Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels Research Articles

A Comparison between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels and Serum Ferritin in Children and Adolescents with Iron Deficiency Anemia, Thalassemia Minor, Thalassemia Major and Healthy People

Background: We aimed to determine the level of serum vitamin D and serum ferritin in four groups’ children and adolescents. Methods: This descriptive/analytical study was conducted in 2019 on children and adolescents with thalassemia aged 7-18 years in Ahvaz, Iran. Overall, 160 patients with the target inclusion and exclusion criteria were assigned into four groups (n=40) of people with thalassemia minor, thalassemia major, iron deficiency anemia and healthy individuals. The level of ferritin and vitamin D was assessed. Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon test and Spearman's correlation test were used as well as SPSS Statistics V21. Results: The mean age of the participants was 13.07 ± 3.82 yr and 100 people (62.5%) were male. In terms of vitamin D deficiency, 16 people (40%) had severe deficiency in iron deficiency group. The highest level of ferritin was found in thalassemia major group and the lowest in iron deficiency group. Regarding the level of vitamin D and ferritin in the healthy group, there was a statistically significant difference between mean vitamin D and serum ferritin levels (P=0.027). In iron deficiency group, this level of ferritin was observed with mild deficiency (P=0.017). In thalassemia major group, the increase in ferritin was associated with severe vitamin D deficiency (P=0.05. Conclusion: Severe vitamin D is seen in thalassemia major due to the increase in ferritin, but moderate deficiency of this vitamin in healthy people and mild deficiency in iron deficiency anemia group was observed considering the normal levels of ferritin.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level and cognitive impairment in older chronic kidney disease patients

This study aims to examine whether hypovitaminosis D was associated with cognitive impairment among chronic kidney patients with different level of albuminuria. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly (over 60 years old) with urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30 mg/g from 2011 to 2014 in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Cognitive function was assessed by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Word List Learning (CERAD). Subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the absence or presence of cognitive impairment and a propensity score matching (PSM) was further conducted. The association was assessed with Spearman correlation and logistic regression analysis. The positive association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and cognitive score was presented. PSM analysis revealed that a higher level of 25(OH)D3 correlated to a better cognitive function in CKD patients with albuminuria, especially in patients with 30 mg/g ≤ UACR < 300 mg/g. This study indicated that a low 25(OH)D3 level was associated with poor cognitive performance, especially in patients with microalbuminuria. Thus, early diagnosis of vitamin D insufficiency and an effective intervention might be a useful therapeutic strategy to prevent cognitive decline in patients with the progression of renal dysfunction.

Vitamin D deficiency and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes: Big data insights.

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency and its association with inflammatory markers and type 2 diabetes. We conducted our research at Qingdao Endocrine and Diabetes Hospital, where serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were determined for 2,806 individuals with type 2 diabetes aged 30 and older between January 2018 and December 2019. Medical records were analyzed, and data on health, blood lipids, HbA1c, and inflammation were collected. Our results revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the population. Among male and female patients, median serum 25(OH)D3 levels were 22.46 and 19.00 ng/mL, respectively. More than 60% of female patients had vitamin D deficiency, with over 80% having levels below 30 ng/mL. We observed a favorable connection between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 25(OH)D3, while triglycerides and HbA1c showed negative correlations. As 25(OH)D3 levels increased, inflammatory markers such as hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and monocyte count decreased (trend test, p < 0.05), although peripheral blood lymphocytes initially increased and then decreased. After controlling for age and gender, multiple linear regression analysis indicated negative correlations between ESR, hsCRP, and white blood cell count with 25(OH)D3 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that individuals with type 2 diabetes often exhibit vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, which is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.

#2283 Vitamin D metabolism in end stage kidney failure: people receiving haemodialysis can still synthesise 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D

