Vitamin D in autoimmune & neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Vitamin D, a secosteroid exhibiting a pleiotropic action, plays important functions in the nervous system and immune system. By suppressing dendritic cell survival, it impairs the activation of allo-reactive T-lymphocytes. It induces apoptosis of B-lymphocytes, reducing the production of autoantibodies. Its neuroprotective roles are linked with its influence on neurotrophin production, calcium ion homeostasis and in controlling oxidative damage. It is therefore not surprising that hypovitaminosis D is linked to both autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders.