D3 Levels Research Articles

Association of bisphenol A with 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D levels and 1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D ratio in cord blood.

The aim was to investigate the association between bisphenol A (BPA), 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], and 1α,25 dihydroxy vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] levels in the cord blood of newborn babies. BPA was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and vitamin D levels by commercial ELISA or ECLIA kits. BPA and Vitamin D levels were grouped according to tertile values. In the cord blood, the median 25(OH)D level was 14.9ng/mL (IQR: 8.5-20.8) and median 1,25(OH)2D level was 53.3pg/dL (IQR: 42.3-98.4). 25(OH)D levels were < 20ng/mL in 76.5% of the babies. BPA was detectable in 72.4% of the cord blood samples; median BPA level was 1.57ng/mL (IQR: < DL-4.05ng/mL). Frequencies of vitamin D deficiency and frequencies of cases having the highest tertile active vitamin D levels were similar in groups of BPA tertiles in both univariate and multivariate analysis. In conclusion, both BPA exposure and insufficient vitamin D transfer via cord blood are common in newborns. Bisphenol A levels were not correlated with vitamin D levels in cord blood of healthy mother-fetus pairs.

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

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

Effect of vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphism on hospitalization of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients

Low vitamin D levels and adverse effects have been reported in SARS-COV-2 positive patients. This study examined the effect of the vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphism on SARS-COV-2 positive patients. A total of 80 SARS-COV-2 positive inpatients were included in the study, and 110 healthy individuals were included as a control group. The 25-(OH) vitamin D3, lymphocyte, and activated partial thromboplastin time levels of SARS-COV-2 positive patients were lower than those of the control group. The prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and ferritin levels of SARS-COV-2 positive patients were higher than those of the control group. A negative correlation was found between 25-(OH) vitamin D3 levels and white blood cell count, PT, INR, D-dimer, CRP, procalcitonin, and ferritin levels in SARS-COV-2 positive patients. The 25-(OH) vitamin D3 level in individuals with the BB genotype was higher than the 25-(OH) vitamin D3 level in individuals with the Bb and bb genotype. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the genotype and allele distributions of BsmI polymorphism. When the genotypes were analyzed in terms of bb versus Bb + BB, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups. However, this finding was not found between the intensive care inpatient subgroup and the other inpatient subgroup. In conclusion, BsmI b allele and bb genotype were associated with hospitalization for SARS-COV-2 infection. This may be because individuals with b allele have low levels of vitamin D.

The Relation between Vitamin D Status and Anemia in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease on Regular Hemodialysis

Abstract Background Anemia is a common complication in end stage renal disease patients on regular hemodialysis (HD). several factors are linked to the pathogenesis of anemia in this population. There has been a lot of interest in the non-classical effects of vitamin D, including its association with erythropoiesis and anemia pathogenesis. Objectives To establish whether there is an association between anemia and the status of 25 OH (Hydroxy) vitamin D level in dialysis patients Methods This study is a cross sectional study that enrolled 90 patients on regular hemodialysis. Laboratory tests included Serum calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH) vitamin D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, Hemoglobin level, ferritin level, serum iron, total iron binding capacity and calculation of transferrin saturation. 25(OH) vitamin D level was measured by ELISA (Calbiotech. USA, REF: VD2208. Vitamin D status was classified into deficient (&amp;lt; 20 ng/ml), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml) and sufficient (&amp;gt;30 ng/ml). Results The level of Vitamin D measured in the patients ranged between 3.5 to 66 ng/ml with median 16.35 (8 – 34). 24 patients had vitamin D deficiency (vitamin D levels &amp;lt; 20 ng/dl), Patients with insufficient levels (vitamin D levels 20-30 ng/dl) were 32 patients, while patients with sufficient (&amp;gt; 30 ng/dl) levels were 34 patients. there were no statistically significant relations between vitamin D levels and the gender of the patients (p = 0.536), their age (p = 0.973), duration of HD (p = 0.600), Diabetes mellitus (p = 0.064) and hypertension (p = 0.249). There were statistically significant positive correlations between Vitamin D levels and the level of hemoglobin of the patients (P = 0.000), serum calcium levels (P = 0.000) and serum PO4 levels (P = 0.023). However, significant negative correlation between Vitamin D levels and serum iPTH levels (p = 0.000), serum iron (p = 0.019) and Transferrin saturation (%) (p = 0.012). Using Spearman correlation coefficient, there were highly significant positive correlations between vitamin D3 levels in all patients and both hemoglobin levels (p = 0.000) and serum calcium levels (p = 0.000). Meanwhile, there were highly significant negative correlations between vitamin D3 levels in all patients and serum iPTH levels (p = 0.000) and T.SAT of the patients (p = 0.003). Conclusion There was a significant association between the status of vitamin D and the level of hemoglobin in dialysis population who were studied, other associations with hemoglobin levels included PTH level and calcium.

