How vitamin D helps the lung via vitamin D-binding protein - May 2010

The vitamin D axis in the lung: a key role for vitamin D-binding protein.

Thorax. 2010 May;65(5):456-62.
Chishimba L, Thickett DR, Stockley RA, Wood AM.
Lung Investigation Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.

There has been much recent interest in the role of the vitamin D axis in lung disease, which includes vitamin D, vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP; also known as Gc-globulin).
VDBP is a serum protein which has immunomodulatory functions relevant in the lung, predominantly relating to macrophage activation and neutrophil chemotaxis.
Variations within its gene are also associated with airways disease, implying a role for the protein product in pathogenesis.
Thus far the majority of evidence relates to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but is scant in other airways diseases, such as asthma and bronchiectasis.
VDBP also acts as a scavenger protein to clear extracellular G-actin released from necrotic cells, which may be of relevance in severe lung infections and acute lung injury.

Vitamin D protects against the development of cancer and tuberculosis, although optimal levels are unknown.
The majority of circulating vitamin D is bound to VDBP, and its uptake into cells occurs in both bound and unbound forms, which suggests the role of VDBP warrants further study in these conditions as well.

This article reviews the evidence of the role VDBP and its gene (GC) in a range of lung diseases, including asthma, COPD and tuberculosis.
PMID: 20435872

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See also Vitamin D Life

• All items in category Breathing and Vitamin D 382 items
• The lower the vitamin D level the more severe the rare bronchiectasis – Oct 2012
• Bronchiectasis strongly associated with low vitamin D - Jan 2013

Items in both categories VDBP and Lungs are listed here: