Mild Vitamin Research Articles

Melasma: A Clinical and Epidemiological Single-Group Observational Study in the Greek Population.

Melasma is a common acquired disorder of melanogenesis that predominately affects women and presents as hyperpigmented skin lesions mainly located on the face. The study aims to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and hormonal profiles in melasma patients. One hundred fifty patients were enrolled in this study in a tertiary care hospital. Clinical patterns, pigment depth, disease severity, underlying conditions, and heredity were recorded. Endocrinologic profile and vitamin D levels were assessed. On clinical examination, the condition indicated a centrofacial localization in 74% of the patients. Extra facial melasma was noticed in 10 patients who had centrofacial melasma to begin with. Wood's lamp examination showed the dermal type as the most common. A family history of melasma was noted in 38% of the patients. Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score ranged from 0.3 to 10.8, with a mean score of 4.12 ± 2.06. Pregnancy-induced melasma was reported in 36.1% of the patients. In 17.4% of women, melasma was related to using oral contraceptives. In 22% of patients, mild vitamin D deficiency was detected, while 21% had thyroid disorders. There is a strong correlation between family history and prevalence of melasma. Sun exposure is a major precipitating factor and should be carefully addressed in Mediterranean countries like Greece. However, other factors such as concomitant medication, multiple pregnancies, use of oral contraceptives, thyroid disorders and vitamin D deficiency might precipitate melasma.

Can first trimester vitamin D levels predict adverse maternal outcomes in patients who do not take vitamin D supplements?

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is claimed to be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Here, we aimed to compare adverse maternal outcomes according to vitamin D levels and determine the predictive role of first-trimester vitamin D for adverse maternal outcomes in patients not receiving vitamin D supplementation. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective study. A total of 232 patients were divided into three groups: vitamin D deficient (n=127), vitamin D insufficient (n=57), and vitamin D sufficient group (n=48). Then, the vitamin D deficiency group was divided into severe (n=72) and mild (n=55) vitamin D deficiency. Sociodemographic characteristics, first-trimester vitamin D levels, and adverse maternal outcomes such as gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction were compared between the groups. The predictive role of first-trimester vitamin D levels for adverse maternal outcomes was evaluated by ROC analysis. Results: Gestational diabetes was more common in the vitamin D deficient group than in the vitamin D insufficient group (P=0.024). However, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and composite adverse outcomes were more common in the vitamin D deficient group than in the vitamin D sufficient group (P=0.044, P=0.008, and P=0.023, respectively). There was no difference in maternal outcomes between the mild and severe vitamin D deficiency groups. First-trimester vitamin D levels ≤19 ng/mL predicted adverse outcomes with 73.2% sensitivity and 49.2% specificity (AUC=0.630, P=0.006). Conclusions: We recommend screening vitamin D levels in the first trimester, especially in high-risk groups, due to the increased incidence of adverse outcomes. We believe that more research is needed to clarify the relationship between vitamin D and adverse outcomes and the effect of supplementation on these outcomes.

South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II (SEANUTS II) Thailand: triple burden of malnutrition among Thai children aged 6 months to 12 years.

This study assessed nutritional status among Thai children using anthropometry, dietary intakes and micronutrient status. Cross-sectional survey with multi-stage cluster sampling. Body weight and height were measured in all children. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-h dietary recall. Biochemical assessment was performed in one-third of the children. The study was conducted in Thailand's four geographical regions and Bangkok. 3478 Thai children aged 0·5-12·9 years. Stunting showed a downward trend by age group and was most prevalent among infants and toddlers. Overweight and obesity showed a significant upward trend by age group, location and sex and were highest among children aged 7-12·9 years. Risks of inadequate micronutrient intakes (Ca, Fe, Zn, vitamins A, C and D) were high (53·2-93·6 %). Prevalence of Zn and mild vitamin A deficiencies were low; vitamin D and B12 deficiencies were nil. Vitamin D insufficiency was significantly higher in the urban area and among girls. Anaemia was very high in infants and toddlers (56·6 and 35·2 %) but showed a significant downward trend by age group. There was an overall high prevalence of Fe deficiency (25 %) v. Fe deficiency anaemia (4·2 %) among children aged 4-12·9 years old. The high prevalence of stunting and anaemia among children aged 0·5-3·9 years and overweight and obesity among children aged 7-12·9 years requires continued attention. While prevalence of biochemical micronutrient deficiencies was not high (except for Fe), high prevalence of dietary inadequacies for several micronutrients warrants further in-depth investigations.

