25-hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels Research Articles

The clinical significance of anti-DFS70 autoantibodies and its correlation with Vitamin D levels.

This study aims to investigate the clinical significance of anti-dense fine speckled 70 (DFS70) autoantibodies and its association with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) related autoimmune markers and Vitamin D levels. The study group consisted of 281 (mean age±SD: 45.31±15.89 years; 88.3% female) anti-DFS70 autoantibody-positive patients. All patients' sera in the study group were tested by ANA HEp-2 indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IIF) and immunoblotting (IB) methods (Euroimmun AG, Lübeck, Germany). Anti-DFS70 antibody-positive patients were divided into two subgroups. Anti-DFS70 antibody-positive patients with SARD were assigned as Group 1 (n=43), anti-DFS70 antibody-positive patients without SARD were assigned as Group 2 (n=238). A control group with anti-DFS70 negative patients with SARD were assigned as Group 3 (n=49, mean age±SD: 49.86±12.08; 79.6% female). The clinical characteristics, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, thrombocyte/lymphocyte ratio (TLR), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) levels were compared between three groups. The majority (61.9%) of anti-DFS70 antibody positive patients had no specific diagnosis. Other systemic diseases were detected as allergic diseases (10.0%), hematological abnormalities (5.0%), thyroid diseases (3.6%), gastrointestinal system diseases (1.8%), malignancies (1.4%), and infections (1.1%). ESR, CRP levels, and TLR were lower in Group 2 than Groups 1 and 3 (p<0.05). RF and anti-CCP positivity rates were lower in Group 2 when compared with Groups 1 and 3 (p<0.05). 25OHD3 levels did not differ between three groups (p=0.103). We observed that anti-DFS70 autoantibody may be associated with organ-specific autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and hematological disorders. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate these pathologies in patients positive for anti-DFS70 antibodies.

Relationship between microalbuminuria and metabolic parameters in a normotensive population with obesity

Aim: Today, the second-most common cause of preventable death after smoking is obesity. Microalbuminuria is defined as an albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) of more than 30 mg per gram of creatinine. Obesity increases microalbuminuria by affecting the kidneys.Methods: This study was carried out by retrospectively examining the files of obese [Body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2)] individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 with spot microalbuminuria test in urine who admitted to the obesity outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital between January 2013 and June 2015. Four hundred ninety subjects were included in the study. The physical parameters, blood and urine tests of the subjects included in the study at the time of first admission to the obesity clinic were examined.Results: Microalbuminuria was positive in 5.7 % of the participants. The glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and uric acid levels for subjects in the microalbuminuria-positive group were higher than in the levels of subjects in the microalbuminuria-negative group [5.6 (5.8-5.5) vs 5.5 (5.7-5.2); P=0.012 and 5.2 (6-4.5) vs 4.7 (5.5-4.2); P=0.038, respectively]. In microalbuminuria-negative group, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D3) levels were higher than in the microalbuminuria-positive group [12 (18-7.1) vs 8.4 (12.9-6.9); P=0.032]. Urine albumin to creatinine ratio was positively associated with BMI, fasting insulin (FI), Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TG) and c-reactive protein (CRP).Conclusion: Obesity increases microalbuminuria by affecting the kidneys. Microalbuminuria is associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and low 25-OH D3. Microalbuminuria must be checked in obese individuals. The prevalence of obesity should be reduced for a healthier life.

Vitamin D Status in Distinct Types of Ichthyosis: Importance of Genetic Type and Severity of Scaling.

