25 (OH) Vitamin D in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Patients

In addition to its role on calcium homeostasis, vitamin D exhibits local (paracrine) effects on cell proliferation differentiation and immune function. Most cells in the body express Vitamin D receptors and 1 alpha-hydroxylase, thereby permitting local production of 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol, which has therapeutic implications (paracrine effects). Studies have shown that chronic vitamin D deficiency may have serious adverse consequences such as increased risk of hypertension, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer of the colon, prostate, breast, ovary, and type 1 diabetes. However, information about the effect of vitamin D supplementation and replacement, and cardiometabolic outcomes is very limited. Studies on Vitamin D replacement in patients with chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients are needed.