Ability Of Vitamin Research Articles

Vitamin D, a steroid hormone, from theory to practice

Recently deceased professor Luboslav Stárka was a world-renowned doctor who devoted his whole life to the study and therapeutic use of steroids, and was particularly interested in vitamin D. He knew from his own experience and from deep knowledge that this vitamin, one of the oldest steroids in development, must have a number of effects in addition to the undeniably positive effects on bones. He commissioned our task force to address the issues surrounding vitamin D, leading to years of studies with robust results made possible by the use of chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), a so-called gold standard of measurement that is a cornerstone of recent scientific studies. This led to a whole series of scientific publications, the aim of which was to point out the possibility of using the abilities of vitamin D and thus also the gift that nature has given us.

Helicobacter pylori Dormant States Are Affected by Vitamin C.

Helicobacter pylori colonizes human gastric mucosa, overcoming stressful conditions and entering in a dormant state. This study evaluated: (i) H. pylori's physiological changes from active to viable-but-non-culturable (VBNC) and persister (AP) states, establishing times/conditions; (ii) the ability of vitamin C to interfere with dormancy generation/resuscitation. A dormant state was induced in clinical MDR H. pylori 10A/13 by: nutrient starvation (for VBNC generation), incubating in an unenriched medium (Brucella broth) or saline solution (SS), and (for AP generation) treatment with 10xMIC amoxicillin (AMX). The samples were monitored after 24, 48, and 72 h, 8-14 days by OD600, CFUs/mL, Live/Dead staining, and an MTT viability test. Afterwards, vitamin C was added to the H. pylori suspension before/after the generation of dormant states, and monitoring took place at 24, 48, and 72 h. The VBNC state was generated after 8 days in SS, and the AP state in AMX for 48 h. Vitamin C reduced its entry into a VBNC state. In AP cells, Vitamin C delayed entry, decreasing viable coccal cells and increasing bacillary/U-shaped bacteria. Vitamin C increased resuscitation (60%) in the VBNC state and reduced the aggregates of the AP state. Vitamin C reduced the incidence of dormant states, promoting the resuscitation rate. Pretreatment with Vitamin C could favor the selection of microbial vegetative forms that are more susceptible to H. pylori therapeutical schemes.

Two lineages of immune cells that differentially express the vitamin D receptor

Since 1983 it has been known that monocytes and activated T and B cells expressed the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and are therefore vitamin D targets. New data identified two lineages of immune cells that can be differentiated by the expression of the VDR. Monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and hematopoietic stem cells were mostly from VDR positive lineages. T cells, ILC1 and ILC3 were also largely VDR positive, which is consistent with the known effects of vitamin D as regulators of type-1 and type-3 immunity. Activation of the VDR negative T cells did not induce the expression of the VDR reporter, suggesting that perhaps only a subset of the T cells in the periphery express the VDR. When activated, the VDR negative T cells responded as if they were VDR knockout T cells in that they made more IFN-γ and proliferated faster than the VDR positive T cells. The ability of vitamin D to regulate immune function will depend on which cells express the VDR and a better understanding of the signals that regulate VDR expression in immune cells.

Anti-inflammaging effects of vitamin D in human gingival fibroblasts with advanced glycation end product stimulation

Background/purpose:Both periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus (DM) are long-term inflammatory disorders that are highly prevalent and have a significant health impact. Inflammaging, a state of pre-aging and hyperinflammatory state has been acknowledged for its role in DM patients to have heightened risk of periodontitis. Numerous evidences revealed that inflammaging contributed by cell senescence, acceleration of inflammation and oxidative stress participates in the destruction of periodontium in DM. Abilities of vitamin D in suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress have been revealed in a range of tissues, however in DM’s gingival cells, the effect remain undefined. Materials and methods: Under the stimulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), we assessed the cell proliferation in human gingival fibroblast (HGF), IL-6 and IL-8 secretions, cellular senescence expression and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with or without vitamin D intervention. Following that, we examined the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 to see if vitamin D was able to modulate the anti-oxidant signaling. A knockdown experiment was then conducted to proof the participation of Nrf2 on the secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IL-8. Results: Following the treatment of vitamin D, AGEs-elicited IL-6 and IL-8 production and cell senescence were dose-dependently repressed. Moreover, vitamin D attenuated AGEs-induced ROS in a dose-dependent pattern. Results from qRT-PCR demonstrated vitamin D reversed the suppression of Nrf2 and HO-1 induced by AGEs. Our findings revealed that the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect in vitamin D was mediated via the upregulation of Nrf2 expression. Conclusion: These data showed that high levels of AGEs in the gingiva lead to inflammaging reflected by increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, cell senescence expression and oxidative stress. Vitamin D supplementation can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation via the upregulation of Nrf2 signaling and hence, may be a potential approach for treatment of diabetes-associated periodontitis.

