In a population of Chinese postmenopausal women, the bioavailable and not the total 25(OH)D was an independent predictor factor for bone mineral density. Bioavailable 25(OH)D was calculated based on DBP levels taking into account the correspondent genotype. The authors suggested that the bioavailable vitamin D increases BMD through modulating the bone turnover process, inhibiting PTH excretion and stimulating OPG production [39]. In another study, in Danish premenopausal women, Lauridsen et al. [40 ]found a strong correlation between fractures and Gc phenotypes. They found a 3 times lower fracture risk in women with the Gc2-2 phenotype compared to those with the Gc1-1 phenotypes. The differences were even more striking for fractures caused by low-energy traumas, and they hypothesized that Gc plays a physiological role in osteoclast activity.
It seems that these controversial results may be caused by the different profile of the studied populations, especially because there is a strong linkage between the Gc phenotype and ethnic background. In these two studies (Chinese and Danish), the populations tend to be more homogeneous, and the results may not be transferred to other populations.
Conclusion
The DBP belongs to the albuminoid gene family, initially denominated as a groupspecific component (Gc-globulin). It is a 458-amino acid multifunctional protein with 51- to 58-kDa molecular weight, synthesized by the liver, and secreted into circulation in large concentrations. It is the major transporter of vitamin D metabolites and exhibits different affinity for the multiple compounds. Although vitamin D binding is the main function of DBP, and even responsible for its name, the protein has another important function, which makes its physiology unique and complex. Actin scavenging is a known vital function of DBP, important to avoid actin polymerization and, consequently, tissue damage. Also considered an acute phase reactant, DBP is the precursor of signal MAF (Gc-MAF). Furthermore, DBP is highly polymorphic, with a characteristic distribution among different racial groups. Although its concentration is closely related to the total 25(OH)D, the relevance of the free and bound circulating hormone in human physiology remains unclear.
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