Possible renoprotection by vitamin D in chronic renal disease: beyond mineral metabolism

Nat Rev Nephrol. 2009 Dec;5(12):691-700. doi: 10.1038/nrneph.2009.185. Epub 2009 Oct 27.

Abstract

Vitamin D is typically viewed as a key player in the regulation of calcium and phosphate levels and the control of bone metabolism; however, growing evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may also have an important role in the progressive loss of renal function. Vitamin D deficiency is particularly frequent in patients with chronic kidney disease, in whom it is associated with increased mortality. Studies indicate that treatment with vitamin D analogues reduces proteinuria, suppresses the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. These pleiotropic effects render vitamin D a potentially interesting treatment modality for renoprotection in patients with chronic kidney disease. Whether vitamin D has clinically relevant renoprotective effects in addition to RAAS blockade is currently under investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Kidney Diseases / metabolism*
  • Kidney Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Minerals / metabolism
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / physiology
  • Vitamin D / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / metabolism*

Substances

  • Minerals
  • Vitamin D