Impact Of Vitamin Research Articles

Association of Telomere Length and Serum Vitamin D Levels with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Related Complications: A Possible Future Perspective.

Evidence show that shortened telomere length (TL) and low Vitamin D levels can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications. T2DM has been considered as an age-related disease, it may be associated with TL. The study aimed to evaluate the association of TL and Vitamin D levels with complications of T2DM and the impact of Vitamin D on TL in patients with T2DM. This 1-year cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital on 90 patients. Height, weight, body mass index, waist-hip ratio was calculated. Fasting blood sugars, postprandial blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were analyzed. Absolute TL was obtained from quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Vitamin D estimation was done by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Descriptive analysis of the data was done using R i386 3.6.3. The study found a positive correlation between TL and Vitamin D levels (r = 0.64; P < 0.0001). The interaction with high HbA1c levels and lower levels of Vitamin D led to the shortening of TL (P = 0.0001). The median of TL and mean of Vitamin D levels were significantly less in the diabetic group (P < 0.0001). Vitamin D levels positively affected the TL and its levels had an inverse relation with the HbA1c levels. This association had a significant effect on the shortening of TL. Vitamin D also had a significant association with other diabetic complications that instigated the shortening of TL. Therefore, assessing the role of Vitamin D levels on the shortening of TL can prove to be crucial biomarkers in managing optimal glycemic levels in T2DM patients.

Vitamin D Supplementation Is Associated with a Reduction in Self-Reported Falls among Older Adults with Previous Fall History - Feasibility Study.

Vitamin D insufficiency contributes to muscle weakness and a higher risk of falls in older adults. This study explored the impact of vitamin D supplementation on self-reported falls and physical function in older adults with low vitamin D levels and a recent fall history. Twenty-five older adults ≥ 70 years with two or more falls during the past year, low vitamin D blood levels (≥10 ng/ml and < 30 ng/mL), and slow gait speed (1.2 m/s) participated in a 6-month vitamin D supplementation (800 IU/day) study. A modified version of the Morse Fall Scale questionnaire was used to assess frequency of falls over one-year prior to study enrollment. Functional outcomes (short physical performance battery, handgrip strength, gait Timed Up and Go, and six-minute walk), and vitamin D levels were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Based on diaries and pill counts, participants were generally adherent to the intervention (6 of 7 days per week). Supplementation with 800 IU/day of vitamin D for 6 months increased blood vitamin D levels from 23.25±4.8 ng/ml to 29.13±6.9 ng/ml (p<0.001). Self-reported number of falls decreased from an average of 3.76 ± 2.2 falls in one-year to 0.76 plusmn; 1.4 falls (p <0.0001) over the 6-month intervention. No changes in functional outcome measures were observed. Vitamin D supplementation at the currently recommended dose of 800 IU/day increased blood vitamin D levels and reduced frequency of falls in older adults with low vitamin D levels and a recent fall history.

The role of vitamin D in primary and secondary prevention in orthopaedic patients.

The article discusses the effect of vitamin D on primary and secondary prevention of fractures and its effect on conditions after selected orthopaedic procedures. Fractures can be divided into traumatic, fatigue and pathological according to the cause. One of the complications of fracture is the formation of a nonunion. In addition to dealing with fractures, a total joint replacement is another common procedure in orthopaedic surgery. Because insufficient muscle strength can increase the risk of falls and thus result in a fracture, these topics are also mentioned in this article. Due to the impact of vitamin D deficiency on various musculoskeletal disorders, orthopaedic surgeons should pay more attention to the patients vitamin D status and be familiar with different strategies for preventing hypovitaminosis D, although clear evidence-based medical recommendations are still insufficient.

Protective effect of vitamin E on nickel sulfate-induced renal dysfunction in rats

