Vitamin D3 Levels Research Articles

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Female Adolescents in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors related to VD deficiency among female adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in secondary and preparatory schools in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, from May 2022 to July 2023. A total of 120 schools were included in the study, with a calculated sample size of 340 female adolescents using a probability multistage random sampling method. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for VD levels. Results: In a study of 340 female adolescents aged 14-18 years, the findings showed that 39.4% of participants had severe VD deficiency, 42.6% were deficient, and 17.9% had insufficiency. The mean VD level was 13.29±6.45 ng/mL. Seasonal variation significantly impacted VD level (p=0.001), with the highest levels seen in summer and the lowest in winter. Skin colour also significantly influenced VD level (p=0.020), as individuals with lighter skin have higher levels. There were positive correlations between VD levels, milk intake (r=0.138, p=0.011), and cheese consumption (r = 0.135, p=0.013). The use of sunscreen had mixed effects. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between SPF 15 and VD level (r=0.132, p=0.015), while higher SPF values were associated with lower levels. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of seasonal adjustments, improved dietary habits, and lifestyle changes to address VD deficiency in the population effectively.

The Association between Vitamin D3 Deficiency and Cataract Formation in Baghdad Al-Karkh

Background: Visual impairment is a global issue that is particularly problematic for poor nations. It is linked to diminished physical activity, social isolation, reliance on everyday tasks, and even death. The clouding of the lens inside the eye is called a cataract. It is one of the main causes of blindness and visual impairment in the world. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, vitamin D, a prohormone in the blood, is crucial to the pathophysiology of many ocular illnesses. Given that oxidative stress and inflammation are significant contributors to the development of cataracts, a number of research have evaluated the relationship between vitamin D3 deficiency and cataract formation. Objective: Determine whether a vitamin D3 deficiency and cataracts are related. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study that was carried out included a total of 100 cataract patients who are 60 years of age or younger from September 2023 to March 2024 in the Ophthalmology Department of Imamein Kadhimein Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq. Questionnaire form was used which consist of sociodemographic information, socioeconomic status, dietary sources of vitamin D3, sun exposure, anthropometric measures and ophthalmic examination. Vitamin D3 level had been investigated in laboratory of the hospital. Results: Thirty percent of patients had cortical cataracts, 57% had nuclear cataracts, and 13% had posterior subcapsular cataracts. Sixty-nine percent of patients had a vitamin D3 level that is less than 20 ng/ml. Of the patients, 13% had a vitamin D3 level between 20 and 30 ng/ml, while 18% had a level greater than 30 ng/ml. There is a significant association between the level of vitamin D3 and the type of cataract (p-value = 0.013). Sixty-nine percent of patients with deficient vitamin D3 levels had 9% posterior subcapsular cataracts, 36% cortical cataracts, and 55% nuclear cataracts. Patients with insufficient vitamin D3 levels had 8% posterior subcapsular cataracts, 8% cortical cataracts, and 84% nuclear cataracts. While patients with sufficient vitamin D3 levels had 33% posterior subcapsular cataracts, 22% cortical cataracts, and 45% nuclear cataracts. The body mass index and vitamin D3 level were significantly associated (p-value = 0.003). Patients with a vitamin D3 level less than 20 ng/ml comprised 31% overweight patients, 26% class I obese patients, 26% class II obese patients, and 4% class III obese patients. Thirteen percent of these patients had normal weights. Patients with a vitamin D3 level 20-30 ng/ml comprised 46% overweight patients, 23% class II obese patients, and 31% with normal weight. While patients with a vitamin D3 level more than 30 ng/ml comprised 33% normal weight patients and 67% overweight. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 deficiency has a significant association with cataract formation, especially nuclear and cortical types, sun exposure, educational level, socioeconomic status, and obesity.

Micronutrients, Vitamin D, and Inflammatory Biomarkers in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Causal Inference Studies.

