Low Vitamin D3 Levels Research Articles

Altered placental expression of genes related to Vitamin D Metabolism and their correlation with spiral artery remodeling in Preeclamptic Women

Background: Several studies reveals the correlation of preeclampsia (PE) with low vitamin D (VD) level due to disturbed trophoblast invasion and failure of spiral artery remodeling. The metabolism of VD is regularized by it signaling molecules expressed by the placenta during pregnancy. Therefore, this study was designed to assess and compare the levels of VD and it signaling molecules in placentae from normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies and their correlation with spiral artery remodeling.Methods: This study was carried out at Department of Anatomy at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro after ethical approval on placentae of 122 parturients; 61 from normal and 61 from preeclampsia, data was collected on predesigned proforma and was analyzed on SPSS 23.Results: The mean and standard deviation of maternal age, gestational age, and parity was 32.73±5.9 years, 37.3±3.6 weeks and 3±1 respectively. The wall thickness of SA and VD when compared in two groups found statically significant. Vitamin D signaling molecules were determined by immunostaining compared in two groups by applying Mann Whitney U test and Pearson’s correlation which reveals significant differences in preeclamptic versus controls.Conclusions: Despite extensive research indicating a link between low levels of VD and its signaling molecules in the context of inadequate spiral artery remodeling, there is still a need for further investigation to fully understand the mechanisms underlying this association in preeclampsia.Keywords: Preeclampsia; Remodeling; Spiral artery; Vitamin D; Vitamin D signaling molecules

Testing maternal effects of vitamin-D and omega-3 levels on offspring neurodevelopmental traits in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study.

Maternal vitamin-D and omega-3 fatty acid (DHA) deficiencies during pregnancy have previously been associated with offspring neurodevelopmental traits. However, observational study designs cannot distinguish causal effects from confounding. First, we conducted Mendelian randomisation (MR) using genetic instruments for vitamin-D and DHA identified in independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Outcomes were (1) GWAS for traits related to autism and ADHD, generated in the Norwegian mother, father, and child cohort study (MoBa) from 3 to 8 years, (2) autism and ADHD diagnoses. Second, we used mother-father-child trio-MR in MoBa (1) to test causal effects through maternal nutrient levels, (2) to test effects of child nutrient levels, and (3) as a paternal negative control. Associations between higher maternal vitamin-D levels on lower ADHD related traits at age 5 did not remain after controlling for familial genetic predisposition using trio-MR. Furthermore, we did not find evidence for causal maternal effects of vitamin-D/DHA levels on other offspring traits or diagnoses. In the reverse direction, there was evidence for a causal effect of autism genetic predisposition on lower vitamin-D levels and of ADHD genetic predisposition on lower DHA levels. Triangulating across study designs, we did not find evidence for maternal effects. We add to a growing body of evidence that suggests that previous observational associations are likely biased by genetic confounding. Consequently, maternal supplementation is unlikely to influence these offspring neurodevelopmental traits. Notably, genetic predisposition to ADHD and autism was associated with lower DHA and vitamin-D levels respectively, suggesting previous associations might have been due to reverse causation.

Relation between vitamin D and COVID-19 in Egyptian patients

BackgroundInsufficient vitamin D (VD) levels have been linked to a higher vulnerability to acute respiratory infections and the severity of COVID-19 sickness.ObjectiveThe purpose of this research is to investigate whether or not there is a connection between the amounts of VD produced by patients from Egypt and the severity of COVID-19, as well as the consequences of the disease.MethodsThis research used a case–control design and included a total of 90 adult patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as 90 healthy controls who were matched in terms of age and sex. Patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories according to clinical and radiological criteria. The study included measuring levels of VD and analyzing their relationships with illness severity, inflammatory markers, radiological findings, and outcomes.ResultsCOVID-19 patient(s) had notably reduced levels of serum VD versus the control group (11.78 ± 3.24 ng/mL vs. 20.88 ± 7.76 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Lower VD levels were associated with more severe disease (p < 0.001), dyspnea (p < 0.001), radiological abnormalities (p = 0.001), and higher mortality (p < 0.001). A serum VD level ≤ 14.8 ng/mL could differentiate COVID-19 patients from controls with 86.67% sensitivity and 77.78% specificity (AUC = 0.881).ConclusionsCOVID-19 patients often had a deficiency of VD, which was linked to more severe illness, respiratory issues, aberrant radiological findings, and higher fatality rates. VD levels may be used as a biological surrogate marker to assess the risk and predict the outcome of COVID-19.