Introduction: The kidney is a major organ for nickel induced toxicity. Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the protective impact of vitamin E on nickel sulfate (NiSO4 ) caused kidney dysfunction in rats using biochemical and histopathological approaches. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were selected as animal models and randomly divided into four groups (five rats in each group) as follows; group 1. The animals received orally (gavage) 250 mg/kg vitamin E (dissolved in corn oil) 30 minutes before inhalation exposure to1mg NiSO4 /m3 . This experiment was performed for 6 hours daily for 10 consecutive days. Group 2; the rats received by gavage corn oil (vehicle) 30 minutes before inhalation exposure to1mg NiSO4 /m3 . This experiment was performed for 6 hours daily for 10 consecutive days. Group 3; animals of this group were given by gavage 250 mg/kg vitamin E only (without exposure to NiSO4 ) for 10 consecutive days. Group fourth were received by gavage an equal volume of vehicle (corn oil) for 10 consecutive days. All animals were killed 24 hours after the last treatments with sodium pentobarbital. Kidney tissues were removed. One part of the tissues were used for glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) determination, other parts were fixed and processed for light microscopy. Results: The levels of MDA significantly increased and GSH decreased in rats exposed to NiSO4 in comparison to those in non-exposed rats. Histopathological observations also indicated that NiSO4 induced damage in the kidney. Additionally, administration of vitamin E prior to exposure to NiSO4 markedly decreased renal damage-induced by NiSO4 . Conclusion: The study showed that respiratory inhalation of NiSO4 induced oxidative stress and caused cell damage in rats’ kidney. Vitamin E effectively alleviated Ni-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. These observations suggest that vitamin E may have a protective effect against Ni-induced oxidative stress in the rats’ kidney.

Impact of Vitamin D supplementation on Heart Rate Variability in Vitamin D deficient Asthma COPD Overlap Syndrome patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:Vitamin D3 deficiency is common in Asthma COPD overlap syndrome (ACO) and administration of vitamin D3 increased heart rate variability in healthy subjects.&#x0D; Objective: This randomized clinical trial aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of vitamin D3administration on time domain measures of heart rate variability in 51 male vitamin D3(&lt;30- 10ng/ml) deficient ACO patients.&#x0D; Methods: Patients were given either vitaminD3 capsule or placebo per week orally for 3 months and serum vitamin D3 level and time domain parameters of heart rate variability were assessed before and after the intervention. For statistical analysis, independent and paired sample t test was used.&#x0D; Results: Before intervention, vitamin D3 level and time domain parameters of heart rate variability were similar in all patients but these outcome measures significantly increased in vitamin D3 treated but not in placebo treated patients after 3 months.&#x0D; Conclusion:In conclusion, vitaminD3therapy is effective to improve heart rate variability in vitamin D3 deficient Asthma COPD overlap syndrome.&#x0D; J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2020, December; 15(2): 98-107

Prevalence and Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency in Critically Ill Cancer Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in cancer patients and a risk factor for morbidity and mortality during critical illness. This single-center retrospective study analyzed 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in critically ill cancer patients (n = 178; hematologic, n = 108; solid, n = 70) enrolled in a prospective ICU registry. The primary analysis was the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and the severe deficiency (≤12 ng/mL). Secondary analyses included risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and its impact on ICU, hospital, and 1-year mortality. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and severe deficiency was 74% (95% CI: 67–80%) and 54% (95% CI: 47–61%). Younger age, relapsed/refractory disease, and a higher sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were independent risk factors for vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.05). After adjusting for relapsed/refractory disease, infection, the SOFA score, and the early need for life-supporting interventions, severe vitamin D deficiency was an independent predictor of hospital mortality (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.03–4.72, p = 0.04) and 1-year mortality (OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.50–7.71, p < 0.01), but not of ICU mortality. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in critically ill cancer patients requiring ICU admission, but its impact on short-term mortality in this group is uncertain. The observed association of severe vitamin D deficiency with the post-ICU outcome warrants clinical consideration and further study.

Vitamin D Metabolites and the Gut Microbiome in Older Men

We examined the bidirectional impact of vitamin D on the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome in 567 MrOS men. Vitamin D metabolites were measured using LC-MSMS and stool sub-operational taxonomic units defined from 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing data using Deblur and Greengenes 13.8. Men’s mean serum level of 25(OH)D was in the sufficient range. Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity and non-redundant covariate analyses revealed that 1,25(OH)2D explained 5% of variance in α-diversity; the other non-redundant covariates of site, race, recent antibiotic and antidepressant use explained another 6%. In β-diversity analyses using unweighted UniFrac, 1,25(OH)2D was the strongest factor assessed, explaining 2%. Random forest plot analyses identified 12 taxa, 6 in the phylum Firmicutes, positively associated with either 1,25(OH)2D and/or [1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D] activation ratio. Higher levels of the active 1,25(OH)2D, but not 25(OH)D, were associated with butyrate producing bacteria. Men with favorable vitamin D activation profiles also had greater gut microbial diversity.

