D3 Levels Research Articles

Association between vitamin D and endometriosis among American women: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease associated with inflammation. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anti-oxidative, and immunomodulatory effects. Whether vitamin D levels are correlated with endometriosis is a subject of ongoing debate. This study aimed to examine the association between endometriosis and serum vitamin D levels. From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this study examined the cross-sectional data of American women aged 20-54 years from 2001 to 2006. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess correlations. A total of 3,232 women were included in this study. The multiple linear regression model demonstrated a negative correlation between the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) concentration and the risk of endometriosis after controlling for all confounding variables. The odds ratio was 0.73 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.54-0.97 in the adequate vitamin D level group compared with the insufficient vitamin D level group. Our results showed that endometriosis was inversely correlated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels. Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship and determine the potential benefits of maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels for endometriosis prevention.

Effect of serum vitamin D levels on the severity of acute pancreatitis: A prospective study

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious and complex disorder with varying disease course and severity. Early and prompt interventions are crucial in management of AP. Vitamin D, being a prominent actor in calcium metabolism, also takes part in immunity and thus in immune-system related disorders, ranging from infections to cancer. In this study, the role of vitamin D status of a patient on the severity of AP was investigated.This study was conducted between June 2021 to August 2022 with a total of 315 patients. Blood samples were obtained upon admission. A 25-(OH)D3 level less than 10 ng/ml was defined as vitamin D deficiency. 10–19 ng/ml was defined as vitamin D insufficiency whereas 20 ng/ml or above was considered to be sufficient. Scoring systems (Ranson score, CTSI, BISAP, Revised Atlanta Classification (RAC) were applied.Serum 25-(OH)D3 levels of patients with AP were found to be negatively correlated with severity of the disease according to RAC (p < 0.001). In concordance to this finding, both Ranson score and BISAP were found to be statistically significantly related to 25-(OH)D3 levels. Both scoring systems revealed higher scores in patients with insufficient or deficient levels of 25-(OH)D3. Serum 25-(OH)D3 levels were not found to be related to intensive care unit admission or mortality.This study revealed that serum 25-(OH)D3 level is related to the severity of AP. In the future, interventional studies with vitamin D therapy in otherwise serum 25-(OH)D3 deficient AP patients might reveal a new potential therapeutic agent in this mechanically complex, burdensome disorder.

Vitamin D Levels as a Potential Modifier of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Severity in Adults.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with atopic and immune-mediated diseases but has not been extensively assessed in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We aimed to assess if vitamin D levels in newly diagnosed EoE patients were lower than in non-EoE controls and examine levels in relation to EoE clinical features. This secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study used data and biosamples from adults who underwent outpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Before each procedure, blood was obtained and stored at -80oC. Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) was measured by ELISA. Levels for cases and controls were compared at baseline. Within cases, 25(OH)D3 levels were compared for clinical, endoscopic, and histologic measures. We analyzed 40 EoE and 40 non-EoE controls. Mean serum 25(OH)D3 level was slightly lower in EoE patients than controls (30.9 ± 15.3 ng/mL vs. 35.9 ± 15.4; p = 0.15). After controlling for age, sex, and race, adjusted levels were 10.8 ng/mL lower in EoE patients (95% CI: -19.0, -2.5), but 25(OH)D3 deficiency (< 20ng/mL) was similar in cases and controls (20% vs. 15%; p = 0.56). Levels of 25(OH)D3 were not associated with differences in clinical or endoscopic features of EoE, and EREFS and eosinophil counts did not significantly correlate with 25(OH)D3 levels (R of -0.28 [p = 0.08] and - 0.01 [p = 0.93], respectively). 25(OH)D3 levels were lower in EoE cases with lamina propria fibrosis (23.2 ± 9.6 vs. 45.0 ± 17.7; p = 0.03). After adjusting for age, sex, and race, 25(OH)D3 levels were lower in EoE cases than controls, but deficiency was not common. 25(OH)D3 levels were generally similar across most EoE disease features.

