Systemic Inflammation and Vitamin D
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18147278Keywords:
Systemic inflammation, Vitamin D, Immune response, Acute phase responseAbstract
Systemic inflammation is a fundamental component of many pathological processes, including autoimmune diseases, infections, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases, and is characterized by excessive and uncontrolled production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Although vitamin D has traditionally been associated with calcium–phosphorus homeostasis and bone metabolism, the demonstration of vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression in numerous immune cells has led to its recognition as an important hormone involved in the regulation of the immune system and inflammatory responses. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations have been reported to be associated with increased inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins, and systemic inflammatory indices in both humans and animals. In particular, studies in dogs and ruminants indicate that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to infection-related systemic inflammation, coagulation disturbances, and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Moreover, it has been suggested that vitamin D may behave as a negative acute phase protein, with its circulating levels decreasing as the severity of inflammation increases. In this context, vitamin D emerges as a potential biomarker that not only contributes to the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation but may also be useful in the assessment of disease severity and prognosis.
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