Anti-inflammatory Effects Of Vitamin Research Articles

Evaluation of ivermectin and vitamin E based combination with antiseizure rufinamide drug for mitigation of pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling, behavioral challenges and histopathological aberrations.

Pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ)-induced kindling is a broadly used experimental model to evaluate the impact of antiseizure drugs and their novel combination on seizure progression. The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-kindling effects of ivermectin (IVM) and rufinamide (RUFI) alone and their combination with vitamin E. The mice were administered 11 injections of PTZ (40 mg/kg) followed by assessment for anxiety-like behavior and cognitive abilities in a series of behavior tests with subsequent brain isolation for biochemical and histopathological evaluation. The outcomes showed a marked protection by IVM + RUFI (P<0.001) from kindling progression, anxiety-like behavior and cognitive deficit. However, additional supplementation with vitamin E worked superior to duo therapy as these mice were noted to be most fearless to visiting open, illuminated and elevated zones of open field, light/dark and elevated-plus maze (P<0.0001). Further, they showed marked remembrance of the familiar milieu in y-maze (P<0.01) and novel objection recognition (P<0.05) tests. Additionally, their recollection of aversive stimuli in passive avoidance and spatial memory in Morris water maze were evident (P<0.0001), in comparison to kindled mice. The IVM + RUFI duo therapy and its co-administration with vitamin E prevented kindling-triggered oxidative stress in brains and neuronal damage in hippocampus. We conclude that the benefits of the co-administration of vitamin E might be the results of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin E which might be potentiating the antiseizure effects of RUFI and GABA-A modulating potential by ivermectin.

Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Vitamin A and Tryptophan on Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Stimulated with Gliadin in Celiac Disease Patients.

Celiac Disease (CeD) is an autoimmune disorder with various symptoms upon gluten exposure. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in gliadin-induced inflammation. Vitamin A (retinol; Ret) and its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), along with tryptophan (Trp) and its metabolite, kynurenic acid (KYNA), are known to influence the immune function of DCs and enhance their tolerogenicity. This research aims to assess the impact of gliadin on DC maturation and the potential of vitamin A and tryptophan to induce immune tolerance in DCs. The monocyte cells obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of celiac disease patients were differentiated into DCs in the absence or presence of Ret, RA, Trp, KYNA, and then stimulated with peptic and tryptic (PT) digested of gliadin. We used flow cytometry to analyze CD11c, CD14, HLA-DR, CD83, CD86, and CD103 expression. ELISA was carried out to measure TGF-β, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α levels. qRT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2) and integrin αE (CD103). The mRNA and protein levels of Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that PT-gliadin enhances the expression of maturation markers, i.e. CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR and promote the secretion of TNF-α and IL-12 in DCs. Interestingly, vitamin A, tryptophan, and their metabolites increase the expression of CD103, while limiting the expression of HLA-DR, CD83, and CD86. They also enhance RALDH2 and IDO expression and promote the secretion of TGF-β and IL-10, while limiting IL-12 and TNF-α secretion. These findings suggest that vitamin A and tryptophan have beneficial effects on PT-gliadin-stimulated DCs, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents for celiac disease. However, further research is needed to fully understand their underlying mechanisms of action in these cells.

The Association of Vitamin D with Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Risk: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Background and Objectives: Previous studies revealed the anti-angiogenic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects of Vitamin D (VitD) on cancer cells. Although this body of evidence supported the correlation of high VitD levels with reduced incidence rates for various malignancies, contradictory results were reported regarding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The aim of this overview was to summarize the available evidence from the existing pool of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, focusing on VitD serum status, dietary intake, and VitD receptor (VDR) polymorphisms in correlation to NMSC incidence. Materials and Methods: A literature search in electronic databases was conducted from inception to January 2023. The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in peer-reviewed journals, evaluating VitD serum levels, dietary and/or supplementary intake, or VDR gene polymorphisms, and reporting data on NMSC. Results: A total of 10 studies were included in the data analysis models. A positive association between VitD serum levels and NMSC is highlighted. However, dietary/supplementation of VitD does not exhibit a likewise strong linkage to NMSC. Despite the contradictory findings, VDR polymorphisms may play a crucial role in the intricate NMSC pathogenesis. Conclusions: This umbrella review shows that high VitD levels are associated with increased NMSC incidence, potentially due to its direct correlation with increased sun exposure. Further research on VDR polymorphisms is suggested to explore their true effect size on NMSC risk.

