Molecular mechanism of vitamin D in the cardiovascular system

J Investig Med. 2011 Aug;59(6):868-71. doi: 10.2310/JIM.0b013e31820ee448.

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem that has various adverse consequences. Vitamin D is mainly synthesized in the skin by sunlight (UV light) irradiation; therefore, vitamin D status is influenced by geographic locations, seasonal changes, and skin pigmentations. The kidney is involved in the biosynthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and the reuptake of filtered 25-hydroxyvitamin D from the proximal tubules, thus, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with kidney disease who have renal insufficiency. There is a growing body of epidemiological and clinical evidence in the literature that links vitamin D deficiency to cardiovascular disease. The discovery of the vitamin D hormone functioning as an endocrine inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin system provides an explanation for this association. This review will discuss the mechanism underlying the connection between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease and its physiological and therapeutic implications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Endocrine System
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Kidney Tubules / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Phenotype
  • Renin-Angiotensin System
  • Risk
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin D / pharmacology*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / metabolism

Substances

  • Vitamin D