Fat-soluble Steroid Research Articles

From 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3: Optimization of UV conversion procedures toward the valorization of fish waste matrices

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble steroid, has increasingly taken a central role due to its crucial role in human health. It is estimated that about 40% of worldwide population are vitamin D deficient. The fish industry produces significant quantities of waste daily, with consequent high environmental impact. The aim of this work is to place a first brick for the fish waste reuse as a source of vitamin D3 extracts to be used for nutraceutical purposes. For this purpose, an UV conversion method for transforming the 7-dehydrocholesterol, highly present in fish, in vitamin D3 has been optimized. The UV wavelength, exposure time, temperature, stirring, and UV intensity were optimized using a surface response design tool. The optimized treatment was applied to five fish species with different fat percentages and the results were very promising reaching vitamin D3 levels >10 times higher than the pre-treatment ones.

The fine crosstalk between vitamin D and pituitary gland

Vitamin D, unlike other vitamins, is a fat-soluble steroid hormone rather than a cofactor for enzymatic reactions. The main role of vitamin D is to regulate bone metabolism and calcium-phosphate homeostasis. Lack of vitamin D causes osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults, and rickets in children. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression levels throughout the body are quite variable. Interestingly, VDRs are found in pituitary tissue. Unsurprisingly, vitamin D levels might impact hypophyseal production or activity of hormones such as growth hormone, gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone), prolactin, corticotropin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). On the other hand, pituitary hormones also influence vitamin D metabolism and several pituitary diseases are known to impact bone health. The aim of the present review is to collect available data on the crosstalk between vitamin D and the pituitary gland.

Association of vitamin D metabolites with arteriovenous fistula function in hemodialysis patients: A single center study.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a primary dialysis vascular access commonly used for maintaining hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Vitamin D (VD) is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that is closely related to vascular endothelial function. This study aimed to investigate the association between VD metabolites and AVF failure in patients undergoing HD. This study included 443 HD patients using AVF between January 2010 and January 2020. The AVF operations in these patients were newly created by the same physician. We analyzed the AVF patency rates using the chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore risk factors for AVF failure. Survival analysis was performed to explore AVF survival at different serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. Logistic regression analyses showed that male sex; age; BMI; serum albumin, triglyceride, phosphorus, 25(OH)D, iPTH and hemoglobin levels, history of hypertension, CHD, diabetes, stroke, and antiplatelet drug use; and smoking habits were not risk factors for AVF failure. The failure incidence rates of AVF in subjects in the VD deficiency and non VD deficiency group were not statistically significant (25.0% vs. 30.8%, p=0.344). The AVF failure incidence rates at 1, 3, and 5 years in the patients with 25(OH)D levels more than 20 ng/mL were 26%, 29%, and 37%, respectively, and the one-year AVF failure incidence rates were 27% in the patients with 25(OH)D levels less than 20 ng/mL. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that the no significant differences were noted when calculating the cumulative survival rates of AVF between the two groups within 50 months of AVF using. Our findings suggest that 25(OH)D deficiency is not associated with AVF failure incidence rates, and that 25(OH)D deficiency has no significant impact on long-term cumulative AVF survival rate.

The Importance of Vitamin D in Long-Term Care Residents

The Importance of Vitamin D in Long-Term Care Residents

Assay of Fatty Acids and Their Role in the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19.

Since the emergence of COVID-19, concerted worldwide efforts have taken place to minimize global spread of the contagion. Its widespread effects have also facilitated evolution of new strains, such as the delta and omicron variants, which emerged toward the end of 2020 and 2021, respectively. While these variants appear to be no more deadly than the previous alpha, beta, and gamma strains, and widespread population vaccinations notwithstanding, greater virulence makes the challenge of minimizing spread even greater. One of the peculiarities of this virus is the extreme heath impacts, with the great majority of individuals minimally affected, even sometimes unaware of infection, while for a small minority, it is deadly or produces diverse long-term effects. Apart from vaccination, another approach has been an attempt to identify treatments, for those individuals for whom the virus represents a threat of particularly severe health impact(s). These treatments include anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies, anticoagulant therapies, interleukin inhibitors, and anti-viral agents such as remdesivir. Nutritional factors are also under consideration, and a variety of clinical trials are showing promise for the use of specific fatty acids, or related compounds such as fat-soluble steroid vitamin D, to mitigate the more lethal aspects of COVID-19 by modulating inflammation and by anti-viral effects. Here we explore the potential protective role of fatty acids as a potential prophylactic as well as remedial treatment during viral infections, particularly COVID-19. We present a multiplexed method for the analysis of free and phospholipid bound fatty acids, which may facilitate research into the role of fatty acids as plasma biomarkers and therapeutic agents in minimizing pre- and post-infection health impacts.

