Vitamin D and Chronic Lung Disease: A Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Studies

Abstract

Vitamin D is classically recognized for its role in calcium homeostasis and skeletal metabolism. Over the last few decades, vitamin D deficiency has increased in prevalence in adults and children. Potential extraskeletal effects of vitamin D have been under investigation for several diseases. Several cross-sectional studies have associated lower vitamin D status with decreased lung function. This finding has prompted investigators to examine the association of vitamin D deficiency with several chronic lung diseases. One major focus has been the link between maternal vitamin D status and childhood asthma. Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with increased risk of respiratory infection from influenza A and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Other chronic respiratory diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency include cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This review will examine the current clinical literature and potential mechanisms of vitamin D in various pulmonary diseases.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on pulmonary function in postmenopausal women following an aquatic exercise program

“…In addition, some studies linked the actions of vitamin D to inhibited proliferation of metalloproteinases of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as the balance of type III collagen synthesis by fibroblasts (31). The ECM of lung tissue plays a key role in the structure and mechanical properties of the lungs, thus reflecting pulmonary function (5,32).…”

Statut De La Vitamine D Chez Les Patients Asthmatiques a Propos D’une Série De 34 Cas Et Revue De La Littérature.

“…Enfin, le déficit en vitamine D serait lié à des fonctions macrophagiques altérées (chimiotactisme et phagocytosealtérés, augmentation de production de cytokines proinflammatoires) [4,5,6,7,8]. Toutefois, ces constatations restent controversés, des études récentes n'ont pas trouvées de lien entre le statut en vitamine D et les marqueurs d'atopie, l'asthme et la dérmatite atopique aussi bien chez les enfants que chez les adultes [4,11,12,13].…”

Use of Vitamin D in Various Disorders

“…Several studies across ethnic backgrounds have demonstrated a positive association between prevalence of tuberculosis and decreased concentrations of vitamin D [17] A meta-analysis of studies demonstrated that participants with tuberculosis had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations compared to matched controls [18]. Several cross-sectional studies have reported an association of vitamin D deficiency with decreased lung function [19].…”