Vitamin D modulates airway smooth muscle function in COPD

COPD is a disease manifested as persistent airflow obstruction with an enhanced inflammatory response in the airways and lungs to noxious particles and gases which evokes symptoms of dyspnea on exertion, cough and mucus production. Airway smooth muscle plays a central role in the COPD diathesis and is implicated in many aspects of COPD pathogenesis. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with COPD severity and studies suggest a role for Vitamin D as a treatment for COPD. In this review, we describe the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on airway smooth muscle function, including agonist-induced shortening, secretion of inflammatory mediators, and myocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia.

► The effects of Vitamin D on airway smooth muscle cells are described in this review. ► Airway smooth muscle cells (ASM) express a Vitamin D receptor. ► Vitamin D treatment inhibits secretion of inflammatory mediators in stimulated ASM. ► Vitamin D treatment inhibits proliferation of stimulated ASM. ► In other cell types, Vitamin D modulates contraction, inflammation and remodeling.