Abstract Background and Aims A large proportion of haemodialysed patients remain vitamin D deficient, contributing to the development, and severity, of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) supplementation on serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in a group of people receiving haemodialysis. Method Eighty-one haemodialysis patients (dialysis vintage ≥1 month) with low serum total 25(OH)D consented to participate. 40,000IU cholecalciferol was given weekly for 12-weeks followed by a maintenance dose of 20,000IU fortnightly (administered by dialysis nursing staff as part of routine care). Patients remained on active vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3 and analogues) as part of routine care (clinician prescribed for management of calcium and PTH). Baseline and 12-month data were compared using related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank test (Table 1). NHS research ethics committee approval was received. Results Complete data were available and analysed for 55 patients. 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were low at baseline (48.3pmol/L, IQR 35.9-57.9pmol/L) despite 44 of 55 patients (80%) being prescribed an active vitamin D analogue (normal range 60-120pmol/L). Cholecalciferol supplementation normalised both serum 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 and significantly increased 24,25(OH)2D3 (Table 1). Conclusion Synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 is maintained (in kidney failure) but is substrate dependent, and low serum 25(OH)D was evident at baseline. 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency is therefore partly a consequence of 25(OH)D deficiency, rather than solely due to elevated FGF23 and reduced renal 1α-hydroxylase activity (which is shown to be present in kidney failure). Cholecalciferol supplementation increases the inactive substrate 25(OH)D3 rather than directly increasing 1,25(OH)2D3. Increases in 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 are disproportionate to 1,25(OH)2D3 increases, demonstrating the known tight regulation of 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis and secretion (in response to calcium and parathyroid hormone). Conventional oral vitamin D supplementation may provide a cheap and safe strategy for the management of vitamin D homeostasis in chronic kidney disease.

VITAMIN D3 AFFECTS GLUCOCORTICOID-SENSITIVE RECEPTORS AND BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR IN PREDNISOLONE-INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY

Aim. The study aimed to explore the effects of vitamin D3 (D3) on markers of brain tissue metabolism in prednisolone-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Methods. Female Wistar rats received prednisolone (5 mg/kg of b.w.) with or without D3 (1000 IU/kg of b.w.) for 30 days. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25D3) and brain tissue BDNF levels were measured by ELISA. We used western blotting to determine levels of glucocorticoid-sensitive receptors: GRα/β (glucocorticoid receptor) and MR (mineralocorticoid receptor). The number of astrocytes in histological sections of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus CA1-CA3 regions was assessed by immunofluorescent labeling of the macroglial marker protein GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein). Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. The significant level was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results. Long-term administration of prednisolone decreased serum and brain tissue 25D3 levels and increased the GR/MR ratio, suggesting a potential neurotoxic effect. It also increased brain tissue BDNF levels and astrocyte numbers in histological sections of rats` brains. D3 supplementation completely or partially reversed the alterations, elucidating its neuroprotective effect. Conclusions. The study suggests that D3 deficiency may contribute to neuropathological changes induced by long-term exposure to prednisolone. Based on the identified positive effects of D3 on the CNS, its practical usefulness in the complex treatment of neurological and cognitive disorders associated with GC-based therapeutics can be envisaged.

Investigating the comparative effect of vitamin D level with the type of complications in Henoch Schönlein purpura and Kawasaki disease

Introduction and objectivesHenoch Schönlein purpura (HSP) and Kawasaki disease (KD) are two main inflammatory diseases among childhood vasculitis. Considering the anti-inflammatory effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, we decided to investigate the association of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 level with the type and severity of these conditions. Materials and methodsThe present study was performed as a historical cohort of 254 affected children with KD and HSP vasculitis. The required data were extracted, using a researcher-made questionnaire from patients’ electronic file, and then they were analyzed after collecting information of the patients. ResultsIn HSP group, 54% of participants were boys. Similarly, in KD group, boys were more affected than girls. The comparative 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D3 level in HSP patients with and without renal involvement (P=0.02), hematuria (P=0.14), and in two groups with and without heart disease, and also with and without coronary artery dilatation in KD patients (P<0.001) were significant. Discussion and conclusionsThe findings showed that insufficient level of vitamin D3 were significantly associated with the exacerbation of complications of both diseases, and therefore it seems that vitamin D deficiency can be an effective predictive factor of severity in HSP and KD patients.

Association between vitamin D and endometriosis among American women: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease associated with inflammation. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anti-oxidative, and immunomodulatory effects. Whether vitamin D levels are correlated with endometriosis is a subject of ongoing debate. This study aimed to examine the association between endometriosis and serum vitamin D levels. From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this study examined the cross-sectional data of American women aged 20-54 years from 2001 to 2006. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess correlations. A total of 3,232 women were included in this study. The multiple linear regression model demonstrated a negative correlation between the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) concentration and the risk of endometriosis after controlling for all confounding variables. The odds ratio was 0.73 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.54-0.97 in the adequate vitamin D level group compared with the insufficient vitamin D level group. Our results showed that endometriosis was inversely correlated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels. Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship and determine the potential benefits of maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels for endometriosis prevention.

Spectrofluorimetric determination of vitamin D in the serum of autistic and healthy children using functionalized graphene quantum dots

Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients for brain development, and deficiencies during pregnancy and early childhood development might be associated with autism. Regular monitoring of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level could help in early diagnosis and therapy. Analytical measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level using the traditional matrix-matched calibration technique yields inaccurate results due to absence of serum matrix free from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. The aim of this work was to develop a validated spectrofluorimetric methodology based on the standard addition approach for quantifying 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in real serum samples of autistic children. The spectrofluorimetric methodology utilizes functionalized graphene quantum dots as a fluorescent probe for selective quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level, which is based on measuring the quenching properties of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on a fluorescent probe. The standard addition approach exhibits a minimal matrix interference since it identically utilizes the same matrix of each study sample for creating its own calibration curve. The method was validated using the guidelines outlined in ICH M10 draft for endogenous compounds quantification. The method was successfully applied for quantifying the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in autistic and healthy children, and autistic children had significantly lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels (with a mean ± SD of 23.80 ± 17.19) when compared to healthy children (with a mean ± SD of 50.13 ± 18.74, P < 0.001). These results suggested an association between vitamin D deficiency and autism.

Distribution of Vitamin D Status in a Group from Syrian Society

Objective: The aim of this work is to study the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in a sample of healthy Syrians in the city of Homs. Method: A cross-sectional study, including 690 ostensibly healthy participants, was conducted at the National Hospital of Homs. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results: The overall prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy (insufficiency, deficiency, and severe deficiency) in the study samples was 76.5%. Additionally, 49% of the samples had vitamin D deficiency, with 18.5% suffering from severe deficiency. Furthermore, levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in females were lower than in males (11.3±2.3 ng/ml versus 39.6±11.28 ng/ml, respectively, p &lt; 0.0001). Veiled women had serum levels of vitamin D lower than non-veiled women, 11.3±2.5 ng/ml versus 25.5±3.2 ng/ml, respectively, p &lt; 0.0001. Female gender and clothing style were identified as independent risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was very common in the study population, despite the sunny weather in Homs city most of the year. Further studies with larger groups, including other Syrian governorates, are needed to elucidate lifestyle and sociocultural behavior risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.

The Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels and Pro-Inflammatory Markers in New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes.

In this study, we aimed to reveal the pro-inflammatory effects of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (Vit D) deficiency and insufficiency in new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes. We recruited 84 prediabetes patients, 94 new-onset T2DM patients and 113 healthy participants. We measured the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, ferritin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the serum of the participants. ANOVA Bonferroni and Kruskal-Wallis Dunn tests were used to compare the inflammation markers and vitamin D levels between the groups. Based on covariance analysis with age, gender and BMI, the Vit D levels of the T2DM group were significantly lower (p < 0.003). Pro-inflammatory markers and CRP were significantly higher in prediabetic and diabetic subjects. In the prediabetes group, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and MAPK were significantly higher in those with Vit D insufficiency and deficiency groups. In the T2DM group, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, NF-κB, MAPK and CRP were significantly higher in those with Vit D insufficiency and deficiency. Our study emphasizes the pro-inflammatory effects of Vit D deficiency and insufficiency in new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes.

Serum Vitamin D3 Concentration, Sleep, and Cognitive Impairment among Older Adults in China.

