Cardiovascular and
infectious diseases remain the most common causes of death among patients with
chronic kidney disease (CKD) and
end-stage renal disease (
ESRD). Basic science and epidemiological studies indicate that
vitamin D has importance not only for cardiovascular health, but also for the immune response.
Vitamin D signaling pathways regulate both innate and adaptive immunity, maintaining the associated inflammatory response within physiological limits. Levels of both the inactive as well as active form of
vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, respectively) are decreased in patients with CKD and
ESRD. It is reasonable to hypothesize, therefore, that the immune dysfunction associated with
vitamin D deficiency in patients with CKD and
ESRD in part explains the misdirected inflammatory response and increased susceptibility to
infection seen in this population. Indeed, observational studies show that
vitamin D deficiency in patients with
ESRD is associated with increased mortality, and treatment with
vitamin D is associated with a decreased risk of
infection, as well as reduced all-cause mortality. However, whether different
vitamin D preparations have differential effects on physiological function and clinical outcomes is still unclear. A proper understanding of the immune regulatory function of
vitamin D is important for the development of future therapeutic strategies.