Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent in SLE as a result of avoidance of sunshine, renal insufficiency, and the use of medications, such as glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, and antimalarials, which alter the metabolism of vitamin D, vitamin D-binding protein levels or downregulate the functions of the VDR (49, 50). The gene discussed is VDR; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.