25-hydroxycholecalciferol Levels Research Articles

Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis: Possible Correlations with TNF-α, Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor, and 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Status.

Osteoarthritis (OA) etiology and pathogenesis not yet fully understood. We studied the role of vitamin D receptor single-nucleotide polymorphisms (VDR-SNPs), vitamin D3, serum and synovial macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the development and progression of knee OA (KOA). This study included 205 Egyptian subjects (105 patients with KOA and 100 unrelated, healthy matched subjects selected as controls). The patient group was divided into three groups according to KOA severity (mild, moderate, and severe), with 35 patients in each group. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used for the ApaI and TaqI SNPs. Vitamin D, serum and synovial TNF-α, and MIF assays were performed using ELISA kits. There were significantly lower serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol with significant increasing TNF-α and MIF levels in relation to disease severity among the cases (all: p˂0.05).Wild homozygous and heterozygous mutant genotypes (GG+GT) and G allele of ApaI demonstrated risk for KOA development, with odds ratio OR = 6.313 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.074-19.210) and OR = 1.532 (95%CI 1.013-2.317), respectively. Homozygous mutant CC genotype and C allele of TaqI could be considered a risk factor associated with KOA development, with OR = 2.667 (95%CI 1.270-5.601) and OR = 0.737 (95%CI 0.496-1.095), respectively. VDR-SNPs, vitamin D3, TNF-α, and MIF could play an essential role in the pathogenesis and progression of KOA with mechanistic associations.

RELATION BETWEEN BACTERIAL COLONIZATION IN LUNGS AND LEVELS OF 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D AND ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDE LL-37 IN CHILDREN WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

The aim of the study was to assess the bacterial colonization in lungs of children with cystic fibrosis based on the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in the serum. Study showed significant correlation between P. aeruginosa infection and cathelicidin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels.

Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplantation for Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia: An Institutional Experience

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic disease with potentially debilitating complications and shortened life-expectancy. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only cure for SCA, but is limited by the lack of available histocompatible sibling donors and transplant related morbidities. Alternative donor HSCT for SCA has been associated with variable outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with SCA who underwent HSCT at our center between January 2014 and June 2017. Results: Table 1 shows the pre-HSCT characteristics of the study population (n=19). Candidates for HSCT were selected based on institutional and/or study eligibility criteria and were consented per the Declaration of Helsinki. The majority of patients were receiving chronic transfusions or hydroxyurea therapy. Two patients had concurrent autoimmune diseases and 79% had low 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels (median 17.8 ng/ml). 9 patients (47.3%) received HLA-identical sibling transplants (MSD), 6 (31.5%) UD, and 4 (21%) α/β T cell depleted related haplo-identical (haplo) transplants. The median pre-HSCT comorbidity index (CI) was above 3 for patients receiving alternative donor transplants (>3 is associated with higher pre-HSCT acuity). HSCT characteristics are shown in Table 2. The majority of patients (68.4%) received bone marrow (BM), while 21% received mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts. All patients achieved initial high-level (>90%) donor chimerism. The median time to neutrophil engraftment (>500 cells/µL) was 14 days with significantly earlier engraftment seen among haplo recipients (median 10 days) compared to other graft sources (p < 0.02). The median time to platelet engraftment (>50,000 /µL) was 20 days. The median time to CD3+ T lymphocyte recovery (>200 cells/uL) was 195 days (range 20-384) (significantly earlier for the haplo group (figure 1a, p=0.01) and for CD19 (>66 cells/uL) was 104 (range 90-526) days post-HSCT (figure 1b). Secondary early graft rejection occurred in 2 patients who received haplo-identical HSCT, with sustained donor engraftment following a second transplant with the same donors in one of these patients. Overall incidence of > grade II (severe) acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) was 26%, with no significant difference observed among haplo recipients despite the absence of primary GVHD prophylaxis. Two UD recipients developed chronic GVHD (10.5% overall incidence). 11 (57%) patients (6 MSD, 3 UD, 2 haplo) developed CMV viremia, with one late onset disseminated CMV meningitis; 7 patients (36.8%) (3 MSD, 4 UD) developed adenoviremia; one patient developed HHV-6 viremia around the time of graft rejection. Both patients with concurrent autoimmune diseases did not experience significant post-HSCT complications. One patient with type I diabetes mellitus diagnosed 60 days prior to HSCT has had stable glycemic control. One patient with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) remains in SLE remission post-HSCT. With a median follow-up of 568 (105-919) days, the overall 2-year survival was 84.2%. 88.8% for MSD, 83.3% for UD, and 75% (3 patients) survival for α/β T cell depleted haploidentical related HSCT (p=0.7) and a mean performance score of 90 among survivors. No adverse events were noted among donors with sickle cell trait, including 4 parent donors who received PBSC mobilization with either filgrastim and/or plerixafor. Conclusion: Alternative donor allogeneic HSCT should be considered for carefully selected patients with SCA. α/β T cell depleted related haplo-identical HSCT appears promising with low rates of severe acute GVHD in the absence of primary prophylaxis. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Role of antioxidant and oxidative stress levels in multiple sclerosis Iraqi patients