Skin pigmentation related variants in Mexican population and interaction effects on serum 25(OH)D concentration and vitamin D deficiency

Skin pigmentation is negatively associated with circulating vitamin D (VD) concentration. Therefore, genetic factors involved in skin pigmentation could influence the risk of vitamin D deficiency (VDD). We evaluated the impact genetic variants related to skin pigmentation on VD in Mexican population. This cross-sectional analysis included 848 individuals from the Health Worker Cohort Study (ratio males to females ~ 1:3). Eight genetic variants: rs16891982 (SLC45A2), rs12203592 (IRF4), rs1042602 and rs1126809 (TYR), rs1800404 (OCA2), rs12913832 (HERC2), rs1426654 (SLC24A5), and rs2240751 (MFSD12); involved in skin pigmentation were genotyped. Skin pigmentation was assessed by self-report. Linear and logistic regression were used to assess the association between the variants of interest and VD and VDD, as appropriate. In our study, eight genetic variants were associated with skin pigmentation. A genetic risk score built with the variants rs1426654 and rs224075 was associated with lower VD levels (β = − 1.38, 95% CI − 2.59, − 0.17, p = 0.025). Nevertheless, when examining gene–gene interactions, we observed that rs2240751 × rs12203592 were associated with VD levels (P interaction = 0.021). Whereas rs2240751 × rs12913832 (P interaction = 0.0001) were associated with VDD. Our results suggest that skin pigmentation-related gene variants are associated with lower VD levels in Mexican population. These results underscore the importance of considering genetic interactions when assessing the impact of genetic polymorphisms on VD levels.

Electrolytes, Zinc and Vitamin D3 in COVID-19 Patients with Cardiovascular Complications.

COVID-19 is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, with direct myocardial injury and systemic inflammation as common mechanisms. Pre-existing or infection-induced cardiovascular disease worsens the outcomes for COVID-19 patients. To estimate the serum electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca++, Zn) and vitamin D3, the study depended on ichroma ii device for Vitamin D3 and Chemistry Analyzer for electrolytes in patient samples. A study was conducted on 192 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, including 35 critical cases, 53 severe cases, 54 moderate cases, and 50 individuals in a control group. The age group with the highest prevalence of infection was between 50‒69 years, while the lowest prevalence was observed in those under 30 years. The study found significant decreases in calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and vitamin D3 levels among COVID-19 patients compared to the control group. Zinc and vitamin D3 levels showed a significant correlation with sex, with males experiencing a decline in zinc levels and females having lower vitamin D3 levels. The concentration of calcium, sodium, and zinc showed a negative correlation with age, with older patients having the lowest levels. COVID-19 patients with chronic cardiac issues and high blood pressure exhibited the lowest levels of these markers. The severity of the disease also had a detrimental impact on electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D3, with critical cases showing the lowest levels. The complications such as heart failure were associated with lower levels of potassium, sodium, and zinc. In conclusion, the study revealed significant associations between COVID-19 and decreased electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D3. Sex and age were found to be correlated with these markers. Patients with chronic cardiac issues and high blood pressure exhibited the lowest levels of these markers. The severity of the disease was also linked to lower electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D3. Complications such as heart failure were associated with decreased levels of potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Vitamin Din blood serum and chronic pancreatitis.

Fifty patients with chronic pancreatitis and 20 subjects in the control group without gastrointestinal tract diseases, including pancreatic disease, were examined. The vitamin Dlevel in blood serum was determined. The results were evaluated according to the age distribution of subjects with pancreatic disease and according to gender. Patients with low vitamin Dlevels were treated for 24 weeks with adose of 1.500.000 IU of vitamin D3 per day, and then blood serum vitamin Dlevels were determined. In people with chronic pancreatitis, vitamin Dlevels were statistically significantly reduced compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant relationship of vitamin Dwith gender and age. Supplementation with vitamin D3 achieved an adjustment of vitamin Dlevel to the level of the control group. Blood serum vitamin Dlevels are significantly reduced in people with chronic pancreatitis. Its correction by oral vitamin Dsupplementation was effective. Whether this adjustment of levels will be effective also in terms of e.g. beneficial effect on fibrogenesis will require further representative studies, because the limitation of the interpretation of the results of our study is the smaller number of subjects with chronic pancreatitis (Tab. 4, Ref. 29).