Data on vitamin D status of patients with inherited ichthyosis in Europe is scarce and unspecific concerning the genetic subtype. This study determined serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) in 87 patients with ichthyosis; 69 patients were additionally analysed for parathyroid hormone. Vitamin D deficiency was pronounced in keratinopathic ichthyosis (n = 17; median 25(OH)D3: 10.5 ng/ml), harlequin ichthyosis (n = 2;7.0 ng/ml) and rare syndromic sub-types (n = 3; 7.0 ng/ml). Vitamin D levels were reduced in TG1-proficient lamellar ichthyosis (n = 15; 8.9 ng/ml), TG1-deficient lamellar ichthyosis (n = 12; 11.7 ng/ml), congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (n = 13; 12.4 ng/ml), Netherton syndrome (n = 7; 10.7 ng/ml) and X-linked ichthyosis (n = 8; 13.9 ng/ml). In ichthyosis vulgaris 25(OH)D3 levels were higher (n = 10; 19.7 ng/ml). Parathyroid hormone was elevated in 12 patients. Low 25(OH)D3 levels were associated with high severity of scaling (p = 0.03) implicating scaling as a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. Thus, this study supports our recent guidelines for ichthyoses, which recommend screening for and substituting of vitamin D deficiency.

Correlation between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and Abnormal Insulin Secretion in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

To investigate the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and abnormal insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated from January 2018 to November 2020 (observation group) and another 80 healthy volunteers receiving physical examination in the same period (control group) were included. Fasting venous blood sample was collected to detect serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index and insulin secretion index. According to insulin secretion index, observation group was divided into normal and abnormal insulin secretion groups and their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index were compared. Based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level, observation group was divided into serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 positive and negative groups and their fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index and insulin secretion index were compared. The correlations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 with fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index and insulin secretion index were analyzed. Observation group had lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level and insulin secretion index and higher fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index than those of control group (p<0.05). Abnormal insulin secretion group had lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level and higher fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index than those of normal insulin secretion group (p<0.05). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 positive group had higher fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index and lower insulin secretion index than those of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 negative group (p<0.05). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index, but positively correlated with insulin secretion index. In type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, the expression of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is down-regulated, which is closely related to abnormal insulin secretion. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 can be used to determine the insulin secretion function of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Genomic Mechanisms Governing Mineral Homeostasis and the Regulation and Maintenance of Vitamin D Metabolism.

ABSTRACTOur recent genomic studies identified a complex kidney‐specific enhancer module located within the introns of adjacent Mettl1 (M1) and Mettl21b (M21) genes that mediate basal and PTH induction of Cyp27b1, as well as suppression by FGF23 and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. The tissue specificity for this regulatory module appears to be localized exclusively to renal proximal tubules. Gross deletion of these segments in mice has severe consequences on skeletal health, and directly affects Cyp27b1 expression in the kidney. Deletion of both the M1 and M21 submodules together almost completely eliminates basal Cyp27b1 expression in the kidney, creating a renal specific pseudo‐null mouse, resulting in a systemic and skeletal phenotype similar to that of the Cyp27b1‐KO mouse caused by high levels of both 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and PTH and depletion of 1,25(OH)2D3. Cyp24a1 levels in the double KO mouse also decrease because of compensatory downregulation of the gene by elevated PTH and reduced FGF23 that is mediated by an intergenic module located downstream of the Cyp24a1 gene. Outside of the kidney in nonrenal target cells (NRTCs), expression of Cyp27b1 in these mutant mice was unaffected. Dietary normalization of calcium, phosphate, PTH, and FGF23 rescues the aberrant phenotype of this mouse and normalizes the skeleton. In addition, both the high levels of 25(OH)D3 were reduced and the low levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 were fully eliminated in these mutant mice as a result of the rescue‐induced normalization of renal Cyp24a1. Thus, these hormone‐regulated enhancers for both Cyp27b1 and Cyp24a1 in the kidney are responsible for the circulating levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the blood. The retention of Cyp27b1 and Cyp24a1 expression in NRTCs of these endocrine 1,25(OH)2D3‐deficient mice suggests that this Cyp27b1 pseudo‐null mouse will provide a model for the future exploration of the role of NRTC‐produced 1,25(OH)2D3 in the hormone's diverse noncalcemic actions in both health and disease. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Correlation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels with dengue disease severity–Can vitamin D levels predict dengue prognosis?