Spectrofluorimetric determination of vitamin D in the serum of autistic and healthy children using functionalized graphene quantum dots

Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients for brain development, and deficiencies during pregnancy and early childhood development might be associated with autism. Regular monitoring of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level could help in early diagnosis and therapy. Analytical measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level using the traditional matrix-matched calibration technique yields inaccurate results due to absence of serum matrix free from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. The aim of this work was to develop a validated spectrofluorimetric methodology based on the standard addition approach for quantifying 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in real serum samples of autistic children. The spectrofluorimetric methodology utilizes functionalized graphene quantum dots as a fluorescent probe for selective quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level, which is based on measuring the quenching properties of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on a fluorescent probe. The standard addition approach exhibits a minimal matrix interference since it identically utilizes the same matrix of each study sample for creating its own calibration curve. The method was validated using the guidelines outlined in ICH M10 draft for endogenous compounds quantification. The method was successfully applied for quantifying the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in autistic and healthy children, and autistic children had significantly lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels (with a mean ± SD of 23.80 ± 17.19) when compared to healthy children (with a mean ± SD of 50.13 ± 18.74, P < 0.001). These results suggested an association between vitamin D deficiency and autism.

Prognostic Factors for Predicting Post-COVID-19 Condition in Patients With COVID-19 in an Outpatient Setting.

Although data on post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) conditions are extensive, the prognostic factors affecting symptom duration in non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are currently not well known. We aimed to investigate the various prognostic factors affecting symptom duration among outpatients with COVID-19. Data were analyzed from 257 patients who were diagnosed with mild COVID-19 and visited the 'post-COVID-19 outpatient clinic' between April and December 2022 after a mandatory isolation period. The symptom duration was measured from diagnosis to symptom resolution. Laboratory and pulmonary function test results from their first visit were collected. The mean age of patients was 55.7 years, and the median symptom duration was 57 days. The development of post-COVID-19 conditions (> 12 weeks) were significantly correlated with not using antiviral drugs, leukocytosis (white blood cell > 10,000/µL), lower 25(OH)D3 levels, forced vital capacity (FVC) < 90% predicted, and presence of dyspnea and anxiety/depression. Additionally, in multivariable Cox regression analysis, not using antiviral drugs, lower 25(OH)D3 levels, and having dyspnea were poor prognostic factors for longer symptom duration. Particularly, vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) and not using antivirals during the acute phase were independent poor prognostic factors for both post-COVID-19 condition and longer symptom duration. The non-use of antivirals, lower 25(OH)D3 levels, leukocytosis, FVC < 90% predicted, and the presence of dyspnea and anxiety/depression symptoms could be useful prognostic factors for predicting post-COVID-19 condition in outpatients with COVID-19. We suggest that the use of antiviral agents during the acute phase and vitamin D supplements might help reduce COVID-19 symptom duration.

Elevated level of prenatal testosterone and vitamin D3 deficiency during pregnancy, in the presence of prenatal maternal stress, and their association with the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms in toddlers.

To investigate the hypothesis that the presence of prenatal maternal stress, increased level of prenatal testosterone, and low level of vitamin D3 in pregnancy is associated with the development of ADHD-like symptoms in toddlers (< 2 years old). The study group comprised 53 pregnant women and 53 infants of these pregnancies. The population cohort of 53 pregnant women were recruited at their 35th to 37th week of pregnancy and investigated prospectively. The participants were selected through targeted selection. Maternal experience of stressful life events was assessed by stress standardised questionnaires, prenatal testosterone was determined in the mothers' saliva by using the immune enzymatic (ELISA) method, and maternal plasma D vitamin was measured using the ECLIA method, during pregnancy. When the age of the offspring was 6 months and then less than 2 years, the mothers completed the child behaviour and temperament checklist. A small but statistically significant association was found between the common symptom complex of ADHD and the level of testosterone and vitamin D3, in the presence of prenatal maternal stress. Multiple regression analysis showed that maternal stressful events during pregnancy significantly predicted ADHD behaviours in offspring. The study supported the hypothesis that prenatal maternal stress, increased level of prenatal testosterone, and low level of vitamin D3 during pregnancy increases the risk of development of ADHD-like symptoms in toddlers (< 2 years old). Also, the obtained results support the hypothesis that the influence of prenatal factors causes ADHD-like symptoms in offspring through a programming effect.

