title: Action and Function of Vitamin D in Digestive Tract Physiology and Pathology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The body of biomedical literature on Vitamin D effector mechanisms in gastrointestinal biology and pathophysiology is rapidly expanding. Accordingly, new possibilities of vitamin D biology-based therapeutical intervention in gastroenterological disease are being identified. However, the literature lacks a concise review on these developments, hampering comprehension of the possibilities involved for many in the community.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Genetic vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and other VDR biology regulation are involved in predisposition to gastrointestinal cancers and might allow tailored strategies for managing those individuals especially at risk, e.g. through vitamin D supplementation. Likewise, modulation of Hedgehog signaling by vitamin D analogues may have promise in combating gastrointestinal cancers or improving barrier function in IBD, but shortage in vitamin D levels may also influence inflammatory conditions of the gut through direct interaction with the mucosal immune system. Evidence justifying population-wide monitoring for vitamin D status is accumulating.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is kaleidoscopic interaction of vitamin D biology with many aspects of gastrointestinal tract biology. Vitamin D appears an attractive target for personalized approaches like precision and P4 medicine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gasteroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam's Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam. Netherlands.
authors.forename: Maikel P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Peppelenbosch
authors.affiliation: Department of Gasteroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam's Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam. Netherlands.
authors.forename: Gwenny M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Fuhler
authors.affiliation: Department of Gasteroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam&#39;s Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam. Netherlands.
authors.forename: Auke P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Verhaar
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam's Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam. Netherlands.
authors.forename: Luc J W
authors.initials: LJW
authors.lastname: van der Laan
mesh_terms: D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004064:Digestive System / Q000473:pathology*; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal / Q000502:physiology; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D053823:Hedgehog Proteins; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium
keywords: Digestive tract physiology; VDR; Vitamin D; gastrointestinal; kaleidoscopic; pathophysiology