Cognitive decline in older adults has become one of the critical challenges to global health. This study aims to examine both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) (briefed as VD3) concentration and sleep quality/duration, especially their interactions, with risk of cognitive impairment among older adults in China. We utilized a special subsample of adults aged 65-105 years (individuals = 3412, observations = 4816) from eight provinces in China derived from the 2011/2012 and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Cognitive impairment was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination scale. Sleep quality was classified as good versus fair/poor, and sleep duration was classified into short (<7 h), normal (≥7 but <9 h), and long (≥9 h). The VD3 concentration was divided into three levels: deficiency (VD3 < 25 nmol/L), insufficiency (25 nmol/L ≤ VD3 < 50 nmol/L), and sufficiency (VD3 ≥ 50 nmol/L). A wide set of covariates that include demographics, socioeconomic status, family support, health practice, and health conditions was adjusted for robust findings. Multilevel random intercept logit regression models were used to examine the cross-sectional associations between VD3, sleep, and cognitive impairment, whereas logit regression models were applied to investigate the longitudinal associations. In the cross-sectional analyses, when all covariates were adjusted, VD3 sufficiency was significantly associated with a 33% lower risk of cognitive impairment compared with VD3 deficiency; good sleep quality was associated with 34% lower odds of cognitive impairment compared with fair/poor sleep quality; sleep hours were not associated with cognitive impairment, although a long sleep duration (≥9 h) was associated with 30% higher odds of being cognitively impaired when baseline health was not controlled. Interaction analyses reveal that VD3 sufficiency could help to additionally reduce the risk of cognitive impairment for good sleep quality and normal sleep hours. In the longitudinal analyses, the association of VD3 sufficiency remains significant, whereas sleep quality and sleep duration were not significant associates. Good sleep quality, normal sleep hours, and VD3 sufficiency are positively associated with good cognitive function. VD3 sufficiency could enhance the associations between sleep and cognitive impairment.

Relevance of vitamin D in patients undergoing HLA matched allogeneic stem cell transplant for acute leukemia

BackgroundIn hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), vitamin D deficiency has been variably associated with increased complications, primarily graft versus host disease (GvHD), with a potential impact on survival. Results from various studies however, have not been consistent. This analysis was conducted to study the impact of peri-transplant vitamin D levels on transplant outcomes in patients with acute leukemia (AL) who underwent HLA matched (related/unrelated) HSCT. MethodsThis was a single center retrospective study. Patients of AL including Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or Mixed Phenotypic Acute Leukemia (MPAL) who underwent fully matched or 9/10 transplants (related/unrelated) between 2008 and 2019 were included. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels ≤20 ng/ml. Those with deficiency received replacement with oral vitamin D at a dose of 60,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks followed by maintenance with daily vitamin D (800 IU/day). Vitamin D levels were repeated at 4 months from start of replacement. For patients who received correction, repeat levels >20 ng/ml were considered replete. Based on vitamin D levels in the peri-transplant period (within 120 days of transplant), patients were categorised as either vitamin D replete (> 20 ng/ml) or deplete (≤ 20 ng/ml). Peri-transplant vitamin D status was correlated with transplant outcomes. ResultsOf the 133 patients included, 31 were deplete (median vitamin D 15.0 ng/ml) and 102 were replete (median vitamin D 34 ng/ml) at time of transplant. Both groups were matched for age, diagnosis, EBMT score and disease risk index (DRI). There were no differences in time to neutrophil or platelet engraftment, CMV reactivation, acute GvHD (aGvHD) or chronic GvHD (cGvHD) between the two groups. Relapse rate, Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were also comparable between the 2 groups. ConclusionThe incidence of vitamin D deficiency was high in our patient cohort. Patients who were vitamin D deficient at the time of transplant did not have inferior outcomes, suggesting a limited role of vitamin D in influencing transplant outcomes.

Association of Vitamin D Deficiency in Pakistani Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Objective: Females suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome have an increased likelihood of experiencing a deficiency in vitamin D. Methods: The Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Indus Medical College Tando Muhammad Khan, conducted a cross-sectional study for six months. The study aimed to investigate 160 women aged 17–44 who presented with the polycystic ovarian syndrome. The researchers collected blood samples from the participants and measured their vitamin D levels. If the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were less than 20ng/ml, the participants were considered vitamin D deficient. The researchers obtained written informed consent from all participants and used SPSS version 20 to enter and analyze the collected data. Results: The study included patients aged between 17 and 44 years old, with an average age of 25.721 ± 7.56 years. The majority of patients (n=118, 73.7%) fell within the 17-30 age range, while 52 patients (26.0%) were between the ages of 32-45. In the study group, 74 patients (46.25%) were classified as obese. However, there was no significant contrast in the occurrence of vitamin D insufficiency among different age brackets (17-30 vs. 31-44 years) or body mass index classifications (overweight vs. non-overweight). Specifically, the percentages were 57.6% vs. 57.1% for age categories and 64.8% vs. 52.3% for body mass index divisions, correspondingly, with p-values of 0.643 and 0.045. Conclusion: Among females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the prevalence of insufficient levels of vitamin D was determined to be 58.0%. Nonetheless, there were no significant differences in the occurrence of vitamin D insufficiency across different age and BMI groups. Keywords: Vitamin D deficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity

Association between serum level of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) and plasma level of vitamin D receptor with bacteriological index in leprosy patients.

