Med. praxi. 2013;10(5):199-202

Vitamin D: skeletal and extraskeletal effects

prof.MUDr.Vladimír Palička, CSc.

Osteocentrum, ÚKBD, LF UK a FN Hradec Králové

Vitamin D is among the oldest physiological regulators of the body's development and function. The view on its role in healthy skeletal

development – and in the occurrence of rachitis due to its lack – has recently expanded significantly. The pathophysiological background

of the mechanism of action of vitamin D on bone tissue (the RANKL/RANK/OPG system) is known in much more detail. Of interest is the

new knowledge of the effect of vitamin D on cardiovascular system and vessel impairment as well as its impact on the renin-angiotensin

system. The part that vitamin D plays in insulin secretion and peripheral sensitivity to insulin as well as in the development of obesity and

metabolic syndrome is obvious. The role of vitamin D in innate and acquired immunity and also in the development of autoimmune disease

is indisputable and the papers on the role of vitamin D in tumour proliferation are intriguing.

Keywords: vitamin D, rachitis, osteomalacia, cardiovascular disease, tumours, diabetes mellitus, immunity

Published: June 1, 2013  Show citation