Multiple Sclerosis is a multifactorial disease characterized by demyelination and inflammation of the central nervous system. Accumulating data indicate that changes in the balance of antioxidants and oxidants contributed to the MS pathophysiology. The aim of the study to obtain a better understanding of the oxidative stress process to select a proper method of predicting the prognosis of the relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Serum of 97 patients (30 newly diagnosed RRMS patients and 67 RRMS patients underwent treatment) and 35 healthy individuals as control group. Serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D3], vitamin E, vitamin C, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. There was a negative correlation between MDA and antioxidant (vitamin C and vitamin E), whereas a positive correlation between MDA and other oxidative stress (PC and 8-OHdG). Receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that PC was an ideal marker while vitamin C, MDA, 8-OHdG were excellent markers. Our data showed that the above markers as a mean could be used to predict MS disease and the extent of its progression.

Impact of the 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Concentration and Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment on Changes in the Bone Level at the Implant Site during the Process of Osseointegration: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Introduction: The most important factor which is responsible for the positive course of implant treatment is the process of osseointegration between the implant structure and the host’s bone tissue. The aim of this study was to assess what effect the 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration and vitamin D deficiency treatment have on changes in the bone level at the implant site during the process of osseointegration in the mandible. Materials and Methods: The study was with 122 people qualified for implant surgery, who were assigned to three research groups (A, B, and C). Laboratory, clinical, and radiological tests were performed on the day of surgery, and after 6 and 12 weeks. The bone level in the immediate proximity of the implant was determined by radiovisiography (RVG). Results: The bone level after 12 weeks in Groups B and C was significantly higher than after 6 weeks. The bone level in the study Group B was significantly higher than in Group A. The study showed that the higher the levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol were observed on the day of surgery, the higher was the level of bone surrounding the implant after 6 and 12 after surgery. Conclusion: The correct level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on the day of surgery and vitamin D deficiency treatment significantly increase the bone level at the implant site in the process of radiologically assessed osseointegration.

Гипервитаминоз D у ребенка первого года жизни

Objective of the Paper: To describe a case history of the diagnosis and management of hypervitaminosis D in a 3-month baby. Key Points. Hypervitaminosis D can be caused either by intake of high doses of this product, or hypersensitivity to its toxic effects. This paper describes a clinical history of diagnosis and management of hypervitaminosis D in a 3-month baby boy. Medical history (daily intake of vitamin D in doses manifold exceeding the age-specific preventive dose for 2 months), laboratory tests (increased blood concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and calcium, reduced parathormone levels) made it possible to diagnose hypervitaminosis D. The condition of the baby improved after withdrawal of vitamin D and therapy aiming at normalisation of the hydro-electrolytic balance and body functions. It was recommended not to take vitamin D until the 25-hydroxycholecalciferol level normalises. Conclusion. In order to prevent hypervitaminosis D, it is essential to strictly adhere to the preventive and therapeutic doses of vitamin D, preferably with blood calcidiol monitoring. Keywords: hypervitaminosis D, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, intoxication, preventive dose, therapeutic dose.