Vitamin D3 analogue calcipotriol inhibits the profibrotic effects of transforming growth factor- β1 on pancreatic stellate cells

ObjectiveTo evaluate the inhibitory effect of vitamin D3 analogue calcipotriol (Cal) on the fibrosis of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) induced by TGF-β1 and the rationality of Cal use in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP). Material and methodsDouble-labeling immunofluorescence was used for the identification of VDR+PSCs in the pancreas of healthy controls (HC) and ACP patients. Van Gieson staining for examination of collagen fibers. RT-qPCR and Western Blot for determining the mRNAs and proteins of VDR, TGF-β1 and COL1A1 in the pancreas of ACP or in vitro PSCs. ELISA or LC-MS/MS for detection of serum TGF-β1 and COL1A1 or 25(OH)D3. The PSC line (RP-2 cell) was used for the determination of proteomic alterations in Cal plus TGF-β1 versus TGF-β1 and to examine the effect of VDR gene knockdown. ResultsEnhanced expression of VDR was detected in RP-2 cells stimulated with alcohol (ALC) plus Cal versus Cal alone and in PSCs in the pancreas of ACP versus HC. The increased VDR+PSCs were positively correlated with the levels of COL1A1 mRNAs or areas of collagen deposition in the pancreas of ACP. TGF-β1 was overexpressed in the pancreas of ACP and ALC-treated RP-2 cells while 25(OH)D3 level in serum was significantly decreased in ACP versus HC. Through a VDR-dependent mechanism, Cal antagonized 16 profibrotic proteins in TGF-β1-induced RP-2 cells that included 7 extracellular matrix components, 2 cytoskeletal proteins, 2 fibrosis-associated factors (RUNX1 and TRAF2), TIMP-1, CCN1, integrin α11, an adhesion scaffold protein (TGFB1i1) and an enzyme mediating TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis (ENPP1). ConclusionThis study suggests that Cal administration may be a potential antifibrotic strategy via inhibiting TGF-β1-mediated PSC action during the development of ACP.

Efficacy of Combined Photobiomodulation Therapy with Supplements versus Supplements alone in Restoring Thyroid Gland Homeostasis in Hashimoto Thyroiditis: A Clinical Feasibility Parallel Trial with 6-Months Follow-Up.

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is a thyroid-specific autoimmune disorder, triggering hypothyroidism in a population with an adequate dietary intake. Despite the current conventional treatment focuses on the permanent replacement of levothyroxine (LT4) deficiency, it appears that thyroid autoimmunity remains the cause of persistent symptoms in patients with HT, even when they achieve to be euthyroid from a biochemical standpoint. Photobiomodulation (PBM) showed to be an effective therapy in the management of autoimmune diseases, but with limited evidence. Hence, our study was conducted to appraise the efficacy of PBM therapy with supplements in restoring thyroid gland homeostasis in patients with HT compared with supplements alone. Seventy-four female subjects aged between 20 and 50 years old were recruited and divided equally into two groups: PBM and supplements group (group 1); and supplements alone group (group 2). The PBM dosimetry and treatment protocols were as follows: wavelength, 820 nm; power output, 200 mW; continuous emission mode; irradiating time, 20 s per point; fluence, 32 J/cm2 per point; treatment frequency, twice a week (excluding weekends); and treatment duration, three consecutive weeks. Whereas, the supplements protocol for both groups was the same, as follows: subjects with a serum level of vitamin D3 <40 ng/dL, who received replacement according to their serum levels, and all the subjects had a daily intake of 100 µg of oral selenium. The biochemical (FT3, FT4, antiTPO and antiTG) and anthropometric measurements were evaluated. Our findings showed significant improvement in group 1 parameters (PBM+ supplements) compared with group 2 (supplements only) in terms of weight loss and reduction in the following parameters: BMI, hip and waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, TSH, antiTPO, antiTG and treatment dose of LT4 (p < 0.05). Our results, for the first time, demonstrated an efficacy of PBM delivered at a lower fluence with supplements in restoring thyroid function, anthropometric parameters and lifestyle factors in patients with HT. Hence, extensive studies with a longer follow-up period are warranted.

