Vitamin A in Health and Disease

Rune Blomhoff

Introduction


Overview of Vitamin A Metabolism and Function


Metabolism of Vitamin A


Absorption of Vitamin A
Role of Perisinusoidal Stellate Cells in Vitamin A Storage
The Retinol-Binding Protein Superfamily
Dynamic and Control of Plasma Retinol
Retinoic Acid Homeostasis: Prospective Roles of b-Carotene, Retinol, CRBP, and CRABP


Mechanism of Action of Vitamin A and Carotenoids


Role of Nuclear Retinoic Acid Receptors in the Regulation of Gene Expression
The Retinoid X Receptors: Modulators of Multiple Hormonal Signaling Pathways
Retinoylation of Proteins in Mammalian Cells
Role of Carotenoids in Antioxidant Defense


Embryonic Development


Role of Retinoids in Embryonic Development
Vitamin A in Lung Development and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Are Ethanol-Induced Birth Defects Caused by Functional Retinoic Acid Deficiency?


Skin and Epithelial Cells


Role of Retinoids in Normal and Diseased Skin
Regulation of Epithelial Differentiation by Retinoids


Blood Cells


Role of Retinoids in Normal Hematopoiesis and the Immune System
Retinoids and Acute Myeloid Leukemia


Vision


Retinoid Isomerization Reactions in the Visual System


Reproduction


Vitamin A Functions in the Reproductive Organs


Intake and Cancer Incidence


Vitamin A and Cancer: Epidemiological Evidence in Humans


Deficiency and Toxicity


Vitamin A Deficiency: Its Epidemiology and Relation to Child Mortality and Morbidity
Teratogenicity of Vitamin A and Retinoids


Requirements


Dietary Vitamin A Requirements