Research Summary
Most vertebrates need vitamin D to develop and maintain a healthy, mineralized skeleton. However, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], the biologically active vitamin D metabolite, exerts numerous important physiological effects beyond regulating calcium and bone metabolism. Today, we know that the skin plays a unique role in the human body's vitamin D endocrine system. It is the only site of vitamin D photosynthesis, making it central to achieving sufficient vitamin D levels.
Additionally, the skin has the ability to synthesize the biologically active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3, and it serves as a significant target tissue for this metabolite. In keratinocytes and other cell types, 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates growth and differentiation. As a result, vitamin D analogues have been introduced for treating hyperproliferative skin diseases, such as psoriasis. Recently, sebocytes were identified as responsive target cells for 1,25(OH)2D3, suggesting that vitamin D analogues may be effective in treating acne.
Other newly discovered functions of vitamin D analogues include significant effects on the immune system, protection against cancer, and protection from various diseases, including autoimmune and infectious diseases. It is speculated that further investigation of the biological effects of vitamin D analogues will lead to new therapeutic applications, not only in cancer prevention but also in the prevention and treatment of infectious and inflammatory skin diseases. Furthermore, dermatological recommendations on sun protection and skin cancer prevention campaigns may need to be re-evaluated to ensure adequate vitamin D levels are maintained.
Key words: cancer, cutaneous vitamin D endocrine system, inflammatory skin diseases, skin, vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency
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