The Role Of Vitamin D In Periodontal And Peri-Implant Health

The study of rickets led to the discovery of vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble steroid hormone, whose precursor is converted into active metabolites in the skin when subjects to ultraviolet light. Few foods are rich in vitamin D, with sensible exposure ..

Vitamin D deficiency and the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone. Its main role is to regulate calcium and phosphate levels, which are strictly associated with ossification and bone homeostasis. However, due to the presence of a nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the majority of cells of the human body, vitamin D also displays multiple effects beyond the bones. Calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D) not only affects cell growth and differentiation, but also stimulates the immune system by, for example, modulating the production of IL-4 and IL-5 anti-inflammatory cytokines. High numbers of VDRs have been found on macrophages, dendritic cells and lymphocytes, among other cells, which can be considered a very strong argument for the participation of vitamin D in autoimmune and anti-inflammatory processes. In recent months we have been witnessing the development of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most dangerous consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection is acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by the activation of lung macrophages and the so-called cytokine storm. A recent study on COVID-19 patients suggests that vitamin D activates the innate immune response and suppresses the acquired immune response; the resultant decreased cytokine expression can reduce the severity of inflammation associated with COVID-19. Among older children and adults, vitamin D deficiency is widespread and observed worldwide, including in the Polish population. Based on numerous studies, normal serum vitamin D levels were established. Vitamin D concentration below 20 ng/mL is considered deficient and a level between 20 and 30 ng/mL is regarded as suboptimal. An optimal vitamin D concentration is 30–50 ng/mL.

Association between vitamin D deficiency and sepsis in pediatric ICU

ObjectiveTo evaluate association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and sepsis in pediatric ICU (PICU).BackgroundVitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that helps maintain proper calcium homeostasis and has a role in the function of the immune system. Data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in PICU in children with sepsis and its association with poor outcome were obtained.Patients and methodsThis study was carried out on 45 patients with sepsis admitted to the PICU, Pediatric Department, Menoufia University Hospital, and 45 controls, who attended the patient clinic and were found to be healthy. Demographic data, history, and general and local clinical examination were done. Investigations such as complete blood count and C-reactive protein were done. For measurement of vitamin D, fresh blood samples were taken within 24 h of admission, and level of vitamin D was measured by ELISA. VDD was defined as less than 10 ng/ml.ResultsPrevalence of VDD [25(OH)D level < 10 ng/ml] was higher among critically ill children with sepsis compared with health controls (33.3 vs. 11.1%; P = 0.02). 25(OH)D was strongly associated with pediatric index of mortality (P = 0.02), duration of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.003), length of PICU stay (P < 0.001), and mortality (P < 0.001). VDD was not associated with age, sex, residence, or admission season.ConclusionLower 25(OH)D levels are associated with sepsis. There was a high prevalence of VDD in critically ill children with sepsis, and it was association with poor outcome.

CASE-CONTROL STUDY ON VITAMIN D STATUS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS.

