Low Serum Levels Of Vitamin Research Articles

The Association between Vitamin D and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Assessed by Controlled Attenuation Parameter.

Background: An association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and low vitamin D levels has been suggested. We investigated the relationship between vitamin D and NAFLD assessed by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of apparently healthy subjects who underwent Fibroscan during health screening tests. NAFLD was diagnosed using CAP values. Results: Among the 1202 subjects (mean age 57.2 years, 60.6% male), 630 (52.4%) subjects had NAFLD with CAP ≥ 248 dB/m. Multivariable analysis was conducted after adjusting for metabolic risk factors including diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and smoking. Higher vitamin D levels showed a lower risk of NAFLD compared to the lowest quartile of vitamin D in a dose-dependent manner (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–1.00 in Q2 vs. Q1; OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44–0.94 in Q3 vs. Q1; and OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.94 in Q4 vs. Q1). The highest quartile of vitamin D showed a decreased risk of a severe grade of steatosis (CAP ≥ 302 dB/m) compared to the lowest quartile (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31–0.87 in Q4 vs. Q1). Conclusions: Higher levels of serum vitamin D were associated with a decreased risk of CAP-defined NAFLD, compared to low levels of serum vitamin D. The association between NAFLD and vitamin D suggests that vitamin D may exert a protective role against NAFLD.

Dualities of the vitamin D in systemic sclerosis: a systematic literature review

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and visceral and cutaneous fibrosis. Vitamin D has several functions in the immunological system, and different studies have suggested a potential role in triggering autoimmune diseases. Patients with SSc may present with low serum levels of vitamin D, but the association between hypovitaminosis D and disease onset or any clinical manifestation is still obscure. Our goal was to verify the causal relationship between hypovitaminosis D and SSc onset or any particular clinical manifestation in the literature.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed through February 24th, 2021 on Pubmed, Lilacs/BIREME, and Cochrane databases. The eligible studies were read in full text, and, in the absence of exclusion criteria, were included in this review after consensus between two reviewers.ResultsForty articles met the eligibility criteria and the main results of each study are described. In most studies, SSc patients showed a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency compared to controls. Additionally, in some reports serum levels of vitamin D were inversely correlated with the severity of SSc. Oral supplementation did not seem to affect serum levels of vitamin D. Four of the included studies were with experimental models.ConclusionIn conclusion, vitamin D deficiency seems to have a role in susceptibility to SSc, as well as in the clinical manifestations of the disease.

Study of vitamin D deficiency in patients with alopecia areata attending a dermatology center in Iran

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease involving the inflammation of hair follicles. In many autoimmune diseases, inadequate levels of vitamin D have been reported. We aimed to determine the association between vitamin D levels and AA. Methods: In this case-control study, 50 AA patients and 50 controls were assessed regarding serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25-(OH)-D3]. The levels of 25-(OH)-D3 were classified as deficient ( 30 ng/dl). The severity of the disease was scored according to the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT). Results: The serum level of 25-(OH)-D3 was significantly lower in AA cases compared with the control group. Patients with the totalis or universalis pattern of hair loss had lower levels of 25-(OH)-D3 relative to patients with the patchy or ophiasis type of AA. Moreover, severe cases showed significantly lower levels of vitamin D relative to mild and moderate cases. We found a significant inverse association between 25-(OH)-D3 level and age. We found no association between serum levels of 25-(OH)-D3 and gender, disease duration, disease recurrence, nail involvement, or positive family history of AA. Conclusion: AA patients had lower serum levels of vitamin D, though this did not contribute to the severity or duration of disease or pattern of hair loss. More studies are required to evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation in the pathophysiology of AA.

The effects of dietary/herbal supplements and the serum levels of micronutrients on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers in animal and human models: a systematic review.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is one of the common and serious complications in patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) worldwide. Given the considerable tendency of patients suffering from DFU to use the complementary therapies, the objectives of this study were to: (i) summarize the effects of dietary and herbal supplements on DFU characteristics and metabolic parameters in both animal models and clinical trials, and (ii) evaluate any links between the serum levels of micronutrients and DFU in observational studies. A systematic search in five electronic databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library was conducted to find relevant English language published from 1990 until 31 December 2018. Of a total of 8603 studies, 30 eligible papers including animal studies (n = 15), clinical trials (n = 7), and observational works (n = 8) were included in the systematic review. We found that some dietary/herbal supplements and micronutrients had positive effects on the wound healing. However, limited evidence is existed. Also, lower serum levels of vitamin D, C, vitamin E, and selenium in patients with DFU were likely to increase the risk of DFU, leading to impaired wound healing. Findings suggested that some dietary and herbal supplements such as Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin E, Probiotic, Zinc, and Pycnogenol would be effective on wound healing of DFUs. However, further high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials and prospective cohort studies are needed to clarify the roles of micronutrients and other dietary and herbal supplements on the progress and treatment of DFU.