Relationship Between Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and Vitamin D Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Significant links between low serum levels of vitamin D3 and insufficient glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been reported previously in the literature. However, there is no exciting evidence on the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and vitamin D levels in T2DM individuals in our nation (Yemen). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HbA1c and vitamin D levels in T2DM patients in a resource-limited setting. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Al-Raffa Center, Ibb, Yemen between June 2018 and September 2023 including 396 patients diagnosed with T2DM. The patient characteristics, comorbidities, HbA1c, and vitamin D levels were gathered from patients' medical profiles. Linear regression analysis was used to find the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D levels < 20 ng/mL) among T2DM patients. Subsequently, the correlation between HbA1c and vitamin D levels was examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The mean age was 44.6 ±14.6 years and most of them (n= 227, 57.3%) were female and from a rural area (n= 229, 57.8%). Comorbidities were hypertension, dyslipidemia disease, and cardiovascular disease in 176 (44.4%), 63 (15.9%), and 88 (22.2%) cases, respectively. The mean HbA1c was 8.1 ±2.5%. The mean vitamin D level was 26.9 ±16.5 ng/mL and low vitamin D was present in 260 (65.7%) (vitamin D deficiency in 160 (40.4%) and vitamin D insufficiency in 100 (25.3%) cases). In regression analysis, obesity (>30 kg/m2) (odds ratio (OR): 299.49; 95% confidence interval (CI):72.66 - 1234.42, p <0.0001), higher HbA1c levels (OR: 1.61; 95% CI:1.26 - 2.05, p =0.0001), and urban residence (OR: 23.98; 95% CI:5.62 - 102.42, p <0.0001) were associated with vitamin D deficiency. There was a negative correlation between the vitamin D level and HbA1c which was statistically significant (correlation coefficient r: -0.5452; 95% CI: -0.6109 to -0.4720, p <0.0001). Using the ROC analysis, the serum vitamin D value of ≤18.42 ng/ml was the best cut-off point to predict hyperglycemia (area under the curve: 0.633, 95% CI: 0.672 to 0.770, sensitivity: 52%, specificity: 84.71 %, Yoden's index: 0.3671, p <0.001). Based on this cut-off, 39.4% of individuals (37.5% in the normoglycemic group and 90.9% in the hyperglycemic group) were vitamin D deficient. In this study, low vitamin D was common among T2DM patients, especially those with poor glycemic control. We observed a link between HbA1c levels, urban residency, and BMI with vitamin D deficiency in T2DM patients. The association was distinguished by low vitamin D levels and elevated HbA1c. Additionally, we found that the serum vitamin D value of ≤18.42 ng/ml was the best cut-off point to predict hyperglycemia in T2DM patients with moderate agreement. To manage their disease, patients with T2DM should take their medications as prescribed and live a healthy lifestyle. This will increase their overall health, especially their vitamin D levels.

Association between serum vitamin D level and Graves’ disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis meta-analysis aims to analyze the relationship between serum vitamin D (VD) levels and Graves’ disease (GD).MethodsWe conducted a search for publications on VD and GD in the English language. Our search encompassed databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, covering publications available through August 2023. A meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane RevMan 5.4 software. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for outcome calculation. We used R software to test for publication bias.ResultsTwelve studies were selected, comprising 937 (22.4%) cases with GD and 3254 (77.6%) controls. The overall meta-analysis revealed that patients with GD are significantly more likely to have low VD levels (SMD = − 0.66; 95% CI: −1.05, − 0.27; p = 0.001) than those in the control group. Egger’s test results indicated no publication bias (p = 0.0791). These studies exhibited a high degree of heterogeneity (chi-square = 205.86, p < 0.00001; I2 = 95%). Subgroup analysis was conducted based on assay method, geographic location, and mean age of the case group to explore the heterogeneity sources. Assay methods and geographic locations were identified as potential heterogeneity sources. Based on the mean age, there were no statistically significant differences found in the subgroup analysis of the included studies.ConclusionThere is promising evidence that low serum VD levels may increase the risk of GD. Further rigorous and long-term trials are needed to explore the role of VD in the onset and treatment of GD.