Correlation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels with dengue disease severity–Can vitamin D levels predict dengue prognosis?

Assessment of vitamin D, exercise, and lipid profile associated with excessive daytime sleepiness in school children

Previous research reported associations of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) with a low vitamin D level, obesity, and sexual maturity. The aim of this study was to identify the association and rank the importance of these with EDS. This study examined 618 children who were 10–12 year-old. The pediatric daytime sleepiness scale (PDSS) was used to evaluate EDS and sleep patterns. EDS was defined as a total PDSS score above 17. We ranked the importance of the relationship of these factors with EDS using random forest analysis. EDS (n = 111, 18%) was positively associated with more advanced pubertal stage in girls, chronic cough, urticaria, and allergic rhinitis. Multivariable analysis with adjustment for confounding indicated that children with low level of 25-hydroxyvitaminD3 (25(OH)D3 (<20 ng/mL) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (<40 mg/dL) levels had an increased risk of EDS (25(OH)D3:adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 to 2.81; P = 0.028; HDL-C: aOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.05 to 7.68; P = 0.039). Random forest analysis indicated that 25(OH)D3 level, exercise, and body mass index (BMI) were over three. This study indicated high levels of 25-(OH)D3 and HDL-C and performing regular exercise decreased the risk of EDS.

Association of vitamin D deficiency with vitamin D binding protein (DBP) and CYP2R1 polymorphisms in Iranian population

BackgroundMicronutrients are crucial for the promotion of human's well-being via the biological processes. Vitamin D is one of the most important ones with its vital role in calcium homeostasis in our body. Vitamin D deficiencies would definitely bring about various skeletal and non-skeletal disorders. In this study we have assessed the influence of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GC gene (vitamin D binding protein gene), and one of the CYP2R1 (Vitamin D 25-Hydroxylase enzyme), on vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Methods196 healthy adults' Iranian population (the real Persian race living in Fars province) cases were participated in this study, dividing into three groups of: normal, deficient and insufficient, considering their vitamin D concentration. The blood specimen was obtained and DNA was extracted from leukocytes. Following this, restricted fragment length polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) was used for genotyping throughout the processes and two SNPs of DBP (vitamin D binding protein), rs4588 and rs7041, and one of CYP2R1, rs10741657, were assessed. Meanwhile, we have evaluated the serum levels of 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 with ELISA method. ResultsThe results showed no significant differences between three aforementioned groups in terms of seven various nature-nurture factors. Between three SNPs which were genotyped and assessed, rs7041 was the one that have drawn a significant distinction between groups. Its GT and TT genotypes were remarkably higher in insufficient and deficient groups respectively. Moreover, four haplotypes of rs4588 and rs7041 were evaluated and CT and AT ones illustrated a dramatic frequency rates in deficient and insufficient groups in turn. Neither of the remaining haplotypes (CG, AG) revealed significant frequencies among the groups though. ConclusionWe have concluded that both DBP and CYP2R1 SNPs could be effective for the regulation of vitamin D levels, however rs7041 and its genotypes was by far the most effective ones in vitamin D deficiencies.

Association between vitamin D and uterine fibroids: a study protocol of an open-label, randomised controlled trial

IntroductionUterine fibroids are the most common pelvic benign tumour with no satisfactory long-term medical treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that vitamin D significantly inhibited the growth of fibroids in vitro,...

