Vitamin D Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Vitamin D, including details on sources, melanin, benefits, deficiency, supplements, calcium absorption.

Vitamin D and type 1 diabetes mellitus: state of the art.

Mathieu C, Badenhoop K

Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. chantal.mathieu@med.kuleuven.ac.be

Recent evidence suggests a role for vitamin D in pathogenesis and prevention of diabetes mellitus. Active vitamin D, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3), prevents type 1 diabetes in animal models, modifies T-cell differentiation, modulates dendritic cell action and induces cytokine secretion, shifting the balance to regulatory T cells. High-dose vitamin D supplementation early in life protects against type 1 diabetes. 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) activity is mediated through its receptor, and targets include transcriptional regulators; therefore, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) influences gene transcription. 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) also affects pancreatic beta-cell function. Genomic variations of vitamin D metabolism and target cell action predispose to type 1 diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy probably increases the incidence of autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, in genetically predisposed individuals. Pharmacotherapy with 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) analogues might help prevent and treat diabetes.

Published 1 August 2005 in Trends Endocrinol Metab, 16(6): 261-6.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Vitamin D Research Today. All Rights Reserved.