A review: Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is common, non-traumatic disability disease which affects young peoples. The incidence of multiple sclerosis is increasing worldwide with socioeconomic impact of the disease. Multiple sclerosis affect about more than 2 million people and currently it is incurable. The ratio of effect of MS in women and men is 2:1 respectively. Approx 250, 000- to 350,000 people are diagnosed with MS in the USA and about 10,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The epidemiology of Multiple sclerosis indicates that low serum levels of vitamin D, smoking, obesity and infection etc. are likely to play a role in disease development. In case of treatment of MS, it is divided three phases include: symptomatic, acute attack and disease modifying methods. In case of symptomatic around helping to maintain a patient’s quality of life. Treatment of acute attack is centered on the treatment of exacerbations that affects a patient’s functional ability. In disease modifying treatment focuses on the long term management of the disease with the goal to reduce relapse rates, lessen severity and to slow the progression of disability.

Decreased Serum 25-(OH)-D Level Associated With Muscle Enzyme and Myositis Specific Autoantibodies in Patients With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy.

ObjectivesTo determine whether there is serum vitamin D deficiency and the low levels of serum vitamin D are correlated with serological and immunological indexes in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM).MethodsA total of 63 newly diagnosed patients with IIM, and 55 age- and sex- matched healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of 25-(OH)-D were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlations of 25-(OH)-D levels with disease indicators and T cell subsets were analyzed.ResultThe levels of serum 25-(OH)-D in IIM were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (9.36 ± 5.56 vs 26.56 ± 5.37 ng/ml, p<0.001). The levels of serum liver enzyme ALT and AST and muscle enzyme CK, CKMB, LDH and HBDH were elevated as deficiency of vitamin D. In addition, the serum 25-(OH)-D levels were negatively correlated to ALT (r = -0.408, p = 0.001) and AST (r = -0.338, p = 0.007). The 25-(OH)-D levels in IIM patients in presence of anti-Jo-1 were significantly lower than those in patients without anti-Jo-1 (5.24 ± 3.17 vs 9.32 ± 5.60 ng/ml; p = 0.037). Similar results were found in patients with or without anti-Mi-2 antibody. The serum 25-(OH)-D levels were positively associated with total T (r = 0.203, p = 0.012) and Treg cells (r = 0.331, p = 0.013). The patients with deficient levels of vitamin D were more likely to have heliotrope, gastrointestinal and liver involvement.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency existed in IIM patients, which was significantly correlated with muscle enzyme, presence of anti-Jo-1 and anti-Mi-2 antibody, and the absolute numbers of total T and Treg cells in IIM. It is suggested that vitamin D may play an important role in the immunological pathogenesis of IIM.

Association Between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Frequency of Relapses in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.

IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system affecting the myelin sheath of neurons with a wide range of symptoms. Among various risk factors studied that can increase the relapse, vitamin D is also a potential risk factor. In this study, we will determine the association between vitamin D status and frequency of relapses in patients with MS.Material and methodsSeventy-four (74) patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, with more than one (01) relapse per year, for a minimum of two years, were included in the case group. Seventy-four (74) participants with a confirmed diagnosis of MS with one (01) or no relapse per year, for a minimum of two years, were included in the control group. After informed consent, the patient blood was drawn via phlebotomy and was sent to the lab for vitamin D levels.ResultsThe mean serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in case group compared to control group (18.21 ± 4.21 ng/mL vs. 29.21 ± 5.72 ng/mL; p-value: < 0.0001). The number of participants with vitamin D level less than 30 ng/mL were significantly higher in patients with case group compared to control group (78.37% vs. 50.0%; p-value: 0.0003)ConclusionIn this study, patients with more relapses per year had low level of serum vitamin D. There is emerging strong evidence that vitamin D plays an important role in the pathogenesis, progression, and disease burden of autoimmune disease, including MS.

The prevalence of low serum levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate and ferritin in adolescents: Single center experience.