Experimental and observational studies suggest that circulating micronutrients, including vitamin D (VD), may increase COVID-19 risk and its associated outcomes. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies provide valuable insight into the causal relationship between an exposure and disease outcomes. The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of causal inference studies that apply MR approaches to assess the role of these micronutrients, particularly VD, in COVID-19 risk, infection severity, and related inflammatory markers. Searches (up to July 2023) were conducted in 4 databases. The quality of the studies was evaluated based on the MR-STROBE guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted where possible. There were 28 studies (2 overlapped) including 12 on micronutrients (8 on VD) and COVID-19, 4 on micronutrients (all on VD) and inflammation, and 12 on inflammatory markers and COVID-19. Some of these studies reported significant causal associations between VD or other micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium) and COVID-19 outcomes. Associations in terms of causality were also nonsignificant with regard to inflammation-related markers, except for VD levels below 25 nmol/L and C-reactive protein (CRP). Some studies reported causal associations between cytokines, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and other inflammatory markers and COVID-19. Pooled MR estimates showed that VD was not significantly associated with COVID-19 outcomes, whereas ACE2 increased COVID-19 risk (MR odds ratio = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.19) but did not affect hospitalization or severity of the disease. The methodological quality of the studies was high in 13 studies, despite the majority (n = 24) utilizing 2-sample MR and evaluated pleiotropy. MR studies exhibited diversity in their approaches but do not support a causal link between VD/micronutrients and COVID-19 outcomes. Whether inflammation mediates the VD-COVID-19 relationship remains uncertain, and highlights the need to address this aspect in future MR studies exploring micronutrient associations with COVID-19 outcomes. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022328224.

Association between Pre-operative Vitamin-D level and Shortterm Clinical Outcomes Regarding Pain & Disability following PLID surgery

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem affecting 70% of the population in the developed countries and prevalence is also increasing in the developing countries. There were strong associations between vitamin D deficiency and LBP. According to the latest report in Bangladesh 86% (eighty-six percent) people had hypovitaminosis- D. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is seen in patients with degenerative diseases of the spine. Considering the hypovitaminosis D led to musculoskeletal issues we want to examine the level of vitamin D in patients before PLID surgery and observe its impact 01 month postoperatively regarding pain & disability outcomes by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) & Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate an association between preoperative Vitamin-D level and short-term outcome regarding pain & disability following PLID surgery. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study will be conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Patient’s data will be collected in questionnaire/data collection sheet. All the patient will be evaluated by serum Vitamin-D level preoperatively. Patient will be clinically assessed by VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) score and ODI (Oswestry Disability Score) preoperatively and 01 month postoperatively. Then our aim is to determine a relationship between pre-operative Vitamin-D level and mean difference between pre and post-operative VAS & ODI Score. Statistical analysis: Data was processed and analyzed by using computer software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 22. Appropriate statistical test for data analysis (Unpaired T-test) was done. Statistical significance was set at pvalue <0.05. Results: In this study population, the mean age was 42.84 ± 10.14 years ranging from 31 to 78 years. Out of 38 patients 17 (45%) patients had hypovitaminosis-D and 19 (55%) patient had normal vitamin-D level. 15 (39.5%), 11 (28.9%), 10 (26.3%) and 2 (5.3%) patients were service holder, housewife, Businessman and other (retired) respectively. T-test & Chi square test showed positive association between preoperative vitamin-D level and post-operative clinical outcome regarding pain and disability, with a significant p-value of p = <0.05. Conclusion: Our study has showed an association between Pre-operative Vitamin-D level and post-operative clinical outcome regarding pain & disability, that is, insufficient Vitamin-D level leads to decrease alleviation of symptoms following PLID surgery. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2024; 13(2): 75-85

