Product Description
AI Product Description
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Calcitriol, chemically known as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, is the biologically active form of vitamin D. Its molecular formula is C27H44O3, and it carries the CAS Registry Number 32222-06-3. This potent steroid hormone plays a pivotal role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis within the human body. Produced primarily in the kidneys through the hydroxylation of calcidiol, Calcitriol functions by binding to specific nuclear receptors in target tissues, including the intestine, bones, and parathyroid glands.
The primary therapeutic application of Calcitriol involves the management of hypocalcemia and metabolic bone diseases. It is widely prescribed for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who suffer from secondary hyperparathyroidism, as their kidneys often lack the enzymatic capacity to convert inactive vitamin D into its active form. By enhancing intestinal absorption of calcium and regulating bone remodeling, Calcitriol helps prevent osteomalacia, rickets, and renal osteodystrophy. Additionally, it is utilized in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism and familial hypophosphatemic rickets. Beyond clinical medicine, this compound serves as an essential reagent in biomedical research, particularly in studies concerning cell differentiation, immune modulation, and cancer biology. Researchers utilize Calcitriol to investigate the mechanisms of vitamin D signaling pathways and their potential impact on tumor suppression. While highly effective, dosage must be carefully monitored due to the risk of hypercalcemia, which can lead to vascular calcification and renal damage if levels become excessive. As a critical pharmaceutical agent, Calcitriol remains indispensable in modern endocrinology and nephrology, bridging the gap between nutritional science and complex hormonal regulation to maintain skeletal integrity and overall metabolic health.