Impact of Vitamin D Replacement on Liver Enzymes in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

Objective: To demonstrate the effect of vitamin D replacement on liver enzymes and inflammatory markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at liver clinic at Vajira Hospital. Sixty eligible NAFLD participants, who have alanine transaminase (ALT) elevation with vitamin D insufficiency, were randomly enrolled into 2 groups and assigned to receive either a 40,000 IU per week of vitamin D replacement or a placebo for 20 weeks. Serum ALT, inflammatory markers, and transient elastography (TE) were compared before and after the 20-week vitamin D replacement period to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D. Results: At the beginning of the study, there were no statistical differences between the 2 groups of patients on the baseline characteristics, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), ALT, inflammatory markers, transient elastogram and bioelectrical impedance analysis except diabetes and metformin use. At the end of the present study, ALT (-27.4+24.6 U/L, p&lt;0.001), IL-6 (-0.5+1.1 pg/mL, p = 0.036) and ferritin (-52.8+96.3 ng/mL, p = 0.006) decreased significantly in the vitamin D group, while CAP (-4.8+26.1 dB/m), hsCRP (-0.4+1.7 mg/L) were non-significantly decreased. In addition, the decrease of serum ALT in the vitamin D group was significantly greater than in the placebo group (-27.4+24.6 U/L vs. -12.7+25.5 U/L, respectively, p = 0.026). Furthermore, all patients in the vitamin D group did not experience any side effects from hypervitaminosis D or hypercalcemia. Conclusion: Oral vitamin D replacement could significantly reduce ALT in vitamin D insufficiency NAFLD patients with previous ALT elevation, which may mediate via alleviation of inflammatory mechanisms, without evidence of short-term adverse effects. Keywords: NAFLD, Vitamin D, Replacement

Benefits of nutrition on oral health a review

It has been the Oral wellbeing is an essential piece of in general wellbeing. Poor oral wellbeing can prompt an expanded danger of interminable illnesses including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular malady, and a few kinds of malignant growth. The etiology of these illnesses could be connected to the person's failure to eat a solid eating routine when their dentition is undermined. While periodontal or embed medical procedure might be important to reproduce tissue around common teeth or supplant missing teeth, separately, a few people keep away from such mediations due to their related dread and tension. Therefore, while the connection between poor oral wellbeing, traded off wholesome decisions and dread and tension with respect to periodontal methodology isn't altogether new, this audit gives a forward-thinking rundown of writing tending to parts of this perplexing relationship. In this article we will get to know the impact of vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients and new frontiers which can help the dental treatment a lot.

The impact of vitamin D status on cardiometabolic effects of fenofibrate in women with atherogenic dyslipidemia.

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. The aim of this study was to determine the role of vitamin D status in the impact of fenofibrate on plasma levels of cardiometabolic risk factors. The study population (n=61) consisted of three matched groups of women with atherogenic dyslipidaemia: vitamin D-naïve women withvitamin Dinsufficiency (group A), women receiving vitamin D preparations because ofvitamin Ddeficiency (group B), as well as vitamin D-naïve women with normalvitamin Dstatus (group C), who were treated with micronized fenofibrate (200mg daily). Glucose homeostasis markers, plasma lipids, as well as plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen and homocysteine were determined at the beginning of the study and 6months later. At entry, group A was characterized by lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, reduced insulin sensitivity and higher concentrations of uric acid, hsCRP, fibrinogen and homocysteine. Apart from a weaker effect on HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in group A, there were no differences between the treatment arms in the effect of fenofibrate on plasma lipids. However, only in groups B and C the drug improved insulin sensitivity and reduced circulating levels of uric acid and hsCRP, as well as increased levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and these effects correlated with the degree of improvement in insulin sensitivity. Treatment-induced increase in homocysteine was observed only in group A. The results of the study indicate that cardiometabolic effects offibrates may depend on thevitamin Dstatus of patients.

Possible association of vitamin D status with lung involvement and outcome in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study.

PurposeVitamin D deficiency has been reported as a key factor in the development of infectious diseases such as respiratory tract infections and inflammatory processes like acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, the impact of vitamin D on the severity and outcome of COVID-19 is still not fully known. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of serum vitamin D concentration on the extent of lung involvement and final outcome in patients with COVID-19.MethodsSeventy-three subjects with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were investigated in this study. The patients had been admitted to our academic hospital from February 28, 2020 to April 19, 2020. Demographic and clinical data, serum 25(OH)D levels, and findings of initial chest computed tomography were recorded. Linear and binary logistic regression, cox regression and ROC curve tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 55.18 ± 14.98 years old; 46.4% were male. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in the deceased (13.83 ± 12.53 ng/ mL compared with discharged patients (38.41 ± 18.51 ng/mL) (P < 0.001). Higher levels of 25(OH)D were associated with significantly less extent of total lung involvement (β = − 0.10, P = 0.004). In addition, vitamin D deficiency [25(OH) D < 25 ng/mL] was associated with a significant increase in the risk of mortality (hazard ratio = 4.15, P = 0.04).ConclusionThis study suggests that serum vitamin D status might provide useful information regarding the clinical course, extent of lung involvement and outcome of patients with COVID-19. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings.

