Insufficient Levels Of Vitamin Research Articles

Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for the development of autoantibodies in patients with ASIA and silicone breast implants: a cohort study and review of the literature

The development of autoimmunity and/or autoimmune diseases is multifactorial. Vitamin D is one of the factors that might play a role. We postulated that both the presence of adjuvants and insufficient levels of vitamin D may result in the development of autoimmunity in patients with autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) in relation to silicone implant incompatibility. We measured vitamin D levels in 135 patients with ASIA in relation to silicone implant incompatibility and related findings to the presence of autoantibodies that are commonly used to diagnose systemic autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, we systematically reviewed the literature regarding vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for the development of autoantibodies. Vitamin D measurements were available for analysis in 131 of 135 patients with ASIA in relation to SIIS. Twenty-three patients (18%) tested positive for autoantibodies, from which 18 patients (78%) had either a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (median vitamin D level 60.5 mmol/L), whereas five patients (22%) had sufficient vitamin D levels. The risk to develop autoantibodies was significantly increased in vitamin D deficient and/or insufficient patients [RR 3.14; 95% CI, 1.24–7.95; p = 0.009]. Reviewed literature suggested an association between vitamin D levels and the presence and/or titer levels of autoantibodies in different autoimmune diseases. From our current study and from our review of the literature, we conclude that vitamin D deficiency is related to the presence of autoantibodies. Whether vitamin D supplementation results in a decrease of autoimmunity needs to be studied prospectively.

25(OH)D status: Effect of D3 supplement

SummaryBackgroundExcess adipose tissue may lead to sequestrating of vitamin D, making it less available for use in the body.ObjectiveThis study determined if overweight or obese individuals (BMI > 25 kg m−2) had insufficient (<30 ng mL−1) levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and, if so, would serum levels respond to exogenous supplementation.MethodsSixty‐three women who were overweight/obese (BMI = 31.07 ± 5.00 kg m−2) were randomly assigned in a double‐blind manner to receive 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 (D3) (n = 31) or a placebo (PL) (n = 32) daily. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by finger‐stick analyses at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation. Data were analyzed by using a 2 × 2 (group × time) repeated measure multivariate analysis of variance to determine group differences for pre‐values and post‐values (p < 0.05).ResultsOn day one of the study, both D3 and PL groups had insufficient levels of vitamin D (mean ± SD) 24.03 ± 9.78 ng mL−1 and 23.62 ± 9.77 ng mL−1, respectively. After 8 weeks of supplementation, the D3 group 25(OH)D level rose to a mean of 43.57 ± 10.87 ng mL−1 (p < 0.001) versus the PL group whose 25(OH)D level remained statistically unchanged 24.31 ± 8.84 ng mL−1. Women who were overweight/obese had insufficient vitamin D levels prior to supplementation.ConclusionsFollowing supplementation with 5,000 IU of vitamin D3, all subjects' 25(OH)D levels rose to a sufficient level (≥30 ng mL−1). The findings of this study concur with the Institute of Medicine and Endocrine Society recommendations in that two to three times the daily requirement of vitamin D is required to improve serum vitamin D levels in individuals who are overweight or obese.

25-hydroxyvitamin D status in patients with alopecia areata.

IntroductionAlopecia areata (AA) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that causes inflammation around anagen-phase hair follicles. Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been implicated in a variety of autoimmune diseases.AimTo investigate the status of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in patients with AA, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were compared between AA patients and healthy controls and thus determine if a possible association exists between serum 25(OH)D levels and AA.Material and methodsThe study comprising 41 patients diagnosed with AA and 32 healthy controls was conducted between October 2010 and March 2011. The serum vitamin D levels of the study group were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone were also evaluated.ResultsThe study was based on 41 patients aged between 20 and 50 (mean: 32.8 ±7.5). The control group included 32 healthy persons aged between 20 and 51 (mean: 32.7 ±7.5). Serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with AA ranged from 5.0 to 38.6 ng/ml with a mean of 8.1 ng/ml. Serum 25(OH)D levels in healthy controls ranged from 3.6 to 38.5 ng/ml with a mean of 9.8 ng/ml. There was no statistically significant difference in the serum vitamin D level between AA patients and healthy controls (p > 0.05).ConclusionsDeficient serum 25(OH)D levels are present in patients with AA. However, considering the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Turkey, no difference was noted between AA patients and controls.