Vitamin D deficiency in children with bronchial asthma in southern Jordan: a cross-sectional study.

ObjectivesTo assess serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH vitamin D) levels in Jordanian children with bronchial asthma, and to examine correlations between 25-OH vitamin D levels and asthma severity and control.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the Paediatric Chest Clinic, Al-Karak Governmental Hospital, Southern Jordan, between May 2015 and February 2016. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was determined in children aged 1–14 years diagnosed with bronchial asthma (6–14 years) or recurrent wheezing episodes (<6 years). Asthma severity was determined based on the Global Initiative for Asthma assessment, the Asthma Control Test, and the Childhood Asthma Control Test. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between patients with low and normal 25-OH vitamin D levels, and correlations between asthma severity and 25-OH vitamin D level were assessed.ResultsOut of 98 included children, 25-OH vitamin D levels were deficient and insufficient in 41 (41.8%) and 34 (34.7%) children, respectively. Only 23 (23.5%) had sufficient 25-OH vitamin D levels. A significant correlation was found between severity of asthma symptoms and 25-OH vitamin D deficiency.Conclusion25-OH vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Jordanian children with bronchial asthma and correlates significantly with asthma severity.

Association of Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone Status With the Aging-Related Decline of Bone Microarchitecture in Older Men: The Prospective Structure of Aging Men's Bones (STRAMBO) Study.

Poor vitamin D status and high parathyroid hormone (PTH) level are associated with impaired bone microarchitecture, but these data are mainly cross-sectional. We studied the association of the baseline PTH and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD) levels with the prospectively assessed deterioration of bone microarchitecture and in estimated bone strength in older men. Distal radius and tibia bone microarchitecture was assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) at baseline, then after 4 and 8 years in 826 men aged 60-87 years. At distal radius, total bone mineral density (Tt.BMD), cortical thickness (Ct.Thd ), cortical area (Ct.Ar), cortical BMD (Ct.BMD), and trabecular BMD (Tb.BMD) decreased, whereas trabecular area (Tb.Ar) increased more rapidly in men with 25OHD ≤20 ng/mL versus the reference group (>30 ng/mL). Men with 25OHD ≤10 ng/mL had faster decrease in reaction force and failure load than men with 25OHD >30 ng/mL. At the distal tibia, Tt.BMD, Ct.Thd , Ct.Ar, Ct.BMD, failure load, and reaction force decreased, whereas Tb.Ar increased more rapidly in men with 25OHD between 10 and 20 ng/mL versus the reference group. The results were similar when 12 ng/mL was used as a threshold of severe vitamin D deficiency. At distal radius, men with PTH levels above the median (>44 pg/mL) had more rapid decrease in Tt.BMD, Ct.Ar, Ct.BMD, Ct.Thd , reaction force, and failure load, and more rapid increase in Tb.Ar versus the lowest quartile (≤34 pg/mL). At the distal tibia, men in the highest PTH quartile had faster decrease in Tt.BMD, Ct.Thd , Ct.Ar, Ct.BMD, reaction force, and failure load and faster increase in Tb.Ar versus the lowest quartile. The results were similar in men with glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min. The results were similar in men who took no vitamin D or calcium supplements for 8 years. In summary, vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism are associated with more rapid prospectively assessed cortical and trabecular bone decline in older men. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Association of serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D with Vitamin D intervention and outdoor activity among children in North China: an observational study