Key predictors of fertility: Exploring the role of Vitamin-D

Background & Objectives: The relationship of Vitamin-D (VD) with Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is recognized. This study was conducted to determine whether VD is a predictor of fertility and investigate its relationship with female reproductive hormones and markers of ovarian reserve in female population of Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from July 2020 to June 2022 at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) with recruitment of 135 fertile and infertile subjects. VD, AMH, FSH and LH levels were estimated by ‘Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA)’. By applying binary logistic regression, variables with p-value < 0.25 in univariate analysis were used for multivariate regression model and adjusted odds ratios were computed. In multivariate analysis, significance was p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: VD deficiency was observed in all infertile female subjects. In univariate regression analysis, FSH, LH, LH/FSH ratio and VD levels turned out to be significant. The Multivariate analysis represented that for every one ng/mL increase in VD level, the odds of fertility were expected to be 50.154 times higher with p-value < 0.001. The positive correlation of VD with FSH was significant. Conclusion: VD deficiency was prevalent in all infertile female subjects. VD levels were strong predictor of fertility in the study population. The significant association of VD with FSH explained the indirect effect of VD on follicular development and ovarian functions however no relationship of VD with ovarian reserve was exhibited. Note: AI assisted technologies were used in the preparation of the manuscripts, to improve readability and language. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9774 How to cite this: Salahuddin H, Zaki S, Ashraf M, Rehana Rehman4. Key predictors of fertility: Exploring the role of Vitamin-D. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2363-2367. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9774 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Association between serum vitamin D, uric acid, C-reactive protein, and disease severity in ulcerative colitis: A retrospective study.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease of the intestinal mucosa, and immunodeficiency is the main cause. Vitamin D (VD) has been shown to regulate many immune diseases, and studies have found that the level of uric acid (UA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) may also affect the severity of UC. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between VD levels and disease severity in UC patients. To determine serum VD levels in patients with UC of different ages and genders in China, and to study its correlation with UC, and to analyze its correlation with serum UA levels and CRP, so as to provide guidance for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of UC. One hundred three UC patients (64 males and 39 females, aged 16-75 years) were diagnosed with varying severity (mild, moderate, and severe). Serum VD levels, UA levels, and CRP levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. The serum VD level of patients with severe UC was significantly lower than that of patients with mild UC. Gender was significantly correlated with serum UA, CRP, and disease severity in UC patients. Serum VD levels may affect the disease severity of UC patients, and patients with low serum VD content may have more severe disease. Gender affects serum UA, CRP, and disease severity. Males have significantly higher serum UA and CRP levels than females, while disease severity is generally lower than that of females. However, the mechanism of abnormal serum vitamin and trace element levels in UC patients remains to be further studied.

Environmental pollution impact on the severity of some rheumatic diseases: a comparative analytical study on inflammatory and non-inflammatory samples

ObjectiveEnvironmental pollution of heavy metals is increasingly a problem and has become of great concern due to the adverse effects it causes worldwide. Heavy metal exposure has been implicated in health problems, including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. We aim to evaluate the rule of chronic heavy metals toxicity on the induction of vitamin D3 (VD) deficiency and parathyroid hormone (PTH) disturbances in an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non-inflammatory disease like fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).MethodsThis comparative analytical study was conducted on sixty adults (age ≥ 18 years). Participants were divided into three groups. Group I: twenty patients diagnosed with RA according to the specific ACR/EULAR criteria for RA. Group II: twenty patients diagnosed with FMS according to the specific 2010 (ACR) criteria for FMS. Group III: twenty healthy adults. All patients and controls were subjected to routine laboratory tests as well as the measurement of PTH, VD and estimation of serum levels of lead, cadmium, and chromium.ResultsVD was significantly inversely correlated to PTH, lead, cadmium, chromium, and activity scores in the RA and FMS groups. Lead, Cadmium and Chromium had a significant independent risk on the VD level in RA patients, while lead had a significant independent risk on the VD level in FMS patients.ConclusionHeavy metals may affect VD synthesis, leading to hypovitaminosis D and secondary hyperparathyroidism in RA and FMS patients. Heavy metals play a key role in the pathogenesis of RA, FMS, and their disease activity.