Seasonality of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Children of Moscow

The article presents the analysis of vitamin D levels in children of various age groups residing in Moscow and assesses the seasonality of vitamin D variations in this population group. In this work, the results of 25 (ОН) D level measurement in 1041 children in the age from 1 month to 18 years collected in the period since 2012 to 2015 have been analyzed. In accordance with the analysis, in spite of the age, the high percentage of vitamin D insufficiency was detected among children in Moscow. The generally accepted optimum level of vitamin D metabolite – calcidiol in blood (>30 ng/ml) was observed only in the small part of the study participants (26%), while the larger part (74%) had the insufficient level of vitamin D of various intensity: 28% - insufficiency (20-29 ng/ml), 33% - deficiency (<20 ng/ml), 13% - severe deficiency (<10 ng/ml). With the age, the insufficiency level was more pronounced. The seasonality analysis showed the significant difference of vitamin D level between summer and winter seasons (p=0.01). The greatest decrease of vitamin D levels was observed in winter (median level of 25(ОН)D 17.0 (11.0; 25.0) ng/ml). In summer months, the relative calcidiol gain was fixed (median – 22.9 (18.0; 33.0) ng/ml) which, however, did not achieve the normal level. Children and, in particular, adolescents residing in Moscow need year-round hypovitaminosis D prophylaxis with cholecalciferol products.

Determination of Vitamin D Status in a Population of Ecuadorian Subjects.

Introduction Vitamin D is a preprohormone known to play a key role in phosphocalcic metabolism; its main source comes from the synthesis at the skin level by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of vitamin D in an Ecuadorian population. Materials and Methods Retrospective study of Ecuadorian subjects from the city of Guayaquil, who had an initial study of 25 (OH)-D serum, as the indicator of Vitamin D status, in the period of 2015-2016. Results A total of 269 Ecuadorian subjects were analyzed, with a mean age of 54.73 ± 16.58; 85% (229) were females and 15% (41) males; mean vitamin D was 27.29 ± 10.12 ng/dl [6.41–88.74]; 70% of the population showed levels below 30 ng/dL of vitamin D, whereas only 30% (81) had normal values. 69% (185) had levels between 29 and 10 ng/dl and 1% (3) levels below 10 ng/dl. High levels of vitamin D were evidenced in the summer months in relation to the winter months. Conclusion It is evident that, despite the location of Ecuador and the intensity of UV rays it receives throughout the year, Ecuadorian subjects have insufficient levels of vitamin D.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ КЛИНИЧЕСКОГО ТЕЧЕНИЯ БРОНХИАЛЬНОЙ АСТМЫ У БЕРЕМЕННЫХ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ УРОВНЯ ОКСИДА АЗОТА В ВЫДЫХАЕМОМ ВОЗДУХЕ И СОДЕРЖАНИЯ ВИТАМИНА D В ОРГАНИЗМЕ

