Abstract
Vitamin D is known to have immunomodulatory properties and its deficiency is identified as an environmental risk factor for the development of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether low-dose vitamin D supplementation could normalize the 25(OH)D serum levels in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 75 nmol/L), and whether it may impact serum levels of selected cytokines. Among 44 patients (mean age 38.4 ± 10.1 years, 33 women and 11 men), after 12 months of low-dose vitamin D supplementation, serum levels of 25(OH)D normalized in 34 (77.3%) of the patients. Together with vitamin D increase, median levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL10, TGF-β) and regulatory IFN-γ increased, while proinflammatory IL-17 remained unchanged. Moreover, an increase of inorganic phosphorus levels and decrease of PTH levels were observed, but without changes in total calcium concentration. These results may indicate that long-term supplementation with low doses of vitamin D is sufficient to compensate its deficiency in patients with RRMS and may help to maintain beneficial anti-inflammatory cytokine profile.
Highlights
Vitamin D is a family of compounds that is essential for the proper growth and formation of teeth and bones and to help regulate the immune system [1,2]
Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin under exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements
In 83 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients selected, 10 patients were previously treated with vitamin D and 3 had 25(OH)D levels above 75 nmol/L
Summary
Vitamin D is a family of compounds that is essential for the proper growth and formation of teeth and bones and to help regulate the immune system [1,2]. D, 25(OH)D3) and Calcitriol (1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3). Vitamin D deficiency is a well-known environmental risk factor for the development of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) [3]. Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin under exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. Inactive vitamin D precursors under the double hydroxylation in the liver and kidneys are transformed into active metabolite calcitriol [3]. Higher risk of deficiency occurs in elderly or obese people, in people with low exposure to direct sunlight, people with darker skin, and people who take certain medications for long periods of time
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
