Participants In Vitamin Research Articles

Nutrition and neurodevelopment: Participation of vitamin E in the differentiation of the early brain

Nutrition and neurodevelopment: Participation of vitamin E in the differentiation of the early brain

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the frequency and course of recurrent respiratory diseases in children

Background. Recurrent and prolonged course of respiratory infections leads to the formation of chronic foci of inflammation, the persistence of viruses, impaired physical and psychomotor development, and a decrease in the child’s immunity. Given the participation of vitamin D (VD) in the regulation of the body’s immune response, the study of its role in the development and course of recurrent respiratory diseases in children remains re­levant. The purpose is to study the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the frequency and course of recurrent respiratory diseases in children. Materials and methods. We examined 52 children with recurrent respiratory infections aged 4 to 10 years. Children were examined before and after VD supplementation according to the study criteria: the average frequency of acute respiratory infection (ARI) episodes per year, the severity of the clinical manifestations of ARI episode, its average duration, the frequency of antibiotic prescriptions and outpatient visits to the doctor. Results. It was found that at the beginning of the exa­mination, the level of 25(OH)D in the blood serum ranged from 11.1 to 29.9 ng/ml, 22 (42.3 %) children had VD deficiency. An analysis of the frequency of ARI episodes per year showed that children with VD deficiency were ill more often than children with a sufficient level of VD (p < 0.001). According to the results of the study, it was found that VD supplementation contributes to a decrease in the frequency of ARI episodes from 8.7 ± 1.7 to 6.8 ± 1.2 times a year (p < 0.001), a decrease in the average number of symptoms of an episode of acute respiratory infections per year from 5.5 ± 0.5 to 4.5 ± 0.5 and their manifestations from 9.2 to 7.41 points (p < 0.001), a decrease in the duration of ARI episode from 6.0 ± 1.7 to 5.7 ± 1.5 days (p = 0.003), as well as a decrease in the number of outpatient visits from 5 to 4 (p = 0.004) and antibiotic prescriptions from 61 to 38 (p < 0.001). Conclusions. VD supplementation improves the course of respiratory diseases in children. The study was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki principles. The study protocol was adopted by the ethics committee of the institution indicated in the work. The informed consent of the children’s parents was obtained.

Participation of vitamin D endocrine system in human fertility

Interest is growing in the knowledge of the mechanisms of action of vitamin D in very different areas of pathology. In recent years, very different actions of vitamin D have been discovered. Far from being a simple vitamin, it is a hormonal complex that acts in very different parts of the body equipped with hormonal receptors for vitamin D. It controls more than 900 different genes making it. It represents up to 3% of the total human genome. There is a deficit in levels of 25 (OH)D in populations around the world, including young couples affected by fertility problems. In the field of infertility, it has shown beneficial actions on the evolution of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is capable of decreasing the growth of uterine fibroids and correlates well with anti-Mullerian hormone. It has also been shown to improve oocyte quality and the embryo implantation rate in assisted reproduction: Its adequate levels in pregnancy reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and improve perinatal outcomes: The objective of this manuscript is to review the most important aspects that relate to the endocrine system. of vitamin D with fertility and pregnancy.

The role of vitamin D in the processes of nociception a narrative review

The purpose of the narrative review is to present the current knowledge on the mechanisms of action of vitaminD in the processes of nociception. The role of vitamin D in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism is wellknown and documented, and there is a strong correlation between hypovitaminosis D and the occurrence of bonepain in humans. However, the mechanisms by which vitamin D may influence nociception processes are poorlyunderstood. The review was based on selected publications from 1973October 2022, relating to the mechanismsand analgesic efficacy of vitamin D in animal and human studies. The potential interaction between the vitamin Dpathway and nociception processes, demonstrated in the above studies, is discussed. The analysis of the results ofexperimental and clinical studies indicates a significant correlation and participation of vitamin D in the processesof nociception through its influence on receptors, numerous ion channels, modulation of the expression of pro- andanti-inflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors, prostaglandin levels, oxidative processes, the opioid system andthe activity of immunocompetent cells. Indirectly, vitamin D also affects the risk and course of autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which may be associated with chronic pain in humans.

PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF MACROANGIOPATHY IN HYPERTENSIVE DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Objective: Several studies have shown an association between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular complications are the most prevalent cause of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The aim of our study was to determine the risk factors related to macroangiopathy among hypertensive diabetic patients with vitamin D deficiency. Design and method: Retrospective study, conducted on 1756 type 2 diabetics with hypertension in whom a vitamin D assay was done in the internal medicine department in the area of Blida during the period from April 2020 to November 2022. Results: 63.1% of patients had high blood pressure at the first examination. In addition, hyperuricemia was present in 39.8% patients, NASH (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) was also present in 34.6% patients, hypertriglyceridemia in 48.3% patients, hypercholesterolemia in 60.2% patients and mixed dyslipidemia in 46.7% patients. Microalbuminuria, as a cardiovascular risk factor was positive in 39.2% patients. 61 % patients had at least one macrovascular complication. The univariate analysis showed a significant association between macroangiopathy and male gender (p = 0.029), HbA1c > 9.5% (p = 0.008), the cumulative number of cardiovascular risk factors > 5 (p 24 pg / mL (p = 0.007). Multivariate regression analysis showed that cumulative cardiovascular risk factors > 5 (OR = 13.9 [95% CI: 1.4 -137.6], p = 0.024), presence of microangiopathy (OR = 22 [95% CI: 2.2 - 215.4], p = 0.008) and HbA1c > 9.5% (OR = 36.6 [95% CI: 2.6 - 505]; p = 0.007) were predictor factors of macroangiopathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and Vitamine D deficiency. Conclusions: In hypertensive diabetic patients, cardiovascular diseases were the consequence of the additive effects of traditional risk factors with the participation of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D and its influence on human immune system

This review presents modern domestic and foreign studies of vitamin D levels effect on the human immune system. Numerous data are presented on the participation of vitamin D in the regulation of immune responses. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the problem of vitamin D deficiency in the body of patients with autoimmune diseases. The significance of vitamin D in immune regulation is confirmed by the results of many experimental studies, clinical and epidemiological observations that demonstrate the relationship between low levels of the vitamin D and increased susceptibility to various infections, as well as the activity of the infectious process of viral, bacterial, and fungal etiology. Vitamin D acts both directly and indirectly on immune cells such as B and T lymphocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages. The review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of activation of the immune response under the influence of vitamin D. Vitamin D exerts its effect through binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which, in turn, together with other proteins, activates the transcription of protein genes involved in the body’s immune response. In this regard, it is necessary to draw the attention of researchers to the problem of the daily intake of vitamin D, especially in a pandemic situation.

Effect of dietary vitamins in oral bioaccessibility of lead in contaminated soils based on the physiologically based extraction test

To determine the effect of vitamin supplements on the oral bioaccessibility of Pb in soils, Pb bioaccessibility was measured in the presence of 9 vitamins by a physiologically based extraction test. Gastric Pb bioaccessibility (G-BA, 2.6–83.3%) was found to be mostly reduced (1.1–3.1 fold) in the presence of B vitamins, specifically vitamins B1, B6, and B9. In contrast, a significant increase in Pb G-BA was observed with vitamin C and E involved. In the small intestinal phases, Pb bioaccessibility (I-BA) ranged from 0.1% to 16.0%, being 5–50 fold lower than the corresponding G-BA values. Vitamin C supplementation showed a 7-fold increase in Pb I-BA, with a similar increase presented in approximately 30% of samples treated to vitamin B involvement. Lead liberation in gastrointestinal digests was associated with the dissolution of Fe and Mn regulated by vitamins. In conclusion, the addition of B vitamins resulted in the reduction of gastric Pb bioaccessibility, but the bioaccessibility value increased in participation of vitamin C and E. Elevated intestinal bioaccessibility was found especially for vitamin C. This should contribute to more accurate assessment of health risks from contaminated soils. Nutritional management aimed at preventing Pb-induced toxicity can benefit from knowledge of vitamin influence on soil Pb bioaccessibility.

