Relevance of Vitamin D and Its Deficiency for the Ovarian Follicle and the Oocyte: An Update

Abstract

For many years, vitamin D (VD) has been known to be an essential micronutrient with important relevance not only for the skeletal system, but also for numerous other mammalian organ systems. Low levels of VD result in a VD deficiency, which is a global health problem. Moreover, VD deficiencies are linked to several pathologies, for instance, diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, or sub- and infertility. In the past two decades, an increasing body of evidence has shown that adequate physiological levels of VD are crucial for the female gamete and its microenvironment, and VD deficiency has been associated with decreased live birth rates among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). With regard to the female reproductive tract, VD receptors (VDRs) have been detected in the ovary, endometrium, and the placenta. Although it has been reported that VD seems to be relevant for both calcium-dependent and independent pathways, its relevance for the oocyte’s developmental competence and life span remains elusive. Therefore, herein, we aim to provide an update on the importance of VD and VD deficiency for the oocyte and the follicular microenvironment.