BackgroundLiving at high latitudes is one of the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in children. However, evidence on vitamin D improvement for this pediatric population to date is limited. This study aims at evaluating the association of different vitamin D intervention methods and outdoor activity on the vitamin D status of children in North China.MethodsIn this observational study, a total of 55,925 children aged 1 month to 18 years old were recruited from pediatric outpatient departments from July 2016 to June 2017. Data on demographics, anthropometric measurements, vitamin D intervention (either prescribed by physicians or given by parents) and outdoor activity were recorded. The serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of vitamin D intervention or outdoor activity with blood vitamin D status, adjusted for age, gender, BMI for age, and seasons.ResultsThe overall rate of hypovitaminosis D was 65.60%. Of the children’s outdoor activity, 35.63, 31.95, and 32.42% were below 30 min/d, 30–60 min/d and over 60 min/d, respectively. Furthermore, the proportion of therapeutic intervention, supplementation intervention and no vitamin D intervention among the children was 16.48, 32.87, and 50.65%, respectively. After adjusted for confounding factors, vitamin D intervention was associated with a lower risk of hypovitaminosis D, with OR (95% CI) of 0.191 (0.180, 0.202) in children with therapeutic doses and 0.423 (0.404, 0.443) in those with supplementation doses, compared with children without vitamin D intervention. In addition, longer outdoor time was associated with a lower risk of hypovitaminosis D [0.479 (0.456, 0.504) for 60 min/d, 0.737 (0.701, 0.776) for 30–60 min/d], independent of vitamin D intervention.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found in children living at high latitudes. Vitamin D intervention and outdoor activity are all negatively associated with children’s vitamin D deficiency. Routine vitamin D intervention combined with increased outdoor time might be an effective approach to prevent hypovitaminosis D among children, especially those at school, living at high latitudes.

Correlation Between Vitamin D3 and Fasting Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients and Normal Individuals in a Bangladeshi Population

Background and Aims: Controversies prevail on association of vitamin D level and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study aims to compare serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D3) level and fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy subjects and evaluate their association in both groups.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was done in Department of Biochemistry, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Bangladesh, between July 2015 and June 2016. The patients were selected from medicine out-patients departments (MOPD) of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital and Sylhet Diabetic Hospital, Bangladesh. A total of 135 study subjects were selected following convenient consecutive sampling technique. They grouped into case (Group A) i.e. 65 patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus, and control (Group B), i.e. 70 patients apparently healthy subjects (non-diabetic). Initial evaluation of the patients done by history and clinical examination was recorded in the preformed data collection sheet. Fasting blood glucose was measured by enzymatic method, while serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D3) was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA).&#x0D; Results: The mean age of 42.02±3.29 years in case (Group A); while 41.35±3.97 years in control (Group B). There were 33 male (50.76%) and 32 (49.23%) female in group A, while 35 (50%) male and 35 (50%) female in group B. No significant age difference was observed between the groups (p=0.284). Serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in cases (Group A) was 55.73±9.02 ng/ml and in controls (Group B) 53.77±10.86 ng/ ml (p=0.255). Fasting blood glucose was 161.98±62.47 mg/dl in cases (Group A) and 86.92±15.74 mg/dl in controls (Group B) (p&lt;0.001). No correlation was found between serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and fasting blood glucose in any group: in type 2 diabetic patients (case group) (r=0.010, p=0.943), in healthy controls (r=0.186, p=0.122), and all study subjects together (r=0.095, p=0.268).&#x0D; Conclusions: Our data suggest that serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D3) was within optimum level in both type 2 diabetic patients and healthy individuals. However, no correlation was found between serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and fasting blood glucose in any group.

Is vitamin D deficiency a risk factor for COVID-19 in children?

ObjectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a global health problem that can result in serious complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical importance of vitamin D deficiency in children with COVID‐19.Material and MethodsThis study includes 40 patients who were diagnosed to have COVID‐19 and hospitalized with the real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method, 45 healthy matched control subjects with vitamin D levels. The age of admission, clinical and laboratory data, and 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol (25‐OHD) levels were recorded. Those with vitamin D levels which are below 20 ng/ml were determined as Group 1 and those with ≥20 ng/ml as Group 2.ResultsPatients with COVID‐19 had significantly lower vitamin D levels 13.14 μg/L (4.19–69.28) than did the controls 34.81 (3.8–77.42) μg/L (p < .001). Patients with COVID‐19 also had significantly lower serum phosphorus (4.09 ± 0.73 vs. 5.06 ± 0.93 vs. (U/L) (p < .001)) values compared with the controls. The symptom of fever was significantly higher in COVID‐ 19 patients who had deficient and insufficient vitamin D levels than in patients who had sufficient vitamin D levels (p = .038). There was a negative correlation found between fever symptom and vitamin D level (r = −0.358, p = .023).ConclusionThis is the first to evaluate vitamin D levels and its relationship with clinical findings in pediatric patients with COVID‐19. Our results suggest that vitamin D values may be associated with the occurrence and management of the COVID‐19 disease by modulating the immunological mechanism to the virus in the pediatric population.