P-15 A rare case of Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome Type I

Abstract Introduction Trichorhinopharyngeal syndrome (TRPS) type 1 is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder due to defects of the TRPS1 gene. Clinical findings include short stature, fine hair, craniofacial and skeletal malformations, and deformities in phalangeal joints. This rare disease has a wide clinical spectrum and careful investigation on suspected cases should be made. Clinical Case A 19-year-old female patient, after application to the rheumatology clinic of our center with hand deformities, was referred to our endocrinology clinic after initial examination revealed no rheumatologic disorder; with a pre-diagnosis of a possible bone mineral disorder. She had no co-morbid disease, but her history revealed admissions to a pediatric endocrinology unit and investigations of a possible mucopolysaccharidosis, though no diagnosis had been made. There was no kinship between her parents. In her physical examination, she had fine hair, the fifth metacarpal bone of her right hand was short, she had palpable bone cysts on both of her third phalanges, and a high palatal arch. She had a short stature of 149 cm. From her history, it was learned that none of her relatives showed similar phenotypic properties. Her laboratory findings, listed in Table 1, showed no definitive defect other than a mild vitamin D deficit. The X-ray of her hands (Figure 1) showed shortening of the right fifth metacarpal bone. Her bone mineral density scan was normal. From this point, due to her clinical and radiological findings, a possible diagnosis of pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism was assumed, and the patient was referred to the department of genetics. The result of the genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous c.2894G>A (p.Arg965His) variant in the TRPS1 (NM_014112/5) gene. As a result, the patient was diagnosed with trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1, and was referred to the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation for physiotheraphy program for her hand deformities and possible future deformities in the skeletal system. Because the disease has an autosomal dominant inheritance, she was also informed about genetic consultancy for her possible future conception. Conclusion Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 is a rare disease and can mimic a variety of disorders including pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatological diseases. Though there is no definite treatment, suspected cases should be evaluated both clinically and genetically to avoid misdiagnosis. Financial disclosures: None Funding resources: NoneFigure 1.X-ray of the patient's handsArrow shows shortening of the right fifth metacarpal bone Table 1.Laboratory findings of the patientALT: alanine aminotransferase, ALP: alkaline phosphatase, PTH: parathormone

Association of mild cognitive impairment, dementia and vitamin B12 levels in older adults

AbstractBackgroundVitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with the development of multiple pathologies. However, it is still controversial if the deficiency is associated with cognitive impairment. Objective: To determine the association between cognitive performance and the vitamin B12 levels.MethodCross‐sectional study including 241 adults aged 60 or older, treated as an outpatient at a tertiary care hospital, who had serum levels of vitamin B12. Participans underwent a cognitive assessment and assigned to one of three groups: normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Vitamin B12 levels were classified in three categories: sufficiency (>400 pg/ml), subclinical deficiency (201‐400 pg/ml), and absolute deficiency (≤200 pg/ml). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyzes were used to assess the association between cognitive performance and vitamin B12 levelsResultMean age was 81.4 ± 8.0 years and 68% were women. The prevalence of absolute and subclinical B12 deficiency was 17.8% and 39.8%, respectively. Eigthy participants (33%) had MCI and 70 (29%) dementia. Those with MCI and dementia had lower vitamin B12 levels compaired with NC after adjusting for age, sex and education level (p = 0.019).ConclusionThis study suggests a statistically significant association between global cognitive performance and serum levels of vitamin B12 in older adults

Mild Vitamin C Deficiency Is Common in the Inpatient Psychiatric Setting.

Objective: Mild vitamin C deficiency is a psychiatrically relevant nutritional state, with symptoms including apathy, fatigue, and low mood. Although complete vitamin C deficiency has largely been eradicated, mild deficiency remains common in certain populations. Here, we aimed to identify the prevalence of mild vitamin C deficiency in the inpatient psychiatric setting.Methods: We identified 221 patients with plasma vitamin C levels collected on an inpatient psychiatric unit serving a metropolitan area between January 1, 2015, and March 7, 2022. We identified demographic (age, sex, race, housing status, Area Deprivation Index [an index of neighborhood disadvantage]), substance use (tobacco use, alcohol use), diagnostic (depressive, bipolar, psychotic, anxiety, substance use, catatonia, neurocognitive, autism spectrum), and micronutrient (folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D) risk factors. DSM-5-TR was used as the diagnostic system. Bayesian log-normal regressions were constructed to predict vitamin C as a function of these risk factors. We used these same models to predict vitamin C as a function of significant risk factors.Results: We found that 64% (141 of 221; 95% confidence interval 57%-70%) of patients met criteria for mild vitamin C deficiency. While we did not identify robust demographic, substance use, or diagnostic-based risk factors, we found that folate and vitamin D strongly predicted vitamin C levels. To test the utility of these predictors, we simulated vitamin C as a function of folate and vitamin D and found that predicted deficiency remained high (∼ 50%-55%), even when folate/vitamin D were sufficiently replete.Conclusions: We find that vitamin C deficiency is highly prevalent in the inpatient psychiatric setting and remains high even when the relevant risk factor profile is favorable.

Vitamin A deficiency compromises the barrier function of the retinal pigment epithelium.

A major cause for childhood blindness worldwide is attributed to nutritional vitamin A deficiency. Surprisingly, the molecular basis of the ensuing retinal degeneration has not been well defined. Abundant expression of the retinoid transporter STRA6 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and homeostatic blood levels of retinol-binding protein delay vitamin A deprivation of the mouse eyes. Hence, genetic dissection of STRA6 makes mice susceptible to nutritional manipulation of ocular retinoid status. We performed RNA-seq analyses and complemented the data with tests of visual physiology, ocular morphology, and retinoid biochemistry to compare eyes with different vitamin A status. Mild ocular vitamin A deficiency decreased transcripts of photoreceptor transduction pathway-related genes and increased transcripts of oxidative stress pathways. The response was associated with impaired visual sensitivity and an accumulation of fluorescent debris in the retina. Severe vitamin A deficiency did not only impair visual perception but also decreased transcripts of genes encoding cell adhesion and cellular junction proteins. This response altered cell morphology, resulted in significant changes in transport pathways of small molecules, and compromised the barrier function of the RPE. Together, our analyses characterize the molecular events underlying nutritional blindness in a novel mouse model and indicate that breakdown of the outer blood-retinal barrier contributes to retinal degeneration and photoreceptor cell death in severe vitamin A deficiency.

Nutritional status assessment and intervention with a red palm oil biscuit among pre-school children attending informal crèches, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Little information is available on the nutritional and health status of pre-school children attending informal crèches. The study aimed to determine the status of blood carotenoid, vitamin E, inflammatory markers and omega-3 fatty acids in children attending crèches in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Baseline measurements were followed by an intervention to determine the effect of a biscuit baked with red palm oil (RPO) shortening on these parameters. Forty-seven (n=47) children were randomly assigned to a RPO (Group A) (n=25) and non-RPO (Group B) (n=22) group. Group A received biscuits providing carotenoids, tocotrienols and α-tocopherol while Group B biscuits provided only tocotrienols and α-tocopherol. Biscuits were distributed daily during the school week. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 3 months and 6 months during intervention as well as 6 months post intervention. At baseline, children showed a mild (10%) vitamin A deficiency, severe vitamin E deficiency (69%) while 98% presented with omega-3 fatty acid indexes below 8%. For vitamin E data was pooled as both groups received similar amounts of vitamin E while no significant differences were observed between the groups during the intervention. Significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in α-tocopherol levels were observed in both groups at 3-, 6- and 6- months post intervention. Deficiency levels declined to 10% and 0% at 6- and 6-months post, respectively. In group A, plasma α-carotene levels (p ≤ 0.05) increased significantly from baseline (0.04 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.03 – 0.06) at 3 (0.36 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.29 – 0.45) and 6 months (0.48 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.39 – 0.60). Similar significant (p ≤ 0.05) results were observed for plasma β-carotene levels (3 months (0.31 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.27 – 0.40) and 6 months (0.33 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.28 – 0.40). Consumption of a biscuit baked with RPO can play a significant role in alleviating vitamin E deficiency and can significantly increase plasma α- and β-carotene levels in pre-school children. Key words: Vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin E, CRP, IL-6, fortification, omega-3 fatty acids