Vitamin D enhances type I IFN signaling in COVID-19 patients

The ability of Vitamin D (VitD) to modulate antiviral responses through induction of antimicrobial peptide is well established. However, the effect of VitD on host responses to SARS-CoV-2 is not well investigated. We here report the ability of VitD to enhance host IFN-alpha/beta (a/β) signaling both in vitro and among severe COVID-19 patients treated with VitD. Blood and saliva specimens were obtained from severe COVID-19 patients treated (43 patients), or not (37 patients), with vitD, during their stay in intensive care unit. Patients were followed up to 29 days following admission, and patient survival outcomes were collected. Higher activity levels of RIG-1/MDA-5 and JAK-STAT signaling pathways were observed with significantly higher gene and protein levels of antiviral interferon stimulating genes (ISGs) such as MX-1 and ISG-15; both in vitro, following treatment of PBMCs with vitD, and in whole blood and saliva specimens of VitD treated patients. Moreover, VitD treated patients had lower risk of all-cause mortality by day 29 compared to untreated patients (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.37, 95% confidence interval of 0.14–0.94; P = 0.038). The herein uncovered regulatory role of VitD on type I IFNs suggests the importance of insuring a normal level of VitD for the prevention and probably treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additional mechanistic studies, however, are needed to fully elucidate the antiviral effects of VitD particularly in the setting of COVID-19 infection.

Vitamin E and Non-Communicable Diseases: A Review.

Vitamin E, a nutrient found in several foods, comprises eight lipophilic vitamers, the α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and the α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols. This vitamin is capable of exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and acting as immunomodulators. Despite these well-known biological activities, the findings regarding the ability of vitamin E and its serum metabolites to prevent and/or control chronic disease are often conflicting and inconsistent. In this review, we have described the metabolism of vitamin E and its interaction with the gut microbiota, considering that these factors may be partially responsible for the divergent results obtained. In addition, we focused on the correlations between vitamin E serum levels, dietary intake and/or supplementation, and the main non-communicable diseases, including diabetes mellitus, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and the four most common cancers (breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer) with the intention of providing an overview of its health effects in the non-communicable-diseases prevention.

Vitamin D and autoimmune thyroid diseases (part 2)

The paper is devoted to the disclosure of mechanisms underlying the ability of vitamin D to modulate inflammatory processes in autoimmune thyroid diseases. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) was found to be expressed in many activated immune cells. Calcitriol affects monocytes and dendritic cells by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, it has effects on differentiation and maturation of antigen-presenting cells, resulting in the suppression of activation and proliferation of T-lymphocytes. Vitamin D was established to be able to shift the differentiation of CD4+ cells towards type 2 T­helpers (Th2) and T­-regulatory phenotypes and inhibit the development and activity of T-helpers of type 17 (Th17) and type 1 (Th1). In recent years, researchers have drawn attention to the regulatory effect of vitamin D on the balance of Treg /Th17 cells. It has been assumed that mutual Th17 and Treg conversion is feasible due to the tight relationship of the processes of differentiation of these cells and presence of the general key development factor — transforming growth factor­β (TGF­β). Proteins of the Smad family play a crucial role in the transmission of TGFβ signals, and Smad3 is important for Treg cells, while Smad7 is associated with the proinflammatory phenotype of T cells. Experiments have established the ability of vitamin D to suppress Smad7 expression, thus promoting increased Smad3 synthesis. Vitamin D has an inhibitory effect on the expression of Th17 cytokines and the differentiation of Th17 cells into pathogenic types. Results of several investigations demonstrated that cholecalciferol preparations had a beneficial effect on thyroid pathology, but these data are ambiguous. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of vitamin D intake in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune thyroid disease.

