Possible Protective Role Of Vitamin Research Articles

Serum homocysteine levels and mortality: a cohort study

Abstract Background Homocysteine, an intermediate metabolite derived from dietary methionine, plays a pivotal role in deoxyribonucleic acid expression and contribute to its antioxidant capabilities. Elevated homocysteine levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and neurological disorder; however, low levels of homocysteine are generally not considered harmful. This study evaluates the association between all levels of homocysteine-both low and high-and the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Korean adult men. Methods A study involving 221,356 Korean adult men categorized them into quintiles based on their homocysteine levels. The main outcomes examined were mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and dementia. Hazard ratios (HRs) were determined using Cox proportional hazards models, and the dose-response relationship between homocysteine levels and mortality risk was further analyzed using a restricted cubic splines model. Results Compared to the reference category (Q2, 8.8-9.9 µmol/L), there was a significant increase in all-cause mortality associated with both low and high homocysteine levels after adjusting for multiple variables (Pinteraction=0.002). Furthermore, spline regression revealed a U-shaped relationship between homocysteine levels and both all-cause and CVD mortality, with an inflection point at 9.1 µmol/L. This U-shaped association was not observed in the subgroup that received vitamin supplements. Conclusions Among young and middle-aged Korean adult men, both low and high homocysteine levels were found to increase the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, demonstrating a U-shaped relationship. However, this association lost statistical significance with vitamin supplementation. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring both low and high homocysteine levels as potential mortality risk factors in men and suggest a possible protective role of vitamins. Key messages • Both low and high levels of homocysteine in young and middle-aged Korean men are associated with increased risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, demonstrating a U-shaped relationship. • Vitamin supplementation appears to nullify this association, suggesting a potential protective effect against mortality.

The possible protective role of vitamin C on rat parotid gland exposed to mobile phone radiation

The widespread use of cell phones recently has raised interest in studying the safety of exposure to their electromagnetic waves. This study aimed to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin C (Vit. C) against the pathological effects produced by the relatively long duration of third-generation mobile phone radiation exposure in the parotid gland of male white albino rats. Also, to detect the expected recovery after 4 weeks of withdrawal by immunohistochemical, histopathological, and biomolecular studies. Forty male adult white albino rats were used in this study, equally divided into 4 groups of 10 rats in each group: Group I served as the sham control group; Group II was exposed to radiation by phone generator (2100 MHz) for 3 hours/day for 5 days/week for 6 weeks; and Group III was exposed to phone radiation similar to Group II and supplemented with Vit. C at a dose of 40 mg/kg for 5 days per week for 6 weeks. Group IV (withdrawal) was exposed to radiation as Group II, then left without intervention for 4 weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical, and the biochemical evaluation of oxidative stress within parotid tissue (malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), salivary total protein, and amylase activity). qRT-PCR for TGF, MMP2, NFKB, and TNF gene expression was performed in this study. Histological examination of the parotid gland in group II showed many histological changes, such as degenerative changes in the duct system, epithelial lining of the acini, interstitial space which. different collagen fibers and polysaccharides, blood capillaries, and nuclei. Also, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Ki-67 were aggravated. The statistical analysis showed that treating rats with vitamin C improved the parotid glands’ ability to secrete amylase activity and total protein. It also fixed the antioxidant. Inflammatory cytokines TNF, NFKB, and fibrotic marker TGF and MMP2 gene expression were significantly upregulated in the exposed group, which was restored nearly to the control group after Vit C supplementation. Long-term exposure to mobile radiation affected. the. secretory function and the histological structure of the parotid tissues. Vitamin C supplementation ameliorated these pathological effects.

Effect of Sofosbuvir on rats' ovaries and the possible protective role of vitamin E: biochemical and immunohistochemical study.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide and its eradication is mandatory. Direct acting HCV polymerase inhibitors, such as Sofosbuvir (SOF), is an effective regimen. However, it has some side effects like mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and the impairment of testicular function. It is important to evaluate the safety of SOF on the ovary, as there are no studies yet. Increasing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), causes oxidative stress, which affects ovulation process, female reproduction, and fertility. Accumulation of SOF in the cells was demonstrated to promote ROS generation. Vitamin E (Vit E) is an antioxidant agent that has an essential role in the female reproductive system, its deficiency can cause infertility. We explored the effect of SOF treatment alone and co-treated with Vit E on ovarian ROS level and ovarian morphology experimentally using biochemical and immunohistochemical studies. Significant changes in oxidative stress markers; nitric oxide and malondialdehyde lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes; catalase, super oxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione, proliferating markers; proliferation cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 antigen and caspase 3 apoptotic marker were demonstrated. It was shown that where SOF induced oxidative stress, it also aggravated ovarian dysfunction. The essential role of Vit E as an antioxidant agent in protecting the ovarian tissue from the effect of oxidative stress markers and preserving its function was also displayed. This could be guidance to add Vit E supplements to SOF regimens to limit its injurious effect on ovarian function.

