New insights on the role of vitamin D in the progression of renal damage.

Several studies indicate a relationship between hypovitaminosis D, survival, vascular calcification and inflammation. In addition to its central role in the regulation of bone mineral metabolism, vitamin D also contributes to other systems, including the immune, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Vitamin D analogs reduces proteinuria, in particular through suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.