Effects of vibration therapy and vitamin D supplement on eccentric exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness in female students

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) appears after unaccustomed exercise and peaks 24-48 h after exercise. Vitamin D micronutrient and vibration therapy may have an effect on DOMS. The present study investigated the effects of vitamin D micronutrient and vibration therapy on DOMS. Sixty female students were randomly assigned to one of the four groups (n=15 in each group): vitamin D, vibration therapy, vitamin D + vibration therapy, and control. The participants of vitamin D groups received vitamin D (3,800 IU, 1 session daily for 7 days), while the participants of the control groups received placebo. The participants of vibration therapy groups received vibration therapy (50 Hz; 3 sets of 1 min, 1 session daily for 7 days). One day later, the participants performed eccentric exercise (a quadriceps leg extension exercise). Immediately after this exercise protocol, the participants received vitamin D or vibration therapy on basis of their groups. Pain perception, creatine kinase (CK), interleukin (IL)-6, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured at baseline (before 7 days of intervention), after 7 days of intervention (before eccentric exercise) and 24, 48 and 72 h after eccentric exercise. Statistical analysis was employed and P≤0.05 was considered as the significant level. CK and IL-6 concentrations, as well as pain perception, were significantly lower in the vibration therapy and vitamin D groups compared to the control group 24 to 48 h after eccentric exercise. MDA concentration was significantly lower in the vibration therapy and vitamin D groups compared to the control group 48 to 72 h after eccentric exercise. In conclusion, the present study suggests that vibration therapy and vitamin D supplement may have effects against eccentric exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness in female students.

Study of the relationship between vitamin D deficiency, sunlight incidence and skeletal/extra skeletal diseases

It is estimated that more than 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Vitamin D participates in bone mineralization, and is therefore important in osteoporosis, osteomalacia and rickets prevention. However, vitamin D deficiency could also be associated with several other pathologies. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D deficiency-related disorders in patients. In addition, this study aims to verify if countries with low solar incidence have higher extraskeletal disease death rates when compared to countries with high solar incidence. The vitamin D concentrations were obtained from the Heart Hospital database (Natal/Brazil). The relationship between solar incidence and death rate for vitamin D deficiency-related disorders was verified. Death rate data were extracted from the ‘World Life Expectancy’ repository and data about solar incidence were obtained from NASA’s Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy project. These data were statistically processed with IBM SPSS v23.0 software and R programming language. Our results showed that patients with vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency showed significantly more bone diseases, thyroid diseases, hypercholesterolemy, hypertriglyceridemia, cancers, diabetes, hepatobiliary diseases, and urinary system diseases. Moreover, countries with high solar incidence have low cancer and multiple sclerosis death rates. This work suggests the participation of vitamin D and sunlight incidence in several diseases.

Influence of vitamin d on the formation of the menstrual function in teenage girls

The data of Russian and foreign literature on the role of vitamin D in the regulation of health and the participation of vitamin D in the reproductive health of teenage girls are analyzed. Evidence has been provided that vitamin D can affect steroidogenesis of sex hormones (estradiol and progesterone), which contributes to follicular development and endometrial growth. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) affect hormonal and metabolic disorders, and the inclusion of vitamin D in complex therapy can help regulate the menstrual cycle and metabolic disorders.