Long-Term Bioavailability of Single Doses of Intramuscular Vitamin D2

Objective: We sought to determine the long-term bioavailability of single doses of intramuscular (IM) vita-min D2 (D2) in healthy adults.Methods: Forty healthy volunteers with hypovitaminosis D received a single dose of 200,000, 400,000, or 600,000 IU intramuscular D2 or no treatment. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25[OH]D2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) in serum were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), bone turnover markers (BTMs), and serum and urinary calcium were also measured.Results: After a single dose of D2 injection, the level of 25(OH)D2 increased slowly and reached a plateau at 8 weeks. The plateau remained stable for 12 weeks. The mean increase in 25(OH)D2 was 6.8, 9.6, or 15.6 ng/mL after injection of 200,000 IU, 400,000 IU, or 600,000 IU D2. Although endogenous 25(OH)D3 levels were reduced by IM D2, the total 25(OH)D levels increased by 5.0, 7.0, or 10.3 ng/mL in average after injection of 200,000 IU, 400,000 IU, or 600,000 IU D2. The iPTH levels were also decreased by IM D2. However, levels of serum calcium, BTMs, and DBP and urinary calcium were not altered by IM D2.Conclusion: A single dose of 200,000 IU, 400,000 IU, or 600,000 IU IM D2 raises total 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels by 5.0, 7.0, or 10.3 ng/mL on average for at least 12 weeks and reduces iPTH and endogenous 25(OH)D3 levels without affecting levels of serum calcium, BTMs, DBP, and urinary calcium.

Stereological assessment of the effects of vitamin D deficiency on the rat testis

BackgroundAccumulating evidence suggests that low vitamin D status may affect male gonadal structure. This study was undertaken to reveal whether vitamin D-deficient rats have demonstrable changes in the quantitative histomorphometric properties of the testis.MethodsIn the present investigation, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and received: group 1) conventional diet; group 2) vitamin D-deficient diet; group 3) vitamin D-deficient diet and paricalcitol and group 4) conventional diet plus paricalcitol. After 3 months, serum levels of vitamin D metabolites, Ca, P, LH, FSH, testosterone, and epididymal sperm quality were evaluated. Moreover, the morphometric characteristics of testis were assessed via stereological methods.ResultsRats fed a vitamin D-deficient diet (groups 2 and 3) were normocalcemic and had 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level below 10 ng/mL. A significant reduction in serum testosterone and comparable gonadotropin levels were seen in vitamin D-deficient groups compared to controls. The concentration, morphology, and motility of sperm cells were profoundly disturbed in animals raised on the vitamin D-deficient diet. There was a significant decline in the population of different germ cells, the volume of interstitial tissue and germinal epithelium in group 2 and 3 rats, which were placed on the vitamin D-deficient diet. No appreciable difference in the estimates of the Leydig or Sertoli cell numbers were observed between groups.ConclusionsThe depletion of vitamin D stores and induction of moderate grades of vitamin D deficiency by dietary measures led to remarkable impairment of spermatogenesis and microscopic architecture of rat testis. These findings can be attributed, at least in part, to decreased androgen production.

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and late delayed radiation-induced brain injury in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case-control study.

Background and PurposeInflammatory reaction plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of late delayed radiation‐induced brain injury (RBI). Low vitamin D levels are closely associated with various immuno‐inflammatory diseases, but the relationship with late delayed RBI remains unknown. Here, we aimed to determine the association of serum vitamin D levels with clinical parameters in late delayed RBI patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods25‐Hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and clinical and cerebrospinal fluid parameters were evaluated in 21 patients with RBI and compared with 90 age‐, sex‐, and season‐matched healthy controls.Results25‐(OH)D3 levels were lower in patients with RBI compared to controls (40.39 ± 22.11 vs. 64.54 ± 19.89 nmol/L, p < .001), especially for aged ≥60 years (vs. <60 years, p = .038), females (vs. males, p = .012), short latency (<5 years) (vs. ≥5 years, p = .015), and severe impairment (LENT/SOMA score ≥3) (vs. LENT/SOMA score <3, p = .010). Serum 25‐(OH)D3 levels were associated with age (r = −.464, p = .015), Latency of RBI (r = .416, p = .031) and LENT/SOMA Scale (r = −.488, p = .010).ConclusionsOur data showed that serum 25‐(OH)D3 levels were reduced in late delayed RBI patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Clinical and genetic analysis of two Chinese families with vitamin D-dependent rickets type IA and follow-up