The aim of the study was to investigate the contents of exhaled nitrogen oxide and vitamin D level in the blood serum of patients with asthma in the dynamics of pregnancy and establish the extent of influence of their concentration on the clinical course of the disease and the state of health of posterity. 96 pregnant women with asthma were examined; among them there were 33 patients with controlled asthma, 39 with partially controlled one, and 24 with uncontrolled asthma. 47 patients had mild asthma, 43 patients had moderate asthma and 6 had severe asthma. The comparison group consisted of 26 pregnant women without bronchopulmonary pathology. Clinical and anamnestic data, results of lung function study were used; the level of exhaled nitrogen oxide and concentration of vitamin D in blood serum were determined in dynamics of pregnancy in patients depending on severity of the disease and level of monitoring. The state of health of newborns from pregnant women with asthma was assessed. It was found out that patients with severe asthma in comparison with mild and moderate ones had higher level of NOex during pregnancy: from 46.3±5.0 ppb in the 1st trimester till 59.0±3.2 ppb in the 3rd trimester (р&amp;#60;0.05). Average level of vitamin D in pregnant women with asthma was 23.26±1.5 ng/ml; in the control group it was 36.1±0.74, which indicates insufficient levels of vitamin D in patients with asthma during pregnancy. In pregnant patients with asthma NOex level and vitamin D contents correlated with the severity of the disease, the level of control of asthma and duration of gestation. At the stage of screening all pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency were registered to have intrauterine growth retardation, and while assessing the condition of the newborn by Apgar low rates were found in children from mothers with low vitamin D. The levels of NOex and vitamin D in pregnant woman can be used to determine the dynamics of the disease in the gestation period.

Vitamin D insufficient levels during pregnancy and micronuclei frequency in peripheral blood T lymphocytes mothers and newborns (Rhea cohort, Crete)

Vitamin D deficiency is common among pregnant women and may be associated with several adverse health outcomes including cancer. Micronuclei frequency is a biomarker of early genetic effects and has been used to examine the association between genotoxic exposures and cancer. We examined maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy in associations with micronuclei frequency in maternal blood and in cord blood. 173 mothers and 171 newborns born between 2007 and 2008 in Heraklion (Crete, Greece) were included in the study. Between 14th and 18th weeks of gestation we collected information on maternal diet using food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). We measured maternal serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] between the first and second trimester of pregnancy. We estimated dietary vitamin D intake using information from FFQ. After delivery we collected cord blood and maternal peripheral blood. We used the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay to assess the frequencies of micronucleated cells in binucleated T lymphocytes (MNBN). Maternal insufficient serum levels of 25(OH)D (<50nmol/L) during pregnancy were associated with increased MNBN frequency in cord blood [IRR=1.32 (95%CI: 1.00, 1.72)]. This increase was higher for newborns with birth weight above the third quartile [≥3.500kg; IRR=2.21 (1.26, 3.89)]. Similarly, low levels of dietary vitamin D were associated with increased MNBN frequency in cord blood [middle tertile IRR=1.08 (0.78, 1.47), lower tertile IRR=1.51 (1.06, 2.14)]. Insufficient levels of vitamin D were not associated with MNBN in mothers. Our results suggest that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy increases genotoxic risks in newborns. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency globally is high and it is important to further investigate whether vitamin D supplementation or similar interventions during pregnancy could prevent DNA damage at early stages of life.

Behavioural Effects of Adult Vitamin D Deficiency in BALB/c Mice Are not Associated with Proliferation or Survival of Neurons in the Adult Hippocampus.

Epidemiological studies have shown that up to one third of adults have insufficient levels of vitamin D and there is an association between low vitamin D concentrations and adverse brain outcomes, such as depression. Vitamin D has been shown to be involved in processes associated with neurogenesis during development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that adult vitamin D (AVD) deficiency in BALB/c mice was associated with (a) adult hippocampal neurogenesis at baseline, b) following 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running and (c) a depressive-like phenotype on the forced swim test (FST), which may be linked to alterations in hippocampal neurogenesis. We assessed proliferation and survival of adult born hippocampal neurons by counting the number of cells positive for Ki67 and doublecortin (DCX), and incorporation of 5-Bromo-2’-Deoxyuridine (BrdU) within newly born mature neurons using immunohistochemistry. There were no significant effects of diet on number of Ki67+, DCX+ or BrdU+ cells in the dentate gyrus. All mice showed significantly increased number of Ki67+ cells and BrdU incorporation, and decreased immobility time in the FST, after voluntary wheel running. A significant correlation was found in control mice between immobility time in the FST and level of hippocampal neurogenesis, however, no such correlation was found for AVD-deficient mice. We conclude that AVD deficiency was not associated with impaired proliferation or survival of adult born neurons in BALB/c mice and that the impact on rodent behaviour may not be due to altered neurogenesis per se, but to altered function of new hippocampal neurons or processes independent of adult neurogenesis.

