Theoretical basis of a beneficial role for vitamin D in viral hepatitis

Abstract

Abnormal bone metabolism and dysfunction of the calcium-parathyroid hormone-vitamin D axis have been reported in patients with viral hepatitis. Some studies suggested a relationship between vitamin D and viral hepatitis. Genetic studies have provided an opportunity to identify the proteins that link vitamin D to the pathology of viral hepatitis (i.e., the major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, the vitamin D receptor, cytochrome P₄₅₀, the renin-angiotensin system, apolipoprotein E, liver X receptor, toll-like receptor, and the proteins regulated by the Sp1 promoter gene). Vitamin D also exerts its effects on viral hepatitis via non-genomic factors, i.e., matrix metalloproteinase, endothelial vascular growth factor, prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-2, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, vitamin D could have a beneficial role in viral hepatitis. Calcitriol is best used for viral hepatitis because it is the active form of the vitamin D₃ metabolite.

Calcitriol Inhibits HCV Infection via Blockade of Activation of PPAR and Interference with Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation

“…Administration of calcitriol, however, prevents ER stress [ 28 ]. Vitamin D alters apo levels such as apoA1 and apoE [ 21 ], otherwise apoJ impedes vitamin D signaling pathway [ 23 , 24 ]. Instead, the modulation of apo levels are essential for HCV production, assembly and secretory machinery [ 42 , 43 ].…”

“…The main focus of interest at the pathogenesis of HCV infection includes virus infection, lipid metabolism [ 8 ], oxidative and nitrative stress [ 9 , 10 , 11 ], endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway [ 14 ] and host anti-viral signals [ 11 , 15 ]. Previous studies also indicate that vitamin D or calcitriol regulates lipid metabolism [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ], affects apolipoprotein (apo) and cholesterol levels [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ], prevents nitrative stress [ 25 ] and ER stress [ 26 , 27 , 28 ] and negatively modulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-related signals [ 17 , 20 , 27 ].…”

Czynność osi GH/IGF-I, stężenie hormonów kalciotropowych we krwi oraz gęstość mineralna kości u młodych osób z przewlekłym wirusowym zapaleniem wątroby

“…As previously mentioned, many authors have suggested that the reason for hyperparathyroidism in such patients is the decrease of vitamin D level [67,68]. Previous studies have shown that the lowest normal calcidiol levels, at which PTH secretion is minimal, is on average 40 ng/mL [62,69]. Among participants in our study, in all the samples taken during the day, the concentrations of (25(OH)D) levels were below the designated threshold.…”

Comparison of Vitamin D Levels in Naive, Treated, and Inactive Carriers with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus

“…Investigation of the beneficial role of vitamin D in HBV infection was first reported by Luong and Nguyen,19 and several other studies followed thereafter. Some of the subsequent studies have showed a lower level of vitamin D3 in patients with chronic HBV (CHB), and these have mainly been presented during the most recent years.…”