Vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease: potential mechanisms and novel perspectives.
Interest in contemporary vitamin D research has been sparked in recent years, stemming from the identification of vitamin D receptors in virtually all cells as well as the enzymatic machinery necessary to produce its active form. Both epidemiological and in-vitro studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to enigmatic diseases including cardiovascular disease; however, a clear mechanistic link remains missing. This review highlights conclusions of observational studies, in-vitro experiments and randomized-controlled trials that aimed to link deficiency of the sunshine vitamin to one of the leading causes of death in the world, cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, putative mechanisms viewed from a novel perspective are also discussed.
Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo.
Mohamed A
MA
Abu el Maaty
Mohamed Z
MZ
Gad
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D