Natural factors as prophylactics of major dental diseases in children

Introduction. In Ukraine, the prevalence of dental caries in children 12 years old reaches 72.7% -91.4%, in children 15 years old - 81.3% -94.3%, while the intensity of caries in children of these age groups ranges from 2, 23 ± 0.21 to 3.71 ± 0.37 and from 3.91 ± 0.39 to 6.18 ± 1.01, respectively. For the physiological formation of dental hard tissues in children, a sufficient level of calcium intake and assimilation with the participation of vitamin D is of great importance. Children for many reasons need to correct calcium metabolic disorders by using combined calcium and vitamin D preparations and a balanced diet, including foods and drinks, enriched with calcium. Materials and methods. Clinical studies were conducted involving 138 children 7-11 years old. To assess the extent of tooth decay, caries was determined by its prevalence, intensity, growth rate of caries, reduction of the growth rate of caries, biochemical analysis of oral fluid was performed to determine the content of calcium, phosphorus, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase. Children of the main treatment subgroup were offered the proposed Treatment and Preventive Complex, which included correction of eating behaviour and drinking regimen (consumption of naturally-table low-mineralized waters without gas with Ca2+ content from 50 to 200 mg / l).Results. When using Treatment and Preventive Complex in children, a low increase in the intensity of decay of permanent teeth, an increase in the level of Ca, a decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in the oral fluid were determined in comparison with the control group. Conclusions. Thus, the use of mineral water with a Ca2+ content of 50 to 200 mg / l, as a source of natural Ca intake, can be recommended as an aid to the comprehensive prevention of caries in schoolchildren.

VITAMIN D AND ALLERGIC DISEASES IN CHILDREN

There are presented data on the participation of vitamin D in the formation of various forms of allergic pathology in children. The spectrum of knowledge about the biological properties of vitamin D has recently expanded significantly. There are described peculiarities of metabolism of vitamin D and its participation in the leading links of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD): in the regulation of the immune response, violations of the integrity of the epidermal barrier and the realization of allergic inflammation in the skin. The pathogenetic significance of vitamin D deficiency in the formation of bronchial asthma (BA) is discussed. Possibilities of the use of vitamin D and its analogues in AD and BA patients are indicated. The authors believe the compensation for vitamin D (hormone) D deficiency in allergic pathology to be an important preventive and curative task within the framework of therapeutic strategies aimed at improving the quality of life of sick children.

Calcitriol and polymorphism of the gene of the receptor vitamin D in the pathogenesis of perinatal infection (review)

The article presents literature data of the possible role of vitamin D (VD) and polymorphism of the gene of the vitamin D receptors (VDR) in the pathogenetic mechanisms of the formation of pregnancy complications associated with intrauterine infection. Information of the modern approach to the importance of the vitamin D / VD receptor system in the regulation of physiological processes associated with the presence of VD receptors in many organs and tissues is presented. Particular attention to the presence of calcitriol receptors directly in the organs of the reproductive system is paid, the action of which is realized in a genomic and non-genomic way.Information about participation of vitamin D in the regulation of the balance between specific and nonspecific immunity during pregnancy, on the regulation and proliferation of immunocompetent cells, on the presence of mitochondrial enzyme 1a-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) directly in the trophoblast and the placenta, where the extra-renal synthesis of the active metabolite VD is underlined. It is shown that calcitriol can regulate the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, which play a key role in the innate immune response, and an increase calcitriol in the inflammatory focus as a protective reaction is considered. The main effect of calcitriol on the immune system is to simulate T-cell immunity.Data on possible mechanisms for regulating the activity of a cytokines with pro- and anti-inflammatory effects in the presence of calcitriol are presented. In the trophoblast under the influence of calcitriol phagocytosis and chemotaxis of macrophages are enhanced, by the following activation of the cathelicidin peptide with antimicrobial action, and the negative effect of proinflammatory cytokines is reduced. Separately, the problem of the immune adaptation of the pregnant woman’s under the vitamin D deficiency status and polymorphism of genes encoding VDR is presented. It is assumed that under the VD-deficiency status, the probability of the intrauterine infection really increases: further research to refine the assumptions is needed.