Effect of low and high doses of vitamin D3 therapy on vitamin D3, antithyroid antibody and thyroid hormone levels in thyroid autoimmunity

Aims: Vitamin D3 deficiency is more common in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). Vitamin D3 supplementation in AITD is not questioned, but the required doses have been offered differently in several reports. This study attempts to provide a clinical answer as to what doses of vitamin D3 may be effective in AITD. Methods: Ninety-seven patients were included in the study: 44 with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), 26 with Graves ’disease (GD) and 27 controls. Serum vitamin D3, thyroid hormone and autoantibody levels against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and TSH receptor were measured before and after treatment. Biochemical data were measured by a fully automated competitive chemiluminescence assay and presented as geometric mean(95% confidence interval). Results: Baseline vitamin D3 deficiency was detected in 22 out of 44 HT, 13 out of 26 GD and 19 out of 27 controls, and improved after vitamin D3 therapy. Vitamin D3 therapy significantly increased serum vitamin D3 levels in all patient groups [46.07(16.55-128.29) vs. 71.05(40.61-124.3) nmol/l, p&lt;0.0001 for HT, 44.27(8.98-218.25) vs. 64.22(38.85-106.16) nmol/l, p&lt;0.0207 for GD, and 39(15.57-97.73) vs. 59.32(27.27-129.03) nmol/l, p&lt;0.0003 for controls]. The increass in vitamin D3 levels was found after low-dose vitamin D3 therapy (&lt;7000 NE/week) in HT (p&lt;0.0001) and controls (p&lt;0.0002), but not in GD. The success of vitamin D3 therapy was dependent on high doses of vitamin D3 (&gt;7000 NE/week) in GD, but levels were lower in Graves’ ophthalmopathy (p&lt;0.0302). Anti-TPO antibody and TSH levels were decreased by low doses of vitamin D3 in HT, but FT4 and FT3 decreased, and TSH levels increased only by high doses in GD. Conclusion: The efficacy of vitamin D3 therapy was demonstrated in all patient groups. The greatest improvement in vitamin D3 status was seen in HT. A dose-dependency of vitamin D3 therapy was rather related to the improvement in GD.

Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamins D2 and D3 with hearing loss in US adults: analysis from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015-2016.

Hearing loss (HL) is increasingly recognized as a significant global public health issue, and research on its relationship with vitamin D levels has gained wider attention. However, the association between serum biomarkers 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D2) and D3 (25(OH)D3) with different types of HL remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential association of serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 with HL in US adults. A sample of 3,684 individuals aged 20-69 years from the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) was analyzed in this study. HL was defined as a pure tone average > 25 dB in either ear at low frequencies (500, 1,000, 2000 Hz), speech frequencies (500, 1,000, 2000, 4,000 Hz), and high frequencies (3,000, 4,000, 6,000, 8,000 Hz). Logistic regression was employed to examine the association between serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 and HL. The study population was then stratified by age, gender, race, and education level to analyze potential differences between adults in different subgroups. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that serum 25(OH)D2 was independently associated with low-frequency hearing loss (LFHL) (OR: 1.012 [95% CI, 1.005-1.020]) and speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL) (OR: 1.011 [95% CI, 1.003-1.018]). Restrictive cubic spline analysis demonstrated a linear dose-response relationship between serum 25(OH)D2 levels and LFHL (p for linearity <0.001), as well as SFHL (p for linearity = 0.001). Conversely, an L-shaped association was observed between serum 25(OH)D3 levels and both LFHL (p for nonlinearity = 0.014) and SFHL (p for nonlinearity = 0.025), with threshold values identified at 35.3 and 36.5 nmol/L, respectively. Higher levels of serum 25(OH)D3 were associated with a lower probability of high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) (OR: 0.994 [95% CI, 0.989-0.999]), with a threshold value identified at 53.9 nmol/L. Furthermore, a significant interaction between diabetes and serum 25(OH)D2 in LFHL was revealed through subgroup analysis (p = 0.041). In the non-diabetic population, serum 25(OH)D2 maintained its association with LFHL. Our findings suggested a positive association between serum 25(OH)D2 concentrations and both LFHL and SFHL in the studied cohort. Additionally, an L-shaped relationship was found between serum 25(OH)D3 and LFHL and SFHL, and higher levels of serum 25(OH)D3 were identified to be associated with a lower risk of HFHL.

Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with bone health measured by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound: a large cross-sectional analysis in children and adolescents.