Cardiometabolic factors and vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Up to 80% of patients with CKD may exhibit inadequate vitamin D (VD) levels, which have been linked to the presence of cardiometabolic factors (CFs) in the adult population. However, research on this association in the pediatric population is limited. To analyze the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-[OH]D) levels and status on the presence of CFs in children receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT). This cross-sectional study included pediatric patients receiving KRT, aged 8-17 years, who were receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis from January 2021 to March 2024. We conducted anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessments, and glucose, 25-(OH)D, and lipid profiling for all participants. The daily dose of cholecalciferol supplementation, as well as other medications affecting bone and lipid metabolism and antihypertensive drugs, were documented. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-tests and chi-square tests to compare the CFs between groups with and without VD deficiency. The study involved 156 patients with an average age of 12.9 years and a mean serum VD level of 22.5 ng/dL. Patients with VD deficiency presented higher levels of total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in other biochemical profile variables or in the frequency of cardiometabolic factors. Vitamin D deficiency seems to increase the risk of dyslipidemia and uncontrolled hypertension in children and adolescents with end-stage CKD.

Effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on PTH and increasing the glomerular filtration rate in kidney transplant patients at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center

The association between oral cholecalciferol and GFR has been identified in various renal transplant populations around the globe. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral cholecalciferol supplementation on the GFR and serum PTH levels, with other parameters in the Saudi kidney transplant population. A retrospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of 174 kidney recipients who underwent transplantation and had serum 25-Hydroxy VD level tests performed (2018-2022) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Jeddah, KSA. Generalized and linear mixed effects regression models were conducted. The percentage of GFR &gt;60 (25.86% vs 78.16%, P&lt;.0001) and VD insufficiency (&lt; 30 ng/mL) (36.21% vs 6.90%, P&lt;.0001) were significantly different between pre-&amp; post-transplant periods, respectively. After adjustment, significant changes were found in post-transplant GFR, hemoglobin levels, serum creatinine levels, blood urea nitrogen levels, hematocrit levels, PTH levels, and VD 25-Hydroxy from the baseline. Calciferol 1000/2000 IU and 50,000 IU (P&lt;.0001) were significantly more effective in increasing the odds of having GFR &gt;60 as compared to other supplements (P=0.75). VD supplementations may be particularly beneficial in improving kidney function in kidney transplant patients, as this contributes to normalizing GFR levels and creatinine levels and reducing PTH levels.

Effect of Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia Combined with Stereotactic Aspiration on Patients with Severe Cerebral Hemorrhage.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of mild therapeutic hypothermia combined with stereotactic aspiration of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma on neurological function, inflammatory markers, cerebral hematoma, and cerebral edema in patients with severe cerebral hemorrhage. The clinical data of 86 patients with severe cerebral hemorrhage treated at our hospital between March 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped according to their treatment plans: the control group consisted of 40 patients who underwent stereotactic aspiration of the spontaneous intracerebral hematoma, whereas the study group consisted of 46 patients who received adjuvant mild therapeutic hypothermia in addition to the aforementioned treatment. Clinical efficacy, neurological function (NIHSS score), daily living ability (BI score), cerebral hematoma, cerebral edema, cerebral hemodynamics (PI, RI, Vm, Vd), inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, hs-CRP), oxidative stress indicators (SOD, MDA, 8-iso-PGF2α), serum-related factors (MMP-9, ICAM-1, ET-1, NO), and prognosis were compared between the groups. The total efficacy rate in the study group (95.65%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (77.50%) (P < 0.05). Post-treatment NIHSS scores, intracranial hematoma volume, perihematoma edema volume, cerebral edema volume, RI, serum IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, hs-CRP, MDA, and 8-iso-PGF2α levels were significantly lower in both groups, with the study group showing even greater reductions. The BI score and PI, Vm, Vd, SOD, and NO levels were significantly higher in the study group (P < 0.05). At the 6-month follow-up, the prognosis of patients in the intervention group was significantly better than that of patients in the control group (P < 0.05). The combination of mild therapeutic hypothermia with stereotactic aspiration of a spontaneous intracerebral hematoma has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of severe cerebral hemorrhage. This approach effectively reduces cerebral hematoma and edema, improves daily living ability, alleviates neurological deficits, regulates cerebral hemodynamics, suppresses inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, modulates serum-related factor levels, and enhances patient prognosis.