Bilateral Looser zones or pseudofractures in the anteromedial tibia as a component of medial tibial stress syndrome in athletes

PurposeMedial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) represents a common diagnosis in individuals exposed to repetitive high-stress loads affecting the lower limb, e.g., high-performance athletes. However, the diagnostic approach and therapeutic regimens are not well established.MethodsNine patients, diagnosed as MTSS, were analyzed by a comprehensive skeletal analysis including laboratory bone turnover parameters, dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA), and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT).ResultsIn 4/9 patients, bilateral pseudofractures were detected in the mid-shaft tibia. These patients had significantly lower levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol compared to patients with MTSS but similar levels of bone turnover parameters. Interestingly, the skeletal assessment revealed significantly higher bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores at the hip (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. − 0.7 ± 0.5, p = 0.013) in patients with pseudofractures and a trend towards higher bone microarchitecture parameters measured by HR-pQCT at the distal tibia. Vitamin D supplementation restored the calcium-homeostasis in all patients. Combined with weight-bearing as tolerated, pseudofractures healed in all patients and return to competition was achieved.ConclusionIn conclusion, deficient vitamin D levels may lead to pseudofractures due to localized deterioration of mineralization, representing a pivotal component of MTSS in athletes with increased repetitive mechanical loading of the lower limbs. Moreover, the manifestation of pseudofractures is not a consequence of an altered BMD nor microarchitecture but appears in patients with exercise-induced BMD increase in combination with reduced 25-OH-D levels. The screening of MTSS patients for pseudofractures is crucial for the initiation of an appropriate treatment such as vitamin D supplementation to prevent a prolonged course of healing or recurrence.Level of evidenceIII.

Correlation between sarcopenia and nailfold microcirculation, serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and IL-17 levels in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

To investigate the correlation between sarcopenia and nailfold microcirculation and serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25 (OH) D3] (instead of 25-hydroxyvitamin D) and IL-17 levels in female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. 130 female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 80 healthy controls were tested. Nailfold capillaroscopic scores (NFCS) were measured. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used to measure skeletal muscle mass. Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α. Serum 25 (OH) D3 concentration was determined by photochemical immunoassay. The correlation was analyzed by Pearson's correlation, and the influencing factors were analyzed by binary logistic regression. (1) Compared with the control group, NFCS and serum IL-17 levels were higher in the RA group, while the serum 25 (OH) D3 and skeletal mass index (SMI) were lower. (2) Pearson correlation analysis found: SMI was positively correlated with 25 (OH) D3 (r=0.515, P<0.001), SMI was negatively correlated with IL-17 (r=-0.468, P<0.001), SMI was negatively correlated with NFS (r = -0.229, P=0.009); (3) Logistic regression analysis: serum 25 (OH) D3 was a protective factor for sarcopenia (OR=0.392, P=0.016); IL-17, C-reactive protein, and NFS were risk factors for sarcopenia (OR=1.516, P=0.049; OR=1.469, P=0.045; OR=3.497, P=0.002). Secondary sarcopenia in RA is common and is closely related to microcirculation abnormalities. Increased NFCS is a risk factor for sarcopenia. Decreased serum 25 (OH) D3 levels and increased IL-17 are also risk factors for sarcopenia, but the mechanisms involved in sarcopenia and microcirculation abnormalities need further investigation.