The Sunlight-Vitamin D Connection: Implications for Patient Outcomes in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

This review delves into the intricate relationship between Vitamin D and patient outcomes in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Vitamin D, known for its multifaceted roles in immune modulation, inflammation regulation, and maintenance of calcium homeostasis, emerges as a pivotal factor in the care of critically ill patients. Our exploration reveals a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the SICU, primarily attributable to limited sunlight exposure, comorbidities, and medication use. Importantly, Vitamin D status impacts infection rates, mortality, and length of stay in the SICU, making it a clinically relevant consideration. Mechanistic insights into the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Vitamin D shed light on its potential benefits in critical care. However, challenges, including accurate assessment, individualised supplementation, and ethical considerations regarding sunlight exposure, are evident. The prospect of personalised Vitamin D supplementation strategies offers promise for optimising patient care. In conclusion, the Sunlight-Vitamin D Connection holds significant potential to improve outcomes in the SICU, emphasising the importance of further research and tailored approaches for the well-being of critically ill individuals.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Vitamin C during the Postoperative Period in Patients Subjected to Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Vitamin C, a potent reducing and antioxidant agent, plays an important role in the body, aiding in the growth of cartilage and bones. It is also involved in mechanisms that help reduce inflammation and its effects on the body. In addition, vitamin C decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, which produce acute-phase proteins such as CRP and influence inflammatory markers such as ESR. We carried out a study with 110 patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery. We divided the patients into two groups, in which the intervention group received 15 g of parenteral vitamin C during the immediate postoperative period while the control group did not. Patients who received 15 g of vitamin C after total knee replacement surgery had decreased inflammatory markers, specifically CRP and ESR. Overall, administering vitamin C in the post-surgical period results in improved management of inflammation, as evidenced by a decrease in CRP and ESR values. This leads to faster recovery and better healing outcomes for patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of vitamin C in reducing proinflammatory cytokines, reducing the need for opioid analgesics, and its mild adverse effects make it a promising adjuvant in managing postoperative recovery.

A simple proof of vitamin D deficiency and inflammation relation: single center study, over two thousand patients

Aim: Vitamin D deficiency is a very common condition in the world. Although vitamin D appears to be effective mainly on calcium and bone metabolism, it is an important molecule that also affects immune functions and inflammation. In our study, we tried to evaluate the contribution of vitamin D deficiency to inflammation by examining the platelet indices of patients with low and normal vitamin D levels. Methods: Healthy patients who applied to internal medicine outpatient clinics of our hospital for routine control in 2017 were included in our study. Patients are included in the study by following needed criteria; creatinine &amp;lt;1.3 mg/dl, hemoglobine &amp;gt;12 gr/dl, vitamin B12 &amp;gt;150 pg/dl, red cell distribution width &amp;lt;14 fL, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) between 1-5 IU/L and C-reactive protein (CRP) &amp;lt;10 mg/dl. Patients were divided into two groups, those with vitamin D less than 10 ng/ml as the study group and those above 30 ng/ml as the control group. Results: A total of 2179 patients, 644 male and 1535 female, were included in the study. 797 patients constituted the study group (27.1% male), and 1382 patients constituted the control group (31% male). When the two groups were compared in terms of platelet indices, we found that mean platelet volume (MPV) and plateletcrit (PCT) were significantly higher in the study group (p&amp;lt;0.001, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion: In our study, we found that MPV and PCT values increased significantly with vitamin D deficiency. We attributed this result to the absence of the anti-inflammatory activity of vitamin D. As a result, treating a patient’s vitamin D deficiency can also protect patients from cardiovascular or autoimmune diseases through the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D.

Maternal 25(OH)D attenuates the relationship between ambient air pollution during pregnancy and fetal hyperinsulinism

