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Reflections About Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vitamins A and D
Sandra Maria Barbalho1,2, Marcelo Dib Bechara1, Ricardo de Alvares Goulart3
11 Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Medical School of Marília , UNIMAR, Marília, SP, Brazil .
Journal of Medicinal Food
|October 26, 2016
Summary
Vitamin A and Vitamin D show potential in reducing inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Further research is needed to confirm their roles in IBD prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Vitamins A and D (VA and VD) are investigated for their potential anti-inflammatory properties in IBD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence associating Vitamin A and Vitamin D with inflammatory bowel diseases.
- To explore the immunological mechanisms through which these vitamins may impact IBD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the link between VA, VD, and IBDs.
- Analysis of the immunological roles of active forms of VA (retinoic acid) and VD (1,25(OH)2D3).
Main Results:
- Retinoic acid (active VA) may promote inflammation resolution by influencing TGF-β and IL-10.
- 1,25(OH)2D3 (active VD) exerts anti-inflammatory effects via the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), suppressing key inflammatory cytokines.
- VDR activation influences immune cells, macrophages, and mucosal barrier functions through defensin and cathelicidin production.
Conclusions:
- Both Vitamin A and Vitamin D show promise in potentially managing inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Further clinical studies are essential to establish the definitive role of VA and VD in the prevention and treatment of IBDs.
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