Effect of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and high phytase doses on performance, vitamin D status, bone mineralization, and mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase gene expression of broilers

The use of exogenous phytase and vitamin D3 metabolites such as 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) for poultry is well consolidated, but the potential for additive effects when supplementing both requires further investigation. This study investigated possible interactions between supplementation of 25-OH-D3 and high doses of phytase for broilers fed Ca− and P-deficient diets. A total of 1 200 one-d-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated from one of four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: 600 or 2 000 phytase units (FYT)/kg and with or without the inclusion of 25-OH-D3 at 69 µg/kg, with 12 replicates of 25 broilers each. Two feeding phases were stablished (1-to-21 and 22-to-42 d) and all diets contained commercial levels of vitamin D3 (100 µg/kg) with total Ca and available P respectively set to 0.6 and 0.3%. Supplementation with 25-OH-D3 increased body weight gain (BWG) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 1 to 21 d (P < 0.05), as well as increased BWG from 1 to 42 d (P < 0.05). Serum 25-OH-D3 levels at 21 and 42 d were increased with 25-OH-D3 (P < 0.001). Phytase did not affect growth performance from 1 to 21 d, but a higher dose (2 000 FYT/kg) reduced feed intake and FCR from 22 to 42 d compared to 600 FYT/kg, also reducing FCR in the total period (P < 0.05). Expression of the mechanistic target of rapamycin mRNA in breast muscle assessed at 42 d was enhanced with 2 000 FYT/kg (P < 0.001). Bone weight, bone contents of ash, Ca, and P, and bone breaking strength of tibia bone measured at 42 d were not affected by any dietary treatment. Although both additives are known to improve dietary Ca and P utilization, there were no detected additive or synergic effects. The results suggested that the inclusion of 25-OH-D3 and phytase combined with regular vitamin D3 levels can help minimize losses of performance and bone mineralization of broilers fed Ca- and P-deficient diets. Furthermore, vitamin D status is refined with dietary 25-OH-D3 and potential improvements on breast meat yield can be obtained with a high phytase dose of 2 000 FYT/kg.

Evaluation of the Level of Alkaline Phosphatase, Calcium, and Vitamin D3 in Patients with Celiac Disease

Background: Celiac disease, sometimes called wheat allergy, is multiple names for one disease. It is a long-term acquired autoimmune disease that primarily affects the small intestine, as individuals develop intolerance to gluten, which is found in foods such as wheat, rye, and barley. Aim of the study: Our study aims to monitor biochemical parameters such as alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and vitamin D3 as an indicator to monitor the progress of bone health in the blood serum of patients with celiac disease in Wasit Governorate/Iraq. Materials and methods: In this research, studied 80 samples, including 50 samples from patients with celiac disease of both sexes, 19 men and 31 women With 30 control samples for both sexes equally. used an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit to measure the concentrations of vitamin D3 and alkaline phosphatase, while a Cobas c111 device was used for calcium. Results: The results showed that the level of alkaline phosphatase increased more in patients with celiac disease than in the control group at p≤(0.05), while the concentrations of calcium and vitamin D3 decreased more than in the control group at p≤(0.05). Conclusion: The studied criteria contribute as indicators of developing health risks to the body and bone health in patients with celiac disease.

High ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 increases the risk of asthma attack in American asthma adults: a population study.