Correlation between Vitamin D Levels and Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 in Pediatric Patients Diagnosed with Sepsis

Abstract Objective Our objective was to examine potential differences in inflammatory markers, specifically antimicrobial peptide (AMP) LL-37 and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in the bloodstream of children with sepsis who had varying levels of vitamin D3. Methods A total of 59 pediatric patients diagnosed with sepsis from January 2021 to November 2021 were enrolled in this study. The pediatric patients with sepsis were categorized into three groups based on their levels of vitamin D3, and AMP LL-37, IL-6, and procalcitonin (PCT) were compared among the three groups. Discussion The LL-37 level in the group with vitamin D3 deficiency was notably lower than in the other two groups (p deficiency group vs. insufficiency group = 0.019, p deficiency group vs. normal group = 0.034), whereas the disparity between the group with vitamin D3 insufficiency and the group with normal vitamin D3 levels was not statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between the level of vitamin D3 and LL-37 in pediatric patients with sepsis (r = 0.324, p = 0.012). On the other hand, the level of IL-6 in pediatric patients with sepsis showed a positive correlation with both LL-37 (r = 0.474, p = 0.000) and PCT (r = 0.527, p = 0.000). Conclusion Pediatric patients with sepsis typically exhibit low levels of vitamin D3, which are positively correlated with the levels of serum LL-37. Furthermore, the presence of higher levels of serum LL-37 is positively correlated with higher levels of IL-6.

Comparative assessment of the effects of two intrauterine systems for long-term contraception on some haematological, biochemical, and immunological markers

An intrauterine system (IUS) is a type of contraception tool that is used in order to control fertility and prevent concep¬tion in women for a long period. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of copper- versus levonorgestrel-releasing IUSs on women’s health. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 75 women that were randomly se¬lected (50 women that used a copper-releasing IUS and the remaining 25 that used a levonorgestrel-releasing IUS) amongst those attending out patient’s clinics at Hillah, Iraq, from March to July 2016. All women were between 18 to 46 years of age, and have had an IUS for at least three months. The measurement of serum ceruloplasmin (SCerP), haemoglobin, vitamin D (VD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels was undertaken. Our results revealed that the copper-releasing IUS group has low haemoglobin and VD levels, along with high levels of SCerP and proinflammatory cytokines. One the other hand, the levonorgestrel-releasing IUS group displayed no significant changes on the above markers. We can conclude that the levonorgestrel-releasing IUS is free of any adverse effect when compared to a copper-releasing IUS, at least with regard to the parameters examined by our study.

Vitamin D Supplementation in Functional Recovery of Subjects with Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Controlled Randomized Study.

Low vitamin D (VD) has been associated with poor clinical course in several neurological diseases. Supplementation has been suggested to improve outcomes. Severe acquired brain injury (sABI) subjects have low VD levels and disabling conditions requiring rehabilitation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if VD supplementation produced a better clinical course and a better functional outcome in sABI during rehabilitation. A randomized single-blind study was performed. sABI subjects were randomized to the VD supplementation group (VDsG) (initial dose of 50.000 UI and 1.000 daily) and usual care control group (CG). Disability Rating Scale (DRS), Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), and Level of Cognitive Functioning (LCF) were used in assessing disability. A total of 73 subjects (42 M and 31 F; mean age 53.2 ± 15.7) were randomized: 36 (21 M and 15 F; mean age 57.52 ± 14.88) to VDsG and 37 (20 M and 17 F; mean age 48.28 ± 17.47) to CG. Both groups significantly improved after rehabilitation, and no between-group difference was observed. The mean score values for DRS, GOS, and LCF in VDsG were 18.83 ± 4.27 and 9.42 ± 5.83; 2.89 ± 0.32 and 3.78 ± 0.80; and 4.81 ± 1.70 and 7.53 ± 1.28, at admission and discharge, respectively. Likewise, mean values for DRS, GOS, and LCF in CG were 18.57 ± 4.80 and 9.84 ± 6.34; 2.84 ± 0.37 and 3.81 ± 0.94; and 4.97 ± 2.01 and 7.41 ± 1.32, respectively. VD supplementation did not improve functional outcomes in sABI during rehabilitation treatment.