ObjectiveVitamin D-dependent rickets type IA (VDDR-IA) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the early onset of severe rickets. The objectives of this study were twofold: (1) to analyze the clinical characteristics and therapy of two patients with VDDR-IA from two separate Chinese families, and (2) investigate the CYP27B1 gene mutations in two large pedigrees.MethodsMedical history, clinical manifestations, physical examination, radiological findings and laboratory data were analyzed from two patients with VDDR-IA. Serum 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1, 25-(OH)2D3] of the two patients and their respective families were measured by ELISA and blood samples from both families was obtained for CYP27B1 gene sequence.ResultsTwo patients had typical manifestations and radiological evidence of rickets. Laboratory data showed hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia, along with high levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. However, serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 level were low in the patients but normal in their family members. Genetic sequence identified two patients were homozygous for a duplication mutation in exon 8 of CYP27B1 gene (c.1319_1325dupCCCACCC, p.Phe443Profs * 24). After treating with calcitriol and calcium, there was biochemical improvement with normalization of serum calcium and phosphorus, and radiographic evidence of compensatory skeletal mineralization. One patient developed nephrocalcinosis during follow-up.ConclusionsThis study identified a recurrent seven-nucleotide insertion of CYP27B1 in two large pedigrees, and compared the clinical characteristics and individual therapy of two affected patients. Additionally, our experience further supports the notion that nephrocalcinosis can occur even on standard doses of calcitriol and oral calcium, and normal level of serum calcium, phosphorus, PTH and 25-(OH)D3.

Evaluation of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin d3 levels in goat kids naturally infected with giardia duodenalis

The aim of this study was to determine 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels in diarrhoeic goat kids. For this purpose, blood sample witdrawn from 10 diarrhoeic goat kids (Group I) and 10 healthy goat kids (Group II). Diagnosis of giardiasis was performed with multiple methods including microscopic examination and rapid test kits. Mean 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels were determined as 33,37 ng/ml in diarrhoetic goat kids and 86,78 ng/ml in control and that is found to statistically significant (p&amp;lt;0.001). Consequently, it was convinced that giardiasis-related intestinal malabsorption may cause severe reduction in vitamin D levels and vitamin D supplement should be administered proper and sufficient doses due to anti-microbial effect with anti-giardial medication in treatment regime.

Vitamin D Assessment Over 48 Weeks in Treatment-Naive HIV Individuals Starting Lopinavir/Ritonavir Monotherapy.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in HIV population and has been associated with increased comorbidity risk and poor immunologic status. To evaluate the effect of protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy on changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] over 48 weeks. Thirty-four treatment-naïve HIV individuals initiating lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy and receiving clinical care from private practice in Houston, Texas, were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels from stored plasma samples collected from IMANI-2 pilot study at both baseline and 48 weeks were analyzed using LC-MS assays. Mean 25(OH)D at baseline and 48 weeks were compared using paired t-tests. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with changes in 25(OH)D. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the effect of vitamin D status and covariates on CD4 cell count recovery. Mean 25(OH)D was significantly higher at 48 weeks (26.3 ng/mL (SD + 14.9); p=0.0003) compared to baseline (19.8 ng/mL (SD +12.1), with fewer individuals having vitamin D deficiency (41.2%) and severe deficiency (11.8%). Both body mass index and baseline CD4 cell count were significant independent covariates associated with 25(OH)D changes over 48 weeks. Baseline vitamin D status did not affect CD4 cell count recovery. However, in a 24-week multivariate analysis, current tobacco use was significantly associated with a decreased odds of CD4 cell count recovery (AOR 0.106, 95% CI 0.018-0.606; p=0.012). Individuals treated with lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy had significantly higher 25(OH)D after 48 weeks. Current tobacco users had significantly diminished CD4 cell count recovery after starting treatment, warranting further clinical investigation.