“TO ESTIMATE VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN OBESE AND NON OBESE FEMALES WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN NORTH INDIA”

Background: Vitamin D deciency is prevalent among obese individuals. Some authors have postulated that Vitamin D is sequestered in the excess adipose tissue, leading to less bioavailability, whereas others suggest that low Serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D may be a result of volumetric dilution of vitamin D in the large adipose stores. Aim: To study and compare the Vitamin D levels in Obese and Non-obese diabetic female with obese and Non-obese nondiabetic females. Method & Materials: The present study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, MLN Medical College & SRN Hospital, Prayagraj to assess Vitamin D levels of diabetic and non-diabetic obese and non-obese females. A total of 115 diabetic female patients attending Clinic fullling the inclusion criteria and giving consent were included as Cases and 115 female non-diabetic patients without active or chronic problems attending different departments were included in the study. Serum samples of all the participants were collected for estimation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vitamin D). Quantitative determination of 25- hydroxy vitamin D (25- OH vitamin D) in human serum is done by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Result: Majority of Controls had Normal Vitamin D levels (52.2%) , on the other hand only 1.7% cases had normal Vitamin D levels. Vast majority of Cases (98.3%) had Vitamin D deciency. Higher percentage of Cases were found to have mild and severe vitamin D deciency as compared to that in controls. [Mild Vitamin D deciency -12.2% vs. 11.3% in cases and controls respectively and severe Vitamin D deciency - 86.1% vs. 36.5% in cases and controls respectively] . Difference in vitamin D status of Cases and Controls was found to be signicant statistically. Serum Vitamin D levels of Controls (29.18±20.31 ng/ml) was found to be signicantly higher as compared to Cases (9.06±6.03 ng/ml). Conclusion- Mean serum vitamin D levels were signicantly lower in Diabetic females as compared to that in Non-Diabetic females.Obesity was associated with a signicantly lower vitamin D levels in both Diabetic females as well as Non-Diabetic females.

Low vitamin K status in adults with cystic fibrosis is associated with reduced body mass index, insulin secretion, and increased pseudomonal colonization.

Patients with cystic fibrosis(CF) are at high risk of fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, even with supplementation. The contribution of a suboptimal vitamin K status to respiratory and endocrine pathophysiology in CF has been inadequately characterized. This is a cross-sectional study in adult CF patients(≥18 years old) from the Montreal Cystic Fibrosis Cohort. Vitamin K1(VK1) was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography, using fasted serum samples collected during an oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT: 2h with plasma glucose and insulin every 30min)(n=168). Patients were categorized according to VK1 status(suboptimal defined as<0.30nmol/L). Suboptimal VK1 levels were observed in 66% of patients. Patients with a suboptimal VK1 status have a higher risk of colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa(p=0.001), have lower body mass index(BMI)(p=0.003), and were more likely to have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency(p=0.002). Using an established threshold for VK1, we did show significantly reduced OGTT-derived measures of insulin secretion in patients with a VK1 status below 0.30nmol/L(first- and second-phase area under the curve (AUC)INS/GLU(p=0.002 and p=0.006), AUCINS(p=0.012) and AUCINS/GLU(p=0.004)). Subclinical vitamin K deficiency is more common than other fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies in patients with CF. We demonstrate an association between a suboptimal VK1 status and measures of insulin secretion. We highlight the potential associations of mild vitamin K deficiency with pseudomonal colonization and lower BMI, although these need to be validated in prospective studies.