On the importance of implementing the vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents of the Russian Federation program to improve anti-infectious immunity and long-term health prognosis in children

The article presents the literature data on the immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D and the results of studies in which the increased risk and frequency of various respiratory infections in children with its deficiency were noted. Vitamin D belongs to the class of secosteroids and, having a pleiotropic mechanism of action, plays an important role in maintaining basic regulatory functions in the body during all periods of ontogenesis. As numerous studies show, adequate provision of vitamin D helps to reduce morbidity, including infectious, and its low level is associated with many negative aspects in relation to a number of diseases (cancer, allergies, autoimmune, cardiac). The ability of vitamin D to act as a protective factor, providing an immunomodulatory response and, conversely, in the presence of deficiency to act as a risk factor for the development and course of respiratory viral infection makes it relevant to search for relationships and causal factors. Use of vitamin D preparations is necessary for prevention and treatment of children and adults at complex approach to therapy of infections, including SARS-CoV-2.

Vitamin A and pregnancy: myths and reality; prospects for the use in patients with endometriosis. A review

BACKGROUND: Retinol in its various forms, being a powerful antioxidant, has a multifaceted effect on the functioning of body systems. Replenishment of the daily requirement for the vitamin is possible only when it is supplied from outside sources. Both excess intake and deficiency of retinol are associated with adverse effects.
 AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the role of vitamin A in the functioning of the female reproductive system, its effect on pregnancy, and the prospects of using it as a pathogenically justified therapy for endometriosis.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed this review, analyzing articles from such electronic databases as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cyberleninka, published in the period from 2000 to 2020.
 RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin A plays an important role in pregnancy; its deficiency is associated with a number of malformations, the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and disorders of the immune system development in the fetus. Despite the alleged risk of using vitamin A in pregnant women, it can be prescribed both at the planning stage and during pregnancy in safe therapeutic doses, up to 10,000 IU / day, in order to reduce the number of congenital malformations, to give birth to children with higher Apgar scores, and to prevent anemia. Retinol has antiproliferative and antitumor effects and affects the biosynthesis of estrogens, which justifies the possibility of its involvement in the pathogenesis of genital endometriosis. Given the ability of vitamin A to inhibit the proliferation of endometrioid ovarian cysts, to reduce the size of endometrioid heterotopias, and to modulate the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, it can be considered as a perspective therapy in the combined treatment of genital endometriosis.

Cognition enhancing abilities of vitamin D, epalrestat and their combination in diabetic rats with and without scopolamine induced amnesia

Persistent hyperglycaemia and scopolamine were used to inflict amnesia in rats. Chronic hyperglycaemia causes metabolic impairment, neuronal dysfunction and oxidative stress causing cognitive impairment. This study aimed to determine anti amnesic activities of vitamin D, epalrestat and their combination against diabetes and scopolamine induced cognitive dysfunction. A total of eighty-eight Wistar albino rats, eleven groups, and 8 rats/Gr., were used. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in all groups, except Gr.1 which was treated with 2 ml normal saline. Gr. 2 to 11 by feeding high fat diet for 28 days followed by single dose streptozotocin 35 mg/kg i.p. Hyperglycemic rats were screened with blood sugar level > 200 mg/dL. Gr. 2 rats were treated with only streptozotocin and Gr. 3 to 6 were treated with streptozotocin and test drugs donepezil 1 mg/kg, vitamin D, 27 mcg/kg, epalrestat 57 mg/kg, vitamin D + epalrestat, per oral, respectively. Gr. 7 rats were treated with only streptozotocin + scopolamine and all others from Gr. 8 to 11 were treated with streptozotocin + scopolamine and donepezil, vitamin D, epalrestat, vitamin D + epalrestat respectively. The gold standard behavioural tests were conducted by using Morris water maze and passive avoidance paradigms after 30–60 min of inj. scopolamine, 0.5 mg/kg, intra-peritoneal. Hippocampal tissue was taken for histopathological and biochemical evaluation. Rats treated with donepezil, vitamin D, epalrestat and vitamin D + epalrestat showed significant improvement in behavioural, biochemical and histopathological parameters as compared to streptozotocin and (streptozotocin + scopolamine) treated rats. This study underscores cognition enhancing abilities of vitamin D and epalrestat, and their combination in diabetic rats with and without scopolamine.

