New clues about vitamin D functions in the nervous system

Vitamin D and neurocognitive dysfunction: Preventing “D”ecline?

“…Animal studies revealed the presence of VDR in the neuroepithelium during early neurogenesis, and in later stages, in an area involved in the maintenance of neural stem cells, the subventricular zone (Veenstra 1998). More recent animal data confirm the expression of VDR in specific brain regions, including but not limited to, the temporal lobe, cingulate cortices, thalamus, cerebellum, amygdala and hippocampal regions (Clemens, Garrett et al 1988;Stumpf, Clark et al 1988;Prufer, Veenstra et al 1999;Langub, Herman et al 2001;Garcion, Wion-Barbot et al 2002;Eyles, Brown et al 2003;McGrath, Feron et al 2004). …”

“…While a role for vitamin D in tissue growth and bone metabolism is well established, the presence of the vitamin D receptor and enzymes involved in the hydroxylation of vitamin D (25OHase and 1,α-OHase) in the brain implicates a role for this hormone in cognitive function and dementia (Garcion, Wion-Barbot et al 2002;Guyton, TW et al 2003;DeLuca 2004).…”

Association between vitamin D and depressive symptoms varies by season: Results from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)

“…Regarding, for example, the effects of vitamin D on nerve growth factor synthesis or neurotransmitter like serotonin, lower levels may contribute to depression (Brown et al, 2003;Cass et al, 2006;Garcion et al, 2002;Smith et al, 2006;Wion et al, 1991). On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency may also be a consequence of depression.…”

“…The presence of vitamin D receptors and vitamin D-activating enzymes in several parts of the human brain known to contribute to the regulation of mood like the hippocampus, hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex provide plausible biological explanations for the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and low mood (Eyles et al, 2005). In addition, there is evidence that vitamin D is a potent inducer of nerve growth factor synthesis (Brown et al, 2003;Wion et al, 1991) and is involved in the expression of monoamines, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, which are associated with depression Garcion et al, 2002;Smith et al, 2006).…”

Dysregulation of neural calcium signaling in Alzheimer disease, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

“…[70][71][72] With regard to AD, the decline in cognition that occurs normally in older adults may also be linked to vitamin D deficiency. 73 Enhanced dietary vitamin D intake lowers the risk of developing AD in a study of older women.…”