Effect of process parameters on vitamins and sensory acceptability in micronutrient-fortified soymilk prepared by small-scale batch processing.

Effects of holding time before cooling, cooling method, and light or dark refrigerated storage on the stability of vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and folate were investigated in fortified and unfortified soymilk. Vitamin C loss (6%) and mild vitamin A isomerization occurred when soymilk was held hot after fortification. Cooling bottled soymilk at ambient temperature or in an ice-water bath did not affect any vitamins. Loss of riboflavin (18%) and vitamin A isomerization occurred during 12 days of light-exposed refrigerated storage, in contrast to no vitamin degradation during dark refrigerated storage. A sensory panel of youth and children indicated no significant preferences between fortified and unfortified soymilk except for color, where the lighter-colored unfortified soymilk was preferred. Acceptable vitamin stability and sensory characteristics can be achieved in fortified soymilk produced in small-scale batch processes with appropriate management of production and storage conditions.

Frequency of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children with Tuberculosis

Objective: To find the frequency of vitamin d deficiency in children with tuberculosis. Study Design: Case control study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatric Medicine Unit 2, Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta from 1st December 2021 to 31st May 2022. Methodology: One hundred children from 1 to 15 years which were divided into two groups. Group A had 50 patients/children suffering from tuberculosis while Group B had 50 healthy controls. A 2cc blood was withdrawn for the vitamin D3 testing. The results and confounding factors for vitamin D deficiency were compared within both groups. Results: The mean age of the cases and controls was 7.5±2.3 and 4.2±1.2 years respectively. There were more boys in cases with vitamin D deficiency while higher number of girls was observed in the vitamin D deficient controls. The Vitamin D levels of children with tuberculosis were compared with the controls and it was observed that 34% cases with severe vitamin D deficiency and 32% with mild vitamin D deficiency where a significant variance of controls results was noticed with 20% and 24% cases of severe and mild vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: The frequency of vitamin D deficiency in children with tuberculosis was 66% reported. Keywords: Frequency, Vitamin D deficiency, Children, Tuberculosis

Cognitive function and vitamin B12 and D among community-dwelling elders: A cross-sectional study.

Little is know on the association between mild or sub-clinical vitamin B12 or D deficiencies and cognitive decline. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the association between vitamin B12 and D levels, and cognitive function in community-dwelling elders. Cross-sectional study that included data from elders who participated in the SABE study, a population-based study that was carried out in Ecuador. Participants of SABE were selected by probabilistic sampling from the whole country. Vitamin B12 and D were measured in blood and cognitive status was assessed using an abbreviated version of the minimental state examination (MMSE). The sample included 1733 elders from whom 936 (54.01%) were female. Independently from sex, age, years of education, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and geographical zone of residence, we found that vitamin B12 levels were associated to MMSE scores and that this relationship changed depending on age. In this way, we observed that from 75 years of age, drop of cognitive function was particularly steep in individuals with low levels of vitamin B12. We did not find evidence to support an association between vitamin D levels and cognitive function. Low levels of vitamin B12 but not of vitamin D are associated with low cognitive functioning in a sample of community-dwelling elders.

Increasing vitamin D levels to improve fertilization rates in cattle.

