Vitamin D analogues

Vitamin D analogues are a group of drugs that are structurally similar to Vitamin D. They are used in the treatment of various diseases, including psoriasis, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer.

Mechanism of Action

Vitamin D analogues work by binding to the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), which is found in most body tissues. This binding activates the VDR, which then regulates the expression of certain genes. This can lead to a variety of effects, including increased calcium absorption in the gut, increased bone mineral density, and decreased proliferation of skin cells.

Types of Vitamin D Analogues

There are several different types of Vitamin D analogues, including:

• Calcipotriol (also known as calcipotriene) - This is used topically for the treatment of psoriasis. It has a similar structure to natural Vitamin D, but is less likely to cause hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood).

• Paricalcitol - This is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is less likely to cause hypercalcemia than other Vitamin D analogues.

• Doxercalciferol - This is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is converted to active Vitamin D in the body.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, Vitamin D analogues can cause side effects. These can include hypercalcemia, nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation. However, these side effects are generally rare and can be managed with appropriate medical supervision.

See Also

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin D Receptor
• Hypercalcemia
• Psoriasis
• Osteoporosis
• Cancer