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health; however, findings in children and adolescents remain inconsistent, and few studies have examined its impact on bone health measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS). This study aims at assessing the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and bone health, as evaluated by QUS, across varying pubertal stages and genders. Methods: A baseline cross-sectional survey of an ongoing cohort study included 4682 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years from Shenzhen, China. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), which is the sum of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3, were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Bone health was measured through calcaneal QUS, utilizing the speed of sound (SOS) in the heel as a principal measure-a higher SOS indicating a denser bone structure. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the association of serum 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D2, and 25(OH)D3 levels with the SOS. Results: Forty-one point-one percent of this population was vitamin D deficient (serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng ml-1), with only 11.1% being sufficient. In the fully adjusted model, we observed a significant positive association between increased serum 25(OH)D quartiles and SOS. Compared with the participants in the lowest quartiles of serum 25(OH)D, those in successive quartiles of 25(OH)D were 3.54 (95% CI: 0.81, 6.28) m s-1, 5.74 (95% CI: 2.87, 8.61) m s-1, and 8.83 (95% CI: 5.83, 11.84) m s-1, respectively (P for trend < 0.0001). The correlations observed for serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 with SOS were similar to those of serum 25(OH)D. Importantly, this association was primarily observed in post-pubertal children and adolescents but was absent in pre- and mid-pubertal participants (P for interaction = 0.0004). Conclusion: Elevated serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with better bone health, as measured through calcaneal QUS, in children and adolescents, particularly among those who had reached the post-pubertal stage. These findings highlight the crucial importance of maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels to support optimal bone health in this demographic.

Relationship Between the Level of Vitamin D3 Deficiency and Successful Osseointegration: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of vitamin D3 levels on bone density, primary dental implant stability, and successful osseointegration. Materials and Methods: Clinical and radiological examination with a standardized cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine and laboratory investigation for serum levels of vitamin D3 were performed for all patients. Only patients in need of single or multiple straightforward dental implant surgery in either jaw with no history of systemic disease or condition that may interfere with bone healing were included in this study to receive the dental implant by the same oral and maxillofacial surgeon, which re-opened 4 months later to assess the osseointegration and to complete the prosthetic part. Results: One hundred twenty-eight dental implants were inserted into 108 patients. Most of the patients in the study had insufficient vitamin D3 levels. The prognosis of dental implants regarding successful osseointegration 4 months after implant placement had a weak positive association with the insertion torque and bone mineral density and a statistically significant positive correlation with the serum vitamin D3 level. Conclusion: Preoperatively, it is advisable to request the serum vitamin D3 level of the patients along with the standard clinical and radiological examination. Severe vitamin D3 deficiency could be associated with early dental implant failure despite the favorable bone density and primary dental implant stability achieved. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: TCTR20200304001.

Thyroid function tests in overweight and obese children and adolescents with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Hypothyroidism can play an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study compared the thyroid function tests in overweight and obese children and adolescents with and without NAFLD. This case-control study was conducted on 100 children and adolescents aged 4-18 years who referred to the endocrinology clinic of Amirkola Children's Hospital, Babol, Iran in 2021. 42 obese and overweight children with NAFLD were considered as case group and 56 persons without NAFLD as control group. They were selected after physical examination and body mass index (BMI) assessment. Then, TSH, T4, FBS, lipid profile, 25(OH) vit D3 (VD), AST and ALT levels were measured. Abdominal ultrasound was performed to survey fatty liver. T-test and Chi-score were used for analysis and p< 0.05 was considered significant. The mean age in both group was 11.63±2.55 and 10.07±2.61 years, respectively (P=0.004). Hypothyroidism was not seen in the groups. Two groups in terms of mean TSH (P=0.92), T4 (P=0.87), FBS (P=0.33), cholesterol (P=0.44), LDL (P=0.35), VD (P=0.07) had no significant difference. However, difference was found between the two groups in terms of the mean level of AST (P=0.003), ALT (P=0.001), TG (P=0.02), HDL (P=0.01) and BMI (P0.001). This study showed that the mean level of thyroid hormones in both groups did not have significant difference and hypothyroidism was not seen. Other studies with larger sample size and longer periods of time are suggested.

