impact factor, citescore
logo
In press
In Press
Recent issue
Recent issue
Recent Supplement
Recent supplement
archives
Archives
articles free
Free to view
Search
Search
 

Review

 

Vitamin D and systemic lupus erythematous: a review of immunological and clinical aspects

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

 

  1. Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Italy.
  2. Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS AOU San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy.
  3. Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Italy.
  4. Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Italy. angela.tincani@unibs.it
  5. Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS AOU San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy.

CER10425
2018 Vol.36, N°1
PI 0153, PF 0162
Review

Free to view
(click on article PDF icon to read the article)

PMID: 29148401 [PubMed]

Received: 20/03/2017
Accepted : 03/07/2017
In Press: 14/11/2017
Published: 06/02/2018

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
To review the relationships between vitamin D status and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) concerning immunological, clinical aspects and possible effects of supplementation in disease modulation.
METHODS:
The literature was reviewed up to January 2017 for studies regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunological aspects, clinical implications and supplementation strategies. The focus was mainly on studies with implications on every day clinical practice.
RESULTS:
Vitamin D interacts with immune system mechanisms, therefore, it may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The literature is concordant on vitamin D insufficiency being endemic in SLE patients. Data on the correlation between SLE disease activity and circulating levels of vitamin D are controversial, as well as those related to the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D supplementation. Novel areas of study are the relationship between constitutional symptoms and cognitive involvement of SLE and hypovitaminosis D, and the possible role of vitamin D in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque, opening new avenues for the modulation of the cardiovascular risk.
CONCLUSIONS:
Future studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and different aspects of SLE. The most challenging topic will be to clarify supplementation strategies with vitamin D analogues that can be effective in modulating disease activity.

Rheumatology Article