRNA levels were observed between the control and Mg-deficient groups. These results suggest that dietary Mg deficiency causes a rapid increase in circulating levels of FGF23 and renal 24(OH)ase mRNA levels.

Effects of a high-calcium diet on serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in magnesium-deficient rats

In order to clarify the effects of a high-calcium (Ca) diet on bone formation in magnesium (Mg)-deficient rats, this study focused on the effects of a high-Ca diet on serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Male rats were randomized by weight into four groups, and fed one of four experimental diets containing two different Mg concentrations (0.05% (normal-Mg) or Mg-free (Mg-deficient)), and two different Ca concentrations (0.5% (normal-Ca) or 1.0% (high-Ca)) for 14 days. Serum concentrations of osteocalcin and IGF-1 were significantly lower in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet than in rats fed the normal-Mg diet. On the other hand, dietary Ca concentration had no significant influence on serum concentrations of osteocalcin and IGF-1. This study suggested that: 1) a high-Ca diet has no preventive effects on the decreased bone formation seen in Mg-deficient rats; and 2) a high-Ca diet does not enhance serum IGF-1 levels in Mg-deficient rats. Moreover, unchanged serum IGF-1 concentrations may contribute to the decreased bone formation seen in Mg-deficient rats receiving a high-Ca diet.