Recently, interest in supplementing vitamin D (Vit D) to improve aspects of health, mainly in human fertility, has emerged. Still, supplementation of Vit D above the minimum required levels has yet to be explored in cattle despite evidence for Vit D receptors in reproductive tissues. The objective of this study was to establish if a dose-response relationship exists between Vit D exposure and success of in vitro production (IVP) of embryos and, if acute supplementation of Vit D improves pregnancy rates during timed artificial insemination (TAI) of dairy cows. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from ovaries acquired from a local abattoir and cultured in five different IVP treatments from three separate collections (Control, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ng/mL of 1,25(OH)2D3; n = 20-30 COCs/group). In Experiment 2, dairy breed cows (n = 100) were synchronized for TAI with the PresynchOvsynch protocol. Cows received 150,000 IU of Vit D (n = 48) or castor oil as control (n = 53) along with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) 24 h before TAI. Serum samples were collected before and 24 h after treatment. A small cohort of cows (n = 4) received the same treatments in two separate cycles and follicular fluid (FF) was collected after 24 h for calcidiol (25OHD) analyses. Increased concentrations of Vit D resulted in decreased rates of maturation of COC (150 and 200 ng/mL vs. control and 50 ng/mL; P = 0.01). Supplementation with 50 ng/mL resulted in greater numbers of early blastocyst and blastocyst stage embryos (P < 0.009). Pregnancy at first breeding did not differ (P = 0.13) between groups, but serum 25OHD increased in treated females after 24 h (P = 0.002). The FF 25OHD levels were reflective of serum levels, however, the observed increase in the treatment cycle (P = 0.04) was parallel to an overall increase in serum 25OHD during the entire second cycle, likely due to increased environmental sunlight exposure (March, control vs. May, treatment). A similar increase in the serum 25OHD in the lactating commercial herd maintained in covered housing was not observed, although experiments were conducted during a similar timeframe. This herd had levels of 25OHD near the low end of sufficiency according to National Research Council (NRC) guidelines. We conclude mild Vitamin D supplementation with concentrations at the higher end of NRC guidelines can improve maturation rates of recovered COCs. However, longer term supplementation may be needed to appreciate any benefits on fertility.

Hypocholesterolemia and Inflammatory Biomarkers Act as Predictors of Severe Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients With Crohn’s Disease: A Clinical Analysis of 862 Patients in China

BackgroundIn this study, we enrolled 862 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) in China to investigate the correlation between serum vitamin D (SVD) and serum lipids, inflammatory biomarkers, and important clinical parameters.Materials and Methods25(OH)D was measured by LS/MS/MS. Correlation analysis, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the correlations between vitamin D and potential risk factors when vitamin D levels were lower than 10 ng/mL or 20 ng/mL.ResultsThe incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency (SVD < 10 ng/mL) in patients with CD was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (28.9 vs. 9.5%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that penetrating disease [odds ratio (OR) = 2.18], low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (OR = 1.91), high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR = 1.73), and platelet count (PLT) (OR = 2.71) were regarded as predictors of severe vitamin D deficiency, while only PLT (OR = 1.90) and HDL (OR = 1.76) were considered as predictors of mild vitamin D deficiency (SVD 10–20 ng/mL).ConclusionOur results confirm a higher incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency in patients with CD in China and show that vitamin D deficiency could result from the combined effects of penetrating disease, inflammation, and low levels of HDL.

The Importance of Vitamin D in Long-Term Care Residents

The Importance of Vitamin D in Long-Term Care Residents

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation Accelerate Vascular Calcification in a Model of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum.

Arterial calcification is a common feature of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a disease characterized by ABCC6 mutations, inducing a deficiency in pyrophosphate, a key inhibitor of calcium phosphate crystallization in arteries. Methods: we analyzed whether long-term exposure of Abcc6−/− mice (a murine model of PXE) to a mild vitamin D supplementation, with or without calcium, would impact the development of vascular calcification. Eight groups of mice (including Abcc6−/− and wild-type) received vitamin D supplementation every 2 weeks, a calcium-enriched diet alone (calcium in drinking water), both vitamin D supplementation and calcium-enriched diet, or a standard diet (controls) for 6 months. Aorta and kidney artery calcification was assessed by 3D-micro-computed tomography, Optical PhotoThermal IR (OPTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Yasue staining. Results: at 6 months, although vitamin D and/or calcium did not significantly increase serum calcium levels, vitamin D and calcium supplementation significantly worsened aorta and renal artery calcification in Abcc6−/− mice. Conclusions: vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation accelerate vascular calcification in a murine model of PXE. These results sound a warning regarding the use of these supplementations in PXE patients and, to a larger extent, patients with low systemic pyrophosphate levels.

