title: Mechanisms of disease: vitamin D and inflammatory bowel disease.
abstract: Until recently, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3))-the active form of vitamin D-was thought to function primarily as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism. More diverse functionality was indicated by the discovery of the vitamin D receptor in tissues that are not involved in calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Detection of the vitamin D receptor in monocytes and activated T cells has sparked interest in the immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D. Here, we review the role of vitamin D in regulation of the immune system, and evidence for its involvement in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Wee-Chian
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Stephen B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Hanauer
authors.forename: Yan Chun
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D023421:Models, Animal; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000276:immunology*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D