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble steroid hormone and vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem especially among children and adolescents. Factors such as the low intake of vitamin D-rich food sources, poor absorption and less exposure to the sun influence this outcome. Vitamin D has an anti-inflammatory effect in the body by promoting regulatory T cell differentiation as well as recovering T helper 17 cell response and secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease, histologically characterized by predominantly eosinophilic inflammation. The most common therapeutic approaches are allergen-eliminating diets, such as excluding cow's milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts and seafood, or more specific dietary restrictions. To verify the serum levels of vitamin D in children and adolescents with eosinophilic esophagitis on a restricted food diet and to analyze their association with nutritional status, consumption of different food sources, exposure to the sun and skin color. Case-control study conducted in the city of Campinas-SP, Brazil, in which included patients were aged 2 to 18 years old, and those diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis was referred to as the case group (n=15), meanwhile a control group (n=17) was also formed. Epidemiological data, nutritional status, data on vitamin D intake (24-hour recall - performed only by EoE patients - and self-reported intake of vitamin D food sources: milk and dairy products, canned tuna and sardines, Bull's liver, chicken eggs - applied in both groups), and daily time of sun exposure (≥30 min or ≤30 min) were recorded. The samples were collected for serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, where sufficiency levels >30 ng/mL were considered, insufficiency 21 to 30 ng/mL, deficiency <20 ng/mL. There was a higher frequency of vitamin D insufficiency/ deficiency in the Eosinophilic Esophagitis group (P=0.035), even with longer sun exposure (P= 0.035). Skin color was not associated with lower levels of vitamin D in both groups studied. No difference was found in nutritional status between the groups. The present study demonstrated a higher frequency of inadequate/ deficient levels of vitamin D in children and adolescents with EoE on a restricted diet. When necessary, serum levels should be investigated and correct exposure to the sun should be encouraged, with special attention to the recommended guidelines, time spent in the sun and the appropriate clothing for correct absorption. Since exposure for more than 30 minutes in the sun does not appear to have provided a protective effect in the EoE group, even in a region with high levels of solar radiation. There was a significant difference only in the consumption of cow's milk between the case and control groups, demonstrating the low adherence to the restriction diet by the case group. No association was found between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels and nutritional status. Moreover, no association regarding the adequate or inadequate status of 25 hydroxyvitamin D and the consumption vitamin D-rich foods was identified. Multicentered studies with a larger number of cases should be performed to assess serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels and associated factors in pediatric patients with EoE.

Understanding the Biological Activities of Vitamin D in Type 1 Neurofibromatosis: New Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Design.

Simple SummaryWe herein describe the relevance of Vitamin D for human health, with a special focus on its role in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) disease. Indeed, epidemiological studies revealed that low circulating vitamin D levels inversely correlate with cutaneous manifestations and bone abnormalities, clinical hallmarks of NF1. NF1 is an autosomal dominant syndrome with a severe predisposition in developing tumors and for which limited treatment options are thus far available. In this context, vitamin D or its analogues has been used to treat both skin and bone lesions in NF1 patients, alone or in association with other therapeutic agents. We provide an exhaustive and detailed analysis of the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies aimed at analyzing the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and NF1 lesion progression. This review can add a valuable contribution to the current knowledge of NF1 disease investigating possible therapeutic strategies to ameliorate NF1 conditions.Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone playing a pivotal role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis as well as in bone health. Vitamin D levels are not exclusively dependent on food intake. Indeed, the endogenous production—occurring in the skin and dependent on sun exposure—contributes to the majority amount of vitamin D present in the body. Since vitamin D receptors (VDRs) are ubiquitous and drive the expression of hundreds of genes, the interest in vitamin D has tremendously grown and its role in different diseases has been extensively studied. Several investigations indicated that vitamin D action extends far beyond bone health and calcium metabolism, showing broad effects on a variety of critical illnesses, including cancer, infections, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Epidemiological studies indicated that low circulating vitamin D levels inversely correlate with cutaneous manifestations and bone abnormalities, clinical hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is an autosomal dominant tumour predisposition syndrome causing significant pain and morbidity, for which limited treatment options are available. In this context, vitamin D or its analogues have been used to treat both skin and bone lesions in NF1 patients, alone or combined with other therapeutic agents. Here we provide an overview of vitamin D, its characteristic nutritional properties relevant for health benefits and its role in NF1 disorder. We focus on preclinical and clinical studies that demonstrated the clinical correlation between vitamin D status and NF1 disease, thus providing important insights into disease pathogenesis and new opportunities for targeted therapy.

Vitamin D and Arterial Hypertension: Facts and Myths.

Vitamin D and its derivatives are biologically active fat-soluble steroid hormones, which are transcription factors for numerous genes. The results of several observational studies suggest the relationship between plasma concentration of vitamin D and the risk of arterial hypertension, as well as between the intensity of insolation and the risk of arterial hypertension. Based on the results of the abovementioned studies, it was hypothesized that vitamin D is characterized by the antihypertensive properties. Animal experiments have shown that vitamin D reduces activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and improves vasorelaxation of blood vessels. Results of clinical studies did not confirm these results. Moreover in interventional clinical trials, it was documented that supplementation of vitamin D did not reduce blood pressure. The influence of exposure to sunshine at different wave lengths on blood pressure was examined in clinical studies and it was found that ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) lead to the release of nitric oxide from the skin. This might explain lower level of blood pressure in subjects from the regions with a higher rate of insolation. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge concerning the relationship between vitamin D and arterial hypertension based on both observational and interventional studies.