Evaluation of the relationship of the climbing level of sport climbers with selected anthropometric indicators and diet composition

Climbing is becoming more and more popular. During 2020 Olympic Games this discipline will be competed for the first time. Individualized diet plays a significant role among representatives of all sport disciplines. The aim of this research was to evaluate the correlation between the level of advancement of sport climbers, selected anthropometric indicators and diet composition. The study involved 36 women and 65 men practicing sport climbing who completed the food record and the survey on the most difficult climbing routes completed. Anthropometric measurements were collected. In the group of men statistically significant, positive correlation between the climbing level and the diet content of fiber, vitamin E, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper, was observed. In the group of women, a statistically significant positive correlation between the climbing level and the participation of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and copper in the diet was observed. There was a positive correlation of protein, vitamin B2, B6, B12, D, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper content, and negative correlation between SFA content per 1,000 kcal of the diet and the climbing level of study participants. No statistical correlation was found between anthropometric parameters and advancement level.

Determinação dos valores de colesterol-ldl de equinos por espectrofotometria submetidos a exercício em esteira e suplementados com vitamina “e”

A lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL) faz parte de um grupo de lipoproteínas que, por sua natureza anfifílica, são responsáveis pelo transporte de colesterol plasmático, sendo esse carreamento importante, uma vez que o colesterol é insolúvel no plasma sanguíneo. Sabe-se que a principal fonte de energia dos cavalos, para a contração basal dos músculos, é obtida a partir dos ácidos graxos livres proveniente do tecido adiposo e os corpos cetônicos, produtos da quebra de ácidos graxos provenientes do fígado, processo que gera espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO), que, em excesso, leva a um estresse oxidativo celular. Para evitar o dano resultante desse processo, o organismo tem um sistema de defesa antioxidantes, que conta com a participação da vitamina E (dl-α-tocoferol). Quando a LDL se encontra elevada, o colesterol pode se depositar na luz dos vasos sanguíneos, diminuindo o seu calibre e podendo, desse modo, causar o enrijecimento da parede do vaso sanguíneo e a formação de placas de ateroma nos cavalos. Normalmente, os valores desse colesterol LDL são obtidos pela equação de Friedewald, por isso neste estudo objetivou-se determinar os valores de colesterol LDL por espectrofotometria em equinos submetidos à exercício físico em esteira e suplementados com vitamina “E”. Para tal, foram selecionados dez cavalos hígidos da raça Árabe e Crioulo, em que as amostras foram processadas em duplicata utilizando os kits comerciais LDL Direto (BioClin®) por meio de espectrofotômetro semiautomático BA-88A (Mindray®). Neste estudo, não se obteve diferença estatística significante entre os tempos analisados e nem com a suplementação de vitamina “E”, com o protocolo estabelecido.

Дефицит витамина D, метаболический синдром и аденома предстательной железы: современные эпидемиологические тренды и патофизиологические механизмы взаимодействия

This review, based on the results of modern epidemiological and clinical-experimental studies, highlights the important pathophysiological role of vitamin D and the disturbances of its metabolism (deficiency/insufficiency) in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in men, which according to available literature, is associated with adenoma of the prostate (AP). General information about the endocrinology of vitamin D and its role in maintaining various aspects of mens health is presented. The authors analyze currently known pathophysiological mechanisms involving vitamin D interacting with each other within the framework of the pathogenesis of MS and AP. At present, there is much evidence that MS and AP have common universal interacting mechanisms of pathogenesis (obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, systemic chronic subclinical inflammation, endothelial dysfunction) that are realized with the direct participation of vitamin D. The authors argue that taking into account a global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the modern population, accompanied by an increasing incidence of both MS and AP affecting younger populations, a rational management of vitamin D metabolism in men can be regarded as a promising and effective pathogenetic prevention of MS and BPH.