High levels of serum vitamin D-binding protein in patients with psoriasis: A case-control study and effects of ultraviolet B phototherapy

The role of vitamin D in psoriasis remains contradictory despite the fact that vitamin D analogues constitute an established treatment for psoriasis. It has been proposed that the ability of vitamin D to exert anti-inflammatory effects might not depend solely on the concentration of serum 25(OH)D but also on the concentration of vitamin D-binding protein (DBP). High concentrations of DBP might diminish vitamin D’s biologic action. The aims of this study were (i) to analyze the serum levels of DBP, total and calculated free 25(OH)D in patients with psoriasis and compare the results with healthy controls and (ii) to study the effect of ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy on DBP levels. Caucasian subjects (n = 68) with active plaque psoriasis were compared with a population-based sample of men and women (n = 105), matched for age and sex. Season of enrollment was taken into consideration. The patients were also studied before and after UVB phototherapy. The severity of the disease was calculated as Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). DBP, free 25(OH)D index and total 25(OH)D were higher in patients with psoriasis compared with controls (P= 0.004, P = 0.045 and P < 0.0001, respectively). DBP did not change after phototherapy, whereas 25(OH)D increased and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) decreased (P < 0.001 for both). Psoriasis improved and PASI decreased after phototherapy (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between DBP and 25(OH)D or between DBP and PASI. Measurement of DBP is recommended when evaluating vitamin D status in patients with psoriasis. High DBP levels in psoriasis imply a disturbed vitamin D pathway that warrants further investigation. Direct measurement of free 25(OH)D, instead of total 25(OH)D that circumvents abnormally high levels of DBP, could be considered.

Коморбідність за цукрового діабету 1-го та 2-го типу. Вітамін D у системі моніторингу

Актуальність. Актуальність проблеми коморбідності за цукрового діабету (ЦД) обумовлена постарінням населення та значним ростом розповсюдженості ЦД, особливо серед осіб старшого віку, а також тим фактом, що ЦД сам по собі є коморбідною патологією. Мета дослідження: встановити частоту та структуру коморбідних станів у хворих на ЦД 1-го і 2-го типу при використанні командної стратегії моніторингу; дослідити забезпеченість хворих на ЦД вітаміном D, а також проаналізувати за даними надрукованих метааналізів потенційну здатність вітаміну D позитивно впливати на найчастішу коморбідну патологію у хворих на ЦД. Матеріали та методи. У 42 жінок, хворих на ЦД (15 на ЦД 1-го типу та 27 на ЦД 2-го типу), проаналізована частота і структура коморбідних станів, виявлених в умовах командної стратегії моніторингу хворих. Досліджено рівні 25(ОН)D у крові імуноферментним методом за допомогою імунотеста на аналізаторі Modular Analytics E170. Результати. У розглянутих групах середній вік жінок був вірогідно вищим при ЦД 2-го типу порівняно з ЦД 1-го типу (56,67±3,03 року проти 33,80±2,59 року; р &lt; 0,01). При цьому коморбідна патологія в групі жінок із ЦД 1-го типу виявлена за 12 із 15 розглянутих позицій, а при ЦД 2-го типу— за всіма 15 позиціями. При ЦД 1-го типу вірогідно частіше виявлено нейропатію (100 проти 77,8%; р&lt;0,05), ретинопатію (100 проти 55,6%; р &lt; 0,01), а при ЦД 2-го типу— гіпертонічну хворобу (77,8 проти 20,0%; р&lt;0,001); ожиріння (55,62 проти 0%). В обох групах спостерігалася висока частота кардіопатії (100% при ЦД 1-го типу проти 88,9% при ЦД 2-го типу), енцефалопатії (80 проти 88,9%), тиреоїдної патології (60 проти 77,8%). Середня кількість коморбідних станів була вірогідно більшою при ЦД 2-го типу (8,56±2,19 проти 7,0±0,9; р&lt;0,05). Рівень вітамінуD у крові був знижений при обох типах ЦД, при цьому в жінок із ЦД 2-го типу він відповідав стану недостатності, а при ЦД 1-го типу— дефіциту (19,55±1,80нг/мл проти 28,98±1,20нг/мл; р &lt; 0,001). Висновки. Використання командної стратегії моніторингу хворих на ЦД дозволило встановити особливості формування коморбідності в жінок із ЦД: при обох типах ЦД відзначається омолодження вікових цензів та значний ріст кількості коморбідних патологій. На тлі ЦД 2-го типу темпи росту кількості коморбідних станів є вищими, ніж при ЦД 1-го типу (при вірогідно меншій тривалості ЦД 2-го типу в них кількість коморбідних станів є вірогідно вищою). ЦД 1-го типу супроводжується дефіцитом вітаміну D, а ЦД 2-го типу— його недостатністю. При цьому натепер немає остаточного розуміння, чи є недостатність вітаміну D додатковим чинником ризику розвитку ЦД або ЦД супроводжується зниженням рівня вітаміну D. Розуміння цього питання дозволить оптимізувати термін профілактичного призначення вітаміну D.