Macrophages respond against Mycobacterium leprae infection through interacting with vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR). There has been no study analyzing the association between vitamin D and VDR with bacteriological index (BI) in leprosy patients in Indonesia. To analyze the serum level of 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and plasma level of VDR as well as their association with BI in leprosy patients in Indonesia. This is a cross-sectional study. Serum level of 25(OH)D was assessed with in vitro chemiluminescent immunoassay. Plasma level of VDR was assessed with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Median serum level of 25(OH)D was 12.68 ng/mL. There was no correlation between serum level of 25(OH)D and BI (r=0.033; p=0.869). Median plasma level of VDR was 1.36 ng/mL. There was no correlation between plasma level of VDR and BI (r=- 0.063; p=0.749) and no significant association between BI and serum level of 25(OH) and plasma level of VDR (R2=0.055). There was no association between serum level of 25(OH)D and plasma level of VDR with BI in leprosy patients.

Differences and Clinical Significance of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and Vasohibin-1 (VASH-1) Levels in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy and Different Renal Injuries.

We investigate the relationship between the changes of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and vasohibin-1 (VASH-1) and renal function injury in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. In this study, 143 patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) were selected as DN group, and 80 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected as T2DM group. The serum 25 (OH) D3, VASH-1, blood glucose index, inflammation index and renal function index were compared between the two groups. According to the urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), the DN group was divided into microalbuminuria group (UACR range≥30.0mg/g and <300.0mg/g) and macroalbuminuria group (UACR≥300.0mg/g) for stratified comparison. The correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, VASH-1 and inflammation index and renal function index was analyzed by simple linear correlation analysis. The level of 25 (OH) D3 in DN group was significantly lower than that in T2DM group (P<0.05). The levels of VASH-1, CysC, BUN, Scr, 24h urine protein, serum CRP, TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-6 in DN group were higher than those in T2DM group (P<0.05). The level of 25 (OH) D3 in DN patients with massive proteinuria was significantly lower than that in DN patients with microalbuminuria. The level of VASH-1 in DN patients with massive proteinuria was higher than that in DN patients with microalbuminuria (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between 25 (OH) D3 and CysC, BUN, Scr, 24h urine protein, CRP, TGF-β1, TNF-α, IL-6 in patients with DN (P<0.05). VASH-1 was positively correlated with Scr, 24h urinary protein, CRP, TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-6 in patients with DN (P<0.05). The level of serum 25 (OH) D3 in DN patients was considerably decreased, and the level of VASH-1 was increased, which was related to the degree of renal function injury and inflammatory response.

Vitamin D Status in Pediatric Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Child heart failure is frequently brought on by dilated cardiomyopathy and it is characterized by impaired contraction and left ventricular or biventricular dilation. Evidence from recent years has demonstrated that vitamin D is crucial in a number of cardiovascular illnesses that are now more well recognized. This study evaluated vitamin D status in pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and compared it with that of healthy controls. This study is an observational case-control study, which included 23 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy aged less than 21 years of both genders, and a control group that included 45 healthy people who were matched for age, sex, and body mass index at the surgical specialty hospital-cardiac center in Erbil, Iraq. From each one, a blood sample was taken to evaluate the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, calcium, troponin I and creatin kinase-MB levels. The study revealed that the mean serum vitamin D3 level and mean serum calcium were significantly lower in dilated cardiomyopathy patients than controls, and significantly higher mean serum PTH and serum creatin kinase-MB in patients than controls. The difference in serum troponin I levels was not significant between the two groups. Furthermore, the study's outcomes revealed a substantial, moderately significant negative correlation between hypovitaminosis D and the dimensions of the left ventricle's end diastole and end systole in children with dilated cardiomyopathy

Migraine and vitamin D levels and the severity of headache in children

Introduction: A migraine is a condition where there is a headache that can cause severe throbbing paining or a pulsing sensation of pain on unilateral side of the head. It is a primary episodic headache disorder which is due to neurological, gastrointestinal, central nervous system and autonomic changes. The prime aim of the study was to determine the levels of vitamin D associated with the severity of headache in patients with migraine. Methods: A total number of 108 children diagnosed with migraine were evaluated. Levels of vitamin D and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 were measured by using ELISA method (enzyme-linked immunoassay). Serum vitamin D levels were defined as 30ng/ml. The severity of the headache was determined according to the MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment Score)., Results: The mean serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels of migraine patients were 18.6±4.9 ng/ml. As the level of vitamin D decreased, so the severity of the headache increased, with a higher Migraine Disability Assessment score grade (p 0.05) which shows closer inverse proportional association of vitamin-D levels with migraine. Conclusion: The high levels of headache are associated with reduced serum vitamin D levels in children with migraine.