Nutritional Status in People Living With HIV and Trends in HIV Prevalence Using NHANES (1999–2012)

BackgroundUnder‐nutrition is an independent predictor of mortality in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV). Introduction of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved the nutritional status in PLHIV but has not completely eliminated malnutrition.AimTo understand the current nutritional status in PLHIV and to study the trends in prevalence of HIV status using NHANES (1999–2012).MethodsNHANES 1999–2012 was used to estimate the prevalence of PLHIV in U.S. adults (n=16,083; ages 19–15) and for calculating selective biochemical parameters and biomarkers. Two 24‐hour dietary recalls were used to estimate energy adjusted mean values for micro‐ and macro‐nutrients; height and weight were used to calculate BMI.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HIV infection in U.S. adults was 0.44% (CI: 0.26–0.75) in 1999–2002, 0.53% (CI: 0.35–0.78) in 2003–2006, and started to decline thereafter to 0.25% (95% CI: 0.12–0.51) in the 2011–2012. HIV prevalence was highest in non‐Hispanic blacks followed by Mexican Americans and non‐Hispanic whites across all survey years. The mean age of PLHIV ranged from 35.4 years to 49.6 years. The body mass index (BMI) was lower in men and higher in women living with HIV compared to respective negative controls. Energy expenditure was significantly lower in women living with HIV compared to men living with HIV. Macronutrient intake was similar between PLHIV and HIV negative controls in both men and women. All the micronutrients were similar between PLHIV and controls except the levels of vitamin E was significantly lower in women living with HIV compared to the HIV negative controls. Micronutrient and macronutrient intake were similar between men and women living with HIV, except women had greater BMI and lower energy expenditure, while men had higher dietary fat intake. Women living with HIV had insufficient levels of vitamin D (37 nmol/L) and significantly lower levels of RBC folate (509 nmol/L) and Serum Folate (19 nmol/L). Mean triglycerides in men living with HIV was (410 mg/dL). There were no differences in the electrolyte levels and other biochemical markers compared to negative controls.ConclusionsWith the initiation of ART the nutrient intake in PLHIV has improved and is similar compared to HIV negative population. Women living with HIV have lower levels of vitamin D and folic acid. They have higher BMI and lower energy expenditure compared to men in spite of consuming similar quantities of micro‐ and micro‐nutrients, warranting life‐style modifications.

Abstract P010: Serum Vitamin D and Risk of Heart Failure: Prospective Results From the Moli-sani Study

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with the progression of heart failure (HF) and Vitamin D supplementation may have protective effects in patients with HF. However, little is known on the predictive value of circulating Vitamin D levels on HF risk. Hypothesis: Low serum Vitamin D levels are associated with incident HF in a large prospective cohort of Italian adults. Methods: We analyzed 18,689 (48.4% men, age ≥35 years) HF-free individuals randomly recruited from the general population of the Moli-sani study, for whom complete data on HF and serum Vitamin D were available. Vitamin D was measured on serum by an immunoassay in the central laboratory of European BiomarCaRE project (Abbott Architect 25-OH Vitamin D, Wiesbaden, Germany). The cohort was followed up for a median of 4.2 years (80,849 person-years). Baseline serum Vitamin D was categorized in deficient/insufficient, hypovitaminosis, and normal (Table). Incident cases of HF were identified by linkage with the regional archive of hospital discharges. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox-proportional hazard models. Results: Subjects with normal, hypo or insufficient levels of Vitamin D were 12.2%, 79.6% and 8.2%, respectively. We identified 412 incident cases of HF. The incidence of HF was 1.1%, 2.2% and 3.9%, respectively in subjects with normal, hypo and insufficient levels of Vitamin D. After a multivariable analysis, considering a large panel of potential covariates, individuals with deficient/insufficient levels of serum Vitamin D showed a higher risk of developing HF (HR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.07-2.97) than those with normal levels. Further adjustment for C-Reactive Protein did not modify the association (Table). Conclusions: Deficiency of Vitamin D is associated with a significantly higher risk of HF in a general adult population. This association was not explained by an inflammatory marker such as C-Reactive Protein.