In this study, the aim was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D, vitamin B12, ferritin, and folate deficiencies in adolescence to clarify the need for early diagnosis and therapy. The medical records of adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age between 01 September 2018 and 28 February 2019 as healthy with non-specific complaints, or due to well-child care visits, were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 1847/2507 (73.6%) adolescents were included in the study. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 25.7% (n: 178/691). Vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence was 69.2% (n: 753/1088). The prevalence of anemia and ferritin deficiency was 4.8% and 13.26%. The prevalence of folate deficiency was 37.9% (n: 413/1088). VDD prevalence was statistically significantly higher in females than males (F/M:116/62). VB12D prevalence, the number and mean age of females with hemoglobin deficiency, and low ferritin levels was found to be statistically significantly higher in females than males. The prevalence of vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate deficiency and low ferritin levels was found to be high among adolescents. In particular, adolescents admitting with non-specific complaints and for control purposes in big cities must be considered to be at risk for the deficiency of these vitamins and low level of ferritin.

Correlations between Serum P2X7, Vitamin A, 25-hydroxy Vitamin D, and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia.

BackgroundIdentifying new molecular diagnostic markers for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia (MPP) has always been an essential topic since MPP cases have increased every year, especially among children. Here, we examined the correlation between serum level of Purinergic receptor P2X7, vitamin A, and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and the severity of MPP, aiming to identify molecules that have the potential to become diagnostic markers.MethodsThis study was conducted on 186 cases aged 1–14 (136 MPP and 50 non‐MPP patients). Serum levels of Purinergic receptor P2X7, vitamin A, 25(OH)D, and multiple inflammatory and immune factors were measured, compared, and tested for statistical significance.ResultsSerum P2X7, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels were significantly increased in severe MPP patients, while serum vitamin A, 25(OH)D, IgA, and IgG levels were significantly decreased.ConclusionOur results demonstrated a positive correlation between serum P2X7 level and the severity of MPP, and negative correlations between serum levels of vitamin A and 25(OH)D and the severity of MPP, suggesting that high serum levels of P2X7 and low serum levels of vitamin A and 25(OH)D may indicate relatively severer MPP.

Alzheimer's Disease and Its Association With Bone Health: A Case-Control Study.

IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease is associated with low bone mineral density. Various studies have linked early-onset Alzheimer's disease with bone health. In this study, we will determine the association between bone health and recently diagnosed Alzheimer's disease in the local population.MethodsThis case-control study was conducted at the neurology unit from April 2019 to Sept 2019. One hundred and fifty (150) Alzheimer’s patients with recently (within the last six months) confirmed diagnoses, based on clinical symptoms, mental status, and computed tomography (CT) scan, were included from the neurology outpatient department. The gender and age-matched 150 healthy participants were included in the study as the reference group. Various parameters of bone health and mental status were measured.ResultsParticipants with Alzheimer’s had a significantly lower level of serum vitamin D (15.2 ± 4.2 ng/mL vs. 27.5 ± 8.1 ng/mL, p-value: < 0.0001) and lower level of serum osteocalcin (4.3 ± 1.7 ng/L vs. 5.6 ± 2.0 ng/L, p-value: < 0.0001). Participants with Alzheimer’s disease had more people with T-score ≤ -2.5 as compared to the general population (52.0% vs. 16.6%, p-value <0.0001).ConclusionAlzheimer’s disease is associated with poor bone health as compared to the general population of the same age. Bone health can be an important parameter to screen patients at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The management of Alzheimer’s disease should include a regular assessment of bone health, and the treatment plan should include therapies to improve bone health.

Correlation of Vitamin D Serum Levels with Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Physical Performance in the Elderly Community in Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital Palembang