Inflammatory responses have been demonstrated to link air pollution with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in adults. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between prenatal air pollution and fetal β-cell function and the mediating effect of systematic inflammation remains elusive. Whether the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D could attenuate the β-cell dysfunction in early life warrants further investigations. We aimed to determine whether maternal blood 25(OH)D attenuates the associations of ambient air pollution during pregnancy with fetal hyperinsulinism mediated by maternal inflammatory response. A total of 8250 mother-newborn pairs were included between 2015 and 2021 in the Maternal & Infants Health in Hefei study. Weekly mean air pollution exposure to fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10), SO2, and CO was estimated across pregnancy. Maternal serum samples in the third trimester were used to measure the high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and 25(OH)D. Cord blood samples at delivery were collected for the measurement of C-peptide. Fetal hyperinsulinism was based on cord C-peptide >90th centile. An increased fetal hyperinsulinism risk was associated with per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 [odds ratios (OR): 1.45 (95% confidence interval (CI):1.32, 1.59)], per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 [OR = 1.49 (95% CI:1.37, 1.63)], per 5 μg/m3 increase in SO2 [OR = 1.91 (95% CI: 1.70, 2.15)], and per 0.1 mg/m3 increase in CO [OR = 1.48 (95% CI:1.37, 1.61)] across pregnancy. Mediation analysis showed a 16.3% contribution of maternal hsCRP to the relationship between air pollution throughout pregnancy and fetal hyperinsulinism. Air pollution-associated higher levels of hsCRP and risk of fetal hyperinsulinism could be attenuated by higher maternal 25(OH)D levels. Prenatal ambient air pollution exposures were associated with an increased fetal hyperinsulinism risk mediated by maternal serum hsCRP. Higher antenatal 25(OH)D levels could attenuate air pollution-induced inflammatory responses and hyperinsulinism risk.

Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin C on the liver of laying hens under chronic heat stress.

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of vitamin C on chronic heat stress (CHS)-induced liver oxidative damage and inflammation in laying hens. The thermoneutral control group (TN group) was kept at a constant temperature of 22 ± 1°C, while the chronic heat stress group (CHS group) and the vitamin C supplemented group (HSV group) were exposed to heat stress (HS) (36 ± 1°C, 8 h/d). The TN and HS groups were fed the basic diet at will, and the HSV group was supplemented with 300 mg/kg of vitamin C on top of the basic diet. The experimental results showed a significant improvement in body weight and feed intake in the HSV group compared to the HS group. A significantly lower pH and higher and PCO2 levels were observed in the HSV group compared to the CHS group. As laying hens were supplemented with vitamin C, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level was declined, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were increased, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was increased. Further, CHS induced an increase in the expression of inflammation-related genes and a decrease in the expression of antioxidant-related genes. In contrast, the addition of vitamin C reversed the effects of CHS, resulting in an increase in the expression of antioxidant-related genes and a decrease in the expression of inflammation-related genes. In conclusion, vitamin C can effectively alleviate CHS-induced acid-base imbalance in body fluids of laying hens and the oxidative damage and inflammatory response caused to the liver. Therefore, vitamin C can be used clinically as an effective drug to alleviate chronic heat stress in laying hens. This experiment provides clinical evidence and theoretical basis for the use of vitamin C as an effective drug to alleviate chronic heat stress in laying hens.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d and myeloperoxidase: A cross-sectional study of a general population in China.

BackgroundSeveral studies have found a strong association between cardiovascular diseases and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as a marker of oxidative stress. Although the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D in adults have been validated, evidence about the relationship between MPO and 25(OH)D is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between MPO and 25(OH)D in the general Chinese population.MethodsFrom November 2018 to August 2019, a total of 6414 subjects were enrolled in a tertiary referral hospital in China, which included 3,122 women and 3,292 men. The dependent and independent variables were MPO and 25(OH)D, respectively. The confounders included age, sex, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, smoking status, alcohol drinking status, calcium, and parathyroid hormone concentration.ResultsIn the fully adjusted model, we found that MPO decreased by 0.12 (95% CI −0.16, −0.08), ng/mL for each unit (1 nmol/L) increase in 25(OH)D. When 25(OH) D was divided into quartiles, compared with Q1 (< 41.4 nmol/L), the adjusted beta coefficients (β) of MPO in Q2–Q4 were −2.29 (95% CI, −4.31 to −0.27), −4.76 (95% CI, −6.83 to −2.69), and −6.07 (95% CI, −8.23 to −3.92), respectively (P for the trend < 0.0001). When 25(OH) D was divided according to clinical severity, compared with the severely deficient (< 30 nmol/L) s≥ 30, < 50 nmol/L) and sufficient groups (≥ 50 nmol/L) were −2.59 (95% CI, −5.87 to 0.69) and −5.87 (95% CI, −9.17 to −2.57), respectively (P for the trend < 0.0001).ConclusionAfter adjusting for age, sex, BMI, waist-hip ratio, smoking status, alcohol status, calcium, and PTH, circulating 25(OH)D was negatively associated with MPO.