The Association of Anemia with Vitamin D Deficiency among Patients Visiting King Khalid General Hospital in Majmaah, Saudi Arabia

Aims: To assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia among patients visiting King Khalid General Hospital in Majmaah City, Saudi Arabia.&#x0D; Methodology: We reviewed the medical records of 120 patients (median age, male 37.44 [±17.86] and female 43.22 [±16.23] years; range 1–96 years) who attended the King Khalid General Hospital laboratory in Majmaah city, Saudi Arabia, between January 2019 and January 2020. The laboratory data included the following parameters: complete blood count (Hb, MCV, MCHC, MCH, Hct, WBC, RBC, and Plt) and vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels.&#x0D; Results: The chi-squared analysis showed that moderate anemia was highest among the participants who had vitamin D levels &gt;30 ng/ml and less than 20 ng/ml, with a prevalence rate of 5% (n=6) for each category. Mild anemia was prevalent among 4.12% (n=5) of the participants with vitamin D levels &lt;20 ng/ml. Finally, there were significant associations between parameters including age, RBC count, WBC count, platelet count, MCV, MCH, MCHC, hematocrit, vitamin D, and anemia. In addition, the odds ratio results indicated that mild vitamin D deficiency was associated with the degree of anemia, ranging from mild to moderate (OR=1.63 to 1.92). Moderate vitamin D deficiency was associated with the degree of anemia, ranging from mild to moderate (OR=1.76 to 1.97). The results confirmed a negative association between normal vitamin D values and the degree of anemia.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia among patients visiting King Khalid General Hospital in Majmaah City, Saudi Arabia.

A critical update on the role of mild and serious Vitamin D deficiency prevalence and the Covid-19 epidemic in Europe

Rationale: COVID-19 has emerged as a pandemic, affecting nearly 120 million people worldwide as of March 14th, 2021. In previous studies, the association between the mean Vitamin D (Vit D) concentration of each country and COVID-19 infection and mortality rate in European countries was examined. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the relationship between Vit D mild and severe deficiency prevalence in each country and COVID-19 infection, recovery, and mortality using updated data and a different methodological approach.

Impact of Vitamin D3 Deficiency on Phosphatidylcholine-/Ethanolamine, Plasmalogen-, Lyso-Phosphatidylcholine-/Ethanolamine, Carnitine- and Triacyl Glyceride-Homeostasis in Neuroblastoma Cells and Murine Brain.

Vitamin D3 hypovitaminosis is associated with several neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis but also with other diseases such as cancer, diabetes or diseases linked to inflammatory processes. Importantly, in all of these diseases lipids have at least a disease modifying effect. Besides its well-known property to modulate gene-expression via the VDR-receptor, less is known if vitamin D hypovitaminosis influences lipid homeostasis and if these potential changes contribute to the pathology of the diseases themselves. Therefore, we analyzed mouse brain with a mild vitamin D hypovitaminosis via a targeted shotgun lipidomic approach, including phosphatidylcholine, plasmalogens, lyso-phosphatidylcholine, (acyl-/acetyl-) carnitines and triglycerides. Alterations were compared with neuroblastoma cells cultivated in the presence and with decreased levels of vitamin D. Both in cell culture and in vivo, decreased vitamin D level resulted in changed lipid levels. While triglycerides were decreased, carnitines were increased under vitamin D hypovitaminosis suggesting an impact of vitamin D on energy metabolism. Additionally, lyso-phosphatidylcholines in particular saturated phosphatidylcholine (e.g., PC aa 48:0) and plasmalogen species (e.g., PC ae 42:0) tended to be increased. Our results suggest that vitamin D hypovitaminosis not only may affect gene expression but also may directly influence cellular lipid homeostasis and affect lipid turnover in disease states that are known for vitamin D hypovitaminosis.