Effect of High-dose Vitamin D on IL-1β Blood Level in Patients with Moderate Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Vitamin D has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in stroke patients, but its effect on pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-1, has been investigated in a few trials. This study aimed to determine the effect of prescribing a high dose of vitamin D on the anti-inflammatory parameters, short-term and long-term prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke. This randomized clinical trial was performed on 42 patients randomly divided into two equal groups of 21 in Imam Hussein Hospital. The patients were allocated through block randomization methods to receive 300,000 units of vitamin D (intramuscularly) or not receive it as a control group. Age, gender, and clinical and laboratory information were recorded. The stroke severity was calculated according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the beginning of hospitalization and upon hospital discharge. The 3-month prognosis of the patients was recorded according to the Barthel criteria three months after the stroke. Vitamin D3 levels were recorded before and after injection, while the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were assessed on the first day and for 7 consecutive days after hospitalization. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. The mean age of the patients was 61.45 ± 4.74 years. There were 18 female (42.86%) and 24 male patients (57.14%). In the vitamin D group, the mean IL-1 decreased compared to before the intervention (-23.60 ± 103.83), but this decrease was not statistically significant (P = 0.070). In addition, the changes in IL-1 after the intervention were statistically different between the two groups (mean difference of -23.60 ± 103.83 in the vitamin D group vs. 15.96 ± 9.64 in the control group). The mean IL-6 decreased in both groups after the intervention compared to before, although these changes were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the group receiving vitamin D compared to the control group, the mean NLR decreased by about 2 units, the PLR decreased by about 10 units, and the NIHSS score decreased by about one unit during the study. However, these changes were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). A high dose of vitamin D can improve the NIHSS score and decrease IL-1 and IL-6, although these changes were not statistically significant. The mean NLR and PLR decreased after using high-dose vitamin D.

Oral lichen planus among patients from Lublin Region in relation to 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 serum level.

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. It is postulated that different factors play a role in the occurrence of the disease and may activate the immune system, thus influencing the development of lichen planus. Vitamin D is a steroid prohormone with multiple systemic effects. The aim of this study was to assess oral lichen planus against 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 serum level. Vitamin D takes an active part in the pathogenesis of immunisation diseases, may have also a beneficial effect on oral health. The clinical picture of lichen planus was analyzed according to the concentration of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3. Patients were given a questionnaire interview which included questions about the co-existence of systemic diseases, subjective complaints, and information relating to the individual course of the disease. In the next stage of the study, patients were underwent a physical examination. Laboratory determinations of the concentration of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 were also performed. The mean vitamin D concentration in patients with lichen planus in the oral cavity was 14.37 ± 4.95 ng/ml. An insufficient level (10-30 ng/ml) was detected in 84.91% of the examined patients, whereas a deficiency (< 10 ng/ml) was observed in 15.09% of those patients. None of the analyzed patients had vitamin D level in the range of established clinical standards. A substantially lowered vitamin D level was found in patients reporting bleeding and pain of the gums. The study enhances relationship between reduced levels of vitamin D3 and lichen planus in patients with oral lesions. Thus, vitamin D3 control and supplementation may play an important role in the treatment of lichen planus.