Vitamin D in anxiety and affective disorders.

Reduced levels of vitamin or its metabolites have been reported in various psychiatric disorders. Insufficient levels of vitamin D in depressive patients have been confirmed by many authors, but there have been conflicting results in subjects with anxiety disorders. In the present cross-sectional study, levels of calcidiol were determined in groups of depressive men and women and in men and women with anxiety disorders and compared with age matched controls. Significantly lower levels of calcidiol were found in men and women with depression as well as in age matched patients with anxiety disorders.

A Pilot Study to Determine if Vitamin D Repletion Improves Endothelial Function in Lupus Patients

BackgroundThe endothelium is important not only in regulating vascular tone but also in modulating inflammation. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have deficits in these endothelial functions. Vitamin D is a nuclear hormone that regulates vascular endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and expression. Many SLE patients have insufficient levels of vitamin D. The effect of this hormone on vascular endothelial function in SLE patients is not known. This study was designed to determine the effect size of repleting vitamin D levels on endothelial function in patients with SLE and vitamin D deficiency. MethodsSLE patients with 25(OH) vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels <20 ng/mL were randomized to oral vitamin D3 (D3) doses that did or did not raise 25(OH)D levels to ≥32 ng/mL. Endothelial function was measured with flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before and after 16 weeks of vitamin D3 supplementation. ResultsHalf of those who achieved 25(OH)D levels of ≥32 ng/mL experienced increases in FMD, whereas none of those with continued low 25(OH)D levels did. Those with increases in FMD had significantly higher final 25(OH)D levels. Using the effect size from this study, future studies designed to test the effect of repleting 25(OH)D on FMD in vitamin D–deficient SLE patients will require 35 patients in each group. ConclusionsThese results suggest a potential role for vitamin D in SLE-related endothelial dysfunction and that an adaptive, multi-arm, treat-to-target, serum-level trial design may increase the efficiency and likelihood of success of such a study.

Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior.

Serotonin regulates a wide variety of brain functions and behaviors. Here, we synthesize previous findings that serotonin regulates executive function, sensory gating, and social behavior and that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior all share in common defects in these functions. It has remained unclear why supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D improve cognitive function and behavior in these brain disorders. Here, we propose mechanisms by which serotonin synthesis, release, and function in the brain are modulated by vitamin D and the 2 marine omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Brain serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase 2, which is transcriptionally activated by vitamin D hormone. Inadequate levels of vitamin D (∼70% of the population) and omega-3 fatty acids are common, suggesting that brain serotonin synthesis is not optimal. We propose mechanisms by which EPA increases serotonin release from presynaptic neurons by reducing E2 series prostaglandins and DHA influences serotonin receptor action by increasing cell membrane fluidity in postsynaptic neurons. We propose a model whereby insufficient levels of vitamin D, EPA, or DHA, in combination with genetic factors and at key periods during development, would lead to dysfunctional serotonin activation and function and may be one underlying mechanism that contributes to neuropsychiatric disorders and depression. This model suggests that optimizing vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acid intake may help prevent and modulate the severity of brain dysfunction.