Biochemical Perspectives of Immune Cell Response to Vitamin D

Vitamin D use could possibly boost therapeutic response and restrain requirement of antibiotic treatment when used according to recommended dietary allowance (RDA). An increasing role of Vitamin D and its analogues is documented for the controlling of psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, rosacea and acne. Besides this, it also aids in B and T cell activation as well as enhancing the activity of macrophages and monocytes. All these potentially contribute to anti-microbial response of immune system. Evidence supports that vitamin D shows enhanced antimicrobial activity and a deficiency in its RDA dosage may affect general wellbeing and longevity in an irreparable way. Possible mechanism for these effects is by an increased scrutiny of inbound pathogenic microorganisms. Multiple other mechanisms of Vitamin D may decrease the risk of infection. Vitamin D can boost innate immunity by modifying the cytokine response and production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). A reduction to infection susceptibility is documented in patients suffering atopic dermatitis. Ability of Vitamin D to balance inflammatory responses and local immunity offers thrilling prospective to understand and better treat chronic inflammatory dermatitis’s. Taking into account the potential antimicrobial benefits and the abundance of broad benefits that an adequate vitamin D level confirms, make it discreet to regularly check vitamin D status and maintain an adequate 25(OH) D levels. Vitamin D establishes itself as an economical prophylactic variant and therapeutic product. It also establishes itself as a synergistic approach to traditional antimicrobial agents. This review outlines the specific responses of immune cells which boosts their antimicrobial responses in combating a wide range of organisms due to vitamin D. These are responses by which vitamin D ensures its therapeutic role in treatment of variety of infections.

Vitamin D Pretreatment Attenuates Ciprofloxacin-Induced Antibacterial Activity.

BackgroundCiprofloxacin is an antimicrobial that is commonly used to treat several types of infections. It exerts its antimicrobial activity through interfering with bacterial DNA replication and transcription, leading to increase oxidative stress and eventually bacterial death. Vitamin D, on the other hand, has been found to have DNA protective and antioxidant effects. In the current study, the possible interactive effect of vitamin D on ciprofloxacin-induced cytotoxicity was investigated in various standard bacterial strains.MethodsThe bacterial strains that were used include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The antibacterial effect of ciprofloxacin with and without vitamin D treatment of the bacteria was assessed using disc diffusion method and by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zones of inhibition of bacterial growth. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation after pretreatment of E. Coli cells with ciprofloxacin and/or vitamin D was measured as a function of as a function of hydrogen peroxide generation.ResultsCiprofloxacin demonstrated a potent antibacterial effect against the tested strains of bacteria. Moreover, pretreatment with vitamin D resulted in protecting the bacteria from the cytotoxicity of ciprofloxacin, this was indicated by the significantly smaller zones of inhibition and higher MIC values compared to ciprofloxacin alone as well as reduced ciprofloxacin-induced ROS generation after treatment with vitamin D.ConclusionResults revealed the possible reduction in the activity of ciprofloxacin when used in combination with vitamin D. This could be explained by the ability of vitamin D to reduce oxidative stress in the bacterial cells.