Nutrients deficiencies in patients with autism spectrum disorder, role of folic acid and vitamin D3 - review of literature

Introduction and purpose: This article will discuss the relationship between nutrition deficiency, focusing on folic acid and vitamin D3 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research suggests that nutrient deficiencies play a role in the development and progression of autism. This article will investigate causes of nutrient deficiencies in ASD, like dietary constraints, food choice, and environment exposure, and their impact on ASD and related symptoms. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the research examining the relationship between folic acid and vitamin d3 supplementation and autism.&#x0D; Materials and methods: A broad search was conducted using the PubMed database in order to identify relevant studies published between 2010-2020 using keywords such as “folic acid”, “folinic acid”, "vitamin d3", "autism spectrum disorder".&#x0D; A brief description of the current state of knowledge: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that in recent years has been increasingly diagnosed among children. Only between 2016 and 2014 measured prevalence in the United States has increased by 10%. [1] The exact etiology of ASD in not known. In this review we will examine a role of folic acid and vitamin D3. Research suggests that folic acid supplements can help improve verbal skills in people with ASD. Research also shows decreased levels of vitamin d3 in ASD patients. Clinical trials involving vitamin d3 present inconclusive data but lean towards positive impact of supplementation. Both folic acid and vitamin d3 supplementation is safe. Dietary changes and oral supplementation may be beneficial for patients.&#x0D; Conclusions: Studies with larger participant numbers should be done to prove the significance of folic acid and vitamin D3 supplementation as it shows potential in being a safe and not expensive complementary therapeutic option.

Description Of Implementation Of Ventilator Bundle (VB) at ICU Of Mangusada District Hospital

The ventilator is a breathing apparatus that maintains oxygen delivery for a long time. One of the impacts caused by using a ventilator for a long time is a nosocomial infection called Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP). &#x0D; Research is a quantitative descriptive study using a cross-sectional research design. The population in this study amounted to 30 with a non-probability type sample, and researchers will use a total sampling technique. &#x0D; There were 17 women (56.7%) who had washed their hands, in the ICU training characteristics, there were 14 people (46.7%) who did not have ICU training who had done hand washing, and there were 15 people (50%) nurses with D3 nursing education who had done washing hands. There were 18 people (60%) of the female sex had taken oral hygiene measures. In the ICU training characteristics, there were 15 people (50%) who did not have ICU training who had carried out oral hygiene. In the characteristics of the education level, 17 people (56.7%) with an education level of D3 nursing have already performed oral hygiene. VAP Bundles are a set of evidence-based practices (EBP) that result in VAP improvements when carried out collectively and consistently by health workers, namely nurses and doctors responsible for patients on mechanical ventilators.

Serum Vitamin D3 and Osteocalcin Levels in Iraqi Females with Lupus Erythematosus and their Relationship to Disease Severity

Background: Lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease that affects two or more joints and is characterized by inflammation, effusion, or pain that lasts at least 30 minutes in the morning. Musculoskeletal involvement is one of the most prevalent signs of SLE and can be present in up to 90% of patients. Objective: To evaluate the serum levels of vitamin D3 (Vit-D3) and osteocalcin (OC) in patients with SLE and their association with disease severity and other biomarkers. Methods: This case-controlled observational study was conducted on 131 women with SLE and 50 healthy individuals over a period of 4 months, from November 2022 until March 2023. All participants were subjected to laboratory investigations, including measurements of CBC, blood urea, serum creatinine, and ANA levels. A consultant doctor carried out clinical examinations to classify disease severity into three categories—inactive, mild, moderate, and severe—according to the Roma Helper program. Results: The levels of Vit-D and OC were significantly decreased in SLE patients, especially in the severe group (p&lt;0.001). OC and Vit-D3 levels were negatively correlated with disease activity, while OC was positively correlated with HB. The results of Vit-D3 were positively correlated with RBC and negatively correlated with HB. Conclusion: Vit-D and OC levels were significantly decreased in females with SLE and negatively correlated with disease activity.

Genetic susceptibility of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms on autosomal recessive primary microcephaly patients in Pakistani population: a case-control and in-silico study.

Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare genetic disorder that leads to reduced cerebral cortex caused by a mutation in corticogenesis. The expression of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, and VDR polymorphisms have been associated with various neurological disorders. However, their relationship with MCPH has not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the association of VDR polymorphisms with MCPH due to its role in Wnt signaling pathway and its In-silico analysis. Blood samples of 64 MCPH patients and 52 controls were collected to genotype VDR SNPs (TaqI (rs731236), FokI (rs2228570) and BsmI (rs1544410). In-silico tools were also used to assess the effects of exonic SNPs on mRNA and protein structure and pathogenicity of exonic and intronic SNPs. The study found that serum 25-OH vitamin D3 levels were significantly different in MCPH patients and healthy controls (P = 0.000). The genetic analysis showed that VDR polymorphisms of FokI and BsmI were seven times more frequent in MCPH patients than in controls (P < 0.05) and the recessive model for TaqI and dominant model for BsmI polymorphisms were also associated with the pathogenesis of MCPH. In-silico analysis showed that the pathogenicity effects of rs2228570 and rs1544410 are neutral while rs731236 causes a silent mutation which has no effect on VDR protein. VDR polymorphisms of FokI and BsmI are associated with the risk of MCPH. These findings suggest that VDR polymorphisms play a role in MCPH, which could provide important insights for understanding the molecular mechanisms of the disease.

Safety and efficacy of Vitamin D3 supplementation with Imatinib in Chronic Phase- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia: an Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThe study aimed to compare early molecular response (EMR) rates at 3 months of imatinib therapy with and without vitamin D3 supplementation in patients newly diagnosed with chronic-phase chronic myeloid...

Coronary artery calcification scoring and vitamin D3 levels in patients with aortic valve sclerosis

Coronary artery calcification scoring and vitamin D3 levels in patients with aortic valve sclerosis

High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D3 among pregnant women in central Iran: correlation with newborn vitamin D3 levels and negative association with gestational age.

Hypovitaminosis D3 is a significant concern among pregnant women and their newborns because vitamin D3 (Vit-D3) plays a crucial role in embryonic growth, development, and health. This study aimed to evaluate the Vit-D3 status of a group of pregnant Iranian women and its association with newborn Vit-D3 levels, medical and clinical indices after delivery. A total of 206 pregnant women and their newborns were assessed for Vit-D3 levels and their correlation with gestational age. Mean±standard deviation (SD) or the orders (non-parametric tests) of variables were compared, and correlation estimations were performed to elucidate any differences or associations between groups, with a confidence interval of at least 0.95. The mean±SD of mothers' age and gestational age were 29.65±6.18 years and 35.59±1.6 weeks, respectively. Neonatal Vit-D3 levels were associated with maternal age. Using a 30 ng/mL cutoff point for serum Vit-D3 levels, 83.5% of pregnant women and 84.7% of newborns had hypovitaminosis D3. The average Vit-D3 levels of mothers and newborns at delivery time were 23.5±8.07 ng/mL and 20.76±9.14 ng/mL, respectively. Newborn Vit-D3 levels were positively correlated with maternal Vit-D3 serum levels (R=0.744; P<0.001) and gestational age (R=0.161; P=0.022). In newborns, head circumference was inversely correlated with bilirubin level (R=-0.302; P<0.001) but directly associated with weight (R=0.640; P<0.001). Hypovitaminosis D3 remains a significant challenge for pregnant Iranian women. Maternal Vit-D3 levels provide for the newborn's needs, particularly in the late stages of pregnancy. Therefore, Vit-D3 supplementation and regular monitoring are essential for pregnant women and their newborns.

Correlation between H. pylori infection and serum levels of inflammatory markers: A retrospective study

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a significant issue that affects gastrointestinal health on a global scale. It has been related to several severe side effects, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancer. Identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of H. pylori infections is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Our study aimed to analyze laboratory variables as potential biomarkers for detecting and evaluating H. pylori infections. To achieve this, we conducted retrospective research using information from 500 patients with and without H—pylori infection. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), vitamin D3 levels, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were among the laboratory variables we gathered and examined. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were used in our study. The findings of our study imply that CRP and IL-6 levels show potential as markers of the inflammatory response brought on by H. pylori infection. Additionally, we found that vitamin D3 deficiency may influence how infected patients' immune systems react to this pathogen. However, none of the characteristics under research or the TNF-alpha levels we found were significantly correlated with H. pylori infection. The conclusions drawn from our study offer important information on potential biomarkers for identifying and keeping track of H. pylori infections. We can ultimately improve patient outcomes and lessen the burden of sickness this pathogen brings by enhancing the detection and evaluation of H. pylori infections. More research is required to confirm.

