Duodenal Expression of 25 Hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-hydroxylase Is Higher in Adolescents Than in Children and Adults.

Context: Puberty is associated with increased dietary calcium absorption. However, little is known about the metabolic adaptations that enhance calcium absorption during puberty. Objectives: To investigate duodenal 25-hydroxy vitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP 27B1) mRNA expression and duodenal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) production in children, adolescents, and adults. Design and Methods: CYP27B1and IGF1 mRNA expression and 1,25(OH)2D3 production were determined in duodenal biopsies. CYP27B1 expression was also determined after IGF1R inhibitor treatment of human and mice duodenal explants. mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR, and CYP27B1 activity was determined by incubating duodenal explants with 25(OH)D3 and measuring 1,25(OH)2D3 production by radioimmunoassay. Results: CYP27B1 mRNA expression was 13.7 and 10.4 times higher in biopsies from adolescents compared to adults and children, respectively. IGF1 mRNA expression was 30% and 45% higher in explants from adolescents and children, respect...