Vitamin D analogues explained

The natural, active form of vitamin D is calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol). This molecule and other naturally occurring forms of vitamin D, including its precursors and metabolites, have been modified to synthesize pharmaceuticals with potentially greater, or selective, therapeutic actions.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Types

These include:

• Alfacalcidol
• Calcipotriol (calcipotriene)
• Doxercalciferol
• Falecalcitriol
• Paricalcitol
• Tacalcitol

Mechanisms

These modified vitamin D analogues have a side chain or other modifications. They aim to reduce the classical renal and intestinal effects of calcitriol on calcium and phosphate homeostasis, from its effects on other biologic processes.^[5] They target cell proliferation and differentiation, especially in skin, or other effects in the parathyroid gland (secondary hyperparathyroidism) or bone cells.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Ashcroft DM, Po AL, Williams HC, Griffiths CE . Systematic review of comparative efficacy and tolerability of calcipotriol in treating chronic plaque psoriasis . BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) . 320 . 7240 . 963–7 . April 2000 . 10753146 . 27334 . 10.1136/bmj.320.7240.963 .
2. Martin KJ, González EA . Vitamin D analogues for the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism . American Journal of Kidney Diseases . 38 . 5 Suppl 5 . S34–40 . November 2001 . 11689385 . 10.1053/ajkd.2001.28109 .
3. O'Neill JL, Feldman SR . Vitamine D analogue-based therapies for psoriasis . Drugs of Today . 46 . 5 . 351–60 . May 2010 . 20517536 . 10.1358/dot.2010.46.5.1473264 .
4. Birlea SA, Costin GE, Norris DA . Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the action of vitamin D analogs targeting vitiligo depigmentation . Current Drug Targets . 9 . 4 . 345–59 . April 2008 . 18393827 . 10.2174/138945008783954970 .
5. Bikle DD . Vitamin D metabolism, mechanism of action, and clinical applications . Chemistry & Biology . 21 . 3 . 319–29 . March 2014 . 24529992 . 3968073 . 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.12.016 .