Vitamin D and Visceral Obesity in Humans: What Should Clinicians Know?

The extraskeletal effect of vitamin D on adipose tissue biology and modulation in human obesity is of great interest and has been extensively investigated. Current evidence from preclinical and clinical studies in human adipose tissue suggests that the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D are evident and consistent, whereas the effects of vitamin D on adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis, and energy metabolism and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on adipokine levels are inconclusive. Interventional studies related to medical and surgical weight loss in humans have shown small or no improvement in vitamin D status. Additionally, the benefit of vitamin D supplementation for the reduction in visceral adipose tissue has only been demonstrated in a few studies. Overall, the findings on the relationship between vitamin D and visceral adipose tissue in humans are still inconclusive. Further studies are required to confirm the beneficial effects of vitamin D on ameliorating adipose tissue dysfunction.

The Multiple Effects of Vitamin D against Chronic Diseases: From Reduction of Lipid Peroxidation to Updated Evidence from Clinical Studies.

Background: Vitamin D exerts multiple beneficial effects in humans, including neuronal, immune, and bone homeostasis and the regulation of cardiovascular functions. Recent studies correlate vitamin D with cancer cell growth and survival, but meta-analyses on this topic are often not consistent. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database and the Clinical Trial Register was performed to identify all potentially relevant English-language scientific papers containing original research articles on the effects of vitamin D on human health. Results: In this review, we analyzed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D against acute and chronic diseases, focusing particularly on cancer, immune-related diseases, cardiomyophaties (including heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis) and infectious diseases. Conclusions: Vitamin D significantly reduces the pro-oxidant systemic and tissue biomarkers involved in the development, progression, and recurrence of chronic cardiometabolic disease and cancer. The overall picture of this review provides the basis for new randomized controlled trials of oral vitamin D supplementation in patients with cancer and infectious, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases aimed at reducing risk factors for disease recurrence and improving quality of life.

Study of Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Selected Hepatic and Renal Parameters in T2DM with Vitamin D Deficiency

Introduction:- Vitamin D has been studied as modifiable risk factor in DM. Apart from its role in glucose homeostasis, the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D is claimed to have important effect on beta cell survival and on hepatic cells. Vitamin D is said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-fibrotic actions in liver. VDD is more prevalent in T2DM, obese and NAFLD even when these conditions occur separately. Literature states the protective effective of vitamin D on kidney. Association of VDD with albuminuria and chronic kidney disease in diabetics has also been reported. Material and Methods:- This is a type of comparative and interventional study. 63 T2DM patients aged 30 – 60 years with VDD were included. Baseline investigations determined blood levels of vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and serum creatitine. Patients received vitamin D intervention orally in the dose of 2000 IU daily for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks blood levels of vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and serum creatitine were determined. Results:- There was no correlation of vitamin D with urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, AST, ALT and ALP. There was extremely significant rise in vitamin D, significant fall in phosphate level, non-significant fall in creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP and non-significant rise in calcium, urea after 12 weeks of vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion:- There was no correlation of vitamin D with hepatic and renal parameters. Also 12 weeks of vitamin D supplementation had no significant improvement in these parameters in T2DM.

Вплив вітаміну D на перебіг вагітності, розвиток плода та здоров’я дітей у постнатальному періоді

Значне поширення і негативні наслідки недостатності і дефіциту вітаміну D становлять проблему для широкого кола фахівців у всьому світі. Вагітні та жінки репродуктивного віку, діти і підлітки належать до груп ризику стосовно виникнення дефіциту вітаміну D, що підтверджується результатами багатьох епідеміологічних досліджень. Вітамін D відіграє важливу роль у забезпеченні системи «мати — плацента — плід», включаючи імплантацію, формування плаценти, ембріогенез, інтра- і постнатальний періоди. Аналіз літератури свідчить про негативний вплив низьких рівнів 25(ОН)D на перебіг та наслідки вагітності, розвиток плода та здоров’я новонароджених. Дефіцит вітаміну D поєднується з такими станами, як плацентарна недостатність, невиношування вагітності, прееклампсія, гестаційний цукровий діабет, синдром затримки росту плода, низька маса тіла при народженні, підвищений ризик автоімунних захворювань. Потенційні механізми, які лежать в основі таких взаємозв’язків, містять метаболічні, імуномодулюючі та протизапальні ефекти вітаміну D. Окремий інтерес становлять епігенетичні модифікації і, як наслідок, фетальне програмування, асоційоване з рівнем 25(ОН)D. На сьогодні в літературі активно обговорюються питання профілактики недостатності вітаміну D серед жінок різних етнічних груп, дози й оптимальні терміни початку терапії у вагітних, тривалість застосування і вплив на вагітність і пологи. Корекція недостатності вітаміну D сприяє поліпшенню результатів вагітності та збереженню здоров’я дітей. У той же час результати досліджень залишаються суперечливими і не дозволяють однозначно оцінити ефективні дози і безпеку вітаміну D. Необхідні подальші рандомізовані клінічні дослідження з метою вивчення терапевтичного потенціалу вітаміну D і створення чітких рекомендацій стосовно ліквідації його дефіциту у вагітних і жінок у період лактації.

