Video Lecture Epidemic of Vitamin D Deficiency and Health Hazards

Vitamin D has been shown to have an extensive area of biological influence due to the discovery of VDR and 1-alphahydroxylase enzyme in various extra renal tissues. While its deficiency continues to be associated with latitude and skin color, there is growing evidence that people living in abundant sunlight areas also suffer from its deficiency. In this lecture, Dr. Meikle will discuss how Vitamin D concentrations may influence several chronic diseases, the relationship between serum vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, and the influence of vitamin D on cardiovascular and immune system health.

Originally presented October 15, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Lecture Presenter

A. Wayne Meikle, MD A. Wayne Meikle, MD
Medical Director, Endocrinology and Automated Endocrinology, ARUP Laboratories
Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine

Dr. Meikle received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University, and has been Professor of Medicine at University of Utah for more than 30 years. He has also authored 147 articles for peer-reviewed publications, and is the recipient of many grants for research. Dr. Meikle’s major research interests are focused on male reproductive endocrinology, prostatic and thyroid neoplasia and laboratory techniques for hormonal assays. The objective of the studies in male twins has been to determine the influence of hereditary and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Studies are planned to do linkage analysis of susceptibility genes to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The goal of studies in thyroid neoplasia is to assess the influence of radioactive exposure on the development of autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid neoplasia. In human prostate cancer cell lines, studies have focused on hormonal and non-hormonal mechanisms that regulate growth and apoptosis of this common neoplasm in aging men.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • List the main sources of vitamin D
  • Describe the endocrine changes associated with vitamin D deficiency
  • Know disease risks associated with vitamin D deficiency
  • Know how to diagnose and treat vitamin D deficiency

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine and ARUP Laboratories