title: Vitamin D and the central nervous system.
abstract: Vitamin D is formed in human epithelial cells via photochemical synthesis and is also acquired from dietary sources. The so-called classical effect of this vitamin involves the regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. Apart from this, non-classical effects of vitamin D have recently gained renewed attention. One important yet little known of the numerous functions of vitamin D is the regulation of nervous system development and function. The neuroprotective effect of vitamin D is associated with its influence on neurotrophin production and release, neuromediator synthesis, intracellular calcium homeostasis, and prevention of oxidative damage to nervous tissue. Clinical studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may lead to an increased risk of disease of the central nervous system (CNS), particularly schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis. Adequate intake of vitamin D during pregnancy and the neonatal period seems to be crucial in terms of prevention of these diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacogenomics, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, PL 02-091 Warszawa, Poland.
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wrzosek
authors.forename: Jacek
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Łukaszkiewicz
authors.forename: Michał
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wrzosek
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jakubczyk
authors.forename: Halina
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Piątkiewicz
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Radziwoń-Zaleska
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wojnar
authors.forename: Grażyna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nowicka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium