The role of vitamin d in primary biliary cirrhosis: possible genetic and cell signaling mechanisms.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the liver of unknown etiology. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with PBC, and many studies have demonstrated the significant effect of calcitriol on liver cell physiology. Vitamin D has antiproliferative and antifibrotic effects on liver fibrosis.

The role of thiamine in HIV infection.

Patients infected with HIV have a high prevalence of thiamine deficiency. Genetic studies have provided the opportunity to determine which proteins link thiamine to HIV pathology, i.e.

Role of vitamin d in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common form of neurodegeneration in the elderly population. Clinically, it is characterized by tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural imbalance. A significant association between low serum vitamin D and PD has been demonstrated, suggesting that elevated vitamin D levels might provide protection against PD.