The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Related Factors Among Female Staff of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad City, Iran, in 2019

Background: Vitamin D (VitD) plays a significant role in human health, survival, and fertility. It is necessary for calcium absorption and bone growth and the regulation of the immune system. This study aims to determine the prevalence of VitD deficiency and the factors affecting it in women working in the campus of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad City, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 70 women working on the campus of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences in 2019 were selected by the census method. After obtaining their consent forms, the researcher-made checklist was completed by the participants. The serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH D3) were the index for measuring VitD. The significance level is set below 0.05. Results: The Mean±SD level of VitD in the research units was 13.67±22.5 ng/mL. About 12.85% of the samples had severe deficiency (less than 10 ng/mL), 32.85% had moderate deficiency (10-20 ng/mL) and 31.42% had mild deficiency (20-30 ng/mL). The prevalence of VitD deficiency was lower in people with a history of physical activity, and those with a history of taking supplements. Also, the highest VitD deficiency was observed in the age group of older than 40 years. Conclusion: According to the results, the prevalence of VitD deficiency in the study population was high because 45.7% of the subjects had severe and moderate VitD deficiency.

Assessing the Quality of Life in Patients With Polyarthralgia Based on 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Levels

Background Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, yet it is the most underdiagnosed and undertreated nutritional deficiency and has a very crucial clinical importance in today’s medical field. Objective To assess quality of life in patients with polyarthralgia based on 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-(OH)D) levels, which will help understand the importance of vitamin D in a broader sense. Methodology Our panel study was carried out in the department of orthopedics of a tertiary care hospital in southern India between October 1, 2018, and February 28, 2019. A total of 114 patients with polyarthralgia from the outpatient department were included in the study. Results In our study, there was a predominance of female patients (77.2%). Overall, 92.10% of our study population were aged between 21 and 60 years. The highest percentage of low vitamin D status was detected in unexplained polyarthralgia cases (52.63%), who did not have any comorbid condition except a low serum level of 25-(OH)D level. There was a strong association between quality of life, before and after supplementation of vitamin D ( P &lt; .0001), for every domain of the 36-item Short Form Survey. Conclusion The 36-item Short Form Survey analysis showed that the patients with polyarthralgia whose serum level of 25-(OH)D was found below the optimal range had dramatic improvement in their symptoms after vitamin D supplementation. Based on the findings of our study, we strongly recommend screening for vitamin D deficiency in those who are at risk, as features of low vitamin D are mostly reversible with proper supplementation.

Serum Concentrations of Carotenoids and Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Relation to Nutritional Status of Patients with Ovarian Cancer

In this study, we aimed to determine serum concentrations of carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins (FSVs) in ovarian cancer (OC) patients categorized by clinical and nutritional status and to compare obtained results with healthy controls. We used single-step extraction methods throughout the study. Serum concentrations of the bioactive compounds were measured using HPLC. The evaluation of the nutritional status of patients was performed with scored PG-SGA questionnaire. The serum bioactive compound levels were significantly lower in early-stage OC patients (FIGO I/II) when compared to healthy controls for all-trans-retinoic acid, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, all-trans-retinol, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lycopene and α-carotene, respectively. In patients with advanced-stage of OC (FIGO III/IV) the mean serum concentrations of carotenoids and FSVs were significantly lower than in healthy controls, excluding lutein and β + γ-tocopherol levels. Patients with OC and concomitant moderate or severe malnourishment showed significantly lower levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and all-trans-retinol. It seems that our extraction and measurement methods for the bioactive compounds could be used in both, clinical and nutritional studies. The obtained results confirm that the PG-SGA assessment might be considered not only as a malnutrition assessment tool, but also for planning early nutritional intervention in patients with OC.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in a Large Newborn Cohort from Northern United States and Effect of Intrauterine Drug Exposure.

