How vitamin D reduces liver damage by boosting TXNIP activity in bile duct cells

Medical Xpress / Chungnam National University / Nature Communications ^ | June 28, 2025 | Eun Bok Baek et al

[ConservativeMind]

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a major global health concern. This life-threatening disease often progresses silently, eventually leading to worsened conditions like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. There is currently no treatment for CLD other than liver transplantation.

Vitamin D is commonly consumed for enhanced bone health. A recent study opens exciting possibilities for repurposing an inexpensive supplement as a complementary therapy for liver diseases. Prof. Hyo-Jung Kwon and his colleagues have studied the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications of vitamin D in liver disease.

"Here, we explored the effects of vitamin D on ductular reaction and CLDs, and investigated underlying mechanisms. Our data reveal that vitamin D supplementation ameliorates ductular reaction and reduces liver inflammation and fibrosis largely through TXNIP," comments Prof. Kwon.

Ductular reaction refers to the proliferation of ductular cells (primarily cholangiocytes) in response to liver injury. While initially protective, excessive or prolonged ductular reaction contributes to inflammation and fibrosis. In this study, researchers observed that lower plasma levels of vitamin D were associated with more severe ductular reaction in patients with CLD.

Vitamin D upregulates the expression of TXNIP (Thioredoxin-interacting protein). This was confirmed in a mouse study where Txnip deletion in cholangiocytes promoted ductular reaction and even exacerbated liver inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro analysis revealed the vitamin D/TXNIP molecular axis.

"Furthermore, Txnip deficiency increases TNF-α and TGF-β secretion by cholangiocytes to stimulate Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells, consequently leading to inflammation and collagen deposition," adds Prof. Kwon.

Research that supports early diagnosis and better treatment for CLD is not only warranted but essential. "Our preclinical data reveal a new mechanism by which vitamin D supplementation ameliorates CLDs and support the idea that the vitamin D/TXNIP axis could be a promising therapeutic target in clinically addressing the ductular reaction and CLDs," comments Prof. Kwon.

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TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: liver; vitamind; vitamins

[ConservativeMind]

Vitamin D helps reduce chronic liver disease by reducing liver inflammation, which also reduces fibrosis.

[ConservativeMind]

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[Seaplaner]

Thanks, CM. Interesting article.

The article mentions that it's the active form of vit D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D aka calcitriol), that interacts with TXNIP to put the hepato protective process in gear. Since supplemental magnesium is a co-factor in changing Vit D into its active form, taking magnesium along with the Vit D is a prudent strat.

[Republican Wildcat]

Don’t overdo it or you can calcify your arteries / valves.

[Bikkuri]

"Don’t overdo it or you can calcify your arteries / valves."

With Texas Nipples?!

[Secret Agent Man]

Vitamin D is a master hormone involved in hundreds of important body processes.

[Secret Agent Man]

You take it with K2 so that its delivered to the areas it should be, and not calcifying soft tissues. Many have them paired together in one pill/gel capsule.

[rexthecat]

I quit drinking, which fixed everything.

[ponygirl]

You take it with K2 so that its delivered to the areas it should be, and not calcifying soft tissues.

☝🏻This.