Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
[Effects of vitamin D on the cardiovascular system]
Tetsuo Shoji1, Yoshiki Nishizawa
1Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Depanartment of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine.
Insights
Active vitamin D, crucial for bone health, also benefits the cardiovascular system. Studies show vitamin D analogs reduce mortality risk, especially from heart disease, in dialysis patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
Context:
- Active vitamin D is vital for bone and mineral metabolism.
- Emerging evidence highlights its role in cardiovascular and kidney health.
- Dialysis patients often face significant cardiovascular risks.
Purpose:
- To review the multifaceted roles of active vitamin D.
- To explore its impact on cardiovascular and kidney functions.
- To summarize its therapeutic potential in chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.
Summary:
- Active vitamin D analogs are linked to reduced mortality in hemodialysis patients, particularly cardiovascular disease deaths.
- Vitamin D treatment shows benefits for cardiac and immune functions in dialysis patients.
- It exhibits anti-proteinuric effects in chronic kidney disease and inhibits atherogenic processes experimentally.
Impact:
- Active vitamin D is a key regulator of cardiovascular and kidney functions.
- Findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for active vitamin D in managing cardiovascular and renal diseases.
- Further research can elucidate mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Active vitamin D plays important roles not only in bone and mineral metabolism but also in the cardiovascular system. Cohort studies in hemodialysis patients demonstrated that use of active vitamin D analogs was associated with reduced risk of death, particularly death from cardiovascular disease. Treatment with vitamin D had beneficial effects on cardiac and immune functions in dialysis patients, and inflammatory markers in non-renal subjects. Also, anti-proteinuric effect was recently shown in chronic kidney disease. Experimentally, active vitamin D inhibits atherogenic cellular behaviors and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Thus, active vitamin D is a regulator of cardiovascular and kidney functions.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
01:27Regulation of the Cardiovascular System
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...
01:18Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:14Overview of the Cardiovascular System
Heart
The heart is the central pump of the cardiovascular system that circulates blood throughout the body. It comprises two atria receiving the blood and two ventricles pumping blood out of the heart. Their rhythmic contractions, called heartbeats, ensure that blood flow remains continuous.
Blood Vessels
Blood...