Vitamin D levels in patients admitted to the intensive care unit and the association with organ dysfunction and glutamine levels.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients (50 - 82%) and is associated with multi-organ dysfunction. Vitamin D deficiency alters pathways of glutamine metabolism in critical illness, but the impact of vitamin D status on glutamine levels is poorly characterised. To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with organ dysfunction and glutamine levels in a South African (SA) ICU. Records of 103 adult patients admitted to the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre ICU, Johannesburg, SA were retrospectively reviewed. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and glutamine levels were measured on admission. The association between admission vitamin D levels and glutamine levels, illness severity scores, organ support and outcomes was examined. On ICU admission, 66% (68/103) of patients were vitamin D deficient (&lt;20 ng/mL) (95% confidence interval (CI) 56 - 75). Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with mechanical ventilation (40% v. 14%) (p=0.013) and a higher median sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on admission (6 (interquartile range (IQR) 3 - 8) v. 4 (IQR 2 - 6)) (p=0.047) and on day 7 (5 (IQR 2 - 10) v. 2 (IQR 1 - 4)) (p=0.017). Median admission serum glutamine levels were 481 μmol/L, with 38% deficient (&lt;420 μmol/L) (95% CI 28 - 48). Vitamin D deficiency status on admission was not significantly associated with median admission glutamine levels (p=0.66). Vitamin D deficiency is common in ICU patients in SA. Deficient patients were more severely ill and required more respiratory support. No significant relationship between deficiency and median glutamine levels was noted.

Correlation of serum vitamin D levels with severity of pediatric atopic dermatitis and the impact of vitamin D supplementation on treatment outcomes

Introduction There is scarcity of prospective studies assessing the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and atopic dermatitis (AD). Materials and methods We conducted a prospective study where in serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels were measured in 35 AD patients and 35 age and sex-matched controls. AD patients deficient in vitamin D were supplemented with 1000 IU of vitamin D per day for three months. Serum vitamin D levels and SCORAD were again measured at the end of three months in all AD patients. Results The baseline vitamin D levels in patients and controls did not have any statistically significant difference (p = .97). There was a statistically significant (p = .02) inverse relationship between the AD severity and serum vitamin D levels at baseline (r = −0.52). Maximum reduction in SCORAD (41.4 ± 12.7) after 3 months of vitamin D supplementation was seen in severe AD and the minimum (2.4 ± 13.2) in mild AD (p = .0003). Conclusions We found no difference in the mean serum vitamin D levels between AD patients and controls. An inverse correlation was seen between serum vitamin D levels at baseline and severity of AD. Beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation was observed maximally in severe AD as observed by a reduction in SCORAD.

Impact of vitamin D on human embryo implantation—a prospective cohort study in women undergoing fresh embryo transfer

To measure free and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] immediately before embryo transfer and analyze its association with early pregnancy outcome parameters such as biochemical pregnancy, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing fresh embryo transfer after their first ovarian hyperstimulation. Prospective cohort study. Academically affiliated private fertility center. A total of 2,569 women undergoing fresh embryo transfer after ovarian hyperstimulation. None. The study end points were biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, early miscarriages, and ongoing pregnancy rate. Free and total 25(OH)D concentrations were measured 1 day before embryo transfer. Total 25(OH)D correlated with free 25(OH)D. Total and free 25(OH)D serum concentrations were similar in those patients reaching and not reaching the study outcomes (biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, early miscarriages, and ongoing pregnancy rate). There was likewise no statistical difference when analyzing the frequency of all study outcomes in quintiles of either total or free 25(OH)D. In addition, the study population was divided into three groups according to the total vitamin D status based on clinical practice guideline. All outcomes were similar in women with adequate, insufficient, and deficient total 25(OH)D. Multiple linear regression analysis considering confounding likewise indicated no association of free or total vitamin D with any of the study outcomes. Neither free nor total 25(OH)D concentration at embryo transfer was associated with successful embryo implantation in women undergoing fresh transfer after ovarian hyperstimulation.