AB005. Vitamin D in children—role beyond bones

: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that contributes to the maintenance of normal calcium homeostasis and skeletal mineralization. The prevalence of subclinical vitamin D deficiency is not only restricted to rural population, but it is highly prevalent across the whole globe. It affects the individuals irrespective of their gender, race and geography. It’s deficiency is common in all age groups including the neonates. Although, it is commonly known as vitamin, but is actually not an essential dietary vitamin in the strict sense, as it can be easily synthesized by all mammals from sunlight in adequate amount. Vitamin D not only plays an essential role in calcium homeostasis and bone mineral metabolism, but it also helps in performing a wide range of fundamental biological functions such as cell differentiation, inhibition of cell growth and immunomodulation. By inhibiting uncontrolled proliferation and stimulation of cell differentiation, Vitamin D helps to prevent development of autoimmune disorders and even common cancers. Prolonged usage of certain drugs (Glucocorticoids, cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers, anticonvulsants, antiretro viral agents etc.) and other health problems including chronic kidney disease, asthma, pneumonia, coeliac disease, liver disease, tuberculosis, cancers (prostate, breast and colon), diabetes etc. are associated with Vitamin D deficiency. The concept of vitamin D possessing important pleiotropic actions and owing to its multiple implications on health, the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency significantly contributes to the burden on the healthcare system and society. Thus, it is desirable to update our knowledge about current research related to role of vitamin D beyond bone metabolism.

Study progress of vitamin D in respiratory diseases in children

Vitamin D is an active derivative of fat-soluble steroid, which can promotes the absorption of Ca in the intestine and maintains the concentrations of serum Ca in blood as well as phosphate.Recent researches found that the lack of vitamin D would increase the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, neuropsychiatric diseases, tumors and other metabolic diseases in addition to affecting the development of bones.More stu-dies have shown that low vitamin D levels is related to respiratory diseases in children.In this review, the physiological characteristics of vitamin D and the relationship with respiratory diseases in children were discussed. Key words: Vitamin D; neonatal respiratory distress syndrome; Bronchiolitis; Asthma; Recurrent respiratory infections

Therapeutic Value of Vitamin D as an Adjuvant Therapy in Neonates with Sepsis

The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic value of vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in neonates with sepsis. This study included 60 neonates with sepsis who were randomly divided into 2 equal groups; group I: 30 neonates with sepsis who received antibiotic only, Group II: 30 neonates with sepsis who received antibiotic therapy and vitamin D. This study also included 30 healthy neonates as a control group. For all patients and controls, serum level of 25 (OH) vitamin D and highly sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were immunoassayed. There is no significant difference between groups I, II and controls regarding weight, gestational age, sex and mode of delivery. There were significant differences between groups I and II in sepsis score and hs-CRP after 3, 7, 10 days of treatment (p values for sepsis score were 0.009, 0.006, 0.004 respectively and for hs-CRP were 0.015, 0.001, 0.001 respectively). There was a significant difference in immature /total (I/T) ratio after 7, and 10 days of treatment (p value= 0.045, 0.025, respectively,) while there was no significant difference in immature /total (I/T) ratio after 3 days of treatment (p value = 0.624).Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were significantly lower in neonates with sepsis (group I and II) than the controls (p value < 0.05, while there were no significant differences between the three groups considering serum calcium and phosphorus levels (P =1.000, 1.000, respectively). Isolated organisms from blood culture in neonates with sepsis (group I and group II) were most commonly B- hemolytic streptococci, E-coli, hemophilus influenza and staphylococcus aurous. There was a significant negative correlation between hs-CRP and serum 25 (OH) vitamin in group II on entry (r = - 0.832 and P value = 0.001) and after 2 weeks (r = - 0.590 and P value = 0.021). ROC curve of specificity and sensitivity of 25 (OH) vitamin D level in prediction of early-onset neonatal sepsis showed that cutoff value of vitamin D was ≤20 ng/ml, sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 73%, positive predictive value was 73%, negative predictive value was 100% and accuracy was 87. Serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels of neonates with the early onset neonatal sepsis were significantly lower than the healthy controls. Vitamin D supplementation improved sepsis score and decrease high levels of hs-CRP; this reflects the role of vitamin D as a target therapy for neonatal sepsis. Further studies are warranted to confirm the therapeutic value of vitamin D in neonatal sepsis.

