Vitamin D3 Levels Research Articles

Vitamin D as a predictor of severe course of inflammatory bowel diseases in children

Background. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) develop in childhood more often, last throughout life, and their frequency is rapidly increasing in industrialized countries. Most researchers identify vitamin D (VD) as a key regulator of gastrointestinal homeostasis, an innate immune response and a biomarker for the activity and severity of IBD. The purpose was to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency and its relationship with the course of inflammatory bowel diseases in children. Materials and methods. The study included 36 patients: 13 with IBD (main group) and 23 children of the comparison group with irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain. The average age of children was 13.09 ± 2.28 years, with a median of 14.5 years; 63.6 % were boys. Patients with IBD were evaluated for clinical disease manifestations, disease localization (Paris Classification) and disease activity (PCDAI/PUCAI). Irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain were diagnosed based on the Rome IV Criteria. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was assessed by the electrochemiluminescence method (Elecsys Vitamin D total, Cobas). Results. Severe IBD prevailed among the examined children (61.5 %). There was no significant difference in overall body weight and height between the groups, which may be due to the short duration of IBD. However, children with IBD showed a tendency to lower physical development indicators. Significant differences in hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, number of platelets, fecal calprotectin were observed among the studied groups (p < 0.05). The concentration of VD in the blood of the examined children ranged from 39.9 to 10.8 ng/ml, with an average of 21.8 ± 5.8 ng/ml. In 76.9 % of patients with IBD, blood concentration of VD reduced, while only 21.7 % children in the comparison group had its level below the norm. Children with IBD were characterized by significantly lower levels of VD in the blood (average of 16.7 ng/ml). Lower levels of VD were associated with female sex, Chron’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), as well as disease duration of more than 3 years and disease severity. There was an inverse correlation between VD and the degree of IBD activity (CD: r = –0.33; p = 0.01; UC: r = –0.38; p = 0.01) and the severity of the course (CD: r = –0.35; p = 0.01; UC: r = –0.36; p = 0.01), the levels of C-reactive protein (CD: r = –0.39; p = 0.01; UC: r = –0.37; p = 0.01) and fecal calprotectin (CD: r = –0.42; p = 0.01; UC: r = –0.46; p = 0.01). Conclusions. In most children (76.9 %) with inflammatory bowel diseases, the concentration of VD in the blood is significantly lower than in those with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with female sex, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, as well as disease duration of more than 3 years, activity level, and severity, supporting the role of vitamin D as a possible predictor of severity of these diseases in childhood.

Effect of low and high doses of vitamin D3 therapy on vitamin D3, antithyroid antibody and thyroid hormone levels in thyroid autoimmunity

Aims: Vitamin D3 deficiency is more common in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). Vitamin D3 supplementation in AITD is not questioned, but the required doses have been offered differently in several reports. This study attempts to provide a clinical answer as to what doses of vitamin D3 may be effective in AITD. Methods: Ninety-seven patients were included in the study: 44 with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), 26 with Graves ’disease (GD) and 27 controls. Serum vitamin D3, thyroid hormone and autoantibody levels against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and TSH receptor were measured before and after treatment. Biochemical data were measured by a fully automated competitive chemiluminescence assay and presented as geometric mean(95% confidence interval). Results: Baseline vitamin D3 deficiency was detected in 22 out of 44 HT, 13 out of 26 GD and 19 out of 27 controls, and improved after vitamin D3 therapy. Vitamin D3 therapy significantly increased serum vitamin D3 levels in all patient groups [46.07(16.55-128.29) vs. 71.05(40.61-124.3) nmol/l, p<0.0001 for HT, 44.27(8.98-218.25) vs. 64.22(38.85-106.16) nmol/l, p<0.0207 for GD, and 39(15.57-97.73) vs. 59.32(27.27-129.03) nmol/l, p<0.0003 for controls]. The increass in vitamin D3 levels was found after low-dose vitamin D3 therapy (<7000 NE/week) in HT (p<0.0001) and controls (p<0.0002), but not in GD. The success of vitamin D3 therapy was dependent on high doses of vitamin D3 (>7000 NE/week) in GD, but levels were lower in Graves’ ophthalmopathy (p<0.0302). Anti-TPO antibody and TSH levels were decreased by low doses of vitamin D3 in HT, but FT4 and FT3 decreased, and TSH levels increased only by high doses in GD. Conclusion: The efficacy of vitamin D3 therapy was demonstrated in all patient groups. The greatest improvement in vitamin D3 status was seen in HT. A dose-dependency of vitamin D3 therapy was rather related to the improvement in GD.

