Asia Pac Allergy.  2017 Apr;7(2):65-73. 10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.2.65.

The role of vitamin D in allergic rhinitis

• Tian HQ
• Cheng L

• KMID: 2396927
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.2.65

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that vitamin D is related to allergic rhinitis (AR). In this review, we first discuss the physiology and metabolism of vitamin D, then we review the function of vitamin D in the immune system, and above all, we highlight the current research regarding the role of vitamin D in AR. Finally, we find that there are both experimental and clinical studies showing that vitamin D is associated with AR, although the results are not consistent and even conflicting. Evidences from those clinical studies show a slightly tendency that serum vitamin D level might be inversely associated with the risk of AR. Meanwhile, it seems that gender and age may influence the relationship between vitamin D and AR. However, because of the heterogeneity in defining AR, differences in study design and so on, all these findings need to be confirmed by further studies. Additional clinical studies as well as experimental research are needed to better understand how vitamin D influences AR.

Keyword

Vitamin D; Immune; Allergy; Rhinitis, allergic

MeSH Terms

Hypersensitivity
Immune System
Metabolism
Physiology
Population Characteristics
Rhinitis, Allergic*
Vitamin D*
Vitamins*
Vitamin D
Vitamins

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Physiology and metabolism of vitamin D. Upon exposure to ultraviolet B radiation (UVB, wavelengths of 290–315 nm), 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) transforms into vitamin D3, which enters the circulation and binds vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP). In the classic vitamin D3 pathway, vitamin D3 then undergoes hydroxylation in the 25-position by vitamin D-25-hydroxylase (25-OHase) in the liver to form 25(OH)D3 and in the 1-position by 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1-alpha-hydroxylase (1α-OHase) in the kidney (functioning as an endocrine gland) to form 1,25(OH)2D3. In the nonclassic vitamin D3 pathway, other cells that also possess the 1α-OHase protein produce 1,25(OH)2D3. 1,25(OH)2D3 enters target cells from the circulation and binds to vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the cytoplasm. After binding, they enter the nucleus and heterodimerize with the retinoid X receptor (RXR). The 1,25(OH)2D3-RXR-VDR complex then binds to vitamin D response elements located on the DNA and initiates biological responses through regulation of gene transcription and activation of a variety of signal transduction pathways. PTH, parathyroid hormone.

• 

  Fig. 2 The potential relationship between vitamin D and allergic rhinitis (AR).

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