Vitamin D and reproductive disorders: a comprehensive review with a focus on endometriosis.
Reprod Health
; 21(1): 61, 2024 May 02.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38698459
ABSTRACT
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that was initially known only for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels and maintaining bone health. However, it was later discovered that many organs express vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and have a ligand for vitamin D, which regulates the expression of an extensive assortment of genes. As a result, vitamin D is indispensable for the proper function of organs, and its deficiency is believed to be a critical factor in symptoms and disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. The significance of vitamin D in reproductive tissues was recognized later, and studies have revealed its crucial role in male and female fertility, as well as proper reproductive function during pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a risk factor for infertility, gonadal cancers, pregnancy complications, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. However, data investigating the association between vitamin D levels and reproductive disorders, including endometriosis, have encountered inconsistencies. Therefore, the present study aims to review existing research on the effect of vitamin D on proper reproductive function, and the role of deficiency in reproductive diseases and specifically focuses on endometriosis.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Vitamin D
/
Vitamin D Deficiency
/
Endometriosis
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Language:
En
Journal:
Reprod Health
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Irán