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Related Concept Videos

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
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).
Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Introduction to the Integumentary System01:25

Introduction to the Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
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...
Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...

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Related Experiment Video

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Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
03:20

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Vitamin D and the skin.

Mona Shahriari1, Philip E Kerr, Karren Slade

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington,CT 06030-6230, USA.

Clinics in Dermatology
|November 2, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune regulation. Research suggests vitamin D may help reduce cancer incidence, but more evidence is needed to confirm this link.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Vitamin D, a fat-soluble nutrient, is obtained from diet and skin synthesis via UVB exposure.
  • The liver converts vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the primary circulating form and key indicator of nutritional status.
  • The kidneys convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the active hormone crucial for calcium and phosphorus metabolism and bone health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted roles of vitamin D beyond bone health, including its effects on skin and immune function.
  • To investigate the potential of vitamin D and its analogues as therapeutic agents for skin diseases like psoriasis.
  • To examine the association between vitamin D deficiency and other health conditions, particularly cancer.

Main Methods:

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  • Review of existing literature on vitamin D metabolism, function, and health implications.
  • Analysis of studies investigating vitamin D's effects on cellular processes and immune regulation.
  • Examination of epidemiological data linking vitamin D status to disease incidence, including cancer.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D receptors are present in various cell types, including skin cells, suggesting broader functions.
  • The active form of vitamin D influences cellular differentiation, proliferation, and immune responses.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased cancer risk, though a causal relationship requires further validation.
  • Sunscreen use may impede vitamin D synthesis, but its population-level impact on vitamin D status remains uncertain.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, bone health, and potentially immune regulation and skin health.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the therapeutic potential of vitamin D in skin diseases and its role in cancer prevention.
  • Understanding the balance between sun protection and vitamin D synthesis is crucial for public health recommendations.