FEATURES OF HORMONE-RECEPTOR INTERACTION BETWEEN STEROID HORMONES AND VITAMIN D IN OSTEOPENIC SYNDROME

Relevance. The interrelation of the state of the upper gastrointestinal tract with the change of bone mineral density (BMD) is proved. It is known that hormonal regulation plays a key role against the background of complicated gastroduodenal pathology. Its effect on target organs hormones are mediated by specific receptors, but the level of expression of steroid hormone receptors and vitamin D in acid-dependent diseases of the stomach and in concomitant metabolic disorders in bone tissue remains not sufficiently investigated.Intention.The aim is to study the content of steroid hormone receptors and vitamin D in the duodenal mucosa and their hormones in blood serum in patients of different age groups with acid-dependent diseases of the stomach and changes in IPC.Methodology– 30 rescuers of EMERCOM of Russia – men aged 23 to 54 years 30 [27; 32] and 74 liquidators of consequences of accident on Chernobyl NPP (ChNPP) aged from 55 to 80 years 59 [55; 71] were examined. Histological examination of duodenal mucosa, immunohistochemical study of vitamin d receptors (DR), androgens (AR), estrogens alpha (ER-α) and beta (ER-β), progesterone (PR) and glucocorticoids (GR) and their hormones in the blood.Results and Discussion.All patients were diagnosed with chronic gastritis and chronic duodenitis. Violation of IPC and osteopenic syndrome was found in 40 % (12) of rescuers and 64.8 % (48) of liquidators. It was found that in duodenal mucosa in liquidators of consequences at ChNPP, receptors DR (74 %), AR (52.7 %) and ER-β (37.8%) are statistically reliably detected, and PR (0 %) and GR (0 %) are not determined in comparison with patients of rescue group, respectively DR (30 %), AR (0 %) and ER-β (0 %), PR (73.3 %), GR (73.3 %) (p < 0.001) Statistically significant correlation between decrease of IPC and osteopenic syndrome in liquidators with AR and ER-β in mucosa and decrease of testosterone and estradiol in blood was revealed. Whereas in rescuers, these manifestations are associated with the presence of PR and GR in the mucosa and the normal level of hormones in the blood serum (p < 0.05). Cytoplasmic localization of PR and DR receptors may indicate a violation of the mechanism of binding of progesterone to its receptor at the cellular and molecular level and the participation of vitamin d in the pathogenesis of osteopathic syndrome.Conclusion.The revealed differences of hormone-receptor interactions in osteopenic syndrome in liquidators of consequences at ChNPP, on the one hand, and in men (without radiation factor), rescuers, do not exclude both the commonality of its pathogenesis, presenting different stages characteristic of different age groups, and the presence of two multidirectional mechanisms of osteoporosis development, which requires further study.

Long-term effects of vitamin d supplementation and maintaining vitamin d sufficiency on knee osteoarthritis over 5 years