Associations of Gut and Circulating Microbiota with Circulating Vitamin D3, Type I Interferon, and Systemic Inflammation in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Patients.

To analyze the associations of the gut and circulating microbiota with circulating vitamin D3 (VD3), type I interferon (IFNI), systemic inflammation, and clinical profiles in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients. A total of 36 CSU patients with VD3 insufficiency (VDI; serum 25(OH)VD3 <30 ng/mL) and 36 sex-, age-, and body mass index-matched CSU patients with non-VDI were enrolled. Fecal and serum bacteria were identified through 16S rRNA sequencing, and serum 25(OH)VD3 and inflammation biomarkers were assessed using ELISA kits. IFNI response was determined by measuring the stimulatory activity of serum on IFNI-stimulated response element in HEK293 cells in vitro with luciferase assays. Higher urticarial activity score over 7 days (UAS7), higher frequency of levocetirizine resistance, and more severe proinflammation but weaker IFNI response were observed in VDI than non-VDI patients (all P<0.05). IFNI response was strongly positively associated with serum 25(OH)VD3 level in both groups (P<0.001). Compared to non-VDI patients, abundance of the fecal genera Prevotella 9, Escherichia-Shigella, and Klebsiella was significantly increased, while Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Agathobacter were remarkably reduced in VDI patients (all P<0.05). Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia (40.95%), Acinetobacter (3.05%), and Aquabacterium (2.37%) were the top three bacteria in sera from VDI patients. Both serum 25(OH)VD3 level and IFNI response were positively associated with fecal Bacteroides in the two groups (P<0.05). In non-VDI patients, there were moderately positive associations between IFNI response and fecal Lachnoclostridium, unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae, and Phascolarctobacterium and between serum 25(OH)VD3 level and fecal Lachnoclostridium (all P<0.01). Circulating microbiota in VDI patients was closely related only to proinflammation and UAS7 (both P<0.05). Changes in gut but not circulating microbiota composition are associated with serum 25(OH)VD3 insufficiency and impaired IFNI homeostasis, which points to greater disease severity (UAS7) and systemic proinflammation in CSU patients.

Polymorphic Variants in the Vitamin D Receptor and Clinical Parameters of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Undergoing Anti-TNF Treatment.

Vitamin D levels have been related to the severity and progression of various autoimmune disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of genetic variability in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene on disease susceptibility and progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. The study comprises 121 RA patients subjected to anti-TNF therapy genotyped for four VDR polymorphic variants: rs1544410 (BsmI), rs2228570 (FokI), rs731236 (TaqI), and rs7975232 (ApaI). There was no significant association between RA susceptibility and VDR genetic variants. The study results revealed that patients with the rs2228570 CC genotype were characterized by lower vitamin D3 levels (p = 0.028) than those with the T allele. Also, the vitamin D3 levels (p = 0.029) and age at diagnosis (p = 0.017) were significantly lower in rs7975232 A allele carriers compared to CC homozygotes. However, after 6 months of therapy, the A allele seemed to be related to lower disease activity score 28 (DAS28) values (p = 0.030) and more common in patients who achieved remission (p = 0.004) compared to the CC genotype. Concerning other investigated polymorphisms, patients carrying rs1544410 AA and rs731236 CC homozygosity had lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before therapy (p = 0.009). In conclusion, VDR rs2228570 and rs7975232 polymorphic variants were found to be related to vitamin D3 levels. Moreover, the genotyping of rs7975232 was also useful in evaluating disease onset and disease activity after 6 months of therapy with TNF inhibitors in RA patients.

Relationship Between the Level of Vitamin D3 Deficiency and Successful Osseointegration: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of vitamin D3 levels on bone density, primary dental implant stability, and successful osseointegration. Materials and Methods: Clinical and radiological examination with a standardized cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine and laboratory investigation for serum levels of vitamin D3 were performed for all patients. Only patients in need of single or multiple straightforward dental implant surgery in either jaw with no history of systemic disease or condition that may interfere with bone healing were included in this study to receive the dental implant by the same oral and maxillofacial surgeon, which re-opened 4 months later to assess the osseointegration and to complete the prosthetic part. Results: One hundred twenty-eight dental implants were inserted into 108 patients. Most of the patients in the study had insufficient vitamin D3 levels. The prognosis of dental implants regarding successful osseointegration 4 months after implant placement had a weak positive association with the insertion torque and bone mineral density and a statistically significant positive correlation with the serum vitamin D3 level. Conclusion: Preoperatively, it is advisable to request the serum vitamin D3 level of the patients along with the standard clinical and radiological examination. Severe vitamin D3 deficiency could be associated with early dental implant failure despite the favorable bone density and primary dental implant stability achieved. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: TCTR20200304001.

Vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women and their relationship with diabetes mellitus

Background: Vitamin D (VD) plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism and bone growth and has emerging roles beyond the skeleton. Deficiency is linked to various health issues, especially in postmenopausal women. The burden of T2DM in India, particularly among women, emphasizes the need for exploring the VD-diabetes connection. Aim and Objective: To investigate VD levels in postmenopausal women with T2DM compared to premenopausal women, assessing the association between VD deficiency and glycemic control. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in Chennai, India, involving pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women with T2DM. Ethical clearance was obtained, and participants were recruited with informed consent. Fifty pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women, each with T2DM, were included. Exclusions involved individuals taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, anticonvulsants, and those afflicted with osteoporosis, renal disease, asthma, and hypertension. Blood samples were collected for glucose and VD level assessments, employing standard methodologies. Results: Pre-menopausal women exhibited significantly higher VD levels compared to their post-menopausal counterparts. Blood sugar levels did not significantly differ based on menopausal status. Conclusion: This study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between VD, menopausal status, and glycemic control in women with T2DM. The high prevalence of VD deficiency and its association with suboptimal glycemic control emphasize the need for further research. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing targeted interventions for postmenopausal women with diabetes.

Elevated level of prenatal testosterone and vitamin D3 deficiency during pregnancy, in the presence of prenatal maternal stress, and their association with the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms in toddlers.

To investigate the hypothesis that the presence of prenatal maternal stress, increased level of prenatal testosterone, and low level of vitamin D3 in pregnancy is associated with the development of ADHD-like symptoms in toddlers (< 2 years old). The study group comprised 53 pregnant women and 53 infants of these pregnancies. The population cohort of 53 pregnant women were recruited at their 35th to 37th week of pregnancy and investigated prospectively. The participants were selected through targeted selection. Maternal experience of stressful life events was assessed by stress standardised questionnaires, prenatal testosterone was determined in the mothers' saliva by using the immune enzymatic (ELISA) method, and maternal plasma D vitamin was measured using the ECLIA method, during pregnancy. When the age of the offspring was 6 months and then less than 2 years, the mothers completed the child behaviour and temperament checklist. A small but statistically significant association was found between the common symptom complex of ADHD and the level of testosterone and vitamin D3, in the presence of prenatal maternal stress. Multiple regression analysis showed that maternal stressful events during pregnancy significantly predicted ADHD behaviours in offspring. The study supported the hypothesis that prenatal maternal stress, increased level of prenatal testosterone, and low level of vitamin D3 during pregnancy increases the risk of development of ADHD-like symptoms in toddlers (< 2 years old). Also, the obtained results support the hypothesis that the influence of prenatal factors causes ADHD-like symptoms in offspring through a programming effect.

Vitamin D3 deficiency and coronavirus-related health problems

Introduction: In addition to boosting calcium absorption in the small intestine and preserving sufficient levels of calcium and phosphate in the serum to support proper bone mineralization, Vitamin D3 fortifies the immune system. Vitamin D3 deficiency can occur when regular intakes are gradually below recommended levels and when people get little sunshine exposure. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a case series study approach. A structured checklist was utilized on 107 individuals who had recovered from corona disease to identify the causes behind the unfavorable health effects they continue to experience. In addition, the patients underwent extensive laboratory blood testing in a specialized laboratory and received follow-up care for a period of 6 months. The results were analyzed using the Chi-square test and the Paired t-test using the SPSS software. Results: Despite the finding that 84.1% of the study group had Vitamin D3 levels below the normal range, their physical health conditions had considerably improved as a result of the treatment they received. Conclusion: The study found that patients with coronavirus infection had a high prevalence of Vitamin D3 deficiency. After 6 months, this percentage dropped considerably, raising the possibility that the coronavirus may have contributed to the drop in plasma Vitamin D3 levels. To find out how long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms are related to Vitamin D3 deficiency, more research is required. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care and procedural skills.

