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Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

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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).
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Vitamin D and the immune system.

Nicola Maruotti1, Francesco Paolo Cantatore

  • 1Rheumatology Clinic Mario Carrozzo, D'Avanzo Hospital, Viale degli Aviatori 1, I-71100 Foggia, Italy.

The Journal of Rheumatology
|January 19, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D influences immune cells and may treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. However, its hypercalcemic effect and host calcium levels are key challenges for clinical use.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Accumulating evidence links vitamin D to the regulation of key immune cells, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells.
  • Vitamin D's immunomodulatory effects suggest a connection to various autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of vitamin D in immune system regulation.
  • To assess the potential of vitamin D as a therapeutic agent for immune-mediated diseases.
  • To identify challenges and influencing factors for vitamin D's clinical application.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on vitamin D's effects on immune cells.
  • Analysis of the relationship between vitamin D and autoimmune disease pathogenesis.

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  • Examination of vitamin D's clinical limitations, particularly hypercalcemia.

    • Main Results:

    • Vitamin D plays a regulatory role in T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and keratinocytes.
    • A strong association exists between vitamin D and autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
    • Hypercalcemia is a significant barrier to vitamin D's therapeutic use, potentially modulated by host calcium status.

    Conclusions:

    • Vitamin D significantly impacts immune function and shows promise for treating immune-mediated diseases.
    • Further research is needed to optimize vitamin D dosage for therapeutic applications.
    • Host calcium levels may influence vitamin D's immunomodulatory effects and overall efficacy.