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Vitamin D and the Central Nervous System: Causative and Preventative Mechanisms in Brain Disorders
Xiaoying Cui1,2, Darryl W Eyles1,2
1Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol Q4076, Australia.
Abstract:
Twenty of the last one hundred years of vitamin D research have involved investigations of the brain as a target organ for this hormone. Our group was one of the first to investigate brain outcomes resulting from primarily restricting dietary vitamin D during brain development. With the advent of new molecular and neurochemical techniques in neuroscience, there has been increasing interest in the potential neuroprotective actions of vitamin D in response to a variety of adverse exposures and how this hormone could affect brain development and function. Rather than provide an exhaustive summary of this data and a listing of neurological or psychiatric conditions that vitamin D deficiency has been associated with, here, we provide an update on the actions of this vitamin in the brain and cellular processes vitamin D may be targeting in psychiatry and neurology.
Insights
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in brain development and function. Research highlights its potential neuroprotective actions and cellular targets in neuroscience and psychiatry.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The brain is a significant target organ for vitamin D, with 20% of research in the last century focusing on this aspect.
- Early research investigated brain outcomes from dietary vitamin D restriction during development.
- Growing interest in vitamin D's neuroprotective effects and its role in brain development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an update on vitamin D's actions within the brain.
- To explore cellular processes targeted by vitamin D relevant to psychiatry and neurology.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced molecular and neurochemical techniques in neuroscience.
- Reviewing and synthesizing current research on vitamin D's brain-related functions.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D influences brain development and function.
- Emerging evidence suggests neuroprotective properties of vitamin D.
- Specific cellular pathways targeted by vitamin D in the brain are being identified.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D is integral to brain health and function.
- Further research into vitamin D's mechanisms in the brain is warranted for neurological and psychiatric applications.
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