The noncalciotropic actions of vitamin D: recent clinical developments.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

This review summarizes recently described actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D beyond its function in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism.

RECENT FINDINGS:

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D stimulates the innate immune system, facilitating the clearance of infections such as tuberculosis. Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with several autoimmune disorders, various malignancies, and cardiovascular risk factors in a number of recent epidemiologic reports. Based on these observational reports, vitamin D and its analogues are being evaluated for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions, with early findings showing mixed results.

SUMMARY:

The broad tissue distribution of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1alpha-hydroxylase enzyme and the vitamin D receptor establish a role for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in the pathophysiology of various disease states and provide new therapeutic targets for vitamin D and its analogues.

• Authors: Naim M Maalouf
• Journal: Current opinion in nephrology and hypertension (Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens) Vol. 17 Issue 4 Pg. 408-15 (Jul 2008) ISSN: 1062-4821 [Print] England
• PMID: 18660678 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Review)

Chemical References

• Vitamins
• Vitamin D
• Calcium

Topics

• Animals
• Autoimmune Diseases (immunology, physiopathology)
• Calcium (metabolism)
• Cardiovascular Diseases (physiopathology)
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Chronic Disease
• Humans
• Immune System (physiology)
• Infections (immunology, physiopathology)
• Kidney Diseases (metabolism)
• Risk Factors
• Vitamin D (physiology)
• Vitamins (physiology)