Effect modification by maternal vitamin D status in the association between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and neurodevelopment in 2-year-old children

BackgroundPregnant women in the Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) of China faced dual threats of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and vitamin D (VD) insufficiency, potentially impacting offspring neurodevelopment. However, little is known about whether maternal VD status modifies PFAS-related neurodevelopment effect. ObjectivesTo explore the modifying role of maternal VD status in the effect of prenatal PFAS exposure on childhood neurodevelopment. MethodsWe included 746 mother–child pairs from the SBC. Ten PFAS congeners and VD levels were measured in maternal blood samples collected during the first and second trimester respectively. At 2 years of age, toddlers underwent neurodevelopment assessments using Bayley-III Scales. Multivariate linear, logistic regression, and weighted quantile sum approach were used to estimate associations of Bayley-III scores with individual and mixture PFAS. We stratified participants into VD sufficient and insufficient groups and further balanced PFAS differences between these groups by matching all PFAS levels. We fitted the same statistical models in each VD group before and after matching. ResultsNearly half (46.5 %) of pregnant women were VD insufficient (<30 ng/mL). In the overall population, PFAS exposure was associated with lower language scores and an increased risk for neurodevelopmental delay, but higher cognitive scores. However, adverse associations with PFAS were mainly observed in the VD sufficient group, while the VD insufficient group showed positive cognitive score associations. Higher PFAS concentrations were found in the VD sufficient group compared to the VD insufficient group. Post-matching, adverse associations in the VD sufficient group were nullified, whereas in the VD insufficient group, positive associations disappeared and adverse associations becoming more pronounced. ConclusionIn this Chinese birth cohort, high prenatal PFAS exposure and low maternal VD levels collectively heighten the risk of adverse childhood neurodevelopment. However, disentangling PFAS and VD interrelationships is crucial to avoid paradoxical findings.

Serum Vitamin D3 level in spontaneous abortion cases in comparison to ongoing viable pregnancies: A case–control study in a tertiary medical college

Background: The immunoregulatory functions of Vitamin D3 play a vital role in the maintenance of normal pregnancy. Several studies have reported the association of low serum Vitamin D3 levels with spontaneous abortion. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the association between serum Vitamin D3 level and spontaneous abortion cases in a tertiary medical college. Materials and Methods: The case–control study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical College, Kolkata. The study population included 50 women with spontaneous abortion (cases) and 50 women with viable pregnancy beyond 20 weeks of gestation (controls). The cases and controls were matched with respect to age, socioeconomic status, and laboratory parameters. Investigations performed for both groups were ultrasonography for confirmation of abortion and viable pregnancy, serum Vitamin D3, and other biochemical markers. Data were compared between cases and controls using the Chi-square test and unpaired “t” test along with the calculation of odds ratios (OR). Results: About 24% of cases and 10% of controls belonged to Vitamin D3 deficient category. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.009, d.f.=2) (OR: 2.84, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.92–8.80). Bleeding PV was present in 50% of cases and 4% of controls (P=0.0001, d.f.=1) (OR: 24.00, 95% CI: 5.25–109.65). Abdominal pain was complained by 46% of cases and 10% of controls (P=0.0001, d.f.=1) (OR: 7.67, 95% CI: 2.61–22.54). Conclusion: Vitamin D3 deficiency was present more in spontaneous abortion cases in comparison to viable pregnancies. Routine daily supplementation of vitamin D3 during the first trimester of pregnancy should be incorporated into the ongoing national program. Training of health workers to educate pregnant women and their family members regarding the importance of vitamin D3 is the need of the hour.

Tremendous Fidelity of Vitamin D3 in Age-related Neurological Disorders.

Vitamin D3 (VD) is a secosteroid hormone and shows a pleiotropic effect in brain-related disorders where it regulates redox imbalance, inflammation, apoptosis, energy production, and growth factor synthesis. Vitamin D3's active metabolic form, 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3 or calcitriol), is a known regulator of several genes involved in neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, neurotropism, and neuroinflammation. Multiple studies suggest that VD deficiency can be proposed as a risk factor for the development of several age-related neurological disorders. The evidence for low serum levels of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3 or calcidiol), the major circulating form of VD, is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), dementia, and cognitive impairment. Despite decades of evidence on low VD association with neurological disorders, the precise molecular mechanism behind its beneficial effect remains controversial. Here, we will be delving into the neurobiological importance of VD and discuss its benefits in different neuropsychiatric disorders. The focus will be on AD, PD, and HD as they share some common clinical, pathological, and epidemiological features. The central focus will be on the different attributes of VD in the aspect of its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-cholinesterase activity, and psychotropic effect in different neurodegenerative diseases.

