VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: HOW THE TWO GLOBAL PANDEMIAS ARE INTERCONNECTED. VITAMIN D ROLE IN PATHOGENESIS OF OBESITY AND INSULIN RESISTANCE (PART 1)

Abstract

The prevalence of the excessive weight and obesity increasing in the human population is a significant concern to the public health. The article provides a literature review devoted to pathophysiologic aspects of the obesity and vitamin D deficiency interconnection. A role of adipokines (leptin, adiponectin), cells of the immune system, proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of obesity and place of vitamin D as an endocrine and paracrine regulator of inflammatory processes in the fatty tissue. An important role of the vitamin D deficiency in the genesis of the insulin resistance is shown that underlies the fatty tissue accumulation and formation of the metabolic profile characteristic of obesity. Direct and indirect vitamin D effect on the insulin synthesis in the pancreatic gland and sensitivity to it of insulin receptors in the body tissues is demonstrated.

Keywords

• obesity
• vitamin d
• non-calcemic effects
• insulin resistance
• adipokines
• proinflammatory cytokins