Correlations of inflammatory cytokines in the intestinal mucosa, serum inflammation, oxidative stresses and immune changes with vitamin deficiency in ulcerative colitis patients

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Studies in China and foreign countries have shown that vitamins have anti-inflammation and immunoregulation functions in patients with UC, but the specific mechanism is not yet clear. In this study, the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the intestinal mucosa, serum inflammatory indexes, oxidative stress indexes and immune-related indexes were detected, and their correlations with vitamin deficiency and clinical significance were discussed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to detect the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, immunohistochemistry was applied to examine the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the intestinal mucosa, serum inflammatory indexes, oxidative stress indexes and immune-related indexes were measured, and their correlations were analyzed. Inflammatory and oxidative stress indexes in the UC group were notably higher than in the control group. The Vitamin deficiency group had more inflammatory cytokines than the normal vitamin group. Oxidative stress indexes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the vitamin deficiency group were significantly different from those in the normal vitamin group, but no difference was found in myeloperoxidase (MPO). Immune-related indexes, complement 3 (C3) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), in the normal vitamin group were higher than those in the vitamin deficiency group. Besides, interleukin-4 (IL-4) (r=-0.37, p=0.04) and IL-1β (r=-0.31, p=0.04) had significant correlations with vitamins. Vitamins in patients with UC have significant correlations with inflammatory responses in vivo, which can be used to predict inflammatory responses in vivo and have strong clinical significance. Vitamins are also related to oxidative stresses to some extent but have little effect on immune-related indexes.

Efficacy and Safety of Vitamin D Supplementation to Prevent COVID-19 in Frontline Healthcare Workers. A Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundAssociations between vitamin D (VD) deficiency and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been documented in cross-sectional population studies. Intervention studies in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 have failed to consistently document a beneficial effect.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy and safety of VD-supplementation in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in highly exposed individuals.MethodsA double-blind, parallel, randomized trial was conducted. Frontline healthcare workers from four hospitals in Mexico City, who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection, were enrolled between July 15 and December 30, 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 4,000 IU VD (VDG) or placebo (PG) daily for 30 d. RT-PCR tests were taken at baseline and repeated if COVID-19 manifestations appeared during follow-up. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and antibody tests were measured at baseline and at day 45. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis were conducted.ResultsOf 321 recruited subjects, 94 VDG and 98 PG completed follow-up. SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was lower in VDG than in PG (6.4 vs. 24.5%, p <0.001). The risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection was lower in the VDG than in the PG (RR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.09–0.55) and was associated with an increment in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.82–0.93), independently of VD deficiency. No significant adverse events were identified.ConclusionsOur results suggest that VD-supplementation in highly exposed individuals prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection without serious AEs and regardless of VD status.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Women with Breast Cancer: A Correlation with Osteoporosis? A Machine Learning Approach with Multiple Factor Analysis.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant tumor in women in Europe and North America, and the use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is recommended in women affected by estrogen receptor-positive BCs. AIs, by inhibiting the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen, cause a decrement in bone mineral density (BMD), with a consequent increased risk of fragility fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D3 deficiency in women with breast cancer and its correlation with osteoporosis and BMD modifications. This observational cross-sectional study collected the following data regarding bone health: osteoporosis and osteopenia diagnosis, lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), calcium and parathyroid hormone. The study included 54 women with BC, mean age 67.3 ± 8.16 years. Given a significantly low correlation with the LS BMD value (r2 = 0.30, p = 0.025), we assessed the role of vitamin D3 via multiple factor analysis and found that BMD and vitamin D3 contributed to the arrangement of clusters, reported as vectors, providing similar trajectories of influence to the construction of the machine learning model. Thus, in a cohort of women with BC undergoing Ais, we identified a very low prevalence (5.6%) of patients with adequate bone health and a normal vitamin D3 status. According to our cluster model, we may conclude that the assessment and management of bone health and vitamin D3 status are crucial in BC survivors.