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Much recent attention has focused on the positive health benefits of vitamin D beyond its established role in calcium homeostasis. Epidemiology has highlighted the link between vitamin D deficiency and prevalent diseases such as common cancers and autoimmune disease. Furthermore, studies in vitro have shown that the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) is a potent antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agent. The net effect of this has been the generation and analysis of synthetic analogues of vitamin D for potential use in the treatment of cancers and other disorders including psoriasis. However, there is increasing interest in the impact that vitamin D may have on normal physiology above and beyond its classical effects on calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. We have postulated that these 'non-calcemic' effects of vitamin D are dependent on extra-renal synthesis of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) via the enzyme 1 alpha-hydroxylase at barrier sites throughout the body. Here we present a review of the mechanisms associated with extra-renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase, and we also speculate on how this 'new' physiological role for vitamin D may actually reflect an ancient function for this pluripotent secosteroid.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.mce.2003.11.017

Type

Journal article

Journal

Mol Cell Endocrinol

Publication Date

27/02/2004

Volume

215

Pages

31 - 38

Keywords

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase, Animals, Calcitriol, Humans, Kidney, Vitamin D