Vitamin D3 Level in Patients with Random Respiratory Symptoms in Khulna, Bangladesh

Vitamin D3 Level in Patients with Random Respiratory Symptoms in Khulna, Bangladesh

The impact of meteorological factors on tuberculosis incidence in Spain: a spatiotemporal analysis.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global leading cause of death, necessitating an investigation into its unequal distribution. Sun exposure, linked to vitamin D (VD) synthesis, has been proposed as a protective factor. This study aimed to analyse TB rates in Spain over time and space and explore their relationship with sunlight exposure. An ecological study examined the associations between rainfall, sunshine hours, and TB incidence in Spain. Data from the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE in Spanish) and the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET in Spanish) from 2012 to 2020 were utilized. Correlation and spatial regression analyses were conducted. Between 2012 and 2020, 43,419 non-imported TB cases were reported. A geographic pattern (north-south) and distinct seasonality (spring peaks and autumn troughs) were observed. Sunshine hours and rainfall displayed a strong negative correlation. Spatial regression and seasonal models identified a negative correlation between TB incidence and sunshine hours, with a four-month lag. A clear spatiotemporal association between TB incidence and sunshine hours emerged in Spain from 2012 to 2020. VD levels likely mediate this relationship, being influenced by sunlight exposure and TB development. Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal pathway and inform public health strategies for improved TB control.

The involvement of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of anxiety and depression in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo comorbidities

We review the potential effects and mechanisms of vitamin D (VD) in patients with BPPV-associated anxiety and depression, offering a new perspective for treating the population. Methods: Through a systematic review of existing literature, we analyzed the relationship between VD and comorbid anxiety and depression in BPPV, with a particular focus on neuroendocrine-immune modulation, genetic polymorphisms, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Results: A comprehensive analysis indicates a significant correlation between low levels of VD and the occurrence, recurrence of BPPV, and the comorbid symptoms of anxiety and depression. VD may exert protective effects against BPPV-associated anxiety and depression by regulating neuroendocrine and immune responses, influencing gene expression, and alleviating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Conclusion: This review suggests that monitoring VD levels and appropriate supplementation could be crucial for the treatment of patients with BPPV comorbid with anxiety and depression. More research should further validate the specific mechanisms of action of VD and its clinical application value to provide more scientific guidance for the treatment of psychiatric disorders accompanying BPPV.

Low vitamin D3 levels may be associated with herpes zoster reactivation

Low vitamin D3 levels may be associated with herpes zoster reactivation

Low Serum Vitamin D3 Levels among Premenopausal Women with Uterine Fibroids: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, with an incidence ranging from 5.4% to 77%, leading to significant morbidity and affecting quality of life. Earlier studies suggested that uterine fibroids are more likely to develop in those women with low levels of serum vitamin D. Subsequently, the objective of the current study was to investigate the association of serum vitamin D3 levels in premenopausal women with uterine fibroids. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Indira IVF Hospital and Fertility Clinics located in India. The study was conducted from April 2022 to November 2022. In this study, a total of 160 women [80 cases and 80 controls] were enrolled. Women diagnosed with at least one uterine fibroid measuring 2 cm in size through a transvaginal scan were considered as cases, in comparison to healthy controls. Results: The mean serum vitamin D3 levels for the case and control groups were 10.85 ± 3.34 ng/ml and 19.64 ± 5.50 ng/ml, respectively. Serum vitamin D3 was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.001) in women with uterine fibroids compared to healthy controls. Additionally, a significant association was observed between serum vitamin D3 levels and the number of fibroids in the case group (P &lt; 0.001). This indicates that as the level of serum vitamin D3 decreases, the number of fibroids increases gradually. Conclusion: Our study suggests that women with uterine fibroids tend to have low serum vitamin D3 concentrations. Therefore, serum vitamin D3 concentration needs to be considered along with other risk factors in the treatment of uterine fibroids..