Effect of vitamin D on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: Quality of sleep is among the factors that affect the improvement of life quality. The previous studies showed that 50%-80% of hemodialysis patients experience sleeping disturbances. Additionally, dialysis patients commonly experience vitamin D deficiency. Objectives: We aimed to determine the impact of vitamin D deficiency therapy on sleep quality of hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: Thirty hemodialysis patients with 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) ≥5 were enrolled in this clinical trial. Patients were treated with 50000-unit vitamin D per week for 12 weeks. After treatment, the PSQI score was recalculated for each patient. Results: Nineteen out of 30 patients (63.3%) were men and 11(36.7%) were women, with a mean age of 56.7 ± 14.3 years. The mean of vitamin D level was 18.61 ± 6.32 ng/mL before treatment and 41.14 ± 9.62 ng/mL after the treatment. The mean of PSQI score at the start of study was 9.97 and after treatment with vitamin D3, it was 9.47 (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Treatment of vitamin D deficiency did not have any effect on the sleep quality according to the PSQI score in hemodialysis patients. Trial registration: This randomized controlled trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20200223046593N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/46126, ethical code; IR.SBMU.RETECH.REC.1397.1277).

Impact of Vitamin A on the Expression Profile of Development-Controlling Genes in Chick Embryos

Background: Vitamin A has potentially harmful effects on the development of chick embryos even at very low dose concentration. Vitamin A different doses cause embryotoxic and teratogenic effects on the developing of the chick embryo. Hence, due to teratogenicity of this vitamin it can be used with utmost caution during pregnancy. Methods: Fertile chicken eggs (obtained from local hatchery) were injected with three doses of Vitamin A (15 IU/ml, 30 IU/ml, 75 IU/ml) into the center of the egg yolk. Morphometric parameters as mortality rate, body weight (g), crown rump length (mm) of embryo and Frequency % of different anomalies gross malformations were measured. Whole chicken samples were taken by 4th, 8th and 18th incubation day. Daam, Hox and Tbx genes expression profile were analyzed. Result: Dose-dependent defects and embryo lethality in the chick embryos developed when exposed to higher concentrations. Our study record for the first time the duplication in the heart, brain and eye. Also showed duplication of the neck forming S-shaped showed in some malformed chick embryos. The three investigated genes showed different fluctuations confirming the malformations detected.

Impact of vitaminD receptor gene polymorphisms on vitiligo susceptibility and clinical features inaSoutheastern European Caucasian population.

An association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and vitiligo has been suggested. However, previous studies have reported contradictory results while including limited data among Caucasians. The aim of this single-center study was to evaluate the effect of three common VDR gene polymorphisms (FokI, TaqI and BsmI) on suscep-tibility and clinical aspects of vitiligo in a Southeastern European Caucasian population. A total of 110 unrelated vitiligo cases and 509 general population controls were enrolled from October 2018 to November 2019. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood after de-identification and anonymization of the samples and genotyped for the selected VDR polymorphisms by the qPCR (melting curve analysis). Subgroup analysis by clinical features among subsets of patients indicated that, compared to subjects with the FokI TT genotype or T allele, carriers of the FokI CC genotype or C allele exhibited significantly decreased risk of developing vitiligo before the age of 30 [TT vs. CC: odds ratio (OR)=0.286, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.083-0.984, P=0.041; T vs. C: OR=0.545, 95% CI: 0.313-0.948, P=0.031]. Intra-patient analysis also revealed that, compared to T allele, the presence of TaqI C allele was adversely associated with the incidence of concurrent leukotrichia (T vs. C: OR=1.874, 95% CI: 1.018-3.451, P=0.042). Comparisons between the case and control groups showed no evidence to support an association between susceptibility to vitiligo and the VDR BsmI, TaqI, and FokI polymorphisms in this cohort. Thus, the studied VDR polymorphisms might indirectly impact the clinical course and treatment decision-making despite their lack of association with vitiligo per se. Further research with larger sample sizes, especially across Caucasian individuals, should be performed to confirm these findings.

Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on COVID-19-A Prospective Analysis from the CovILD Registry.

The novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health concern. Vitamin D (VITD) deficiency has been suggested to alter SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and the course of disease. Thus, we aimed to investigate associations of VITD status to disease presentation within the CovILD registry. This prospective, multicenter, observational study on long-term sequelae includes patients with COVID-19 after hospitalization or outpatients with persistent symptoms. Eight weeks after PCR confirmed diagnosis, a detailed questionnaire, a clinical examination, and laboratory testing, including VITD status, were evaluated. Furthermore, available laboratory specimens close to hospital admission were used to retrospectively analyze 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at disease onset. A total of 109 patients were included in the analysis (60% males, 40% females), aged 58 ± 14 years. Eight weeks after the onset of COVID-19, a high proportion of patients presented with impaired VITD metabolism and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. PTH concentrations were increased in patients who needed intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, while VITD levels were not significantly different between disease severity groups. Low VITD levels at disease onset or at eight-week follow-up were not related to persistent symptom burden, lung function impairment, ongoing inflammation, or more severe CT abnormalities. VITD deficiency is frequent among COVID-19 patients but not associated with disease outcomes. However, individuals with severe disease display a disturbed parathyroid-vitamin-D axis within their recovery phase. The proposed significance of VITD supplementation in the clinical management of COVID-19 remains elusive.

Bone mineral density changes after bariatric surgery.

Although bariatric surgery is associated with multiple health benefits, decreased bone mass is a known complication of the procedure. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with significant bone loss and increased fracture risk. However, data on the effect of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on bone mineral changes are sparse. The impact of vitamin D and calcium levels on bone mineral density (BMD) after SG is also unknown. A retrospective chart review was performed to include patients who underwent RYGB or SG from 2014 to 2016 at a single institution. Patients were included if bone densitometry was performed preoperatively and within 2years postoperatively. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and calcium levels were collected preoperatively and at time of bone densitometry scan. BMD and T-score changes at the femoral neck, femoral trochanter, total hip, and lumbar spine were compared between RYGB and SG patients. A total of 40 patients were included. 24 (60%) of patients underwent RYGB and 16 (40%) patients underwent SG. No statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics was noted between RYGB and SG patients. All measurements, except for serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, were significantly decreased in RYGB patients, postoperatively. All measurements, except for BMD and T-score at the lumbar spine and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, were significantly decreased in SG patients, postoperatively. The extent of decrease in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly associated with decreased BMD (p = 0.049) and T-score (p = 0.032) at the lumbar spine. The extent of decrease in serum calcium was significantly associated with decreased BMD (p = 0.046) at the femoral neck. All patients were found to have decreased BMD after RYGB and SG. Surgery type was not a significant risk factor in BMD change. Despite vitamin D and calcium supplementation in all patients, a decrease in vitamin D and calcium levels were associated with a decrease in BMD. Close follow-up and treatment of vitamin D and calcium levels are warranted in all bariatric patients.

Low vitamin D levels affect left ventricular wall thickness in severe aortic stenosis.

Vitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and degenerative aortic stenosis represent emerging conditions, linked to a progressive ageing of the population and increased frailty. Previous studies have associated lower levels of 25 (OH)D to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and vascular calcifications. However, few studies have evaluated, so far, the impact of vitamin D deficiency in patients with aortic stenosis, which was therefore the aim of present study. Consecutive patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis undergoing nonurgent coronary angiography were included. Aortic stenosis was defined as aortic valve area (AVA) less than 1 cm and/or mean gradient more than 40 mmHg. Indexed area and stroke volume or dobutamine stress evaluation were performed when indicated. Fasting samples were collected at admission for 25 (OH)D levels assessment. We included 137 patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis (48.9% men, mean age 78.4 ± 6.4 years) who were divided according to vitamin D median values (≥12.4 ng/ml). Patients with lower vitamin D had a more frequent history of coronary artery bypass graft (P = 0.02) and received more often angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors (P = 0.03). Among them, 38.7% had vitamin D levels less than 10 ng/ml and only five patients were in therapy with vitamin D supplementation. We observed no significant relationship between vitamin D levels and echocardiographic parameters for the severity of aortic stenosis (AVA, peak and mean gradients, volumes, ejection fraction) except for a greater wall thickness in patients with lower vitamin D levels (r = -0.34, P = 0.03). Results did not change when excluding patients with renal failure or treated with vitamin D supplementation. Among patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis, vitamin D deficiency is common. We found a significant association between left ventricular wall thickness and vitamin D levels, suggesting a potential role of this hormone in modulating hypertrophic remodelling in these patients. However, future larger studies are certainly needed to confirm our findings and to define their prognostic implications.