Association of vitamin D deficiency with early onset sepsis in term neonates

Background: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone. Vitamin D also has immunomodulatory effects on immune function. Early onset sepsis (EOS) is characterized by signs and symptoms of infection with or without accompanying bacteremia in the first three days of life. The objective of the study was to determine the possible association between neonatal vitamin D levels and EOS in term neonates.Methods: 100 term neonates with clinical and laboratory findings of EOS (study group) and 100 healthy infants with no signs of clinical/laboratory infection (control group) were enrolled. Sera was drawn during first 3 postnatal days of life in both groups for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels.Results: Neonatal 25-OHD levels (17.4ng/dL) in the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group (26.8 ng/dL) (p=0.001). In present study negative correlation was found between vitamin D level and CRP.Conclusions: Lower neonatal 25-OHD levels are associated with EOS. Adequate vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may be helpful to prevent EOS in term neonates.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and uterine fibroid incidence in Caucasian women.

IntroductionUterine fibroids (UFs) are benign tumors which are derived from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. Recent studies have demonstrated that the development of UFs can be particularly related to vitamin D and its receptor. Vitamin D comprises a group of fat-soluble steroid compounds which exert powerful, pleiotropic effects all over the human body. These actions are mediated by a specific type of receptor – vitamin D receptor (VDR). Recent findings have focused on the possible role of VDR genetic variations in the development of several types of diseases, e.g. autoimmune system diseases, various cancers and infections.Material and methodsThe aim of the study was to evaluate the association between rs731236, rs1544410, and rs2228570 polymorphisms in the VDR (vitamin D receptor) gene and the incidence of UFs in Caucasian women. A total of 197 patients (114 fibroid-positive and 83 controls) were included in this retrospective cohort study. VDR gene polymorphisms rs731236 (TaqI), rs1544410 (BsmI) and rs2228570 (FokI) were determined using TaqMan and Simple Probes.ResultsNo statistically significant differences in the occurrence of selected VDR polymorphisms were observed between UF-positive women and healthy controls.ConclusionsWe found no association between rs731236, rs1544410, and rs2228570 VDR polymorphisms and UF incidence in Caucasian women. Larger sample size and multi-ethnic studies are necessary to investigate the matter further.

Determination of vitamin D in tears of healthy individuals by the electrochemiluminescence method.

BackgroundVitamin D is a fat‐soluble steroid hormone which can be converted into various forms and is of extreme physiological importance to our body. However, its functions and local metabolic pathways in some organs, such as the eye, have not yet been well studied. We aimed to verify the correlation between vitamin D levels in blood and tear fluid and the possibility of using tear fluid as a biological material for monitoring eye disorders in the future.MethodsThe electrochemiluminescence method was used to examine blood and tear samples collected with Schirmer test strips from 21 individuals without ocular disease.ResultsAt the 95% confidence interval, mean tear fluid vitamin D = 37.8 ± 3.6 ng/mL, which is higher than the serum level, with a mean of 30.3 ± 7.7 ng/mL; Lin's concordance correlation coefficient = −0.018 (−0.174; 0.139), Pearson's coefficient = −0.070, and the Bland‐Altman coefficient = −11.12 (−30.40; 8.16). Results were obtained using the program Stata version 11.0.ConclusionIt is possible to determine vitamin D levels in tear fluid using the electrochemiluminescence method, and as the results do not correlate with blood, there is possibility of using tear fluid as a biological matrix for detection of vitamin D, which may increase the possibilities of new studies in eye disorders.

Evaluation of 25-OH vitamin D by high performance liquid chromatography: validation and comparison with electrochemiluminescence

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to develop a robust and easy to use high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to analyze 25(OH)D3 in human serum.BackgroundVitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone precursor that is mainly produced in the skin by exposure to sunlight. It is also supplied in the diet and plays a pivotal role in calcium homeostasis and skeletal metabolism throughout life.MethodsTo assess its analytical performance, we used the RECIPE HPLC Complete Kit and an HPLC-UV instrument. Our HPLC results were compared with a validated electrochemiluminescence method.ResultsThe method was linear for the lower limit of quantification from 3 ng/l up to at least 200 ng/l for 25(OH)D3, with the following equation for the regression line: y = 0.172 X + 2.45 (R2 = 0.989). Intra-assay precision was determined by extracting and quantifying 10 serum replicates from one patient. The mean was 37.875 ng/ml, the standard deviation was 0.22, and the coefficient of variation was 0.58%. Comparisons of results demonstrated good agreement between HPLC and ECL methods (R2 = 0.883).ConclusionThe HPLC assay demonstrates excellent linearity, acceptable accuracy and precision, and good agreement with a validated ECL method. The simple sample preparation and ease of use make it practical for the routine clinical laboratory.