Vitamin C and Its Role in Periodontal Diseases - The Past and the Present: A Narrative Review.

In humans, ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C, is a true vitamin because humans lack the ability to synthesise it. Vitamin C exhibits a number of enzymatic and non-enzymatic effects but all are accounted for by the ability of vitamin C to donate electrons and therefore acts as a reducing agent. It has a wide range of functions. For example, it acts as co-factor for a number of enzymes including those involved in collagen hydroxylation, prevents oxidative damage to DNA and intracellular proteins, and in plasma it increases endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, and reduces extracellular oxidants from neutrophils. Deficiency in vitamin C results in the potentially fatal disease scurvy, which can be cured only by administering vitamin C. It has been shown that in individuals with gingivitis and periodontitis, plasma vitamin C levels are lower than in healthy controls. In periodontitis, a reduced capacity to absorb vitamin C may play a role. The manner in which vitamin C data are obtained from blood significantly impacts the final value obtained and therefore data validity. Plasma vitamin C levels of 56.8 μmol/l may be regarded as the optimum plasma level. In order to achieve this level, at least 200 mg vitamin C per day should be ingested. It is advisable to obtain vitamin C through the consumption of fruit and vegetables rather than supplements.

Pathophysiological Role and Therapeutic Implications of Vitamin D in Autoimmunity: Focus on Chronic Autoimmune Diseases.

Vitamin D is a pleiotropic secosteroid yielding multiple actions in human physiology. Besides the canonical regulatory activity on bone metabolism, several non-classical actions have been described and the ability of vitamin D to partake in the regulation of the immune system is particularly interesting, though far stronger and convincing evidence has been collected in in vitro as compared to in vivo studies. Whether vitamin D is able to regulate at physiological concentrations the human immune system remains unproven to date. Consequently, it is not established if vitamin D status is a factor involved in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases and if cholecalciferol supplementation acts as an adjuvant for autoimmune diseases. The development of autoimmunity is a heterogeneous process, which may involve different organs and systems with a wide range of clinical implications. In the present paper, we reviewed the current evidences regarding vitamin D role in the pathogenesis and management of different autoimmune diseases.

The role of oral vitamin D3 supplementation in the treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in adults with Vitamin D deficiency.

Background:Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the mucosal lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The ability of Vitamin D (VD3) to augment innate and adaptive immune responses has sparked interest in its immunologic role in the treatment of CRS. In this study, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in CRS patients was compared to normal population and the beneficial role of Vitamin D supplementation in its treatment was also evaluated.Materials and Methods:It is a retrospective 1-year study of 200 CRS patients with Vitamin D deficiency. The patients were divided into two groups, i.e. 100 patients were given oral Vitamin D supplements and the other group of 100 patients were treated as placebo. Both Vitamin D levels and the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) were assessed at the start and end of the study period.Results:Of the 200 subjects with CRS, 100 were given oral vitamin D supplementation in the form of Cholecalciferol 60000IU weekly once for 3 months and the other group were treated with placebo. Before the treatment, the average level of serum Vitamin D was 12.31 ng/ml. After 3 months, it increased significantly to 29.71 ng/ml. Similarly, the pretreatment TNSS score was on average 11.92. After 3 months, the scores fell by an average of 10.65 points, a significant statistical difference (P < 0.05).Conclusion:There is a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in CRS patients and that vitamin D supplementation in these patients went a long way in alleviating their symptoms.

Crosstalk Between Vitamin D and p53 Signaling in Cancer: An Update.

