The vitamin D positive feedback hypothesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Linneman, Z.; Reis, C.; Balaji, K.; Moore, J.; Braude, S.
• Is Part Of: Medical hypotheses. Volume 127(2019)
• Page Start: 154
• Page End: 158
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.04.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-9877

Abstract

Abstract: While it appears that there are a variety of factors that exacerbate IBD, it is frustrating that symptoms can persist and worsen even when environmental insults are removed. We suggest that there may be a positive feedback loop which perpetuates the inflammatory response in IBD patients. The loop is triggered by vitamin D deficiency which reduces calcium uptake. Lowered vitamin D and calcium interfere with anti-inflammatory pathways. Inflammation of the mucosa inhibits absorption of calcium and thus perpetuates the reduced anti-inflammatory response. A number of predictions follow from this hypothesis and are supported by geographic and lifestyle patterns in IBD incidence and prevalence.