Low vitamin D3 levels may be associated with herpes zoster reactivation

Low vitamin D3 levels may be associated with herpes zoster reactivation

Low Serum Vitamin D3 Levels among Premenopausal Women with Uterine Fibroids: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, with an incidence ranging from 5.4% to 77%, leading to significant morbidity and affecting quality of life. Earlier studies suggested that uterine fibroids are more likely to develop in those women with low levels of serum vitamin D. Subsequently, the objective of the current study was to investigate the association of serum vitamin D3 levels in premenopausal women with uterine fibroids. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Indira IVF Hospital and Fertility Clinics located in India. The study was conducted from April 2022 to November 2022. In this study, a total of 160 women [80 cases and 80 controls] were enrolled. Women diagnosed with at least one uterine fibroid measuring 2 cm in size through a transvaginal scan were considered as cases, in comparison to healthy controls. Results: The mean serum vitamin D3 levels for the case and control groups were 10.85 ± 3.34 ng/ml and 19.64 ± 5.50 ng/ml, respectively. Serum vitamin D3 was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.001) in women with uterine fibroids compared to healthy controls. Additionally, a significant association was observed between serum vitamin D3 levels and the number of fibroids in the case group (P &lt; 0.001). This indicates that as the level of serum vitamin D3 decreases, the number of fibroids increases gradually. Conclusion: Our study suggests that women with uterine fibroids tend to have low serum vitamin D3 concentrations. Therefore, serum vitamin D3 concentration needs to be considered along with other risk factors in the treatment of uterine fibroids..

Polymorphic Variants in the Vitamin D Receptor and Clinical Parameters of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Undergoing Anti-TNF Treatment

Abstract Vitamin D levels have been related to the severity and progression of various autoimmune disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of genetic variability in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene on disease susceptibility and progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. The study comprises 121 RA patients subjected to anti-TNF therapy genotyped for four VDR polymorphic variants: rs1544410 (BsmI), rs2228570 (FokI), rs731236 (TaqI), and rs7975232 (ApaI). There was no significant association between RA susceptibility and VDR genetic variants. The study results revealed that patients with the rs2228570 CC genotype were characterized by lower vitamin D3 levels (p = 0.028) than those with the T allele. Also, the vitamin D3 levels (p = 0.029) and age at diagnosis (p = 0.017) were significantly lower in rs7975232 A allele carriers compared to CC homozygotes. However, after 6 months of therapy, the A allele seemed to be related to lower disease activity score 28 (DAS28) values (p = 0.030) and more common in patients who achieved remission (p = 0.004) compared to the CC genotype. Concerning other investigated polymorphisms, patients carrying rs1544410 AA and rs731236 CC homozygosity had lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before therapy (p = 0.009). In conclusion, VDR rs2228570 and rs7975232 polymorphic variants were found to be related to vitamin D3 levels. Moreover, the genotyping of rs7975232 was also useful in evaluating disease onset and disease activity after 6 months of therapy with TNF inhibitors in RA patients.

Vitamin D3 deficiency and coronavirus-related health problems

Introduction: In addition to boosting calcium absorption in the small intestine and preserving sufficient levels of calcium and phosphate in the serum to support proper bone mineralization, Vitamin D3 fortifies the immune system. Vitamin D3 deficiency can occur when regular intakes are gradually below recommended levels and when people get little sunshine exposure. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a case series study approach. A structured checklist was utilized on 107 individuals who had recovered from corona disease to identify the causes behind the unfavorable health effects they continue to experience. In addition, the patients underwent extensive laboratory blood testing in a specialized laboratory and received follow-up care for a period of 6 months. The results were analyzed using the Chi-square test and the Paired t-test using the SPSS software. Results: Despite the finding that 84.1% of the study group had Vitamin D3 levels below the normal range, their physical health conditions had considerably improved as a result of the treatment they received. Conclusion: The study found that patients with coronavirus infection had a high prevalence of Vitamin D3 deficiency. After 6 months, this percentage dropped considerably, raising the possibility that the coronavirus may have contributed to the drop in plasma Vitamin D3 levels. To find out how long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms are related to Vitamin D3 deficiency, more research is required. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care and procedural skills.