A B S T R A C TIntroductionOlder people tend to have decreased activity and intake of macronutrients andmicronutrients that are not in accordance with the body's needs. Research in 2017on elderly men and women at the Center for Family Compensation (PUSAKA) inCentral Jakarta showed that 80.2% of elderly people have vitamin D deficiency. Lowserum levels of vitamin D in the body are the initial risk of decreased muscle massand physical performance in old age. where there is a significant correlation betweenlow serum vitamin D levels in the body with sarcopenia and mortality. The purposeof this study was to determine the correlation of vitamin D levels with muscle mass,muscle strength and physical performance in the elderly community at RSMHPalembang. Methods This research is a study analytic observation with a cross-sectional approach that was carried out at the Integrated Geriatric Clinic InternalMedicine RSMH Palembang from November 2019 to November 2020. A sample of 34people aged&gt; 60 years were examined for muscle mass, muscle strength, physicalperformance and serum vitamin D levels. All processing and analysis The data inthis study used SPSS version 25 for Windows. Results From 34 subjects, it wasfound that there were 29 women (85.3%) and 5 men (14.7%). The mean value ofmuscle mass is38.76 ± 4.1 kg / m2, long runs within 6 meters 6.12± 0.9 m / sec,and hand grip strength 24.9 ± 5.2 kg. It was found that 18 (62.1%) female sampleshad vitamin D deficiency while 11 (37.9%) samples had vitamin D insufficiency.There was a significant correlation between muscle mass and hand grip strengthwith vitamin D with weak correlation strength and length of walking with vitamin Dwith moderate correlation strength.Conclusion There is a significant correlationbetween muscle mass and grip strength and walking time of 6 meters with vitaminD.

Association of Cigarette Smoking and Serum Concentrations of Vitamins A and E in Men: A Case-Control Study

Background: Cigarette smoking is associated with changes in blood concentrations of some antioxidant vitamins. This study aimed to determine the association of cigarette smoking with serum concentrations of vitamins A and E in men. Methods: This was a case-control study, in which the participants were 80 male smokers and 84 male nonsmokers (age range: 20-60 years). Data on dietary intake, health status, smoking habits, anthropometric characteristics, and vitamin levels were compared between cases and controls. Results: Smokers had significantly lower concentrations of serum vitamin E (p = 0.001) and vitamin A (p = 0.013) compared with nonsmokers. However, serum vitamin E to cholesterol ratio was not significantly different between smokers and nonsmokers. Moreover, the highest circulating concentrations of vitamin E was observed in smokers who smoked ≤9 cigarettes per day (p &lt; 0.03), while and the lowest vitamin E was seen in men smoking ≥20 cigarettes per day. Conclusion: The results of this study identified that cigarette smoking is associated with lower levels of serum vitamin E and vitamin A, although it was not associated with vitamin E to cholesterol ratio.

Association between serum Vitamin E concentrations and the presence of Metabolic Syndrome: A population-based cohort study.

Background.Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of clinical and metabolic features that include central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance. These features are accompanied by increased oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defenses. Vitamin E is a major factor in the non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses. The aim of present study was to investigate the association between serum levels of vitamin E and the presence of MetS and its components in a subsample population of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) study.Methods.This cross-sectional study was carried out in 128 subjects with MetS and 235 subjects without MetS. MetS was defined according to the International-Diabetes-Federation criteria. Serum levels of vitamin E were measured using the HPLC method. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured using standard protocols.Results.MetS patients had significantly lower serum levels of vitamin E (Vit E), Vit E/Total cholesterol (TC), and Vit E/ (TC+triglyceride(TG)) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Vit E/ (TG+TC) was also significantly lower in diabetics or those with elevated levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Additionally, there was a significant association between Vit E/ (TG + TC) and MetS (OR:0.87, 95% CI (0.78-0.96)).Conclusions.There is a significant inverse association between Vit E/ (TG + Total Cho) and the presence of MetS. Moreover, a significantly lower Vit E/ (TC+TG) was observed in subjects with more than 3 components of the MetS. The evaluation of this association in a larger population may help further confirm these findings.

Association of Vitamin D deficiency with primary glaucoma among Saudi population - A pilot study.

PURPOSE:Glaucoma is a complex multifactorial disorder that is influenced by various systemic conditions. Several studies investigated the association between systemic factors such as Vitamin D deficiency for glaucoma development and reported contradicted findings. The aim of this study was to assess Vitamin D levels in glaucomatous Saudi subjects and its association with cup/disc ratio in primary open- and closed-angle glaucoma.METHODS:This was a pilot study that included subjects aged 41–78 years from both genders recruited from a tertiary hospital, Riyadh city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Subjects were divided into three groups: Group 1: subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), Group 2: subjects with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), and Group 3: control subjects. All participants underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations including visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement (IOP), gonioscopy, and fundus examinations. In addition, blood samples were collected from glaucoma patients and controls to measure the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.RESULTS:A total of 75 subjects were included in this study. Measurement of IOP was within the range of 9–27 for all subjects. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were 72.58 ± 31.79, 69.20 ± 24.24, and 67.14 ± 29.02 in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There were insignificant differences in Vitamin D levels among the three groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, no significant correlation was noted between Vitamin D levels and cup/disc ratio in Groups 1 and 2.CONCLUSION:No association was found between Vitamin D deficiency and both POAG and PACG among Saudi population despite low serum level of Vitamin D in glaucomatous and control subjects. This study suggested that Vitamin D level may not contribute in augmenting the severity and progression of glaucoma.