Vitamin D is not only a vital element in bone health but is also a prohormone. Data regarding distribution of vitamin D status among preterm and term neonates in the United States are limited. There are no data on the effect of intrauterine drug exposure on vitamin D status. Our objective was to determine the distribution of vitamin D levels among preterm and term neonates and the effect of intrauterine illicit drug exposure. We did a retrospective chart review of neonates admitted from 2009 to 2016 to our neonatal intensive care unit with serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25[OH]D) levels measured during the hospital stay. Of 1517 neonates, the median 25[OH]D level was 19 ng/mL with 31% deficient and 49% insufficient, even though 75% of mothers took prenatal vitamins. In pregnant women, 38% were vitamin-D-deficient and 44% were vitamin-D-insufficient. Four hundred seventy-one neonates had intrauterine drug exposure, with a median 25[OH]D level of 22.9 ng/mL versus 17.8 ng/mL in nonexposed neonates (p = 0.001). Despite maternal prenatal vitamin intake, neonates are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Maternal illicit drug use was not related to lower 25[OH]D levels in neonates.

Vitamin D deficiency in children with latent tuberculosis infection

The objective:to assess the level of vitamin D and parameters of phosphorus-calcium metabolism in children with latent tuberculosis infection.Subjects and methods.40 children from 3 to 17 years were enrolled in the study, they all had the abnormal reaction to Mantoux test with 2 TU but no clinical, radiological and bacteriological signs of active tuberculosis; 39 of them received preventive treatment for latent tuberculosis infection during the study. The following parameters were tested: blood level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (calcidiol, 25(OH)D) (the level of less than 10 ng/ml was considered as pronounce severe deficiency, the level of 11-20 ng/ml as moderate deficiency, 21-29 ng/ml – minor deficiency, above 30 ng/ml – an adequate level of vitamin D); total calcium, and ionized calcium.Results:87.5% (14/16) of children from the group of 3-6 years old and 96% (23/24) of children from the group of 7-17 years old were found to have vitamin D deficiency;p&gt; 0.05. The blood level of total calcium and ionized calcium in all children was within the age norm.

The Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children With Recurrent Wheezing-Clinical Significance.

Recurrent wheezing (RW) in infancy is one of the most frequent reasons for parents to consult health care providers and creates a significant global burden. Clinical course of RW is difficult to predict, also which infants will progress to asthma, since no valid biomarkers have been established. Identification of those infants with RW who are at risk of further recurrences and/or severe acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) could help pediatricians to improve their therapeutic decisions. Increasing research interest is focused on the extra-skeletal actions of vitamin D (VD) and the clinical impact of VD insufficiency/deficiency. As VD deficiency could be a risk factor for causing RW in children, measurement of their serum level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D] is recommended. In the case of deficiency, VD administration is recommended in age-appropriate doses for at least 6 weeks, until achievement of normal blood 25(OH)D level, followed by supplementation as long as exposure to sun is inadequate. Higher doses of VD given in an attempt to prevent asthma development appear to be of no additional benefit. In children with severe ARTI, VD level is recommended to be assess.

Association of vitamin D levels and risk of latent tuberculosis in the hemodialysis population.

Vitamin D is essential in the host defense against tuberculosis (TB). Suboptimal vitamin D status is common in the hemodialysis population. Hemodialysis patients have an increased risk compared to the general population latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). However, the association between vitamin D deficiency and LTBI in this population remains unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study between March and May 2017. Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) through QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube was used to assess LTBI. Plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD) levels were measured by Elecsys Vitamin D Total assay. Suboptimal vitamin D levels included vitamin D insufficiency 20-29ng/mg and vitamin D deficiency <20ng/mL. Predictors for LTBI were analyzed. A total of 287 participants were enrolled. The suboptimal vitamin D level was 31.4% (90/287), which including the vitamin D deficiency was 13.9% (40/287). A total of 49.1% (141/287) people received nutritional vitamin D supplementation. The prevalence of IGRA positivity in this study was 25.1% (72/287). There was no significant difference in vitamin D concentrations or the proportion of vitamin D supplementation among the IGRA-positive and IGRA-negative groups (p=0.789 and 0.496, respectively). In multivariate analysis, age >65 years old (odds ratio (OR), 1.89; 95% CI, 1.08-3.31; p=0.026) and TB history (OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.38-8.91; p=0.008) were independent predictors of IGRA positivity. This is the first study to report that vitamin D deficiency was not associated with IGRA positivity in a hemodialysis population. Aging and TB history were both independent predictors for LTBI.