The gut microbial composition in polycystic ovary syndrome with hyperandrogenemia and its association with steroid hormones.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by excess androgens, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. The mechanisms underlying ovulatory and metabolic disorders in PCOS remain elusive, hampering therapeutic development. Enhanced metabolic health correlates with increased microbiota gene content and microbial diversity. We aimed to explore the impact of gut microbiota and serum steroids on PCOS regulation associated with androgen excess. Methods: The fecal samples of patients with hyperandrogenic PCOS (n = 14) and control group with PCOS (n = 14) were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The peripheral venous blood of all subjects was collected to detect serum hormones. The association between gut microbiota and serum hormones was analyzed with the R language. Results: Our findings reveal that the hyperandrogenic PCOS group exhibits lower richness and diversity of gut microbiota compared to the control group. Characteristic genera in PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism include Bifidobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified, Streptococcus, Saccharimonadaceae, Enterococcus, and Eubacterium_nodatum_group. Five hormones, including 5β-androsterone, deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, and cortexolone, emerge as potential serum biomarkers for identifying patients with hyperandrogenic-PCOS (HA-PCOS). Furthermore, a lower vitamin D3 level may act as a susceptibility factor, suggesting that vitamin D3 supplementation could serve as a potential intervention for PCOS with hyperandrogenism. Conclusion: Specific fecal microbiota and serum steroids may be used as characteristic markers for clinical diagnosis of hyperandrogenic-PCOS. This research enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay among hormones, gut microbiota, and hyperandrogenemia in patients with PCOS.

Correlation between serum Vitamin D3 Level and Disease Severity in the Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

correlation between serum Vitamin D3 Level and Disease Severity in the Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Effects of vitamin D supplementation (oily form) in patients with thalassemia

Background. Thalassemia is congenital disease case by mutation effect to synthesis of beta globin chain of hemoglobin result in combination of metabolic and endocrine disorder. Bone disease is a not rare complication in thalassemia due to malabsorption of calcium, the secondary chronic renal disorder with low vitamin D (VD), as well as many endocrine risk factors. Aim. Evaluation of vitamin D treatment (oily form) in patients with thalassemia. Method. Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) in 26 patients with Thalassemia in Ibn Al-Atheer Hospital. All patient take vitamin D oral vial oily form with dose 50000 IU, this PMS continued in 4 weeks, every week the patient take one vial. The Parameter for the level of VD. Result. The total number of patients was 26; mean age was 13.5 years, between 3-41 years, with 53.8% were males and 46.2% were females. mean serum level of vitamin D was statically significantly very lower in thalassemia patients than in than normal level; (89%) of cases had deficient VD (≤ 20 ng/ml), (7%) of cases had insufficient vitamin D (21–29 ng/ml), and (4%) of cases had deficient VD optimal vitamin D (more than 30 ng/ml), our study showed that 4 weeks of VD supplementation significantly increased the serum level of VD. Conclusion. VD (Oily based oral vial) “High D” significantly raise the VD level in serum in majority of thalassemia patients, the result was sustained regardless of age, gender and existence of other comorbidities.

Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilms in Ear-Set Associated Infection

Background and objectives: Ear infections are a serious public health issue in developing countries. Gram-positive and gram-negative Bacteria are both capable of developing biofilms on medical equipment and earphones; however, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis are the most prevalent types and may involve in ear infections. Since there was no such study in our region about ear set association with biofilm formation in patients with ear infections, this study was accomplished. The aim of the study: Therefore, this study was suggested in order to evaluate the relationship between the continuous use of Ear set with biofilm formation and ear infections among handlers. Patients, Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in Kirkuk City (The urban region only) from the 15th of January 2023 to the 23rd of May 2023, done on a total number of (168) participants. The total number of the patients who were Ear set users enrolled for the current study was (120), divided into two groups including (60 patients with biofilm positive (including 27 male and 33 female patients respectively) and 60 patients with biofilm negative (including 23 male and 37 female patients separately), with age, ranged from 20 to 60 years old, who were attended at Kirkuk Teaching Hospital. The control group (non-Ear set users) of the presented study was a total number of (48) including (18) males and (30) females. The serological tests included: the estimation of Human GR, SOD, and MDA antioxidants levels through using of the ELISA technique for all the participants, and the biochemical tests included measuring Vitamin D3 levels by using the iChromaTM technique, while the microbial tests were done through using of VITEK 2 compact system. Biofilm formation was detected by using the Congo red agar method. All the steps of methods are conducted based on the manufacturer's instructions. The bacterial growth among the patients group was (22.5%) of Staphylococcus aureus and (14.16%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the control group revealed (8.33 %) of Staphylococcus aureus and (4.16%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The age range (20-30) years showed the highest rates among the infected patients, with male patients being more vulnerable to the infections. The mean levels of vitamin D3, human GR, SOD, and MDA decreased significantly in patients in matching to control groups. Conclusions: As a conclusion, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are more prevalent agents involved in ear infections. Male patients are more susceptible patients to contracting ear infections. Vitamin D3, Human GR, SOD, and MDA antioxidants levels decline in patients with ear infections.

