Vitamin D: Non-skeletal actions and effects on growth

This review examines the various biological functions of vitamin D. Althoug h active vitamin D (calcitriol) is known to affect the skeletal growth, rec ently it has been shown to be essential for the soft tissue growth as well. Calcitriol has important regulatory effects on almost all the organ-system s of the body. It influences the release of hormones from the endocrine gla nds, modulates the immune system and is also required for the normal cardio vascular, reproductive and neural functions. In addition, it has been shown to possess antitumor activity against leukemia as well as cancers of the c olon, kidney, breast and prostate. The review explores the possibilities th at calcitriol and its synthetic analogues may find extensive applications i n the management of osteoporosis, endocrinopathies, perinatal growth retard ation, psoriasis, transplantation and neoplasia. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.