Calcitriol is a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. The word is spelled with the phonetic transcription /kælsəˈtraɪɒl/, which indicates that the first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, similar to "cat." The "t" and "r" sound blend together, creating a slightly rolled or trilled "r" sound. The second syllable has a long "i" sound, and the final syllable has a short "o" sound followed by a pronounced "l." The correct spelling of calcitriol is important for medical professionals to accurately communicate about this hormone.
Calcitriol is a hormone in the human body that plays a crucial role in the regulation of calcium and phosphate levels. It is a form of vitamin D, produced in the kidneys through the conversion of calcidiol, an intermediate compound derived from vitamin D3. Calcitriol is considered the most active form of vitamin D and acts as a steroid hormone, exerting its effects by binding to vitamin D receptors (VDRs) present in various target tissues.
The primary function of calcitriol is to assist in the absorption of dietary calcium from the intestines. It stimulates the production of calcium-binding proteins, which enhance the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. Moreover, calcitriol promotes the reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys, preventing its loss through urine. It also regulates parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion by negative feedback, helping to maintain calcium homeostasis.
Calcitriol is essential for proper bone mineralization and growth, as it promotes the deposition of calcium and phosphate ions into the bone matrix. It also plays a role in preventing conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, both of which are characterized by impaired bone mineralization.
In addition to its role in calcium metabolism, calcitriol has been found to have immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. It regulates gene expression in immune cells and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Overall, calcitriol is a vital hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate levels, promotes bone health, and has various other physiological effects throughout the body.
The word "calcitriol" is derived from the combination of two parts: "calc" and "triol".
The first part, "calc", is derived from the Latin word "calx" or "calcis", meaning lime or chalk. It is connected to the presence of calcium, which is an essential mineral for human health and bone strength.
The second part, "triol", refers to a chemical compound that contains three alcohol (-OH) functional groups. In this context, it represents the three hydroxyl groups present in calcitriol's molecular structure.
When combined, "calcitriol" signifies a biologically active form of vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium metabolism and bone health.