The role of vitamin D in the control of Leishmania infection

2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (5) ◽  
pp. 369-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Espiridión Ramos-Martínez ◽  
Laila Gutierrez-Kobeh ◽  
Mónica Irais Villaseñor-Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
The Body ◽  
Bone Architecture ◽  
Leishmania Infection ◽  
Vast Number ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Vector Borne

Vitamin D has been described as an essential element for maintaining the homeostasis of mineral content in the body and bone architecture. However, our view of the physiological functions of this micronutrient has radically changed, owing to the vast number of properties, not calcium-related, mediated by its nuclear receptor. This receptor has been found in a variety of cells, including the immune cells, where many of the functions performed by vitamin D are related to inflammation. Although the effect of vitamin D has been widely studied in many diseases caused by viruses or bacteria, very little is known about its role in parasitic diseases, such as leishmaniasis, which is a vector-borne disease caused by different species of the intracellular parasite Leishmania spp. This disease occurs as a spectrum of different clinical syndromes, all of them characterized by a large amount of tissue damage, sometimes leading to necrosis. Owing to the involvement of vitamin D in inflammation and wound healing, its role in leishmaniasis must be relevant, and could be used as an adjuvant for the control of this parasitic disease, opening a possibility for a therapeutic application.

scholarly journals Role of Vitamin D in Reducing the Frequency of Asthma Attacks in Patients with Frequent Exacerbation of Asthma

2021 ◽  
pp. 11-16
Author(s):  
Mubeen Ahmed Memon ◽  
Sheeba Faryal Ansari ◽  
Mumtaz Ali Lakho ◽  
Mukhtiar Hussain Jaffery ◽  
Syed Zulfiquar Ali Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Corticosteroid Treatment ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
The Body ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Interventional Group

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is common among asthmatics with literature suggesting that its low levels in the body may trigger exacerbations and decrease the response to corticosteroid treatment. It has also shown to inhibit the production of cytokines, which in turn enhances the body’s response to corticosteroid treatment during an exacerbation. Therefore, maintenance of adequate levels of vitamin D in patients with asthma may reduce the risk of exacerbation and improve their general health. This study aims to explore the role of vitamin D supplementation in preventing asthma exacerbations. Methods: This single blind parallel arm interventional study was conducted in the pulmonology ward in a tertiary care hospital from June 2018 to April 2020. Two hundred (n= 200) participants with a history of frequent acute exacerbation of asthma were enrolled in the study via consecutive convenient non-probability technique. Participants were divided into two groups; the placebo and the interventional group that received 200,000 IU of vitamin D capsule. Results: Compared to day 0, mean episodes of exacerbation in the interventional group were significantly lower after 180 days (1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.61 ± 0.3; p-value <0.0001). Similarly, number of asthma attacks in past 7 days was significantly lower in intervention group after 180 days (4.4 ± 2.7 vs. 3.1 ± 1.5; p-value 0.0001) Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation is a safe and cost-friendly approach to reducing asthma exacerbations. It may also help to improve the condition in severe asthmatics with low vitamin D levels.

scholarly journals MODERN VIEWS ON ROLE OF VITAMIN D IN PATHOGENESIS OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN CHILDREN

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-628
Author(s):  
N.A. Belykh ◽  
◽  
I.V. Piznyur ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Airway Remodeling ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
The Body ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Bronchial asthma (BA) is a common disease of airways in children characterized by chronic inflammation, as well as respiratory symptoms varying in time and intensity. In recent years, an increase in the prevalence of BA has been seen, both among the adult and children’s population. The current trend stimulates scientists to continue studying the probable influence of various factors on this process, including the role of micronutrient deficiency, especially antioxidants, methylene donors and vitamin D (VD). Hypovitaminosis D has been considered as a provoking factor affecting the pathogenesis of various pathological processes. The results of numerous studies confirm the opinion that VD affects the intensity of inflammation, reducing the produc-tion of proinflammatory cytokines and secretion of mucus, and stimulates the secretion of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10. VD-regulated genes encode the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides that provide protection against bacteria and viruses provoking BA exacerbations. The article discusses the role of tissue growth factor (TGF-β) as an initiator of fibrosis in the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract through the activation of epithelial mesenchymal transition signals, and also discusses the inhibitory effect of VD on the processes of airway remodeling in BA. To-day it is known that VD can inhibit the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in various ways, in-cluding suppression of the expression of TGF, inhibition of the motility of epithelial cells induced by TGF-β, reduction of the excessive activation of RAS (antifibrotic effect), increase in the level of TGF antagonist. Separately, the issue of the possible strengthening of the antioxidant defense of the body in BA is considered through optimization of the supply of the organism with VD. Conclusion. Thus, taking into account the fact that to date, the results of clinical studies of the use of VD in the treatment of BA gave conflicting results, additional studies are needed to address controversial issues regarding the role of VD deficiency in the pathogenesis of BA and its control. Further understanding of the mechanisms underlying the airway remodeling will help develop a set of measures aimed at minimizing the risk of structural changes in AD.

