The future of vitamin D in dermatology.
BACKGROUND
Vitamin D3 analogs have been found to be effective in treating psoriasis.


OBJECTIVE
We attempted to identify the targets and actions of vitamin D3 in the skin and to explore the availability of synthetic vitamin D3 analogs with selective actions on particular cell types or cell functions.


METHODS
A review of the literature focused on the cellular targets of vitamin D3 in the skin and within the immune system. Furthermore, the use of novel vitamin D3 analogs in skin diseases other than psoriasis was reviewed.


RESULTS
The vitamin D receptor has been detected in most skin cells, which means that keratinization, hair growth, melanogenesis, fibrogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune-mediated processes are potential targets for vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 analogs have been synthesized with a higher therapeutic index or a higher degree of selectivity than the natural form of vitamin D3.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D3 analogs with wide-ranging clinical applications may become available for dermatology.
Kragballe
K
K
Department of Dermatology, Marselisborg Hospital, Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark.
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D001682:Biological Availability; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005544:Forecasting; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D007633:Keratins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000032:analysis; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D008543:Melanins; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D002762:Cholecalciferol; D007633:Keratins