Reshaping the way we view vitamin D signalling and the role of vitamin D in health

Although the biological requirement for vitamin D can be met by epidermal exposure to UV light, there are a number of conditions where this production does not occur or is not sufficient to meet biological needs. When this happens, vitamin D must be consumed and is a nutrient. However, two distinct...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nutrition research reviews 2004-12, Vol.17 (2), p.241-248
Main Authors: Fleet, James C., Hong, Jie, Zhang, Zhentao
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
calcium
Cancer
cell signalling pathways
Disease prevention
Endocrine system
Enzymes. Coenzymes. Vitamins. Pigments
Feeding. Feeding behavior
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
health promotion
Homeostasis
Kinases
Metabolisms and neurohumoral controls
Mode of action
neoplasms
Nutrition research
Physiology
research-article
signal transduction
Steroids
Ultraviolet radiation
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
Vitamin D
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Summary:Although the biological requirement for vitamin D can be met by epidermal exposure to UV light, there are a number of conditions where this production does not occur or is not sufficient to meet biological needs. When this happens, vitamin D must be consumed and is a nutrient. However, two distinct observations have caused researchers to rethink certain dogma in vitamin D biology. First, it appears that in addition to the hormonally active form of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), circulating levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D have a critical importance for optimal human health. This and other data suggest that extra-renal production of 1,25(OH)2D contributes to Ca homeostasis and cancer prevention. Second, in addition to its role in the transcriptional activation of genes through the vitamin D receptor there is now compelling evidence that 1,25(OH)2D has a second molecular mode of action; the rapid activation of second-messenger and kinase pathways. The purpose of this second mode of action is only now being explored. The present review will discuss how these two areas are reshaping our understanding of vitamin D metabolism and action.
ISSN:0954-4224
1475-2700
DOI:10.1079/NRR200480