Vitamin D and Its Role on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Disease

Every year approximately 19 million people die from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which is over 32% of all deaths globally, and the scenario in 2030 is projected to be about 24 million people. Lifestyle, genetic factors, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes, Visceral insulin resistance and adiposity syndrome (VIRAS), inflammation, and oxidative stress have a crucial role in the disease's appearance and progression. Many drugs have been developed to prevent and treat CVD. In this chapter, the role of Vitamin D is highlighted in its effect on inflammation to reduce CVD. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble sterol vitamin produced by sunlight exposure or obtained from the diet. This vitamin has actions in the modulation of the immune system and can modulate several processes such as angiogenesis, cell turnover, oxidative stress, and inflammation. It has been shown that vitamin D can reduce chronic low-grade inflammation since it can reduce the levels of C Reactive Protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), and Interleukin (IL)-6, which are associated with increased risk of VIRAS, diabetes, and CVD. In addition, vitamin D and its metabolites can inhibit Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) dependent pathways which can interrupt the production of inflammatory cytokines and free radicals, reducing OS and inflammation. As many populations in the world have hypovitaminosis D, the challenge is to maintain serum levels of this vitamin in such a way that they are appropriate for the prevention of inflammation and oxidative stress and consequent increase in the risk of diseases.