Role of Vitamin D in Female Pattern Hair Loss Among Iraqi Women: A Case- Control Study

Background: Low serum level of Vitamin D may have a potential role in the pathogenesis of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Aims: to evaluate serum vitamin D level in Iraqi women with female pattern hair loss and compare it with normal healthy control. Settings and Design: A prospective, case–control study was carried out on 190 women: 95 patients with FPHL aged ≥15 years and 95 healthy age-matched control. Methods and Material: The diagnosis and severity of FPHL were based on clinical examination and using Ludwig classification. All participants were investigated for vitamin D level, alkaline phosphatase, and others. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The mean± SD level for vitamin D was significantly lower in FPHL group than control (13.8±2.6 ng/mL vs 37.6±4.7ng/mL, p<0.001). Eighty two patients (86.1%) of FPHL group and 35 (36.9%) of control group had low vitamin D level (p<0.001). Alkaline phosphatase level was significantly elevated in 77of FPHL compared to control group((81% versus 19%, p <0.001). Low vitamin D level was significantly correlated with duration of hair loss , alkaline phosphatase elevation and bone pain. Conclusions: Women with low serum vitamin D level, would have a high potential for development of FPHL suggesting that vitamin D may have a possible role in the etiopathogenesis of this pattern of hair loss..

Colonic vitamin D receptor expression is inversely associated with disease activity and jumonji domain-containing 3 in active ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUNDThe expression of jumonji domain-containing 3 (Jmjd3) and trimethylated H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) in active ulcerative colitis (UC) and the correlation between vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the Jmjd3 pathway are unknown.AIMTo study the relationship between VDR, Jmjd3 and H3K27me3 in patients with active UC.METHODSOne hundred patients with active UC and 56 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The patients with active UC were divided into groups according to mild (n = 29), moderate (n = 32) and severe (n = 29) disease activity based on the modified Mayo score. Vitamin D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Colonic mucosal tissues from UC patients and controls were collected by colonoscopy. The expression of VDR, Jmjd3 and H3K27me3 in the intestinal mucosa was determined by immunohistochemistry staining.RESULTSPatients with active UC had lower levels of serum vitamin D (13.7 ± 2.8 ng/mL, P < 0.001) than the controls (16.2 ± 2.5 ng/mL). In the UC cohort, serum vitamin D level was negatively correlated with disease activity (r = -0.323, P = 0.001). VDR expression in the mucosa of UC patients was reduced compared to that in normal tissues (P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with disease activity (r = -0.868, P < 0.001). Similar results for VDR expression were noted in the most serious lesion (defined as UC diseased) and 20 cm proximal to the anus (defined as UC normal) (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, Jmjd3 expression significantly increased in UC patients (P < 0.001), but no difference was found between the different sites in UC patients. H3K27me3 expression in UC patients was significantly down-regulated when compared with normal tissues (P < 0.001), but up-regulated in the mild disease activity group in comparison with the moderate disease activity group of UC patients (P < 0.05). Jmjd3 Level was negatively correlated with the level of VDR (r = -0.342, P = 0.002) and H3K27me3 (r = -0.341, P = 0.002), while VDR level was positively correlated with H3K27me3 (r = 0.473, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONSerum vitamin D and VDR were inversely correlated with disease activity in active UC. Jmjd3 expression increased in the colonic mucosa of active UC patients and was negatively associated with VDR and H3K27me3 level.