Purpose: Epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with knee symptom and structural progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) failed to demonstrate a significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on OA, probably due to selecting OA participants with and without vitamin D deficiency, short duration of the studies and a large proportion of participants in the placebo group reaching vitamin D sufficiency (61.3% of patients in the placebo group achieved a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level of > 60 nmol/l at 3 months of a clinical trial). We conducted the Vitamin D Effect on Osteoarthritis (VIDEO) clinical trial by selecting knee OA participants with vitamin D insufficiency and reported that there was no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation over 2 years on cartilage volume loss and knee pain assessed using the WOMAC scale. However, there was a significant reduction in knee pain evaluated by VAS knee pain scale, an improvement in physical function and a decrease in joint effusion-synovitis volume and bone marrow oedema compared to the placebo group. We aimed to describe the effect of vitamin D supplementation for 2 years on knee symptoms compared to placebo after 3 years of cessation of treatment, and to examine whether those maintaining sufficient serum vitamin D levels over 5 years had reduced knee symptoms compared with those who did not maintain adequate vitamin D levels over 5 years in patients with knee OA. Methods: Participants with symptomatic knee OA and low 25(OH)D (12.5-60 nmol/l) were enrolled in the VIDEO clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive monthly treatment with oral vitamin D3 (50,000 IU; n = 209) or an identical placebo (n = 204) for 2 years. 172 participants who enrolled in the study from Hobart were followed up after 3 years (5 years from baseline) of the cessation of the treatment to assess knee symptoms and vitamin D levels. Participants with serum 25(OH)D measurements at month 0, 3, 24 and 60 and were included in the post-hoc analyses. The incidence of total knee replacement was recorded and they were excluded from the symptom analyses. Participants were classified as maintaining sufficient vitamin D group if they maintained serum 25(OH)D >50 nmol/l at month 3, 24 and 60 (n = 79), and not maintaining sufficient vitamin D group (25[OH]D ≤50 nmol/l at month 3, 24 and 60, n = 62). Knee symptoms were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 60 months using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: The level of 25(OH)D dropped in the vitamin D group (from 87.0 nmol/l to 53.3 nmol/l) over 3 years after the cessation of the treatment. Placebo group slightly increased the vitamin D level (53.3 nmol/l to 61.7 nmol/l) over 3 years. Knee pain increased from the end of the study (2nd year) to 5 years of follow-up in the treatment (81.8 to 91.7) and placebo (75.8 to 101.1) groups. 16.7% of the participants in vitamin D and 18.5% of the participants in placebo group underwent total knee replacement surgery. There were no significant differences in WOMAC pain, stiffness or dysfunction scores and total knee replacement surgery rates or change in symptom between Vitamin D and placebo groups after 3 years of cessation of the supplementation. However, participants who maintained adequate vitamin D levels over 5 years had significantly less WOMAC knee pain (β: −38.4, 95% CI: −69.2, −7.7) and physical dysfunction (β: −98.5, 95% CI: −193.8, −3.1) than participants with vitamin D deficiency over 5 years in multivariable analyses after adjusting for age, sex and BMI.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation over 2 years did not result in significant differences in change in knee symptom score over 5 years compared to placebo. However, knee OA patients maintaining sufficient serum vitamin D levels over long-term had more improvement in knee pain and physical function than those who did not maintain adequate vitamin D levels, suggesting a beneficial effect of maintaining sufficient serum vitamin D for knee OA.

Integrative health check reveals suboptimal levels in a number of vital biomarkers

BackgroundHealth checks are becoming more available in the community, with the intention of disease detection and prevention in asymptomatic people. This article summarises findings in an Australian adult sample from a health check conducted at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM). There has been controversy regarding reference ranges and what constitutes optimal and standard reference ranges. Biomarkers were compared with standard reference ranges, and with optimal health reference ranges. Methods and resultsA total of 139 participants voluntarily undertook the NIIM Health Check across a 4 year period. Participants underwent a full day of medical examinations, including liver and kidney function, thyroid, full blood count, glucose, vitamin and mineral tests. Suboptimal values were evident in a large portion of participants in vitamin D, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and iodine levels. Variables such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and season were important covariates. ConclusionThe sub-optimal levels in vitamin D, vitamin B12, sub-standard levels in iodine, and excessive homocysteine, were consistent with previous population studies and are associated with a number of preventable diseases such as dementia, hypertension, cancer and thyroid disease. Our analysis highlights the importance to screen for biomarkers prone to deficiencies in Australia.

Une tumeur rare des tissus mous du pied: A rare tumor of soft tissues of the foot

Health checks are becoming more available in the community, with the intention of disease detection and prevention in asymptomatic people. This article summarises findings in an Australian adult sample from a health check conducted at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM). There has been controversy regarding reference ranges and what constitutes optimal and standard reference ranges. Biomarkers were compared with standard reference ranges, and with optimal health reference ranges.A total of 139 participants voluntarily undertook the NIIM Health Check across a 4 year period. Participants underwent a full day of medical examinations, including liver and kidney function, thyroid, full blood count, glucose, vitamin and mineral tests. Suboptimal values were evident in a large portion of participants in vitamin D, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and iodine levels. Variables such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and season were important covariates.The sub-optimal levels in vitamin D, vitamin B12, sub-standard levels in iodine, and excessive homocysteine, were consistent with previous population studies and are associated with a number of preventable diseases such as dementia, hypertension, cancer and thyroid disease. Our analysis highlights the importance to screen for biomarkers prone to deficiencies in Australia.