The role of vitamin D in the endocrinology controlling calcium homeostasis

• Published in: Molecular and cellular endocrinology Vol. 453; pp. 36 - 45
• Main Author: Fleet, James C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 15.09.2017
• Subjects: Absorption; Animals; blood serum; Bone and Bones - metabolism; bone mineralization; Calcification, Physiologic; calcitriol receptors; calcium; Calcium - metabolism; Calcium, Dietary; endocrine system; Endocrine System - metabolism; Endocrinology; Excretion; Gene Expression Regulation; Homeostasis; hormonal regulation; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Intestinal Mucosa - metabolism; intestines; Kidney - metabolism; kidneys; menopause; metabolites; Mice; Models, Molecular; Parathyroid Glands - metabolism; Parathyroid hormone; Receptors, Calcitriol - metabolism; tissues; vitamin D; Vitamin D - metabolism; PCT; CaSR; RANKL; 1,25(OH)2 D; PTH; OPG; Homeostasis; RANK; CYP27B1; Absorption; DBP; FGF23; Excretion; 25OH D; MARRS; VDR; ECF; NCX1; CYP24A1; DCT; TRPV6; Parathyroid hormone; TRPV5; Endocrinology; PMCA
• ISSN: 0303-7207; 1872-8057; 1872-8057
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.04.008

Vitamin D and its' metabolites are a crucial part of the endocrine system that controls whole body calcium homeostasis. The goal of this hormonal control is to regulate serum calcium levels so that they are maintained within a very narrow range. To achieve this goal, regulatory events occur in coordination at multiple tissues, e.g. the intestine, kidney, bone, and parathyroid gland. Production of the vitamin D endocrine hormone, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2 D) is regulated by habitual dietary calcium intake and physiologic states like growth, aging, and the menopause. The molecular actions of 1,25(OH)2 D on calcium regulating target tissues are mediated predominantly by transcription controlled by the vitamin D receptor. A primary role for 1,25(OH)2 D during growth is to increase intestinal calcium absorption so that sufficient calcium is available for bone mineralization. However, vitamin D also has specific actions on kidney and bone. •Calcium homeostasis controls serum calcium levels within a narrow range.•The vitamin D endocrine system controls whole body calcium homeostasis.•Habitual dietary calcium intake and physiologic states control vitamin D metabolism.•The primary role of vitamin D is to regulate intestinal calcium absorption.•Vitamin D also regulates urinary calcium excretion and bone metabolism.