Abstract

SAINT-PIERRE, G; SCHULZ, M; JAUREGUI, MF  and  CONEI, D. Association of vitamin D deficiency with human skin pathologies. Rev. argent. dermatol. [online]. 2017, vol.98, n.2. ISSN 1851-300X.

Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins in the evolutionary development on earth. The best known of this function is the regulation of calcium homeostasis. Deficiency of this vitamin has been associated with some cancers, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. The epidermis is the main source of vitamin D in the body, followed by a diet increased vegetables, fish and fortified milk. The epidermis is not productive but also presents several pathologies resulting from the deficiency of this nutrient. The VD regulates the function of the cutaneous barrier through the modulation of filagrine and involucrin expression. Filagrine is a structural protein in the skin that produces aggregation and compaction of intermediate keratin filaments. This protein would be involved in the development of atopic dermatitis. Vitamin D promotes cell differentiation and inhibits proliferation and reduces the growth of tumors, as in malignant melanoma, through receptor expression (VDR). Given the current findings regarding the deficiency of this nutrient, the current recommendation is to consume dairy products in a habitual way, associated to the exposure of only 5 minutes daily ideally at times of lower UV irradiation, maintaining  the  use  of sunscreen and proper clothing during the day. In conclusion, vitamin D, not only has utility in maintaining the bone balance, but interacts through its receptor in various tissues of the body, allowing the homeostasis of the skin, vascular tissue among others.

Keywords : vitamin D; VDR; eczema; dermatitis; melanoma.