The relationship between vitamin D3 and asthma remains controversial. However, previous studies have largely overlooked the impact of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3. This study aims to investigate the effects of different forms of vitamin D3 on asthma attack in adults. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 3,873 eligible adult participants were extracted from the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) database from 2007 to 2018. Based on quartiles method, different levels of vitamin D were divided into four groups (Quartile 1-4). Bivariate correlation analysis was performed for vitamin D and covariates to avoid multicollinearity. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between serum levels of vitamin D3 (epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 and 25-(OH)-vitamin D3) and asthma attack, adjusting for covariates including age, gender, race, length of time in the U.S., house poverty income ratio (PIR), education level, smoking history, hypertension history, and diabetes history. The ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 was used for secondary analysis of its association with asthma attack. The outcomes were assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among the 3,873 eligible adults American with asthma, 1,508 (38.94%) had experienced at least one acute asthma attack in the past year. There was no significant correlation between vitamin D and covariates. After adjusting for covariates including age, gender, race, length of time in the U.S., house poverty income ratio (PIR), education level, smoking history, hypertension history and diabetes history, we found a positive correlation between the ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 and asthma attack. Additionally, a high ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 was more common among elder, male, of normal weight, non-Hispanic American, have a long time stay in the U.S., a high house PIR, and a history of hypertension individuals. Our findings suggest that attention should be given to asthma attack associated with a high ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 in American adults who are elderly, male, of normal weight, non-Hispanic Americans, have long-term residence in the U.S., a high house PIR, and a history of hypertension.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation with or without Calcium on Vitamin D Epimer and Metabolites.

A possible role of vitamin D epimers and metabolites in the measurement and response to treatment of vitamin D has been reported recently. Furthermore, the influence of underlying vitamin D receptor (VDR) genetic polymorphisms which have been linked to diseases such as obesity remains unclear. We therefore aimed to examine the influence of vitamin D3 and calcium supplements on vitamin D epimer and metabolite concentrations in subjects with and those without vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms. A total of 277 participants who were part of a randomized intervention trial of vitamin D3 and calcium or a placebo for 6 months had clinical and anthropometric assessments. Blood samples were taken for measurements of vitamin D, epimers and metabolites of vitamin D, four vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism SNPs, namely, BsmI, FokI, TaqI, and ApaI, metabolic and inflammatory markers, and related biochemical variables. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess the between-group difference in cumulative changes in vitamin D epimers and metabolites at 6 months after adjusting for the presence of the 4 VDR genotypes and allele gene polymorphisms. Overall, 277 participants, with a mean (±SD) age of 41 ± 12 and 204 (74%) of whom were female, were included in the study. We found no statistically significant differences in vitamin D metabolites or (epimers) between male and females or younger subjects compared to those over 40 years of age except in 7C4 BL (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations between subjects with and those without genotypes AG and the allele G SNP2_Taql VDR gene polymorphism. Vitamin D3 concentrations were also significantly lower in subjects with the CC SNP3_Apal gene polymorphism compared to those without the CC SNP3 gene. No statistically significant effects were seen on vitamin D epimers and metabolites concentration in response to supplements before or after adjusting for the presence of the 4 VDR genotypes and allele gene polymorphisms. The CC SNP3 gene had statistically significant influence on vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D and/or calcium supplements, however, had no effects on vitamin D epimer and metabolite concentration before or after adjusting for the presence of the 4 VDR genotypes and alleles.

