title: Pharmacological effects of vitamin D and its analogs: recent developments.
abstract: Calcitriol, the hormonally active form of vitamin D, is well known for its diverse pharmacological activities, including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function and reduction of inflammation. Calcitriol and its analogs exert potent effects on cellular differentiation and proliferation, regulate apoptosis and produce immunomodulatory effects. The purpose of this review is to provide information on various physiological and pharmacological activities of calcitriol and its newly discovered analogs. Special emphasis is given to skin diseases, cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. A discussion is raised on the mechanisms of action of calcitriol and its analogs in various diseases, as well as on possible methods of delivery and targeting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
authors.forename: Amnon C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Sintov
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
authors.forename: Ludmilla
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yarmolinsky
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
authors.forename: Arik
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dahan
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. Electronic address: sbs@bgu.ac.il.
authors.forename: Shimon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ben-Shabat
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium