title: Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease.
abstract: Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency has been observed worldwide at all stages of life. It has been characterized as a public health problem, since low concentrations of this vitamin have been linked to the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. Several studies have suggested that vitamin D is involved in cardiovascular diseases and have provided evidence that it has a role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. It may be involved in regulation of gene expression through the presence of vitamin D receptors in various cells, regulation of blood pressure (through renin-angiotensin system), and modulation of cell growth and proliferation including vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. Identifying correct mechanisms and relationships between vitamin D and such diseases could be important in relation to patient care and healthcare policies.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Department, School of Public Health, Sao Paulo University, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, CEP 01246-904, São Paulo, Brazil. viviangarcia@usp.br
authors.forename: Vivian Cristina
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: Lígia Araújo
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Martini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D004032:Diet; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000502:physiology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology; D013472:Sunlight; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D014807:Vitamin D