Correlation Between a Deficiency of D3 Levels and the Development of Allergic Rhinitis.

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder characterized by sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and lacrimation, which negatively affects the quality of life to a large extent. The study aimed to find a link between the effect of vitamin D3 levels on Immunoglobulin (IgE) levels in patients with allergic AR. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This study included 30 patients with AR, with ages ranging from 18 to 35, of both sexes. For vitamin D levels, &lt;u&gt;>&lt;/u&gt;30 ng/mL is considered sufficient and &lt;u&gt;<&lt;/u&gt;20 ng/mL is a deficiency. The second group includes 30 people with adequate levels of vitamin D3 as a control group. All results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA, in addition to using the regression coefficient test to test the extent of the effect of D3 on the development of allergic rhinitis at a significant level of p&lt;u&gt;<&lt;/u&gt;0.05 using the SPSS program 24. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results showed a significant decrease in the levels of vitamin D3 in the serum of the AR patients compared with the control group and a substantial increase in the levels of IgE in the serum of the AR patients compared with the control group at a significant level of p&lt;u&gt;<&lt;/u&gt;0.05. Additionally, the results showed in the regression coefficient an inverse and significant effect of vitamin D3 concentration on serum IgE levels, which is significant in terms of the p-value, which appeared equal to 0.010. By observing the value of the R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; coefficient of determination, it is clear that a change in the concentration of vitamin D3 causes 58% of the changes in IgE levels. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Through linear regression correlation, an inverse linear relationship emerged linking low vitamin D3 levels to increased IgE levels with an effect rate of 58%.

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 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..

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.

Vitamin D and Acute Diarrhea in Children: A Meta-Analysis

Diarrhea remains a significant health concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries, contributing to 10% of deaths in children under 5 years. Bacterial infections, notably Shigella and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), are prevalent causes. This study explores the association between vitamin D3 levels and acute diarrhea in children through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Ten studies, including case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort designs, were analyzed. The meta-analysis revealed a significant relationship between vitamin D3 deficiency and acute diarrhea, indicating a higher risk in children with lower vitamin D3 levels. While conflicting findings exist, this study provides valuable insights into the potential role of vitamin D3 in mitigating the risk of acute diarrhea in children.

The Effect of Ferritin, Vitamin D, and Some Hormonal and Biochemical Parameters on Patients with Female-pattern Hair Loss after COVID-19 Infection

BACKGROUND: This study aims to shed light on the problem of female-pattern hair loss, especially for women, after recovering from the viral infection of COVID-19 and their deficiency of iron store level, Vitamin D, and some parameters that cause complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included Sixty-eight females ranging from 20 to 30 years old; they were divided into two groups. Group I has 18 women as a control group; the women had recovered from COVID-19 infection and were not affected by viral complications. Group II of 50 women had recovered from infection with COVID-19 and suffered from hair loss. Levels of iron stores (ferritin), Vitamin D3, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone hormone, triglycerides (TGs), and serum total cholesterol (TC) were measured after 2 months of infection recovery and compared with controls. RESULTS: The results of TG showed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) between women in Group II compared to the control group (Group I). On the other hand, the data obtained from both Vitamin D3 and ferritin levels showed a significant decreases (P ≥ 0.001 in Group II compared to the control group (Group I). In contrast, there is no statistical significance recorded in hormonal parameters, except testosterone hormone, which witnessed a highly significant increase (P ≤ 0.01) of Group II, whereas for TC, there was no statistical significance. In addition, a high positivity was also observed (P &lt; 0.01, P = 0.05) for ferritin, Vitamin D, testosterone, and TG level in the blood. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a close co -relation between low levels of Vitamin D3, ferritin, high male hormones, and hair loss complications with COVID-19 viral infection. Both ingredients are consumed to protect the body from viruses. Vitamin D plays a major role in stimulating the body’s immunity to disease, so their concentration decreases after recovery from the disease and after the appearance of symptoms of the effects that have occurred because of this deficiency.