Quantified MRI and 25OH-VitD3 can be used as effective biomarkers for patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy-induced liver injury in CRCLM?

BackgroundTo evaluate proton-density fat-fraction (PDFF) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) techniques, and human 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OH-VitD3) levels, as potential biomarkers in patients with colorectal cancer with liver metastasis (CRCLM). Changes were compared with those related to chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis (CASH) and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS).Methods63 patients with pathologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma received 4–6 courses of NC before liver resection and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation quantification and IVIM sequences. Blood samples were analyzed using CTCAE. Pathological changes of liver tissues outside the metastases were assessed as the gold standard, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed.Results16 cases had CASH liver injury, 14 cases had SOS changes, and 4 cases had CASH and SOS, and 7 showed no significant changes. Consistency between biochemical indices and pathological findings was poor (kappa = 0.246, p = 0.005). The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and TBIL were 0.571–0.691. AUCs of D, FF, and 25OH-VitD3 exceeded 0.8; when considering these markers together, sensitivity was 85.29% and specificity was 93.13%. ANOVA showed statistically significant differences among D, FF, and 25OH-VitD3 for different grades of liver injury (F = 4.64–26.5, p = 0.000–0.016).ConclusionsD, FF, and 25OH-VitD3 are biomarkers for accurate prediction of NC-induced liver injury in patients with CRCLM, while FF and 25OH-VitD3 might be beneficial to distinguish liver injury grades.Trial registrationCurrent Trials was retrospectively registered as ChiCTR1800015242 at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on March 16, 2018.

The effect of the comorbidity burden on vitamin D levels in geriatric hip fracture

BackgroundElderly patients with hip fractures often have multiple medical comorbidities, and vitamin D deficiency is common in this population. Accumulating evidence links low vitamin D levels to various comorbidities. However, very little is known about the collective impact of comorbidities on vitamin D levels. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is a validated comorbidity burden index. We hypothesized that a high CCI score is associated with vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among all hospitalized elderly patients aged > 60 years admitted for low-energy hip fracture in a single tertiary hospital from 2013 to 2015. Data regarding patient demographics, fracture type, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and age-adjusted CCI score were collected and analysed.ResultsOf the 796 patients included in the study, 70.6% (n = 562) of the patients were women and the mean age was 77.7 ± 8.0 years. The mean vitamin D level was 20.4 ± 7.4 ng/mL, and 91.7% ofhospitalized elderly patients with hip fracture had inadequate vitamin D level. There was no correlation between the individual serum vitamin D level with respect to age-adjusted CCI (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.01; p = 0.87). After stratifying the CCI scores into low and high comorbidity burden groups (i.e., with scores 1–2 and ≥ 3), there was no relationship between the 2 subgroups for age-adjusted CCI and vitamin D levels (p = 0.497). Furthermore, there was also no association among age, gender, fracture type, and smoking status with the mean 25(OH)D level (p > 0.05).ConclusionLow vitamin D levels were highly prevalent in our hip fracture cohort. There was no relationship between the CCI score and vitamin D levels in the geriatric hip population. The comorbidity burden in geriatric patients with hip fractures did not seem to be a significant factor for vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism in Egyptian vitiligo patients.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune dermatological disorder, precipitated by genetic and nongenetic factors leading to destruction of epidermal melanocytes. In Egypt, it has a prevalence rate of 1.2%. Vitamin D has stimulatory and protective effects on melanocytes and acts through its nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) on target cells. The consequences of polymorphisms in VDR have been previously studied for mapping their link with various disorders of autoimmune etiology. To study Apa-I and Taq-I VDR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk to develop vitiligo. Extracted genomic DNA from the venous blood of 60 patients and controls was amplified and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for analysis of VDR gene polymorphisms. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) level was measured using ELISA technique. The most common VDR genotypes were AA and TT among both groups with no significant difference. Analysis of the frequency of combinations of genotypes revealed AATT as the most common among patients (36.7%) while in the control group, AATt is the most common (33.3%) but no significant difference was noted on comparison of both groups. The genotype allele tt appeared to be more expressed in patients with marginal significance value (P 0.053). Serum 25-OH-D3 showed a relatively decreased level among patients and controls with no statistically significant difference. Although VDR SNPs are not correlated with vitiligo, the elevated frequency of tt genotype among vitiligo patients may suggest the risk to develop the disease.