scholarly journals An Updated Mini Review of Vitamin D and Obesity: Adipogenesis and Inflammation State

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 526-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zujaja-Tul-Noor Hamid Mehmood ◽  
Dimitrios Papandreou
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
The Body ◽  
Positive Energy ◽  
Vitamin D Receptors ◽  
The Past ◽  
Positive Energy Balance ◽  
Relationship Of

Vitamin D related research continues to expand and theorise regarding its involvement in obesity, as both hypovitaminosis D and obesity strike in pandemic proportions. Vitamin D plays an important role in immune system through Vitamin D Receptors (VDR), which are transcription factors located abundantly in the body. Due to this characteristic, it is potentially linked to obesity, which is a state of inflammation involving the release of cytokines from adipose tissue, and exerting stress on other organs in a state of positive energy balance. Research trials in the past couple of years and systematic reviews from SCOPUS and MEDLINE will be discussed. The role of Vitamin D throughout the lifespan (from fetal imprinting until older age), and in various other obesity mediated chronic conditions shall be highlighted. Various mechanisms attributed to the inverse relationship of Vitamin D and obesity are discussed with research gaps identified, particularly the role of adipokines, epigenetics, calcium and type of adipose tissue.

Passé or a time to pause? A phenomenological study of family physicians’ experiences of physical examination

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X696797
Author(s):  
Martina Kelly ◽  
Lisa Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Family Practice ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
The Body ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological

BackgroundOnce the cornerstone of clinical family practice, the role of physical examination is changing. Patients and physicians alike express concern that emphasis on evidence-based medicine and increasing reliance of technology has relegated the role of physical examination in clinical practice.AimTo understand the role of physical examination in contemporary family practice.MethodQualitative phenomenological study, interpreted through the writings of Merleau-Ponty. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of sixteen family physicians; men, women, recent graduates and experienced physician working in urban, rural and academic practices. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and examined using template analysis, complimented with researcher reflexivity.ResultsStudy participants described physical examination as core to practice, to diagnose, to communicate, and to validate patient and practitioner concerns. Performance of physical examination became routine over time but a disruption to the expected caused physicians to pause. Participants described this as a slowing of time where they became conscious of the body of the patient and their own body, intertwined in a moment. Physicians experienced affective, intellectual, and physical phenomena, which integrated to guide their behaviour, diagnosis, and management of the patient. The role of physical examination was to not only diagnosis as an evidence-based medical expert, but was experienced as a form of embodied, nonverbal communication, which expressed care.ConclusionPhysical examination plays an important role to reassure and communicate trust in the doctor–patient relationship, enacted through the body of the physician. Complimenting diagnosis, the laying on of hands remains an essential element of patient care.

scholarly journals Food-based strategies for prevention of vitamin D deficiency as informed by vitamin D dietary guidelines, and consideration of minimal-risk UVB radiation exposure in future guidelines

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 800-809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin D. Cashman
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
The Body ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Uvb Radiation

There is widespread acknowledgement of the presence of vitamin D deficiency in the community and the pressing need to address this. Strategies to tackle this deficiency need to consider the role of food and UVB sun in supplying vitamin D to the body.

The Role of Vitamin D in Human Health: A Paradigm Shift

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan M. Lappe
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Scientific Discovery ◽  
The Body ◽  
Vitamin D Receptors ◽  
The Past ◽  
New Information ◽  
Optimal Functioning ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Vitamin D deficiency is pandemic, spanning many continents and including all ages, genders and racial/ethnic groups. Currently, world-wide attention is focused on the importance of vitamin D in optimizing health and preventing disease. This focus is largely the result of the scientific discovery that vitamin D receptors are present in nearly every tissue and cell in the body and that adequate vitamin D status is essential for optimal functioning of these tissues and cells. An impressive body of research has accumulated over the past two decades providing new information about the role of vitamin D in prevention of a broad range of diseases. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of this new information.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and Temporomandibular Disorders: What Do We Know So Far?