Analysis of vitamin D metabolites in biological samples using a nanoluc-based vitamin D receptor ligand sensing system: NLucVDR

Many assays are currently being developed to measure the levels of vitamin D metabolites in various samples (such as blood, urine, and saliva). This study focused on the measurement of vitamin D metabolites in serum and urine using the NLucVDR assay system, which consists of a split-type nanoluciferase and ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the human vitamin D receptor. Blood and urine samples were collected from 23 participants to validate the NLucVDR assay. The 25(OH)D3 levels in the serum and urine determined by the NLucVDR assay showed good correlations with those determined by standard analytical methods (ECLIA for serum and LC-MS/MS for urine), with correlation coefficients of 0.923 and 0.844 for serum and urine samples, respectively. In the case of serum samples, 25(OH)D3 levels determined by the NLucVDR assay were in good agreement with those determined by ECLIA. Therefore, the NLucVDR assay is a useful tool for measuring serum 25(OH)D3 levels. The contribution of each vitamin D metabolite to the luminescence intensity obtained during the NLucVDR assay depends on its concentration and affinity for NLucVDR. Thus, the contribution of 25(OH)D3 in serum appears to be much higher than that of the other metabolites. In contrast, the 25(OH)D3 levels in the urine determined by the NLucVDR assay were more than 20-fold higher than those determined by a standard analytical method (LC-MS/MS), suggesting that some vitamin D metabolite(s) in the urine remarkably increased the luminescence intensity of the NLucVDR assay. Notably, the 25(OH)D3 concentration in the urine determined by the NLucVDR assay and the serum 25(OH)D3 concentration determined by standard analytical methods showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.568). These results suggest that the analysis of a small amount of urine using the NLucVDR assay may be useful for predicting the serum 25(OH)D3 levels.

Essential Oils Combined with Vitamin D3 or with Probiotic as an Alternative to the Ionophore Monensin Supplemented in High-Energy Diets for Lambs Long-Term Finished under Subtropical Climate.

Supplementation with natural additives such as essential oils (EO) or probiotics has resulted in comparable growth performance to that of supplemental monensin in fattening lambs in hot environments. Supra-supplementation levels of vitamin D3 improved the carcass weight and dressing percentage of steers fattened under tropical conditions. We hypothesized that certain combinations of these natural additives could be complementary. For this reason, a feeding trial was carried out using 48 Pelibuey × Katahdin non-castrated male lambs (107 ± 14 d age; 17.9 ± 2.51 kg LW). Lambs were fed an 88:12 concentrate to forage ratio basal diet supplemented (dry matter basis, DMI) with: (1) no additive (CON); (2) 28 mg monensin/kg diet (MON); (3) 150 mg of essential oils containing a combination of thymol, eugenol, vanillin, guaiac, and limonene plus 0.12 mg vitamin D3 (EO + D3)/kg diet; and (4) 300 mg of essential oils containing a combination of carvacrol and cynamaldehyde plus 2 g probiotic (2.2 × 108 CFU of bacillus subtilis/kg diet, EO + BS). Lambs were grouped by initial weight and assigned within six weight groupings to 24 pens (2 lambs/pen, 6 replicas per treatment) in a randomized complete block design. The experiment lasted 121 days. Daily maximal THI exceeded the 80 "danger or "emergency" range for 119 days of the 121 days of the trial. Lambs supplemented with MON had similar DMI, growth performance, and dietary energetics to those of CON lambs. Lambs supplemented with EO + BS had a greater (9.2%, p ≤ 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) than the CON and MON groups due to enhanced (10.2%, p ≤ 0.05) dry matter intake. Thus, gain efficiency (GF) and estimated dietary energy were similar for CON, MON, and EO + BS. Lambs receiving EO + D3 had similar (0.254 vs. 0.262 kg/d) ADG but a lower DMI (8%, p < 0.05) compared with EO + BS lambs. Consequently, GF and estimated dietary net energy were greater (4.9 and 3.7%, respectively; p ≤ 0.05) for EO + D3 lambs. Even when ambient heat load was elevated, the efficiency of utilization of dietary energy (observed-to-expected dietary net energy) was close to 1.00 (0.992) expected for EO + D3 lambs. In contrast, efficiency of energy utilization was depressed by -4.4% for lambs on the other treatments. Compared with the other treatments, lambs receiving EO + D3 had greater longissimus muscle area (5.6%, p < 0.05) and lower kidney pelvic fat (21.8%, p ≤ 0.05). There were no treatment effects on shoulder tissue composition or whole cuts (expressed as % of cold carcass weight). Compared to CON, lambs that were fed with natural additives showed 3.5% lower (p ≤ 0.05) intestine mass. All supplemental additives decreased visceral fat mass, which was minimal with EO + D3 treatment. Combinations of essential oils with vitamins or probiotics were superior to antibiotic monensin in finishing diets for feedlot lambs. Combining EO with probiotics promoted DM intake and gain but not gain efficiency, while combining EO with vitamin D3 supra-supplementation increased dietary energy efficiency and improved some carcass characteristics in lambs fattening under high ambient heat loads.

