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Metabolic syndrome: a review of the role of vitamin D in mediating susceptibility and outcome

Abstract

Despite the well-recognised role of vitamin D in a wide range of physiological processes, hypovitaminosis is common worldwide (prevalence 30%-50%) presumably arising from inadequate exposure to ultraviolet radiation and insufficient consumption. While generally not at the very low levels associated with rickets, hypovitaminosis D has been implicated in various very different, pathophysiological processes. These include putative effects on the pathogenesis of neoplastic change, inflammatory and demyelinating conditions, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. This review focuses on the association between hypovitaminosis D and the metabolic syndrome as well as its component characteristics which are central obesity, glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidaemia. We also consider the effects of hypovitaminosis D on outcomes associated with the metabolic syndrome such as CVD, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We structure this review into 3 distinct sections; the metabolic syndrome, vitamin D biochemistry and the putative association between hypovitaminosis D, the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk.

Acceptance Date Dec 14, 2014
Publication Date Jul 10, 2015
Journal World Journal of Diabetes
Print ISSN 1948-9358
Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group
Pages 896 - 911
DOI https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v6.i7.896
Keywords Vitamin D, Hypovitaminosis D, Metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Insulin resistance, Cardiovascular disease, Atherogenic dyslipidaemia, Hypertension, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Publisher URL http://www.wjgnet.com/1948-9358/full/v6/i7/896.htm

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