Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Extra-skeletal effects of vitamin D deficiency in chronic kidney disease

Michel Chonchol1, Jessica Kendrick, Giovanni Targher

  • 1University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA. Michel.Chonchol@ucdenver.edu

Annals of Medicine
|January 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular and infectious diseases in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Addressing this deficiency may offer a modifiable strategy to improve outcomes for CKD individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and infectious diseases are leading causes of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
  • Traditional CVD risk factors do not fully explain the elevated CVD risk observed in CKD.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a significant, potentially modifiable, non-traditional risk factor for CVD in CKD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical and experimental evidence linking 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency/insufficiency to adverse cardiovascular and infectious disease outcomes.
  • To explore the non-calcemic, autocrine, and paracrine functions of vitamin D.
  • To examine the role of vitamin D in both the general population and CKD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing clinical and experimental studies.
  • Analysis of the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) to its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D).
  • Investigation of extrarenal 1α-hydroxylase and vitamin D receptor expression and function.

Main Results:

  • Strong association found between 25(OH)D deficiency/insufficiency and increased risk of adverse CVD outcomes.
  • Evidence supports a link between low vitamin D levels and higher risk of infectious diseases.
  • Vitamin D exhibits significant non-calcemic autocrine and paracrine actions in various tissues.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is a critical factor contributing to CVD and infectious disease risks in CKD.
  • The non-calcemic actions of vitamin D are crucial for physiological functions beyond calcium homeostasis.
  • Further research and clinical attention to vitamin D status in CKD patients are warranted to mitigate risks.

More Related Videos

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro11:30

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

Published on: June 2, 2022

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats05:34

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats

Published on: April 4, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
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...
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...