Title:Vitamin D as a Modulator of Neuroinflammation: Implications for Brain
Health
Volume: 30
Issue: 5
Author(s): Sebastián García Menéndez and Walter Manucha*
Affiliation:
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Cuyo,
San Juan 5400, Argentina
- Departamento de Patología, Área de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional
de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
- Pathology and Pharmacology Department, Centro Científico Tecnológico, Mendoza 5500,
Argentina
Keywords:
Vitamin D, neuroinflammation, immune modulation, neurodegeneration, psychiatric pathologies, behavior disorders.
Abstract: Neuroinflammation represents a critical immune response within the brain, playing a pivotal role in
defense against injury and infection. However, when this response becomes chronic, it can contribute to the development
of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. This bibliographic review delves into the
role of vitamin D in modulating neuroinflammation and its implications for brain health, particularly in the
context of neurological and psychiatric disorders. While vitamin D is traditionally associated with calcium
homeostasis and bone health, it also exerts immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects within the central
nervous system. Through comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies, we uncover how vitamin
D, acting through its receptors in glial cells, may influence the production of proinflammatory cytokines and
antioxidants, potentially mitigating the cascade of events leading to neuronal damage. Clinical research has
identified vitamin D deficiency as a common thread in the increased risks of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease,
Alzheimer's, and depression, among others. Furthermore, preclinical models suggest vitamin D's regulatory
capacity over inflammatory mediators, its protective role against neuronal apoptosis, and its contribution to
neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. These insights underscore the potential of vitamin D supplementation not
only in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases but also in improving the quality of life for patients
suffering from psychiatric conditions. Future clinical studies are essential to validate these findings and
further our understanding of vitamin D's capacity to prevent or alleviate symptoms, opening new avenues for
therapeutic strategies against neuroinflammation-related pathologies. Neuroinflammation is a crucial immune
response in the brain against injuries or infections, but its persistence can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's,
Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and depression. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) emerges as a regulator of neuroinflammation,
present in brain cells such as astrocytes and microglia, modulating immune function. Vitamin D's
mechanisms of action include cytokine modulation and regulation of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. It adjusts
inflammatory mediators and antioxidants, resulting in neuroprotective effects. Additionally, vitamin D
impacts neurotransmitter synthesis and brain plasticity. This positions vitamin D as a potential adjunct in treating
diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Lastly, its role in intestinal microbiota and serotonin synthesis
contributes to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression. Thus, vitamin D presents a novel therapeutic
approach for neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric diseases.