Evaluation of vertebral hidden fractures in patients with proximal femoral fractures

Objective: To evaluate the Spine Deformity Index (SDI) and serum levels of vitamin D in patients surgically treated for proximal femur fracture and its relationship with osteoporosis. Methods: Between August and November 2013, patients older than 50 years-old with surgical fracture of the proximal femur by low-energy trauma underwent radiographic evaluation of the spine and the vitamin D levels, and enquired about diagnoses and previous treatment of osteoporosis. Results: Sixty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 78 years; the average level of vitamin D was 19 ng/mL. The SDI ranged between zero and 25, with a mean of 8.2. Eighty percent of these patients had never been treated for osteoporosis. Of the patients analyzed, 89.3% had insufficient levels of vitamin D. Of these, 68.1% had also SDI above 5, and only one fifth of them had any treatment for osteoporosis. Statistical significance was found between age and levels of vitamin D as well as age and SDI. Gender was not predictive of the vitamin D levels or the amount of hidden spine fractures. The season of the year had no direct influence on vitamin D levels. Conclusions: Hospitalized patients with surgical fractures of the proximal femur had a higher SDI associated with vitamin D insufficiency, with osteoporosis most often untreated, which results in delayed spinal fractures diagnosis of spinal fractures and increased risk of new fractures.

Prevalence of vitamin d deficiency in patients referred to a tertiary care hospital in Punjab---a pilot study

Majority of population of India lives in areas receiving ample sunshine throughout the year. Despite this fact various studies have shown wide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our country in all ages and both sexes. The present pilot study was aimed at studying the prevalence of deficiency of this vitamin in the population of Punjab. Levels of vitamin D were analysed on a chemiluminiscent auto analyser in serum samples randomly collected from patients who visited the OPD of our hospital with nonspecific complaints like fatigue & body aches. A total of 209 patients were included in this study out of which there were 188 female and 21 male patients. Out of the total 188 female patients 56.9% had insufficient levels of vitamin D, 36.2% had frank deficiency & only 6.9% had sufficient levels. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 28.6% of the males, while 57.1% had insufficient levels & 14% had sufficient levels. The present study gives us a preliminary estimate of the wide extent of prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this Punjab belt especially in the female population. This study will act as a guideline for conducting further studies on a larger scale to get a wider picture of prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our country.

Vitamin D deficiency in alopecia areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that causes inflammation around anagen-stage hair follicles. Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been implicated in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Previous reports have described the effects of vitamin D on hair follicles. To evaluate the status of vitamin D in patients with AA, and the relationship between vitamin D levels and disease severity. A cross-sectional study of 86 patients with AA, 44 patients with vitiligo and 58 healthy controls was conducted. The serum vitamin D levels of the study group were determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in patients with AA were significantly lower than those of the patients with vitiligo and the healthy controls (P=0·001 and P<0·001, respectively). The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was significantly higher in patients with AA (91%) compared with patients with vitiligo (71%) and healthy controls (33%) (P=0·003 and P<0·001, respectively). Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation was found between disease severity and serum 25(OH)D level in patients with AA (r=-0·409; P<0·001). Deficient serum 25(OH)D levels are present in patients with AA and inversely correlate with disease severity. Accordingly, screening patients with AA for vitamin D deficiencies seems to be of value for the possibility of supplementing these patients with vitamin D.

Serum level of vitamin D3 in cutaneous melanoma.

Objective To compare the level of vitamin D3 in cutaneous melanoma patients, with or without disease activity, with reference values and with patients from a general hospital.Methods The serum levels of vitamin D3 were measured in cutaneous melanoma patients, aged 20 to 88 years, both genders, from January 2010 to December 2013. The samples from the general group were processed at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (control group). Data analysis was performed using the Statistics software.Results A total of 100 patients were studied, 54 of them men, with mean age of 54.67 years, and 95 Caucasian. Out of these 100 patients, 17 had active disease. The average levels of vitamin D3 in the melanoma patients were lower than the level considered sufficient, but above the average of the control group. Both groups (with or without active disease) of patients showed a similar distribution of vitamin D3 deficiency.Conclusion Vitamin D3 levels in melanoma patients were higher than those of general patients and lower than the reference level. If the reference values are appropriate, a large part of the population had insufficient levels of vitamin D, including those with melanoma, or else, this standard needs to be reevaluated. No difference in vitamin D3 levels was found among melanoma patients with or without active disease. More comprehensive research is needed to assess the relation between vitamin D and melanoma.