Relationship between 25-OH-D3 levels and cognitive functions in children with obesity

Aims: The inconsistent results about neurocognitive functions in children with obesity may be suggestive of factors like vitamin deficiencies rather than the disorder itself. So we aimed to investigate the 25(OH)D3 levels and cognitive functions in obese children in the present study. Methods: Seventy-two children were included to this study. Forty-one of them were obese children and 31 children were with normal weight. The patients were diagnosed as obese according to body mass index &gt;95 percentile, considering the sex and age-specific growth curves for Turkish children. The participants completed the battery tests of the central nervous system vital signs (CNSVS), a neurocognitive test battery, via computer. The battery calculates seven domain scores (Memory, Psychomotor speed, Processing speed, Reaction time, Complex attention, Executive function, Cognitive flexibility) and a summary score (Neurocognition Index). 25(OH)D3 levels were measured in residual samples using a Shimadzu HPLC system with the aid of a 25(OH)D3 kit. The scores were compared by using commercial software (IBM SPSS Statistics 18). Results: The mean 25-OH-vitamin D levels were 13.41±7.91 µg/L in obese children and 20.31±5.92µg/L in controls. Vitamin D3 levels were significantly lower in obese children than in control group (p

Vitamin D3 reduces the expression of M1 and M2 macrophage markers in breast cancer patients.

Vitamin D3 (VD) is known for its immunomodulatory and anticancer effects. This study aimed to characterize tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in breast cancer (BC) and assess the influence of VD and its active metabolite, calcitriol, on their polarization. TAMs were isolated from BC patients and characterized. Monocytes were differentiated into macrophage classes (M0, M1, M2a, M2c) and treated ex vivo with calcitriol. The expression of VD-related proteins in tumor tissue was correlated with TAMs and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) characteristics. TAM expression of CD200R, CD204, CD80, HLA-DR, and CD44 was negatively correlated with CYP27B1 in selected patient groups. Patients with high CYP27B1 tumor expression showed significantly lower CD200R, CD204, and CD44 expression. In patients with normal VD levels and premenopausal, CD80 expression in M2a and M2c MDMs (control, untreated ex vivo with calcitriol) was negatively correlated with plasma VD. Calcitriol reduced HLA-DR during MDM differentiation in all patients; CD80 decrease significantly except in patients with normal VD levels or metastasis. Calcitriol also decreased CD163 expression. The decrease in both M1 and M2 macrophage markers by calcitriol or their negative correlation with CYP27B1 indicate the modulatory, but rather anticancer activity of VD. The intensity of these effects was the strongest in postmenopausal patients and those without metastases.

Serum Biochemical Factors as Indicators of Osteoporosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a bone condition that disrupts bone structure, reduces its strength, and increases the risk of fractures. While osteoporosis is commonly recognized as a disorder affecting the elderly, it can also develop in younger adults and be accompanied by other disorders. Screening individuals and diagnosing those at higher risk of osteoporosis early may significantly reduce the likelihood of complications and associated costs. Objective: Serum biochemical factors are rather easily measured and accessible, making them valuable as predictive indicators for the prognosis and early diagnosis of osteoporosis. However, there is not enough evidence about possible relationships between these factors and osteoporosis in different bones. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, we analyzed osteoporotic indices, including bone marrow density (BMD), T-score, Z-score, and standardized BMD, in a large population of individuals at risk of osteoporosis. We then investigated potential relationships between biochemical values and osteoporosis indices in the evaluated subjects. The collected data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation coefficient methods. Results: A total of 1104 patients were enrolled, with 87.7% being female and 12.3% male. The mean age of the patients was 56.48 ± 11.62 ( ± SE) years. Among them, 251 patients had normal bone density, while 556 patients had osteopenia, and 270 patients had osteoporosis. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis demonstrated that serum levels of Calcium (p=0.014), Phosphorus (p =0.002), and Vitamin D3 (p =0.045) were positively associated with the risk of osteoporosis, whereas serum albumin (p =0.005) and Alkaline phosphatase (p =0.002) levels were negatively associated. Additionally, the Spearman correlation coefficient showed a negative association between hemoglobin levels and BMD in both the spine (p =0.046) and femur (p =0.049). Conclusion: Serum levels of biochemical factors may serve as primary predictive markers for the early diagnosis of individuals at higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. In addition to factors involved in calcium homeostasis, serum levels of albumin and hemoglobin are also associated with BMD scores and the development of osteoporosis.

