Mechanism of Vitamin D Action

IntroductionOnce absorbed, active elements of vitamin D, such as calcitriol, seize themselves to intracellular receptors and then act as transcription factors so as to modulate gene expression (Holick, 2010). The vitamin D receptors are similar to thyroid hormones and steroid hormones receptors and contain DNA- binding and hormone-binding domains. According to Holick (2010), these receptors bind with the retinoid-X receptors, another intracellular receptor, forming a complex bond. This heterodimer is what binds to cellular DNA and activates a biologic reaction. The biological reaction can either be the stimulation of proteins that perpetuate enteral absorption of calcium or providing the appropriate balance of elements crucial for prink function and emersion (Holick, 2010). Vitamin D and Bone Health. Numerous studies have demonstrate that vitamin D has important ramifications on organize health, not only in life, but even in the course of fetal development. For instance, DeLu ca &038 Schnoes (1976) cite Dr. coopers research that studied the key factors associated with normal patterns of osseous exploitation and completed that maternal vitamin D deficiency, coupled with other dynamics, inhibited beat mineral absorption during intrauterine life, and was linked to stunted childhood growth and weak bones in adulthood (DeLuca &038 Schnoes, 1976). Lack of vitamin D has insidious consequences on the draft since it inhibits the accumulation of optimal levels of calcium that is genetically prearranged for the skeleton (Holick, 2010). Watson (2013) also retaliates that once peak bone mass is reached, adults lacking vitamin D in their system will annually loose approximately 0.5% of their skeletal mass if they lack sufficient vitamin D and calcium in their systems (p.18). In addition, vitamin D deficiency can also lead to osteomalacia (DeLuca &038 Schnoes, 1976) a mineralization abandon of the collagen matrix. This condition is often accompanied by throbbin g bone painful sensation and aching (DeLuca &038 Schnoes, 1976). Holick (2010) points out another research at the University of Pittsburgh that also established a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and increased dexterity to bone fractures. The study measured the vitamin D levels of 400 participants with hip fractures and compared the results with the vitamin D levels of 400 other healthy women. The outcome demonstrated that individuals with the lowest levels of Vitamin D were 71 percent susceptible to bone fractures compared to those with the highest levels of vitamin D. Consequently, the role played by vitamin D in sustaining bone health can never be overemphasized. Not only does it aid in mineral absorption and bone development in intrauterine growth and childhood, but is also prudent for strong bones in adults as well.ReferencesDeLuca, H, F., and Schnoes K.K., (1976). Metabolism and Mechanism of natural action of Vitamin D. Annual Review of Biochemistry. Vol. 45 631- 6 37 Holick, M.F., (2010). Vitamin D Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Applications. sunrise(prenominal) York Springer Science &038 Business Media Watson, R.S., (2013). Handbook of Vitamin D in human Health Prevention, Treatment and Toxicity, Chicago Wageningen Academic Pub.