Abstract
Background Epidemiological studies show a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiency and asthma severity. Genetic studies have identified vitamin D receptor polymorphisms as a risk factor for asthma in diverse human populations. Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), the physiologically active metabolite of mammalian vitamin D, is able to modulate receptor and cytokine expression as well as cell differentiation and maturation of various leukocytes in an anti-inflammatory manner. Despite the role of eosinophils in allergic asthma pathology, little is known about the effects of calcitriol on eosinophil biology. Calcitriol has a direct modulatory effect on eosinophil survival and effector functions in vitro.
Highlights
Epidemiological studies show a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiency and asthma severity
Eosinophil survival increased after 24 h of calcitriol treatment in a dose-dependent manner (Fig1. n = 5)
At 14 days, 66 ± 7% of eosinophils were still intact when treated with calcitriol and IL-5, compared to IL-5 alone (Fig2. 34 ± 8%, p < 0.05, n = 4)
Summary
Epidemiological studies show a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiency and asthma severity. Genetic studies have identified vitamin D receptor polymorphisms as a risk factor for asthma in diverse human populations. Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), the physiologically active metabolite of mammalian vitamin D, is able to modulate receptor and cytokine expression as well as cell differentiation and maturation of various leukocytes in an anti-inflammatory manner. Despite the role of eosinophils in allergic asthma pathology, little is known about the effects of calcitriol on eosinophil biology. Calcitriol has a direct modulatory effect on eosinophil survival and effector functions in vitro
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