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1286
Author(s):  
Andreea Kui ◽  
Smaranda Buduru ◽  
Anca Labunet ◽  
Silvia Balhuc ◽  
Marius Negucioiu
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Temporomandibular Disorders ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Masticatory Muscles ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ultraviolet B ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Temporomandibular Joints

Background and aims. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin with the aid of ultraviolet-B radiation, playing a variety of roles in the body. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of pathological conditions involving the temporomandibular joints as well as the masticatory muscles and othersurrounding tissues. In the present narrative review, we investigated the potential role of vitamin D in the etiology of temporomandibular disorders in order todetermine whether the current knowledge supports 25-hidroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) supplementation in temporomandibular disorders associated with insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D. Methods. A literature research was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases, and a total of 10 articles were included for analysis. Results.Among the observational studies published to date, investigating the role for vitamin D in the etiology of TMDs, six of them suggest that there is a connection between the two aspects. In this context, patients suffering from TMD, with deficient levels of vitamin D (<30 ng/mL), are most likely to benefit from supplementation, whereas individuals with vitamin D level >50ng/mL probably have little benefit from supplementation.Conclusion.Vitamin D might be a safe, simple, and potentially beneficial way to prevent TMDs or to reduce pain; however, more randomized and placebo-controlled trials are required before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

scholarly journals Non-Musculoskeletal Benefits of Vitamin D beyond the Musculoskeletal System

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 2128
Author(s):  
Sicheng Zhang ◽  
Duane D. Miller ◽  
Wei Li
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Musculoskeletal System ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Vitamin D Receptors ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble prohormone, is endogenously synthesized in response to sunlight or taken from dietary supplements. Since vitamin D receptors are present in most tissues and cells in the body, the mounting understanding of the role of vitamin D in humans indicates that it does not only play an important role in the musculoskeletal system, but has beneficial effects elsewhere as well. This review summarizes the metabolism of vitamin D, the research regarding the possible risk factors leading to vitamin D deficiency, and the relationships between vitamin D deficiency and numerous illnesses, including rickets, osteoporosis and osteomalacia, muscle weakness and falls, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancers, and neurological disorders. The system-wide effects of vitamin D and the mechanisms of the diseases are also discussed. Although accumulating evidence supports associations of vitamin D deficiency with physical and mental disorders and beneficial effects of vitamin D with health maintenance and disease prevention, there continue to be controversies over the beneficial effects of vitamin D. Thus, more well-designed and statistically powered trials are required to enable the assessment of vitamin D’s role in optimizing health and preventing disease.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and gastrointestinal cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (01) ◽  
pp. 001-005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish Mahendra ◽  
Basanta Kumar Choudhury ◽  
Tamanna Sharma ◽  
Neha Bansal ◽  
Richa Bansal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cancer Prognosis ◽  
Dihydroxyvitamin D3 ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Cellular Pathways ◽  
Vitamin D Supplements

AbstractVitamin D serves as a precursor to the potent steroid hormone calcitriol, which has widespread actions throughout the body. Calcitriol regulates numerous cellular pathways that could have a role in determining cancer risk and prognosis. Low Vitamin D levels have been implicated in numerous disease processes including fracture risk, falls, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cancers. Metabolite of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) regulates numerous genes that control gut physiology and homeostasis. 1,25(OH)2D3 serves various functions such as maintaining the integrity of epithelial barrier and absorption of calcium and phosphate, and the host's defense against pathogens, and the inflammatory response by several types of secretory and immune cells. Although epidemiological data remain inconsistent, and randomized control trials in humans do not yet exist to conclusively support a beneficial role for Vitamin D, results from some correlating studies strongly suggest that Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing cancer and that avoiding deficiency and adding Vitamin D supplements might be an economical and safe way to reduce cancer incidence and improve cancer prognosis and outcome. The present review highlights the role of Vitamin D in cancer of the gastrointestinal tract including esophagus, gastric (stomach), liver, pancreas, and colon.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF VITAMIN D IN MAINTAINING ORAL HEALTH. LITERATURE REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 25-34
Author(s):  
Svetlana Ssablina ◽  
Tat'yana Elovicova ◽  
Sergey Griroriev ◽  
Oksana Khromtsova ◽  
Alla Zakroeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
The Body ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Active Metabolites ◽  
Specific Symptoms

Subject. The role of vitamin D in maintaining oral health. Objectives. To review literature on the role of vitamin D in maintaining oral health. Methodology. This literature review is based on analysis of published research reports on effects of vitamin D on oral health. Using key words, research studies published in the past five years with the most comprehensive explanations of the role of vitamin D and its metabolites in the body are selected on such e-resources as PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Elibrary, Cyberleninka. The data on secosteroid epidemiology, synthesis, metabolism, physiological effects, local effects on immune function and specific symptoms in various somatic disorders are systemized. Conclusion. Epidemiological and genetic studies confirm biological effects of vitamin D active metabolites involved in synthesis of proteins required to form oral mucosal stability and prevent pathogen penetration into subjacent tissues. The most significant is involvement of vitamin D in synthesis of antibacterial monocyte and macrophage-directed peptides ensuring reduction of risks of alveolar resorption and subsequent tooth loss. Modern concepts in this secosteroid refer to the new evidence showing availability of vitamin D activating ferment in tissues which supports intracellular or paracrine function of vitamin D out of the skeleton. The personified approach for vitamin D application as a therapeutic drug for treatment of periodontium inflammations and oral mucosa with preliminary testing of levels in blood serum will allow to develop effective approaches to maintaining people’s oral health.

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