Boron supplementation in peripartum Murrah buffaloes: The effect on calcium homeostasis, bone metabolism, endocrine and antioxidant status

BackgroundCalcium homeostasis and immuno-endocrine system undergoes drastic changes in peripartum dairy animals and failure to adapt these physiological changes causes major impact on animal health as well as productivity. Boron (B), a newer trace element, influences calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) metabolism as well as immune system by manipulating several hormones or enzyme systems. Present study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary B supplementation on Ca homeostasis, bone metabolism, endocrine and antioxidant status in peripartum Murrah buffaloes. MethodsThirty advanced pregnant Murrah buffaloes (8th month pregnant) were allocated into three groups based on their most probable producing ability (MPPA) and parity (n = 10 in each group) viz. B0, B200 and B400 and supplemented with 0, 200 and 400 ppm of B in the form of boric acid. Blood samples were collected at periodic intervals (-45, -30, -21, -15, -7, 0, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 day relative to expected date of calving) and analysed for minerals concentration, hormonal profile, bone health biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes. Results and conclusionBoron supplementation at 200 and 400 ppm increased (p < 0.05) plasma Ca, Mg and osteocalcin (OCN) concentration during postpartum stage. Higher (p < 0.05) levels of plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 were observed in both B supplemented groups as compared to B unsupplemented group irrespective of physiological stages. Plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and cortisol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in both B supplemented groups than B unsupplemented group, especially during postpartum stage. Whereas, plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power (FRAP) activity was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in B supplemented groups as compared to B unsupplemented group. Furthermore, antioxidant enzymes (erythrocytic superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase; GPx), plasma level of total immunoglobulins (TIg), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) remained unaffected by dietary B supplementation. Overall, it can be concluded that supplementation of B at 200 ppm in the diet of peripartum Murrah buffaloes helped to induce metabolic adaptations for improving Ca homeostasis, bone metabolism and antioxidant status without much additional benefits at higher level used in the present study.

Association between Hypovitaminosis D3 and Type II Diabetes Mellitus of Iraqi Patients

Objective: This research has been carried out to evaluate the levels of [25(OH)D3] as well as the correlation between the deficiency levels with the risk of experiencing T2DM in sample of Iraqi population.&#x0D; Methods: The levels regarding the 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 and the fasting blood sugar (FBG) have been estimated in group of 58 T2DM patients and 31 control subjects of age between (25 - 65 year). The 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 has been estimated via ELISA and fasting blood sugar (FBG) was measured spectrophotometrically.&#x0D; Results: The levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 have been considerably lower in individuals experiencing T2DM (9.465 ± 3.567 ng/ml) than in the control group (14.146 ± 11.045 ng/ml), (P = 0.02) whereas FBG levels were considerably higher in patients experiencing T2DM (218 ± 66 mg/dl) widespread in comparison to control group (89.8 ± 9 mg/dl), (P = 0.009). The levels related to the 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 are inversely related to FBG in both diabetic and control group (P = 0.01, r2 = 0.1), (P &lt; 0.01, r2 = 0.2) respectively. VDD is considered to be related to the hazard of experiencing T2DM; also it is highly prevalent in subjects of Iraqi nationality.&#x0D; Conclusion: VDD is associated to the risk of experiencing T2DM. hypovitaminosis D is very prevalent among the study participants and its percent was higher in female and have a therapeutic implications as cautious supplementation of vitamin D could enhance glycemic control in T2DM.