1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Regulates the Inositol-Requiring Transmembrane Kinase Endoribonuclease-1α/X-Box-Binding Protein 1 Spliced Pathway to Alleviate Palmitic Acid-Induced Apoptosis in KGN Cells

In a pivotal study on polycystic ovary syndrome, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] was found to significantly mitigate palmitic acid-induced apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells, which is crucial for oocyte development. The study used a high-fat cell model with palmitic acid to simulate the elevated free fatty acids found in obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Findings revealed that pretreatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 reversed the detrimental effects of palmitic acid, including decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis, by modulating the inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase endoribonuclease-1α/ X-box-binding protein 1 spliced pathway. These results suggest a promising role for vitamin D in treating polycystic ovary syndrome and offer a new theoretical basis for its application in reproductive health.