Vitamin D and Autoimmune Diseases: Is Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Polymorphism the Culprit?

Isr Med Assoc J. 2017 Jul;19(7):438-443.

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is becoming an increasing problem worldwide. It should not be underestimated, not only due to the well-known consequences vitamin D deficiency has on bone health, but primarily because recent studies have shown how the biologically active form of vitamin D - 1,25(OH)2D - is involved in many biological processes, including immune system modulation. Moreover, the presence of a vitamin D receptor was discovered in almost all immune cells and some of its polymorphisms were found to be associated with increased incidence of autoimmune diseases. This finding led to a proposed link between vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune diseases. Patients affected by various autoimmune diseases showed low levels of vitamin D. However, it is not always clear whether vitamin D deficiency is the cause or rather a consequence of the disease. Limitations of the studies, such as the small number of patients, heterogeneity of selected groups, environmental conditions, methods used to measure vitamin D serum concentration and other confounding factors do not lead to unequivocal results to demonstrate a direct link between low vitamin D levels and autoimmune disease. Therefore, randomized trials are needed to clarify conflicting results.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology*
  • Ergocalciferols / physiology
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / genetics*
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*

Substances

  • Ergocalciferols
  • Receptors, Calcitriol
  • Vitamin D
  • 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol