25-hydroxycholecalciferol Levels Research Articles

Alterations in the gut microbiota of Eimeria infected broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with varying levels of dietary calcium and phosphorus, along with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the reduced dietary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) level and supplementation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3) on the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and antimicrobial peptides and gut microbiota of broiler chickens with/without Eimeria challenge. A total of 576 fourteen-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated according to a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with main effects including Eimeria challenging (125,000 Eimeria acervulina, 25,000 Eimeria maxima, and 25,000 Eimeria tenella), dietary Ca and P levels (0.84% Ca and 0.42% available P or 0.64% Ca and 0.22% available P), and supplementation of 25-OHD3 (3,000 IU/kg) of 6 replicates. Three-way ANOVA was performed, and the effects of 3 main factors and their interactions were investigated. The reduced dietary Ca and P level downregulated cathelicidins 3 (CATH3) in the upper jejunum in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). The reduced dietary Ca and P level decreased the relative mRNA expression of jejunal avian beta defensin 5 (AvBD5) in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). The reduced dietary Ca and P level tended to decrease the relative mRNA expression of jejunal AvBD9 in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P = 0.051). The reduced dietary Ca and P level decreased observed features (alpha diversity parameter for richness) in the upper jejunal microbiota in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). The supplementation of 25-OHD3 decreased the relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05) and increased the relative abundance of the family Ruminococcaceae (P < 0.05) in the cecal digesta. The supplementation of 25-OHD3 decreased the serum endotoxin level in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). Therefore, the reduced dietary Ca and P level modulated the upper jejunal microbiota via modulating the expression of antimicrobial peptides, and the supplementation of 25-OHD3 favorably modulated the cecal microbiota in broiler chickens with/without Eimeria challenge.

Circulating 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and calcium levels, and alkaline phosphatase activity among people living with and without human immunodeficiency virus and injecting drugs in kenya

Background People who inject drugs (PWID) and living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are at higher risk of suffering marked derangements in micronutrient levels, leading to poor disease and treatment outcomes. Consequently, this can be monitored by measuring key biomarkers, such as total circulating (serum) 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3), calcium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for timely intervention. Therefore, circulating levels of 25(OH)D3 and calcium, and ALP activity were determined in PWID and are highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART)-experienced or -naive, along with those without HIV infection.MethodsThis cross-sectional study compared serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, calcium, and ALP in Kenyan PLHIV and were HAART-naive (n = 30) or -experienced (n = 61), PWID and without HIV (n = 132).Results Circulating 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly different amongst the study groups (P < 0.001), and were significantly lower in the HAART-experienced (median, 17.3; IQR, 18.3 ng/ml; P < 0.001) and -naive participants (median, 21.7; IQR, 12.8 ng/ml; P = 0.015) relative to uninfected (median, 25.6; IQR, 6.8 ng/ml) PWID. In addition, the proportions of vitamin D deficiency (55.7%, 40.0%, and 17.4%) and insufficiency (31.1%, 53.3%, and 63.6%) compared to sufficiency (13.1%, 6.7%, and 18.9%; P < 0.001) were greater amongst HAART-experienced, -naive, and uninfected study groups, respectively. Likewise, serum total calcium concentrations were lower in the HAART-experienced relative to HIV-negative (P = 0.019) individuals. Serum ALP activity was also lower in the HAART-experienced in contrast to HIV-negative PWID (P = 0.048). Regression analysis indicated that predictors of circulating 25(OH)D3 were: age (β = 0.287; R2 = 8.0%; P = 0.017) and serum ALP (β = 0.283; R2 = 6.4%; P = 0.033) in the HAART-experienced PWID, and serum ALP (β = 0.386; R2 = 14.5%; P < 0.001) in the HIV-negative PWID.Conclusion This study suggests that HIV-1 infection and HAART, including injection substance use, decrease circulating 25(OH)D3, calcium and ALP activity. In addition, age and ALP activity are associated with low circulating vitamin D levels in HAART-experienced PWID. The results highlight the importance of incorporating vitamin D and calcium supplementation in treatment and rehabilitation protocols for PLHIV.

Unexpectedly high levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in a patient with waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Unexpectedly high levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in a patient with waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Interplay of interleukins (IL6, IL10) and 25 hydroxycholecalciferol in asthmatic subjects with chronic post-COVID condition (PCC).

The study aimed to compare and correlate serum levels of IL-6, 10, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in individuals with asthma with and without post-COVID condition (PCC). The study was designed to investigate the inflammatory response and serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol status in asthmatics with and without PCC. A cross-sectional study of 252 subjects (128 asthmatics and 124 non-asthmatic subjects) was carried out. Interleukins and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were estimated on ELISA. The principle findings were that IL-6 and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were significantly increased (p<0.001), while IL-10 levels were non-significant in asthmatics with PCC compared to those without PCC. However, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were significantly increased, but no significant change was observed in IL-6, and IL-10 levels in non-asthmatics with and without chronic PCC. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.258) was found between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and IL-6 but a significant negative correlation (r = -0.227) with IL-10 in asthmatics with PCC. Similarly, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.285) was found between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and IL-10 but was non-significant with IL-6 in asthmatics without PCC. The correlation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol with IL-10 was significant (0.683), but IL-6 was non-significant in non-asthmatics with PCC. Multiple regression analysis showed that age, IL-6, gender, and PCC were significantly related in adjusted values to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. This study sheds light on the complex liaison between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels and inflammatory responses in asthmatics, especially those with PCC. The findings suggest that although asthmatics with PCC maintain sufficient levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, they show a substantial increase in the proinflammatory response. This suggests that PCC exacerbates the pro-inflammatory response in asthma. Moreover, the study reveals that asthmatics, whether with or without PCC, display a negative correlation between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and the anti-inflammatory response. This emphasizes the main influence of asthma on the overall inflammatory response. These findings reveal a complex interplay between vitamin D levels and inflammatory mediators in asthmatic individuals with and without PCC.

O-12 A rare cause of parathyroid hormone independent hypercalcemia: 1,25-(OH)2D-24 Hydroxylase (CYP24A1) deficiency

Abstract Background Common causes of parathyroid hormon (PTH)-independent hypercalcemia in adulthood are malignancy, granulomatous diseases, and endocrinopathies. Loss-of-function mutations of CYP24A1 gene, encoding for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase, can also be a rare cause of supressed intact PTH levels, usually associated with, nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. This disease, defined as idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia, classically presents with hypercalcemia in infants. However, some individuals have also been reported with late-onset clinical manifestation or late diagnosis in adulthood. Clinical Case A 59-year-old male patient with a known diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus for 30 years. He had a history of recurrent kidney stones since 2006. His blood and urine tests revealed elevated creatinine level, hypercalcemia with normal phosphorus levels, normal 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels, suppressed intact PTH level and normal 24-hour urinary calcium level (Table 1). Urinary ultrasonography was consisted with medullary nephrocalcinosis and chronic kidney disease. PTH-independent causes of hypercalcemia were investigated. Malignancies, granulomatous diseases and endocrinopathies were ruled out. The 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol level was within the normal range. Parathormone related peptide level was determined as 1.60 pmol/L (normal value &amp;lt;4.2). Genetic workup revealed a homozygous loss-of-function mutation p.E143del in the CYP24A1 gene. Thereupon, genetic screening started on the siblings of the patient which not been finalized yet. However, none of them were found to have hypercalcemia in the laboratory evaluation. Treatment was started with low-dose fluconazole, which inhibits enzymes (including 25-hydroxylases and 1-α-hydroxylase) synthesizing vitamin D. After a month of treatment at a dose of 50 mg/day, no change was observed in the patient's calcium values. Follow-up with calcium-restricted diet and adequate oral hydration therapy was planned. Conclusion Idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia may manifest later or diagnosed later in adulthood. Genetic examination should be considered in adult patients in whom other causes of PTH-independent hypercalcemia have been excluded.Table 1.Patient's laboratory parameters

Dietary vitamin D3 requirement of magang goslings from 1–21 days of age

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin D3 levels (0, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 IU/kg) on growth performance, calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and tibia development of goslings from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 720 one-day-old Magang male goslings with similar initial body weight were randomly divided into 6 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment and 20 geese per replicate. The goslings fed with 400 IU vitamin D3/kg of diet obtained the maximum average daily gain, while vitamin D3 supplementation significantly improved the feed/gain of goslings aged from 1 to 21 days (P < 0.05). The vitamin D3 requirement of gosling aged from 1 to 21 days for optimal feed/gain ratio and average daily gain were estimated from three regression models (one-slope straight, two-slope straight, and quadratic broken-line model) to be 246–352 IU/kg diet and 400–518 IU/kg diet, respectively. Serum calcium and phosphorus contents, parathyroid hormone level, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol level responded to increasing dietary vitamin D3 levels (P < 0.05) and reached a plateau at 800, 0, and 200 IU vitamin D3/kg diet, respectively. The mRNA expressions of target genes related to calcium homeostasis such as vitamin D3 receptor, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1, and plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1b in the duodenum and kidney (P < 0.05) and parathyroid hormone receptor mRNA expression in the kidney (P < 0.05) were increased linearly and quadratically with the increasing dietary vitamin D3 levels, respectively. Graded doses of dietary vitamin D3 from 0 to 3200 IU/kg produced linear responses in tibial density (P < 0.05). The vitamin D3 requirement of gosling aged from 1 to 21 days ranged from 519 to 698 IU/kg diet when tibial density as an evaluation criterion. In conclusion, the vitamin D3 requirement of gosling aged from 1 to 21 days for optimal growth performance (feed/gain and average daily gain) and tibial density was estimated to be 246–352 IU/kg of diet, 400–518 IU/kg of diet, and 519–698 IU/kg of diet based on three regression models (one-slope straight, two-slope straight, and quadratic broken-line model), respectively. The most appropriate vitamin D3 requirement was recommended at 602 IU/kg of diet of young geese based on the mean estimated values of three regression models for the tibial density with the highest coefficient of determination and lowest mean square error.

The relationship between cardiovascular pathology and impaired glucose metabolism with vitamin D deficiency (literature review and own data)

Background. Vitamin D plays a significant role in many processes in the human body, which diversifies the symptoms of its insufficiency, so it is not always possible to diagnose its deficiency in a timely manner. At the same time, according to a number of clinical studies, an inverse relationship has been proven between a reduced level of vitamin D and mortality from all causes and cardiovascular diseases, the course of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, chronic kidney disease, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease; and the mechanisms of the influence of vitamin D deficiency on various metabolic processes have been revealed. The development and progression of cardiovascular diseases and vascular complications of DM are currently the main causes of disability and mortality of patients. All this substantiates the need to control and monitor the vitamin D supply in patients with this comorbid pathology. Aim of the study is to investigate the presence and severity of vitamin D deficiency in patients with type 2 DM and the presence of concomitant cardiac pathology. Materials and methods. Main group included 31 patients (17 men and 14 women aged 51.51 ± 1.73 years, with duration of DM of 8.59 ± 1.70 years) who were treated in the endocrinology clinic from October 2022 to May 2023. The comparison group consisted of 27 patients with type 2 DM who stayed in this clinic in 2020–2021. Serum level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) was studied using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The level of vitamin D less than 20–30 ng/ml was considered as its insufficiency, and the level below 20 ng/ml as deficiency. Statistical processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel and Statistica 6.0. Results. In the main group, cardiac pathology manifested itself by the presence of hypertension detected in all patients (stage I — 6 cases; stage II — 21 and stage IІI — 4); coronary heart disease and cardiosclerosis — in 7 patients; heart failure of the first or second degree — in all individuals. All patients in the main group were vitamin D deficient or insufficient: 15 had a deficiency (12.96 ± 1.06 ng/ml), and 16 had an insufficiency (23.68 ± 0.72 ng/ml). In contrast to the comparison group, patients from the main group had a significantly lower average level of vitamin D (18.49 ± 1.16 ng/ml vs 28.98 ± 1.02 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.001). Taking into account a decrease in the level of vitamin D supply of patients, including those with comorbid pathology examined in 2022–2023, which is obviously associated with a long stay in shelters and a stressful situation caused by the state of war, and its impact on the course of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, it is necessary to pay more attention to the detection and timely appropriate correction of vitamin D deficiency. Conclusions. In patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbid cardiovascular pathology, there is a decrease in the level of vitamin D supply. During the war in Ukraine, there is a probable deepening of vitamin D deficiency. The negative impact of vitamin D deficiency on the course of diabetes and cardiovascular pathology justifies the need to monitor vitamin D supply in such patients.

Associations between vitamin D and autoimmune diseases: Mendelian randomization analysis

ObjectiveThe VITAL trial of vitamin D supplementation suggested a possible protective effect for autoimmune diseases but uncertainties remain. We investigated potential causal effects of vitamin D on composite and individual autoimmune diseases using Mendelian randomization. MethodsWe used data from 332,984 participants of the UK Biobank of whom 23,089 had at least one autoimmune disease defined using ICD code and/or self-report. Diseases were further considered in mechanistic subgroups driven by “autoimmunity” (n = 12,774) or “autoinflammation” (n = 11,164), then individually. We selected variants within gene regions implicated in vitamin D biology to generate a weighted genetic score. We performed population-wide analysis using the ratio method, then examined non-linear effects across five quantiles based on 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels. ResultsGenetically-predicted vitamin D was associated with lower risk of diseases in the autoinflammation group (OR 0.95 per 10 ng/ml increase in 25-hydroxycholecalciferol; 95%CI 0.91–0.99; p = 0.03) but not the autoimmunity group (OR 0.99; 95%CI 0.95–1.03; p = 0.64) or combined. When considering individual diseases, genetically-predicted vitamin D was associated with lower risk of psoriasis (OR 0.91; 95%CI 0.85–0.97; p = 0.005), the most common disease in the autoinflammation group, and suggestively with systemic lupus erythematosus (OR 0.84; 95%CI 0.69–1.02; p = 0.08); results were replicated using data from independent studies. We found no evidence for a plausible non-linear relationship between vitamin D and any outcome. ConclusionsWe found genetic evidence to support a causal link between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations and psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. These results have implications for potential disease prevention strategies, and the interpretation and design of vitamin D supplementation trials.

Determination of the bioavailability and biodistribution of a single dose of oral cholecalciferol/Calcirol® soft gelatin capsule by pharmacoscintigraphy- CalSci study

Background: It is required to study the bioavailability and biodistribution of specific cholecalciferol formulation before prescribing. Pharmacoscintigraphy is an established radiological-imaging technique that is used to map various drug formulations as they traverses the human body (biodistribution) in real-time. We evaluated the bioavailability and biodistribution pattern, transit time, and gastrointestinal clearance of a single dose of Calcirol® soft gelatin capsule 60,000 IU [an oral cholecalciferol (vitamin D) formulation] using pharmacoscintigraphy. Methods: Six male healthy adult volunteers were administered a single oral dose of Calcirol® soft gelatin capsule labelled with technetium-99m. Post-dosing, serial venous blood samples were collected till day 27 for the estimation of the plasma levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol levels. Different pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Sequential static gamma imaging was performed to evaluate the biodistribution of Calcirol® soft gelatin capsule. Descriptive statistics was used. Various pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the concentration-time curves. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student’s t-test. Suitable multivariate analysis was performed based on the distribution of data. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS® Software (v 9.4). Results: The overall absorption of Calcirol® soft gelatin capsule was 93.23%, which was fully from the small intestine. It led to achieving a sufficient level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (&gt;60 ng/ml) within 6 hours of oral intake. The levels of plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol increased (maximum around 6 and 18 days, respectively). The small intestinal residence time was around 16 hours. No adverse event was noted. Conclusions: This was the first pharmacoscintigraphy study in the world which demonstrated the favourable bio-distribution of the Calcirol softgels supporting its role in vitamin D supplementation.

The effects of correction of vitamin D deficiency in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Literature data suggest that vitamin D (VD) deficiency may adversely affect many systems of the body, not only skeletal system, as believed earlier, but also central nervous system, cardiovascular system, urinary system, and immune system, which is particularly important for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Two consecutive studies of VD deficiency after allogeneic HSCT in pediatric patients showed that VD deficiency was associated with decreased overall survival. The correction of VD deficiency was also reported to be a challenge, and in some cases higher doses of VD were needed (200 IU/kg/day or more), but even with this more aggressive approach VD deficiency could persist. In this article, we present a literature review on this topic as well as our data on the management of VD deficiency and monitoring of serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-HVD) levels in 18 children undergoing allogeneic HSCT at our hospital. This study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee of the Regional Children's Clinical Hospital (Yekaterinburg). Unfortunately, because of the small size of the patient group we were not able to obtain reliable scientific data. However, here we present our approach to the clinical management of VD deficiency, personalized dosing of VD, and safe therapeutic ranges of VD metabolites in blood. The majority of HSCT recipients in our study achieved therapeutic levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Treatment of VD deficiency in children undergoing allogeneic HSCT is a promising way to improve overall survival, but further studies are needed to develop optimal clinical strategies.

Effect of Serum Vitamin D Content on the Clinical Course of Psoriasis

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of serum vitamin D insufficiency in patients with psoriasis and study the relationship between dietary intake of vitamin D and clinical characteristics. Materials and Methods: Totally eighty individuals were enrolled and were equally divided into two groups (40 patients in each group): Group A consisted of psoriasis patients, whereas Group B consisted of controls. By using the PASI scale, psoriasis plaques were identified and assessed. The predesign questionnaire was developed and was given to each participant to complete it. Age, gender, the length of the psoriasis, concurrent illnesses, and medications were among the collected data. A dermatologist examined all of the patients and gathered information about their demographics, health, and any other pertinent information. Blood samples were taken to measure the level of serum vitamin D using the immuno-enzyme method. All measurements were conducted during winter months to avoid the influence of sun exposure on synthesis of vitamin D3 and its derivative 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. SPSS (v 25.0) was used for analysis and the results were shown in the form of graph and table. Results: Statistically significant difference was found in 25(OH) D3 levels between psoriasis affected individuals and healthy individuals. Both groups have low level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. In our results there is negative correlation between 25(OH) D3 and PASI. There is also a negative correlation between 25(OH) D3 and duration of psoriasis. Practical implication: This study will help the clinical practitioner to advise the patients with psoriasis to use enough amounts of vitamin D3 that will help to normalize the vitamin D level in patients. It is believed that psoriasis can cause a progressive decrease in the level of vitamin D3 derivatives in the whole human body, including the skin. So vitamin D rich food must be eaten in high amount. Conclusion: It is found in this study that both the groups have low serum vitamin D3 level. Both the general public and persons with psoriasis should eat enough amounts of vitamin D3. Keywords: PASI, vitamin D3, Psoriasis, serum, antiproliferative,

25-Hydroxycholecalciferol levels and its equation with lipid parameters and Insulin sensitivity in obese and non-obese young adults: A pilot study

Abstract Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency and Obesity are the two prevailing health issues of the globe, with India being no exception. The sub optimal Vitamin D levels is associated with an elevated risk of a number of chronic disorders including malignancy, inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Obesity breeds metabolic disharmony. Recent data reports Vitamin D deficiency being more prevalent among the obese. Objective: This study is undertaken to see the association of Vitamin D levels with Body Mass Index (BMI), Lipid parameters and Insulin resistance in a sample population representing the urban Indian youth. Materials and Method: Fifty five apparently healthy young adults of 18 to 22 years age were recruited in this study and their serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol(25OHD), serum insulin, Total Cholesterol, High Density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), Low Density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-c) and Triglyceride (TGL) levels were estimated. Insulin resistance(IR) was derived using the Homeostasis Model Assessment equation. Based on BMI, the participants were divided into Obese group with BMI ≥ 25 (n=21) and non-obese group with BMI &lt; 25 (n=34). Result: 25OHD levels were almost same in both Groups (Obese11.1 ± 4.6 ng/ml and non-obese 11.0 ± 5.2 ng/ml). Serum total cholesterol, VLDL and insulin levels were significantly increased in the Obese group(p= 0.005, p= 0.015 and p=0.054 respectively) when compared to the non-obese group. We found statistically significant association between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD) and TGL/HDL ratio in the Obese group. Conclusion: In this pilot study we have unravelled the subtle onset of metabolic derangement in Obese individuals with Vitamin D deficiency.

Ameliorative effects of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels on broiler chickens challenged with infectious bronchitis coronavirus: A novel approach

This study aimed to see how 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 [25(OH)D] supplementation affected the performance, immunity, and vitamin D status of broilers, with and without infectious bronchitis virus challenge. Day-old chicks (n = 1000) were divided into four dietary treatments. All experimental treatments were containing 5000 IU of D3 and supplemented with 0, 100, 300, or 500 g/tonne of Bio D® containing 0, 13.94, 41.82 or 69.70 mg 25(OH)D, respectively. In unchallenged birds, the inclusion of 25(OH)D significantly improved survival rates and EPEF values, and no significant difference in LBW, BWG, FC, or FCR was observed. In infectious bronchitis virus (IBV)-challenged birds, the 25(OH)D treatment showed less deterioration in BWG, and FC compared with the control, especially 25(OH)D500 group. The lowest mortality was observed in the 25(OH)D500 group. The health status of chicks fed diets supplemented with 25(OH)D post-challenge had significantly better CD4, CD8, and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM) levels, H/L ratio, total leucocytic count (TLC) in peripheral blood and IBV titers, cytokine (including interleukin (IL) 10) and (IFN)-γ expression, and reduced IBV shedding. After IBV challenge, all 25(OH)D groups recorded higher levels of plasma vitamin D than the control. Furthermore, 25(OH)D groups showed significantly higher antibody titers than the control group. In general, dietary supplementation with different levels of 25(OH)D had a positive effect on inflammatory reaction and stimulated the systemic innate immune responses of chickens during IBV challenge. In turn, recovery in the challenged birds with 25(OH)D rapidly occurred compared with that in the control group.

Supplementation of a High-Fat High-Sucrose Diet With Methyl-Donor Nutrients During Pregnancy and Lactation Modulates the Colonic Vitamin D Signaling Pathway in Weaned Rats

ObjectivesSuboptimal vitamin D status is highly prevalent in obese individuals, predisposing them to higher risks for gastrointestinal and immunological dysfunctions. Evidence has shown that maternal methyl-donor nutrient supplementation (MS) can modify DNA methylation status and improve metabolic health in their offspring. Here, we investigated if MS supplementation in an obesogenic diet during pregnancy and lactation can modulate the vitamin D signaling pathway and gut immunity in offspring at weaning.MethodsAfter mating, 12-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned (n = 10/group) to receive control diet (CON), CON supplemented with methyl-donor nutrients (CON-MS), high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFS), or HFS supplemented with methyl-donor nutrients (HFS-MS). Diets were given during gestation and lactation periods. At weaning (21 days), the offspring (n = 6/group/sex) were euthanized. Serum, colonic mucosa, and cecal content were collected for analysis.ResultsSerum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25D) in weaned pups from CON-MS and HFS-MS dams were 50% greater (P < 0.001) than pups born to CON dams but did not differ from pups born to HFS dams. Diets did not affect serum 25D levels in dams. Gene expressions of colonic vitamin D receptor (VDR), and its downstream target, cathelicidin, in pups from HFS-MS dams was 3-fold (P < 0.008) and 2.5-fold (P < 0.062) lower, respectively, than pups of HFS dams, and did not differ from pups of CON or CON-MS dams. A positive correlation was demonstrated between colonic VDR and the mRNA expressions of colonic pro-inflammatory modulators, TLR4, IL-1β, and IL-6, and the tight junction protein, ZO-1, respectively.ConclusionsOur results support a role for MS in regulating colonic vitamin D signaling in offspring born to HFS dams, independent of maternal vitamin D status. The upregulation of VDR and the production of antimicrobial peptide, cathelicidin, in pups born to HFS dams could be a compensatory mechanism to suppress colonic low-grade inflammation induced by maternal high-fat diet. Further investigation is warranted to delineate the role of MS in vitamin D-mediated immune regulation, and whether an early establishment of vitamin D status is essential for health outcomes in adulthood.Funding SourcesThis study is supported by Texas State University startup and indirect cost return funds.

Vitamin D Status Assessment: Lack of Correlation between Serum and Hair 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Levels in Healthy Young Adults.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to numerous health problems, including those resulting from disturbed calcium-phosphorus homeostasis, and neuropsychiatric and autoimmune disorders. Nearly one-third of the global population has suboptimal levels of vitamin D, according to epidemiological data. Vitamin D status is usually determined by measuring serum 25(OH)D, but, for decades, serum 25(OH)D measurement has been hampered by a lack of standardization. There have been many recent initiatives to develop reference substances and methods for measuring vitamin D and its metabolites, and re-evaluating the optimal values. It was also suggested that alternative biological samples could also be used, such as hair, since it has been established that lipophilic substances, such as corticosteroids, can also be found in hair. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between 25(OH)D3 concentrations in serum and hair, and other demographic features in 26 healthy Caucasian young adult volunteers. The determination of 25(OH)D3 and cholecalciferol was carried out using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) from blood and hair samples taken at two timepoints separated by nine weeks. In the hair samples of 18 out of 26 subjects, 25(OH)D was detected at a mean (±SEM) concentration of 17.07 ± 5.375 pg/mg at the first sampling time, and 58.90 ± 25.97 pg/mg at the second sampling time. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed no effects of gender, body mass index, supplementation, or sun exposure on hair 25(OH)D3 concentrations, but supplementation and sun exposure significantly increased serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations. In addition, serum and hair 25(OH)D3 concentrations did not correlate; however, there was a strong correlation between the two sampling times for serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations. In conclusion, this study confirmed that 25(OH)D3 could be detected in human hair, but its use as a biomarker warrants further investigations since no link was found between serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations, supplementation, sun exposure, and hair 25(OH)D3 concentrations levels.

Effects of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation on breast meat quality and histomorphometric characteristics in broiler chickens

This experiment was carried out to elucidate the influences of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol status in the diet and gender of the chicken on the sensory and histomorphometric characteristics in breast muscle (Pectoralis major) of broilers. The experiment was a randomized design consisting 2×2 factorial arrangement with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (3000 and 5000 IU kg/diet) and two gender. Breast weight was not affected by dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferolstatus and gender of the bird. Cooking loss decreased in females but not in male chickens with additionally 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation. However, increasing 25-hydroxycholecalciferol level in the diet reduced drip loss in male chickens but no change was observed in females ones. A significant increase in breast meat pH24 was observed with increasing dietary level of 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol; however, squeezable water ratio, lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values were comparable in the groups. The histomorphometric characteristics of chicken breast meat throughout the growth period, except for the cross sectional area and number of fibers, were interactively influenced by 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and gender of the bird. In conclusion, an improvement of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol status could be a practical tool to increase chicken breast meat quality with beneficial effects on water holding capacity.