Diet, physical activity, and UV protection comprehensively influenced vitamin D status in college students: a cross-section study from China

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is one of the most prevalent health problems worldwide in all age groups, whereas vitamin D status of Chinese college students was seldom studied in China. The purpose of this study was to explore the vitamin D status in Chinese college freshmen and its influencing factors, providing evidence for nutrition strategy application.MethodsInformation including demographic status, diet habit, physical activity, and ultraviolet ray (UV) protection was collected by online questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were measured using a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the comprehensive influence of diet, physical activity and UV protection on serum 25(OH)D3 levels.ResultsTotally 1667 freshmen from 26 provinces, autonomous districts or municipalities, were recruited, with a mean age of 18.6 ± 0.9 years. The mean serum 25(OH)D3 levels were 18.1 ± 6.3 ng/mL and the proportion of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 67.5% and 27.8%, respectively. Multivariate linear regression indicated that higher intake of milk and yogurt, calcium or vitamin D supplementation, and longer time of outdoor activity were positively linked to higher serum 25(OH)D3, while higher intake of candy and higher UV protection index were negatively associated with serum 25(OH)D3, after adjusted for age, gender, region of original residence, latitudes, longitude and BMI.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency is very common in Chinese college students. Milk and yogurt intake and outdoor activity should be encouraged while candy intake should be limited for preventing vitamin D deficiency. Public health policies should focus on these changeable lifestyles and consider well-balanced guidelines on UV protection and vitamin D supplementation.

Abaloparatide Maintains Normal Rat Blood Calcium Level in Part Via 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D/osteocalcin Signaling Pathway.

The PTH-related peptide(1-34) analog, abaloparatide (ABL), is the second anabolic drug available for the treatment of osteoporosis. Previous research demonstrated that ABL had a potent anabolic effect but caused hypercalcemia at a significantly lower rate. However, the mechanism by which ABL maintains the stability of blood calcium levels remains poorly understood. Our in vivo data showed that ABL treatment (40 µg/kg/day for 7 days) significantly increased rat blood level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] without raising the blood calcium value. ABL also significantly augmented the carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-Ocn) in the blood and bone that is synthesized by osteoblasts, and increased noncarboxylated Ocn, which is released from the bone matrix to the circulation because of osteoclast activation. The in vitro data showed that ABL (10 nM for 24 hours) had little direct effects on 1,25-(OH)2D synthesis and Gla-Ocn formation in nonrenal cells (rat osteoblast-like cells). However, ABL significantly promoted both 1,25-(OH)2D and Gla-Ocn formation when 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the substrate of 1α-hydroxylase, was added to the cells. Thus, the increased 1,25-(OH)2D levels in rats treated by ABL result in high levels of Gla-Ocn and transient calcium increase in the circulation. Gla-Ocn then mediates calcium ions in the extracellular fluid at bone sites to bind to hydroxyapatite at bone surfaces. This regulation by Gla-Ocn at least, in part, maintains the stability of blood calcium levels during ABL treatment. We conclude that the signaling pathway of ABL/1,25-(OH)2D/Gla-Ocn contributes to calcium homeostasis and may help understand the mechanism of ABL for osteoporosis therapy.