It has now been convincingly shown that vitamin D and p53 signaling protect against spontaneous or carcinogen-induced malignant transformation of cells. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the p53/p63/p73 proteins (the p53 family hereafter) exert their effects as receptors/sensors that turn into transcriptional regulators upon stimulus. While the p53 clan, mostly in the nucleoplasm, responds to a large and still growing number of alterations in cellular homeostasis commonly referred to as stress, the nuclear VDR is transcriptionally activated after binding its naturally occurring biologically active ligand 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D with high affinity. Interestingly, a crosstalk between vitamin D and p53 signaling has been demonstrated that occurs at different levels, has genome-wide implications, and is of high importance for many malignancies, including non-melanoma skin cancer. These interactions include the ability of p53 to upregulate skin pigmentation via POMC derivatives including alpha-MSH and ACTH. Increased pigmentation protects the skin against UV-induced DNA damage and skin photocarcinogenesis, but also inhibits cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. A second level of interaction is characterized by binding of VDR and p53 protein, an observation that may be of relevance for the ability of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D to increase the survival of skin cells after UV irradiation. UV irradiation-surviving cells show significant reductions in thymine dimers in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D that are associated with increased nuclear p53 protein expression and significantly reduced NO products. A third level of interaction is documented by the ability of vitamin D compounds to regulate the expression of the murine double minute (MDM2) gene in dependence of the presence of wild-type p53. MDM2 has a well-established role as a key negative regulator of p53 activity. Finally, p53 and its family members have been implicated in the direct regulation of the VDR. This review gives an update on some of the implications of the crosstalk between vitamin D and p53 signaling for carcinogenesis in the skin and other tissues, focusing on a genome-wide perspective.

Dietary vitamin E supplementation reduces lamb meat browning on display following up to 70 days of chilled storage

Rapid browning limits the retail display of lamb meat, particularly following extended chilled storage that is typical of international shipment. Lamb stored chilled for short periods browns more rapidly on retail display when the meat has high levels of marbling (intramuscular fat), a high pH or greater oxidative capacity. In contrast, high muscle vitamin E concentration reduces browning of short stored lamb meat on retail display. However, the capacity of dietary vitamin E supplementation to reduce retail browning in lamb meat following extended chilled storage is unknown. Additionally, the ability of vitamin E to mitigate the negative impacts of intramuscular fat, pH and oxidative capacity on meat browning following chilled storage is unknown. Sixty six industry sires of Terminal, Merino and Maternal breed types were bred with Merino and Merino-cross dams to produce 132 lambs. The two lambs from each sire were divided into two vitamin E treatment groups that were housed in 12 pens (6 pens per treatment) for 8 weeks leading up to slaughter. Control lambs (6 pens of 11 lambs) were fed a pelleted ration containing basal levels of vitamin E (30 mg/kg feed) while supplemented lambs (6 pens of 11 lambs) were fed the same ration with increased vitamin E content (275 mg/kg feed). After slaughter, the m. longissimus lumborum was sampled for measurement of vitamin E concentration, intramuscular fat, pH, oxidative enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase activity, and retail meat colour. Colour samples were vacuum packaged for storage at −1 °C for 5, 35 and 70 d, before being re-sliced, wrapped and placed under stimulated retail display where meat redness (R630/R580) was measured 24 hourly for 72 h. Lamb pens supplemented with vitamin E produced redder loin meat at 24, 48 and 72 h of display compared to control pens of lambs (P < 0.05), regardless of storage time. Increasing muscle vitamin E concentration from 0.8 to 4 mg/g of loin muscle improved meat redness to a slightly greater extent in meat stored for 35 d than 5 or 70 d (P < 0.05). High intramuscular fat reduced redness in 5 day stored lamb (P < 0.05) and increasing muscle vitamin E had a greater effect improving the display colour in this highly marbled meat. These results demonstrate that dietary vitamin E supplementation will improve the display colour of highly marbled or long stored lamb meat.

Reprogramming the Epigenome With Vitamin C.

The erasure of epigenetic modifications across the genome of somatic cells is an essential requirement during their reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in remodeling the epigenome by enhancing the activity of Jumonji-C domain-containing histone demethylases (JHDMs) and the ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins. By maintaining differentiation plasticity in culture, vitamin C also improves the quality of tissue specific stem cells derived from iPSCs that are highly sought after for use in regenerative medicine. The ability of vitamin C to potentiate the activity of histone and DNA demethylating enzymes also has clinical application in the treatment of cancer. Vitamin C deficiency has been widely reported in cancer patients and has recently been shown to accelerate cancer progression in disease models. Therapies involving high-dose vitamin C administration are currently gaining traction in the treatment of epigenetic dysregulation, by targeting aberrant histone and DNA methylation patterns associated with cancer progression.