Impact of oral vitamin D (cholecalciferol) replacement therapy on blood pressure in type 2 diabetes patients; a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial.

Vitamin D is an important mediator of calcium metabolism. It has also been implicated as a potential contributor to the pathophysiology of various extra-skeletal conditions, consisting hypertension, renal disease, and insulin resistance. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether oral vitamin D (cholecalciferol) supplementation can lead to improvement of blood pressure in type 2 diabetes patients. This study was a double blind clinical trial conducted on 60 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Exclusion criteria were taking calcium, vitamin D supplements or any drugs effecting calcium and vitamin D metabolism in the past 6 months. Patients were administered weekly vitamin D supplementation (50000 units) for 12 weeks. Serum 25-Hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] level was measured with ELISA method. Five patients (8.3%) had vitamin D deficiency, 27 (45%) had insufficient levels of vitamin D and in 28 (45%) patients vitamin D level was within normal limits. The means of systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP in patients before intervention were 121 and 80.5 mmHg; after intervention they were 110 and 76.3 mmHg, respectively. After intervention, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were significantly less than control group (p< 0.01). In this study we found that weekly vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol; 50,000 units for 12 weeks) had beneficial effect on the level of blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Thus, oral vitamin D may help in improvement of hypertension in these patients.

The Role of Vitamin D Level and Related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Crohn’s Disease

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of Crohn’s Disease (CD) in the world, and there is much speculation as to why this might be. A high risk of CD has been associated with deficient or insufficient levels of Vitamin D (Vit D), lifestyle as well as various genetic polymorphisms. In this study we sought to analyse the relevance of serum Vit D levels, lifestyle and genotype to CD status. Serum samples were analysed for 25-OH-Vitamin D levels. DNA was isolated from blood and cheek-swabs, and Sequenom and ImmunoChip techniques were used for genotyping. Serum Vit D levels were significantly lower in CD patients (mean = 49.5 mg/L) than those found in controls (mean = 58.9 mg/L, p = 4.74 × 10−6). A total of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms were examined for effects on serum Vit D levels, with adjustment for confounding variables. Two variants: rs731236[A] (VDR) and rs732594[A] (SCUBE3) showed a significant association with serum Vit D levels in CD patients. Four variants: rs7975232[A] (VDR), rs732594[A] (SCUBE3), and rs2980[T] and rs2981[A] (PHF-11) showed a significant association with serum Vit D levels in the control group. This study demonstrates a significant interaction between Vit D levels and CD susceptibility, as well as a significant association between Vit D levels and genotype.

Vitamin D Insufficiency in Psychiatric Inpatients

The extraskeletal effects of vitamin D have gained increasing attention with the discovery of receptors in a variety of organ systems. Previous work has identified associations between vitamin D insufficiency and a variety of mental illnesses, including affective, cognitive, and psychotic spectrum disorders. We attempted to determine the point prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among psychiatric inpatients and determine if there was a relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and specific diagnoses and pharmacological treatments. This was a retrospective chart review of all adult patients (N=544) admitted to the psychiatric ward of a community hospital in central Illinois between December, 2010 and June, 2011. The mean vitamin D level on admission was 22.3 ng/mL, with a range of 4-79.2 ng/mL. The incidence of vitamin D insufficiency (defined as levels < 30 ng/mL) was 75%. Of those with insufficient levels of vitamin D, only 37% received treatment. Vitamin D insufficiency was not correlated with age, gender, month of admission, length of stay, score on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale at admission, diagnosis, or psychotropic medication usage. Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent in psychiatric inpatients. It is unclear whether this is the result of severe mental illness and resultant social isolation, or if vitamin D has a regulatory role on upstream genes involved in neural networks that influence affect, cognition, and perception.