Role of the vitamin D in leprosy

Am J Med Sci. 2012 Jun;343(6):471-82. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e318232a6cf.

Abstract

There is an evidence of abnormal metabolism in the vitamin D endocrine system of patients with leprosy. Bone deformities usually occur in patients with leprosy. Genetic factors, such as the vitamin D receptor, the major histocompatibility complex region, chromosome 20, human toll-like receptors, the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2, phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidase on the X chromosome and the tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor-ErbB-2, contribute to both vitamin D status and leprosy. The role of vitamin D in leprosy has been demonstrated by its effects on Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination, vascular endothelial growth factor, prostaglandins, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen intermediates, matrix metalloproteinases, antiphospholipid syndrome and the nerve growth factor. Vitamin D plays a definite role in leprosy. Vitamin D, itself, may effect on leprosy through the vitamin D receptors or may influence leprosy through indirect effects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Leprosy / genetics
  • Leprosy / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / physiology*
  • Vitamin D / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Calcitriol
  • Vitamin D