[The pleiotropic effects of vitamin D on kidney disease]

Vitamin D is well known to play major roles in maintenance of calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Recently, the pleiotropic effects of vitamin D are highlighted. Namely, vitamin D regulates cell proliferation and differentiation, modulates immune system, and is involved in several endocrine systems. In addition, it has been reported that vitamin D itself may have renoprotective function. Although the effects of vitamin D such as down-regulation of renin-angiotensin system, anti-proliferation, pro-differentiation, and immunomodulation have been reported, the mechanism of the renoprotective function remains unclear. Further studies are needed and clinical applications of the pleiotropic effects of vitamin D are expected.