The Level of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D3 in Gingival Crevicular fluid and Serum Pre-Post Scaling and Root Planning in Chronic Periodontitis Patients in Western Libya: Comparative Study

Despite the critical role of vitamin D in the body, it can be affected by several factors that may cause deficiency and imbalances in vitamin D levels. The study aimed to evaluate 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 in chronic periodontitis patients. The total study participants were 40 patients. They were divided into (20) as a study group with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis, and (20) chronic gingivitis patients were chosen as a control group. Gingival crevicular fluid and serum samples were collected at baseline and six weeks after therapy for the study group and at baseline for the control group. Systemic and local levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The study group of diseased patients received initial periodontal therapy (SRP). The study showed that respective local 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 levels significantly increased from baseline up to six weeks after (SRP) (3.41ng/ml versus 4.57ng/ml), P=0.022. The respective systemic 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 levels significantly increased after six weeks from SRP (39.88ng/ml versus 41.48 ng/ml), P=0.001.

The determination of heart failure with preserved systolic function by using Galectin-3 and other cardiac markers is affected by vitamin D status

Objective: Vitamin D affects heart muscle contraction through its direct and indirect effects on calcium and phosphorus metabolism. We aimed to investigate N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitive troponin-I, galectin-3, fibroblast growth factor-23, suppression of tumorigenesis-2, and parathormone levels concerning Vitamin-D status in patients with heart failure with preserved systolic function. Materials and Methods: Seventy-one patients diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and 61 healthy individuals as a control group were enrolled in the study. The relation between vitamin-D level and heart failure with preserved ejection and the determination of cut-off levels of all parameters was evaluated using ROC and logistic regression analyses. Results: While vitamin-D levels in the patient group were lower than the controls (median 14.5 vs. 21.11 ng/ml, P=0.002), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, galectin-3, suppression of tumorigenesis-2 and parathormone levels in the patient group were significantly higher. The area under the curve values of these four elevated markers in the ROC analysis was significant for the diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In the logistic regression analysis, a one-unit decrease in vitamin-D increased the risk of having heart failure with preserved systolic function 1,084 times, while a 10-unit categorical decrease in vitamin-D increased the risk 2,27 times. In the patient group, the area under the curves for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, galectin-3, suppression of tumorigenesis-2 and parathormone were higher when vitamin-D was &gt;20 ng/ml compared to the group with vitamin-D &lt; 20 ng/ml. Conclusions: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, galectin-3, suppression of tumorigenesis-2 and parathormone were affected by the vitamin-D status in determining heart failure with preserved systolic function, with increased detection capability when vitamin-D is &gt;20 ng/ml.

Synergistic effect of metformin and vitamin D3 on osteogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells under high d-glucose conditions

IntroductionVitamin D3 plays a vital role in bone health, with low levels of vitamin D3 being related to skeletal fragility, fractures, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Metformin is known as an antihyperglycemic agent for regulating blood sugar. A correlation between diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis is attracting considerable interest, and research to find the prevention and treatment is gradually being studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of metformin and vitamin D3 on osteogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) under high d-glucose concentrations and optimized by combining vitamin D3 and metformin in the process. MethodsROS production of AT-MSCs under high d-glucose conditions was measured by DCFH-DA assay. The differentiated AT-MSCs were analyzed by Alizarin Red S staining and optical density measurement. The investigation involved the examination of osteogenic master genes' expressions using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) techniques. ResultsInterestingly, the results have shown that human AT-MSCs will exhibit high ROS accumulation and low osteogenic differentiation capabilities, indicated by low calcium deposition, as well as low expression of indicative genes such as ALP, Runx-2 under high d-glucose conditions. The combination of vitamin D3 and metformin remarkedly accelerated the osteogenic differentiation of AT-MSCs under high d-glucose concentrations more effectively than the administration of either agent. ConclusionsThis study partially explains an aspect of an in vitro model for pre-clinical drug screening for osteoporosis-related diabetic pathological mechanisms, which can be applied for further research on the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in diabetic patients.