Changes in Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and Sclerostin following a Loading Dose of Vitamin D2(300,000 IU)
Background. Vitamin D is important for bone health, although high loading doses have been associated with an increase in fracture risk. The mechanisms remain uncertain.Aim. We hypothesize that supraphysiological concentrations of 1,25 (OH)2vitamin D may inhibit formation by increasing the production of Wnt inhibitors: sclerostin andDKK1.Subjects and Methods. We measured serum sclerostin andDKK1in 34 patients (21 F, 13 M) aged mean (SD) 61.3 (15.6) years with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency treated with a loading dose of vitamin D2(300,000 IU) intramuscularly. Blood samples were taken at baseline and serially up to 3 months.Results. Serum 1,25 (OH)2vitamin D increased markedly at 3 months (mean (SD) baseline 116 (63), 3 months : 229 (142) pmol/L,P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between sclerostin andDKK1at baseline (r=0.504, P=0.002) and at 3 months (r=0.42, P=0.013). A significant inverse correlation was observed between sclerostin and eGFR at 3 months (r=-0.494, P=0.007). Sclerostin increased significantly at 3 months (P=0.033). In a multilinear regression analysis with % change in sclerostin andDKK1as dependent variable, a positive significant association was observed with % change in 1,25 (OH)2vitamin D (P=0.038), independent of changes in PTH and following correction for confounders such as age, gender, BMI, BMD and eGFR.Conclusions. Supraphysiological concentration in 1,25 (OH)2vitamin D achieved following a loading dose of vitamin D increases sclerostin and may inhibit Wnt signalling. This may have detrimental effects on bone.