The gut microbial composition in polycystic ovary syndrome with hyperandrogenemia and its association with steroid hormones.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by excess androgens, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. The mechanisms underlying ovulatory and metabolic disorders in PCOS remain elusive, hampering therapeutic development. Enhanced metabolic health correlates with increased microbiota gene content and microbial diversity. We aimed to explore the impact of gut microbiota and serum steroids on PCOS regulation associated with androgen excess. Methods: The fecal samples of patients with hyperandrogenic PCOS (n = 14) and control group with PCOS (n = 14) were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The peripheral venous blood of all subjects was collected to detect serum hormones. The association between gut microbiota and serum hormones was analyzed with the R language. Results: Our findings reveal that the hyperandrogenic PCOS group exhibits lower richness and diversity of gut microbiota compared to the control group. Characteristic genera in PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism include Bifidobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified, Streptococcus, Saccharimonadaceae, Enterococcus, and Eubacterium_nodatum_group. Five hormones, including 5β-androsterone, deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, and cortexolone, emerge as potential serum biomarkers for identifying patients with hyperandrogenic-PCOS (HA-PCOS). Furthermore, a lower vitamin D3 level may act as a susceptibility factor, suggesting that vitamin D3 supplementation could serve as a potential intervention for PCOS with hyperandrogenism. Conclusion: Specific fecal microbiota and serum steroids may be used as characteristic markers for clinical diagnosis of hyperandrogenic-PCOS. This research enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay among hormones, gut microbiota, and hyperandrogenemia in patients with PCOS.

Correlation between serum Vitamin D3 Level and Disease Severity in the Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

correlation between serum Vitamin D3 Level and Disease Severity in the Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Vitamin D3 Level in Patients with Random Respiratory Symptoms in Khulna, Bangladesh

Vitamin D3 Level in Patients with Random Respiratory Symptoms in Khulna, Bangladesh

Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilms in Ear-Set Associated Infection

Background and objectives: Ear infections are a serious public health issue in developing countries. Gram-positive and gram-negative Bacteria are both capable of developing biofilms on medical equipment and earphones; however, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis are the most prevalent types and may involve in ear infections. Since there was no such study in our region about ear set association with biofilm formation in patients with ear infections, this study was accomplished. The aim of the study: Therefore, this study was suggested in order to evaluate the relationship between the continuous use of Ear set with biofilm formation and ear infections among handlers. Patients, Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in Kirkuk City (The urban region only) from the 15th of January 2023 to the 23rd of May 2023, done on a total number of (168) participants. The total number of the patients who were Ear set users enrolled for the current study was (120), divided into two groups including (60 patients with biofilm positive (including 27 male and 33 female patients respectively) and 60 patients with biofilm negative (including 23 male and 37 female patients separately), with age, ranged from 20 to 60 years old, who were attended at Kirkuk Teaching Hospital. The control group (non-Ear set users) of the presented study was a total number of (48) including (18) males and (30) females. The serological tests included: the estimation of Human GR, SOD, and MDA antioxidants levels through using of the ELISA technique for all the participants, and the biochemical tests included measuring Vitamin D3 levels by using the iChromaTM technique, while the microbial tests were done through using of VITEK 2 compact system. Biofilm formation was detected by using the Congo red agar method. All the steps of methods are conducted based on the manufacturer's instructions. The bacterial growth among the patients group was (22.5%) of Staphylococcus aureus and (14.16%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the control group revealed (8.33 %) of Staphylococcus aureus and (4.16%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The age range (20-30) years showed the highest rates among the infected patients, with male patients being more vulnerable to the infections. The mean levels of vitamin D3, human GR, SOD, and MDA decreased significantly in patients in matching to control groups. Conclusions: As a conclusion, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are more prevalent agents involved in ear infections. Male patients are more susceptible patients to contracting ear infections. Vitamin D3, Human GR, SOD, and MDA antioxidants levels decline in patients with ear infections.

The Level of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D3 in Gingival Crevicular fluid and Serum Pre-Post Scaling and Root Planning in Chronic Periodontitis Patients in Western Libya: Comparative Study

Despite the critical role of vitamin D in the body, it can be affected by several factors that may cause deficiency and imbalances in vitamin D levels. The study aimed to evaluate 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 in chronic periodontitis patients. The total study participants were 40 patients. They were divided into (20) as a study group with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis, and (20) chronic gingivitis patients were chosen as a control group. Gingival crevicular fluid and serum samples were collected at baseline and six weeks after therapy for the study group and at baseline for the control group. Systemic and local levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The study group of diseased patients received initial periodontal therapy (SRP). The study showed that respective local 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 levels significantly increased from baseline up to six weeks after (SRP) (3.41ng/ml versus 4.57ng/ml), P=0.022. The respective systemic 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 levels significantly increased after six weeks from SRP (39.88ng/ml versus 41.48 ng/ml), P=0.001.