Serum Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Bone Specific Alkaline Phosphatase Levels in Nigerian Children Treated with Antiepileptic Drugs: A Comparative Study

Background and Aim of the Study: Studies have shown that serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, calcium and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) are altered in children on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and these could result in poor bone mineralization. The study aimed to determine the serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, calcium, and B-ALP levels among children on AEDs attending the paediatric neurology clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out from January 2018 to April 2019 on 100 children on AEDs and 100 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, aged 1.5 - 17 years. Data on socio-demography, AED regimen, and clinical examination findings of the subjects, their serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, calcium, and B-ALP levels were obtained and entered into a proforma. Data obtained were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. Statistical significance was set at p-value of &lt; 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The subjects had significantly lower mean serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and calcium and higher mean serum B-ALP levels than the controls, respectively. The mean serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol was significantly lower in children on AED polytherapy. There was negative correlation between the duration of drug therapy and all serum biochemical indices but this was only significant for serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol level (p = 0.027). Age significantly impacted negatively on serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, p = 0.036 and calcium levels, p = 0.009, but not on B-ALP (p = 0.392).&#x0D; Conclusion: Children on antiepileptic drugs in UPTH had lower mean serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and calcium levels but higher mean serum BALP level than healthy controls, as well as inverse relationship between duration of AED therapy and 25, hydroxycholecalciferol, calcium and B-ALP. We therefore recommend children with epilepsy on antiepileptic drugs have their serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, calcium and B-ALP levels monitored to enable early detection of any abnormalities.

Effect of a new complex mycotoxin adsorbent on growth performance, and serum levels of retinol, tocopherol and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in pigs fed on mycotoxin-contaminated feed

Effect of a new complex mycotoxin adsorbent on growth performance, and serum levels of retinol, tocopherol and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in pigs fed on mycotoxin-contaminated feed

Improving the treatment of patients with osteoporosis in outpatient settings

Examined 140 women in the postmenopausal period. The phenomena of osteoporosis were revealed in all patients with a decrease of the T index of bone density by ultrasonic densitometry of the calcaneus. Decrease in serum 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol levels. Increased markers of bone resorption of osteocalcin in the blood and disoxypyridinoline (DPID) in the urine. As a result of treatment, there was a normalization of the level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and a decrease оf osteocalcin in the blood and DPID in the urine in patients of the first group who received basic therapy, a combined preparation containing 1250 mg of calcium carbonate and 400 IU of vitamin D3 in one tablet. Patients of the second group, who received, in addition to basic therapy, alendronate, showed a normalization of the level of the metabolite of vitamin D3, as well as a decrease to normal levels of osteocalcin in the blood and DPID in the urine.

Frailty Assessment in a Stable COPD Cohort: Is There a COPD-Frail Phenotype?

The frailty syndrome increases the morbidity/mortality in older adults, and several studies have shown a higher prevalence of this syndrome in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of frail patients with COPD to define a new phenotype called "COPD-frail." We conducted a cross-sectional study in a cohort of patients with stable COPD, classified as either frail, pre-frail, or non-frail. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical variables were compared between the three groups of patients. The study included 127 patients, of which 31 were frail, 64 were pre-frail, and 32 non-frail. All subjects had FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal (range Z-score: −1.66 and −5.32). Patients in the frail group showed significantly higher scores in the mMRC (modified Medical Research Council) scale, the CAT (COPD Assessment Test), and the BODE (Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity) index. They also showed differences in symptoms according to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), as well as more COPD exacerbations, less physical activity, more anxiety and depression symptoms based on HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels. Variables with independent association with frailty included the mMRC score, the HAD index for depression and age. In summary, differential characteristics of frail patients with COPD encourage the definition of a "COPD-frail" phenotype that−if identified early−would allow performing interventions to prevent a negative impact on the morbidity/mortality of these patients.