Comparative Study of Vitamin D Level between Psoriatic Patients and Psoriatic Arthritis Patients

Background Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a seronegative (rheumatoid factor-negative) usually Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP) antibody negative, immunologically triggered, chronic inflammatory joint disease within the framework of psoriasis. Psoriasis affects 2–4% of the general population. It is a common, chronic, relapsing/remitting, immune-mediated systemic disease characterized by skin lesions including red, scaly patches, papules and plaques, which usually itch. Vitamin D is actually a fat-soluble steroid prohormone that has endocrine, paracrine and autocrine functions. Aim of the Work: To investigate the level of serum vitamin D in patients with psoriatic arthritis and compare it with patients with psoriasis to show if there is a role of vitamin D in development of arthritis in psoriatic patients or not. Patients and Methods: This study is a cross sectional study in which fifty patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis age range 16-50 years selected from those attending the outpatient clinic and inpatients of rheumatology, physical medicine &rehabilitation department, Al-Azhar university hospitals from 2017 to 2018 and divided into two groups: Group (A): (25) patients with psoriatic arthritis were diagnosed according to the criteria for psoriatic arthritis classification “CASPAR criteria”. Group (B): (25) patients with skin psoriasis. In this study we measured of 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 using commercial ELISA kits, ESR, CRP, CBC, Blood urea, serum creatinine, Liver enzymes (SGOT & SGPT), Serum uric acid, Fasting blood glucose, RF, urine analysis, ANA, HCV Ab and HIV Ab. Plain x-ray on both hands postero-anterior view, Plain x-ray on lumbosacral spine antero- posterior and lateral views and Plain x-ray on both sacroiliac joints “cone” view. Results: There was female sex predicliction in psoriatic arthritis group. Otherwise, both groups were comparable regarding age, BMI, residence, co-morbid diseases, disease characteristics, and laboratory investigations, except significant increase of WBCs and inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP) in psoriatic arthritis group. Diseases severity was mild in 72%, moderate in 22% and severe in 6.0%; and there was statistically significant increase of moderate and severe disease in PA when compared to psoriasis group. vitamin D was sufficient in 32.0%, insufficient in 34.0% and deficient in 34.0%; and there was no significant difference between psoriasis and PA groups. In addition, vitamin D levels were increased in psoriasis when compared to PA groups. However, the difference was statistically non-significant. No significant relation was found between vitamin D from one side and each of patient characteristics, laboratory investigations (except significant positive correlation with hemoglobin and RBCs), disease characteristics (except significant inverse (negative) correlation with disease duration and disease severity), X-ray findings, and psoriatic arthritis disease activity indices. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was common among psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients and the deficiency was significantly and inversely correlated with disease severity (PASI) and disease duration. Thus, is thought to play a role in development (or a consequence) of psoriasis. On the other hand, there was no correlation with PA disease activity and severity indices. Thus, the association seems to be linked to psoriasis proper. Vitamin D supplementation thought to have a potential therapeutic role in treatment of psoriasis.

74 - Determination of Vitamin D in Tears of Healthy Individuals by the Electrochemiluminescent Method

Introduction Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone, which can be converted into various forms, which are extremely physiologically important for our body. However it has not yet been well studied its functions and local metabolic pathways in some organs, such as eye. Purpose To verify the correlation between vitamin D levels in blood and tear and the possibility of using tear as a biological material for monitoring eye disorders in the future. Methods An electrochemiluminescence method was used to examine the blood and tear samples, which was collected with a Schirmer test strip from 21 individuals without ocular disease. Results At the 95% confidence interval, tear vitamin’s mean = 37.8 ± 3.6ng / mL, which is higher than the serum level, which presents a mean of 30.3 ± 7.7ng / mL; The coefficient of correlation of Lin = –0.018 (–0.174; 0.139), Pearson coefficient = –0.070 and the Bland-Altman coefficient = –11.12 (–30.40; 8.16). Results obtained by the program Stata version 11.0. Conclusions It is possible to determine levels of vitamin D in the tear using the electrochemiluminescence method and as the results with the blood do not correlate, there is possibility of using the tear as a biological matrix for detection of vitamin D may increase the possibilities of new studies in eye disorders.