title: THE EXTRASKELETAL ACTIONS OF VITAMIN D--MYTHS AND FACTS.
abstract: Vitamin D is well known for its effects on bone metabolism, calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Recently, a worldwide focus has been made on the extraskeletal effects of this liposoluble vitamin. The New York Times even called it the "wonder drug". Vitamin D is a liposoluble vitamin and acts via an intracellular receptor. This article reviews the extra-skeletal effects of vitamin D focusing on cardiovascular effects, regulation of glucose, antitumoral properties, and effect on the immune system and the skeletal muscle and attempts to offer possible molecular explanations to these effects.
authors.forename: Amer
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sebaaly
authors.forename: Falah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bachour
authors.forename: Wael
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bayoud
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Adib
authors.forename: Farid
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bedran
authors.forename: Clea
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Daher
authors.forename: Ghassan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maalouf
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000517:prevention & control; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D