Vitamin D analogues explained

The active natural hormonal form of vitamin D is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D). 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 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 .