Evaluation of serum vitamin D3 and total serum calcium in patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

BackgroundBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common neurootologic disorder, characterized by brief attacks of vertigo aggravated by certain head positions. During the last two decades, several studies were performed in different countries trying to find a relationship between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vitamin D3 (25 hydroxyvitamin D) deficiency.ObjectivesThis study aimed to find the relationship between vitamin D3 deficiency and total serum calcium with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.Patients and methodsA case–control study conducted from January 2021 to December 2021, consisted of 62 participants; 30 patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and 32 healthy persons considered as a control group. The age and sex of both groups were matched, and diagnosis was made by history and examination (Dix-Hallpike’s maneuver). A blood sample was taken to evaluate serum vitamin D level and total serum calcium. The results were compared between both groups.ResultsThe mean levels of vitamin D3 in patients and control groups were 18.57 ± 9.88 ng/ml and 64.12 ± 24.64 ng/ml, respectively, with a statistically significant difference at p ≤ 0.0001. Moreover, regarding vitamin D3 deficiency below 20 ng/ml between patients and control groups, there was a statistically significant difference p = 0.001. Furthermore, there was no significant difference regarding total serum calcium between the two groups, the mean of both groups was 8.57 ± 0.68 mg/dl and 8.93 ± 0.92 mg/dl for patients and control, respectively, at p = 0.084.ConclusionThere might be an association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vitamin D3 deficiency. Moreover, there was no significant difference concerning total serum calcium levels between the patient and control groups.

Bone Mineral Density and the Risk of Type-2 Diabetes in Postmenopausal Women: rs4988235 Polymorphism Associated with Lactose Intolerance Effects.

The study was conducted among 607 female patients in the postmenopausal period in whom bone densitometry and vitamin-D3 levels were assayed and genotyping of the rs4988235 polymorphism of MCM6 gene was performed. The obtained results were analysed for the presence of T2DM, obesity surrogates, medical data, and past medical history. The distribution of genotype frequencies was consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.050). Postmenopausal women with the GG homozygote of rs4988235 polymorphism consumed significantly less calcium (dairy), which was probably related to the observed lactose intolerance. The GG homozygote of women with rs4988235 polymorphism was significantly more likely to have T2DM relative to the A allele carriers (p = 0.023). GG homozygotes had significantly lower femoral-vertebral mineral density despite the significantly more frequent supplementation with calcium preparations (p = 0.010), vitamin D (p = 0.01), and anti-osteoporotic drugs (p = 0.040). The obtained results indicate a stronger loss of femoral-neck mineral density with age in the GG homozygotes relative to the A allele carriers (p = 0.038). In the population of women after menopause, the carriage of the G allele of rs4988235 polymorphism of the MCM6 gene, i.e., among the patients with lactose intolerance, significantly increased the risk of developing T2DM and the loss of BMD.

Relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective study on 3424 subjects.

The extent of the association between vitamin D deficiency and knee osteoarthritis remains inadequately understood. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between vitamin D levels and knee osteoarthritis through a cross-sectional analysis. This retrospective study involved an analysis of knee radiographs and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-(OH) vitamin D3) levels in a cohort of 3424 individuals (2901 women and 523 men). Knee osteoarthritis severity was evaluated using the Kellgren-Lawrence radiological scoring system. Of the participants, 49.2% (n= 1,683) were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Among these patients, the levels of adjusted 25-(OH) vitamin D3 were significantly lower (p< 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and knee osteoarthritis, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.7 (95% CI: 1.5-2.0; p< 0.001). Notably, a stronger association was observed between vitamin D deficiency and knee osteoarthritis in women under 65 compared to those aged 65 and above. The findings of this study indicate a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Maintaining adequate serum 25-(OH) vitamin D3 levels may prevent knee osteoarthritis, especially in women below 65.