Prophylactic effect of Amiodarone and in combination with vitamin C in reducing atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia following cardiac surgery, leading to hemodynamic impairment and increased mortality and morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and increases hospitalization. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin C as well as the antiarrhythmic effect of amiodarone in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting, we decided to compare and evaluate the prophylactic effect of amiodarone alone and in combination with vitamin C in controlling this complication. In this double-blind clinical trial, patients were divided into two equal groups of amiodarone (300 mg amiodarone bolus during 20-30 minutes) and amiodarone + vitamin C (150 mg amiodarone and 2g vitamin C combination). Each group included 42 patients. All data were analyzed by SPSS 19 software and statistical tests of ANOVA, Chi-square and Repeated Measure. There was a significant difference between the two groups of amiodarone and amiodarone+vitamin C (p-value = 0.01) and the mean incidence of AF in the amiodarone +vitamin C group was significantly lower than that of amiodarone alone. Other arrhythmias were also lower in the amiodarone +vitamin C group than in the amiodarone group alone. The use offibrillation after CABG compared with prophylactic amiodarone alone, but did not have a significant effect on decreasing ICU stay(discharge) and duration of hospitalization.

Prophylactic effect of Amiodarone and in combination with Vitamin C in reducing atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia following cardiac surgery, leading to hemodynamic impairment and increased mortality and morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and increases hospitalization. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin C as well as the antiarrhythmic effect of amiodarone in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting, we decided to compare and evaluate the prophylactic effect of amiodarone alone and in combination with vitamin C in controlling this complication. In this double-blind clinical trial, patients were divided into two equal groups of amiodarone (300 mg amiodarone bolus during 20-30 minutes) and amiodarone + vitamin C (150 mg amiodarone and 2g vitamin C combination). Each group included 42 patients. All data were analyzed by SPSS 19 software and statistical tests of ANOVA, Chi-square and Repeated Measure. There was a significant difference between the two groups of amiodarone and amiodarone+vitamin C (p-value = 0.01) and the mean incidence of AF in the amiodarone +vitamin C group was significantly lower than that of amiodarone alone. Other arrhythmias were also lower in the amiodarone +vitamin C group than in the amiodarone group alone. The use offibrillation after CABG compared with prophylactic amiodarone alone, but did not have a significant effect on decreasing ICU stay(discharge) and duration of hospitalization.

Effects of Vitamin D and Simvastatin on Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D and Simvastatin (SIM) on a high-fat diet (HFD) induced-obese rats. Methods: 40 adult male rats were divided into four groups: control group, HFD, HFD + vitamin D, and HFD + SIM for 14 weeks. Vitamin D or SIM supplementation was done for the last 6 weeks. Vitamin D dosage was 500 IU/kg, while SIM dosage was 10 mg/kg. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration and markers of oxidative stress including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione(GSH) concentrations in serum were determined using ELISA kits and spectrophotometry methods, respectively. Results: Treatment with vitamin D or SIM could significantly reduce IL-6 and MDA and increases SOD, GPx activities, and GSH levels. Oxidative stress can result not only from increased ROS production but also from dysfunctional antioxidant defenses. Conclusion: From the experimental results, it was observed that SIM and vitamin D could attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation markers associated with obesity.