PSVII-17 Program Chair Poster Pick: Reproductive function of cows depending on lipid metabolism

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the etiopathogenesis of reproductive dysfunction in highly productive cows. Studies were conducted on cows of black-motley breed, aged 3–5 lactations, with a live weight of 480–520 kg. Cows were divided into two groups. The first group included 20 cows effective inseminated after the first insemination. The second group included 17 cows that did not fertilize after the first insemination. Blood samples (n = 253) were taken from 4–7; 14–17; 24–34; 35–50; 88–95; 195–210 days of pregnancy; during the beginning of dry period (DP); 1–4 days before calving and on the first day after calving. The content of total serum lipids in pregnant animals was 15.8% higher compared to unfertilized animals. In non-pregnant cows, a decrease in free cholesterol (by 28.65%), especially in its ether-bound fraction (14.91%), indicates a lower synthetic function of the liver, which is confirmed by the low serum levels of vitamins A and E (a difference of 11.3 and 23.65%). The DP was characterized by a significant increase in the products of lipid peroxidation - malondialdehyde by 12–17%, diene and triene conjugates - by 10–15 and 8–15%, respectively, and 1–4 days before calving in cows, which subsequently had a pathological calving, in particular - retention of placenta (5 cows), were characterized by an increased content in the blood plasma of lipid peroxidation products. Thus, the difference in the number of dienes, trienes, and malondialdehyde products was 14.0, 12.0, and 23.5%, compared with animals without obstetric pathology. On the first day after calving, this difference increased even more. Cows with retention of placenta had a significantly higher level of lipid peroxidation products and were characterized by a predominance of oxidized products over the antiradical thiol disulfide and ascorbate systems restored in the antioxidant balance.

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between Vitamin D level and psoriasis, in particular in our city of the long, hot, and sunny weather, in an attempt to add a clarification to this controversial subject.&#x0D; Methods: A case–control study included 120 patients with psoriasis and 38 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA); 89 (56.3%) patients were male. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was calculated for all patients with psoriasis and disease activity score using 28 joints (DAS28) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28) was measured for all patients with PsA. The control group comprised 164 age- and sex-matched participants (91 males and 73 females). Vitamin D serum level was performed for both patients and controls.&#x0D; Results: Vitamin D levels in both patients and controls were 17.4±7.7 and 28.3±5.6, respectively. The level of Vitamin D was lower in a patient with disease duration equal and more than 10 years than those with a disease duration &lt;10 years. There is no significant difference in Vitamin D levels between the two patient subgroups. Lower Vitamin D levels were associated with high PASI and high DAS28 in psoriasis and PsA, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Patients with psoriasis and PsA associated with low levels of serum Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency was found to be associated with long disease duration in both psoriasis and PsA. Patients with active disease have lower Vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D insufficiency as a potential culprit in critical COVID-19 patients.

As an immune modulator, vitamin D has been implicated in the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outcome. We aim to systematically explore the association of vitamin D serum levels with COVID-19 severity and prognosis. The standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to estimate pooled results from six studies. The prognostic performance of vitamin D serum levels for predicting adverse outcomes with detection of the best cutoff threshold was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Decision tree analysis by combining vitamin D levels and clinical features was applied to predict severity in COVID-19 patients. Mean vitamin D serum level of 376 patients, was 21.9 nmol/L (95% CI = 15.36-28.45). Significant heterogeneity was found (I2 = 99.1%, p < .001). Patients with poor prognosis (N = 150) had significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D compared with those with good prognosis (N = 161), representing an adjusted standardized mean difference of -0.58 (95% Cl = -0.83 to -0.34, p < .001). Serum vitamin D levels could be implicated in the COVID-19 prognosis. Diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency could be a helpful adjunct in assessing patients' potential of developing severe COVID-19. Appropriate preventative and/or therapeutic intervention may improve COVID-19 outcomes.

The relationship between serum vitamin d and bare-metal in-stent restenosis in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Aim: It has been shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors and adverse events. The relationship between serum vitamin D level and bare-metal stent in-stent restenosis was investigated in our study.Material and Methods: A total of 181 patients with stable coronary artery disease and previously implanted (&amp;gt;3 months) bare-metal stent were included in the study. Two groups were formed according to angiographic results as Group 1 (≥50% in-stent stenosis) and Group 2 (&amp;lt;50% in-stent stenosis). Serum vitamin D measurements were performed by reverse-phase HPLC. Results: The mean serum vitamin D levels were found to be significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (17.7 ± 5.3 ng/ml and 20.9 ± 6.7 ng/ml, p&amp;lt;0.01, respectively) and length of stent was longer in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (18.7 ± 5.3 mm and 17.1 ± 11.2 mm, p&amp;lt;0.01, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only low level of serum vitamin D and stent length were independent risk factors for bare-metal in-stent stenosis.Conclusion: Low level of vitamin D might be related to fibrosis and inflammation resulting in in-stent stenosis. Further studies are warranted to determine whether vitamin D supplementation could prevent progression of stent re-stenosis.