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[Vitamin D and autoimmunity. Second part: Clinical aspects].
Y Schoindre1, B Terrier, J-E Kahn
1Service de médecine interne, université Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, hôpital Foch, 40, rue Worth, 92151 Suresnes cedex, France. y.schoindre@hopital-foch.org
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|January 3, 2012
Summary
Vitamin D plays a key role in immune system function beyond bone health. Emerging research links vitamin D to the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Autoimmunity
Context:
- Vitamin D is traditionally recognized for its role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism.
- A growing body of literature highlights its significant non-skeletal effects, particularly within the immune system.
- The vitamin acts at multiple levels to maintain immune self-tolerance.
Purpose:
- To review experimental, epidemiological, and clinical studies on the non-skeletal effects of vitamin D.
- To illustrate the potential role of vitamin D in the development and perpetuation of autoimmune diseases.
- To consolidate current understanding of vitamin D's immunomodulatory functions.
Summary:
- This review synthesizes evidence regarding vitamin D's influence on immune system physiology.
- Studies examined the association between vitamin D and autoimmune conditions including systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Findings suggest vitamin D's involvement in maintaining immune self-tolerance and its potential impact on autoimmune disease pathogenesis.
Impact:
- Highlights the broader physiological significance of vitamin D beyond skeletal health.
- Provides a comprehensive overview for researchers and clinicians investigating vitamin D's role in immunity and autoimmune disorders.
- Suggests potential therapeutic avenues involving vitamin D modulation for autoimmune conditions.
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