Vitamin D Enhancement of Adipose Biology: Implications on Obesity-Associated Cardiometabolic Diseases

Vitamin D is activated into 1α,25(OH)₂D through two hydroxylation steps that are primarily catalyzed by 25-hydroxylase in the liver and 1α-hydroxylase in the kidneys. The active form of vitamin D regulates myriads of cellular functions through its nuclear receptor, vitamin D receptor (VDR). Vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and VDR are expressed in adipose tissues and vitamin D regulates multiple aspects of adipose biology including the recruitment and differentiation of adipose stem cells into adipocytes and metabolic, endocrine, and immune properties. Obesity is associated with low vitamin D status, which is thought to be explained by its sequestration in large mass of adipose tissues as well as dysregulated vitamin D metabolism. Low vitamin D status in obesity may negatively impact adipose biology leading to adipose tissue dysfunctions, the major pathological factors for cardiometabolic diseases in obesity. In this review, the current understanding of vitamin D metabolism and its molecular mechanisms of actions, focusing on vitamin D–VDR regulation of adipose biology with their implications on obesity-associated diseases, is discussed. Whether improving vitamin D status leads to reductions in adiposity and risks for cardiometabolic diseases is also discussed.