Vitamin D regulation of the renin-angiotensin system

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in the regulation of blood pressure, electrolyte, and volume homeostasis. Epidemiological and clinical studies have long suggested an association of inadequate sunlight exposure or low serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 [1,25(OH)(2)D-3] levels with high blood pressure and/or high plasma renin activity, butthernechanism is not understood. Our recent discovery that 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 functions as a potent negative endocrine regulator of renin gene expression provides some insights into the mechanism. The concept of vitamin D regulation of blood pressure through the RAS opens a new avenue to our understanding of the physiological functions of the vitamin D endocrine system, and provides a basis for exploring the potential use of vitamin D analogues in prevention and treatment of hypertension. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.