Evaluation of the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in hemodialysis patients, Isfahan, Iran

Introduction: Chronic low-grade inflammation is a comorbid factor in Chronic kidney disease (CKD), and especially in chronic dialysis patients. Recently, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which is very available and affordable, has emerged as an inflammatory index in many disorders such as CKD. Several studies also have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D, and scientists believe that we must prevent vitamin D deficiency in CKD patients. Vitamin D supplementation may decrease mortality and morbidity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Objectives: There are few studies on the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and NLR in ESRD patients. Therefore, we tried to evaluate this correlation, hoping to be a key for more researches. Patients and Methods: We enrolled 140 ESRD hemodialysis patients in a cross-sectional study and evaluated the correlation of NLR with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and some demographic factors in these patients. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant negative correlation between NLR and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (P=0.010, r= -0.216). However, other variables such as disease duration and age had no correlation with NLR (P=0.649, r= - 0.039 and P=0.781, r= - 0.024, respectively). We also used a linear regression test to check any confounder associated with NLR, and the regression was only significant for serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (P=0.011, B=-0.009). Conclusion: Based on the results, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels can be considered a predictor for NLR in hemodialysis patients.

Vitamin D stimulates miR-26b-5p to inhibit placental COX-2 expression in preeclampsia

Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Increased placental cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity was proposed to contribute to the inflammatory response in preeclampsia. This study was to investigate if vitamin D can benefit preeclampsia by inhibiting placental COX-2 expression. Placenta tissues were obtained from 40 pregnant women (23 normotensive and 17 preeclampsia). miR-26b-5p expression was assessed by quantitative PCR. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and COX-2 expression were determined by immunostaining and Western blot. HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells were cultured in vitro to test anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D in placental trophoblasts treated with oxidative stress inducer CoCl2. 1,25(OH)2D3 was used as bioactive vitamin D. Our results showed that reduced VDR and miR-26b-5p expression, but increased COX-2 expression, was observed in the placentas from women with preeclampsia compared to those from normotensive pregnant women. Transient overexpression of miR-26b-5p attenuated the upregulation of COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production induced by CoCl2 in placental trophoblasts. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment inhibited CoCl2-induced upregulation of COX-2 in placental trophoblasts. Moreover, miR-26b-5p expression were significantly upregulated in cells treated with 1,25(OH)2D3, but not in cells transfected with VDR siRNA. Conclusively, downregulation of VDR and miR-26b-5p expression was associated with upregulation of COX-2 expression in the placentas from women with preeclampsia. 1,25(OH)2D3 could promote miR-26b-5p expression which in turn inhibited COX-2 expression and PGE2 formation in placental trophoblasts. The finding of anti-inflammatory property by vitamin D through promotion of VDR/miR-26b-5p expression provides significant evidence that downregulation of vitamin D/VDR signaling could contribute to increased inflammatory response in preeclampsia.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Vitamin K in Aging

Vitamin K is a fundamental enzymatic co-factor implicated in the carboxylation of several vitamin K dependent proteins involved in the pathogenesis of certain age – related diseases. Inflammation is realized as an important factor in such diseases. Vitamin K is recognized to play an anti-inflammatory behavior that is distinct of its action as an enzymatic co- factor by suppressing many signaling pathways mainly the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signal transduction pathway. As well as to play a role as an antioxidant versus the generation of reactive oxidative species (ROS). The purpose of this review is to focus on the protective function of vitamin K as an anti-inflammatory agent in these age- associated diseases. And the importance of vitamin K complement as a protective nutrient in aging.

Vitamin D Receptor Immunoexpression in Benign and Malignant Prostate Tumors

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a major health concern of men. Vitamin D can modulate innate or adaptive immune responses. The anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects of Vitamin D are mediated through gene transcription by Vitamin D receptor (VDR), including angiogenesis and tumor cell invasion. Targeted therapy in carcinoma prostate such as is as calcitriol is an alternative therapy for better treatment outcome. &#x0D; METHODS AND MATERIALS: We investigated VDR immunoexpression in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate adenocarcinoma. The cross-sectional study, categorical analysis of 60 paraffin blocks consist of 30 samples diagnosed as BPH, and 30 samples of prostate adenocarcinoma were divided three grading groups based on Patterns of Gleason: low, moderate, and high grade. Immunostaining was used to evaluate the VDR immunoexpression by histoscore. &#x0D; RESULTS: The results showed that strong expression of VDR was 40% in BPH and 33.33% in prostate adenocarcinoma (p = 0.961). The strong expression of VDR in low, moderate, and high grade was 10%, 3.33%, and 20%, respectively. Statistically, there is no significant different (p = 0.906). &#x0D; CONCLUSION: Positive immunoexpression of VDR affected the differentiation of prostatic adenocarcinoma.