Vitamin D refers to two compounds, vitamin D2 ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 cholecalciferol .
Vitamin D2 derives from irradiation of the plant sterol, ergosterol, and is provided by the diet. Vitamin D3 originates from a cutaneous compound by endogenous synthesis. Vitamin D was initially described at the time of the industrial revolution, when England faced rickets; since then, the relation between vitamin D and calcium-phosphorus metabolism has never been discussed. However, over the last four decades, other activities of vitamin D have been highlighted. Actually, vitamin D is considered as a neurohormone that regulates cell growth and proliferation and immunomodulation (1).
Vitamin D3 , Dry Eye Disease and Ocular inflammation
To investigate the efficacy of topical carbomer-based lipid-containing artificial tears (CLAT) and hyaluronate (HU) in patients with dry eye disease (DED) based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25HD) levels and cholecalciferol (vitamin D) supplementation. The effect of topical CLAT and HU was dependent on serum 25HD levels. Cholecalciferol supplementation enhanced the efficacy of topical treatment and may be a useful adjuvant therapy for patients with DED refractory to topical lubricants (2).
Poor corneal permeability, nasolacrimal drainage and requirement of chronic administration are major drawbacks of existing therapies for ocular inflammation. Hence, we designed topical micelles of PEG2000 conjugated with cholecalciferol (PEGCCF). Integrin targeted tacrolimus loaded PEGCCF micelles (TTM) is an innovative delivery system for improving ocular inflammation due to a) integrin targeting b) PEGCCF in the form of carrier and c) anti-inflammatory and synergistic effect (due to Pgp inhibition) with TAC (3).
Vitamin D3 and weight loss
Obesity, a chronic condition associated with several life-threatening diseases, affects a significant proportion of the global population and has long been associated with vitamin D deficiency. Based on results, a combined Ca and vitamin D3 supplement appears to enhance weight loss and improve some of the blood metabolic profiles in obese women subjected to a weight loss diet, thus supporting our study hypothesis (4).
Vitamin D3 as prophylaxis in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
To explore the role of cholecalciferol for the prophylaxis against recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Adjuvant cholecalciferol supplementation may be protective against recurrent UTI among patients with BPH receiving tamsulosin therapy without extra adverse effects (5).
Vitamin D3 and pregnancy
In summary, the observational and randomized clinical trials present a clear message: that 4,000 IU/d vitamin D3 supplementation is beneficial to both mother and her developing fetus through optimization of vitamin D metabolism that goes beyond classical calcium and bone homeostasis. While further work is needed to determine what the optimal dose of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is based on various genotype differences for the vitamin D binding protein and the vitamin D receptor, body mass index, status at the time of conception, and other factors such as sunlight exposure and latitude, based on our work and that of others, we believe that all individuals, including pregnant women, should achieve a target circulating 25(OH)D concentration of 100 nmol/L (40 ng/mL) as early as possible. Because of individual differences in what is required to attain this target concentration of 25(OH)D, we believe all women should consume at least 4,000 IU/d vitamin D3 prior to conception and throughout pregnancy (6).
Vitamin D3 and Type1 Diabetes
Recent prospective studies have found the associations between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and vitamin D deficiency. We investigated the role of vitamin D in the regulation of 25OHD-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and VDR expression in different tissues of T1D rats. T1D-induced vitamin D deficiency is associated with impairments of renal and extrarenal CYP27B1 and VDR expression. Cholecalciferol can be effective in the amelioration of diabetes-associated abnormalities in the vitamin D-endo/para/autocrine system (7).
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of vitamin D supplementation in patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) assessed by insulin needs and changes in glycemic indices, as evidenced by randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Vitamin D supplementation in the form of alphacalcidole and cholecalciferol appears to be beneficial in the treatment of T1D patients by attenuating the natural history of the disease (8).
Molecular Formula : C28H44O
Molecular Weight : 396.659
CAS : 8017-28-5