Neurotoxic Effect of the Insecticide Fipronil on the Cerebellum of Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E (Light and Immunohistochemical Study)

Neurotoxic Effect of the Insecticide Fipronil on the Cerebellum of Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E (Light and Immunohistochemical Study)

Nephrotoxicity induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in albino mice and the possible protective role of vitamin E (A histological and molecular study)

Nephrotoxicity induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in albino mice and the possible protective role of vitamin E (A histological and molecular study)

Evaluation of the Effects of Azithromycin on the Kidney of Adult Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C Using Histological and Immuno-Histochemical Studies

Evaluation of the Effects of Azithromycin on the Kidney of Adult Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C Using Histological and Immuno-Histochemical Studies

The possible protective role of vitamin E against deferasirox-induced injury of renal cortical tubules in adult male albino rat: A histological and immunohistochemical study

The possible protective role of vitamin E against deferasirox-induced injury of renal cortical tubules in adult male albino rat: A histological and immunohistochemical study

The Possible Protective Role of Vitamins C&E Supplemented Diet on the Testis of Adult Albino Rat with Induced–Diabetes, An Ultrastructural, Morphometrical and Biochemical Study

The Possible Protective Role of Vitamins C&E Supplemented Diet on the Testis of Adult Albino Rat with Induced–Diabetes, An Ultrastructural, Morphometrical and Biochemical Study

Pathological Effects of High Dose of Acrylamide on The Mammary Glands of Female Albino Rats and The Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E (Histological and Immunohistochemical study)

Pathological Effects of High Dose of Acrylamide on The Mammary Glands of Female Albino Rats and The Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E (Histological and Immunohistochemical study)

The possible protective role of Vitamin C versus Mesna against effect of Cyclophosphamide on the Urinary Bladder of Adult Male Albino Rats (A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Abstract Background Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is considered one of the most successful chemotherapeutic drugs involved in anticancer regimens. However, it has multiple side effects. Mesna has an antiinflammatory effect and usually used in the treatment of cystitis. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which has a potent anti –oxidant effect that might protect cells against the oxidative damage caused by cyclophosphamide. Aim of the study The aim of the present study was comparing between the possible protective effect of vitamin C versus mesna and their combined therapy against the histological and immunohistochemical changes induced by cyclophosphamide on the urinary bladder of adult male albino rats. Material and methods Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into 5 groups, 6 rats each; (control(?), CYP-treated group (Пa), recovery group(Пb), mesna-treated group(???), vitamin C- treated group(?V) and the combined group (V). Histological examination of the H&Eand toluidine blue stained sections was done by light microscopy to assess the changes in the architecture of the urinary bladder. Avidin Biotin staining was performed for demonstration of iNOS immunoreactivity and histomorphometric analysis was done. Results Examination of H&E stained sections of cyclophosphamide- treated group (Пa) showed variable degrees of urothelial affection. Wide areas of urothelial cell degeneration with evident basal cytoplasmic vacoulatins, surface erosions and sloughed urothelial debris. Other Areas showed surface ulceration, completely denuded urothelium or the presence of multiple cysts replacing the urothelium and resting on the basement membrane. Semithin sections showed that the cytoplasmic microvesicles of umbrella cells were hardly detected. The Avidin Bioton stained sections showed intense positive immune reaction to iNOS in all layers of the urothelium. Scanning electron microscopy showed loss of the normal polygonal shape of the superficial epithelial cells, erosions, or deep ulcerations. Moreover, examination of the lamina propria by light microscopy showed multiple mononuclear inflammatory cells were detected, mast cells were seen in the lamina propria and some of them were invading the basement membrane of the urothelium. Dilated blood vessels and wide areas of extravasted blood (hemorrhage) were also observed. In addition, multiple epithelial cell nests of irregular shapes and sizes were deeply located in the lamina propria and exhibited pale esinophilic colloid discharge in their lumen. Scanning electron microscopy showed dense deposition of collagen fibers in both superficial and deep fibers of the lamina propria. Minimal improvement was observed in the recovery group (subgroup Пb). Mild to moderate improvement of the previous findings of CYP treated group was observed with each of mesna and vitamin C. Combined treatment of CYP with both of mesna and vitamin C induced apparent restoration of almost of the normal architecture of the urinary bladder. Conclusion CYP consumption developed morphologic and morphometric changes in the urinary bladder. The recovery group showed minimal improvement of the bladder architecture and increasing the period of recovery might produce better results. Each of vitamin C and mesna- treated groups induced mild to moderate improvement on the bladder architecture but treatment with combination of both of them offered remarkable improvement. Combined mesna and vitamin C induced significant protection via their combined anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant proprieties.

A Histomorphometric Study of the Effect of Monosodium Glutamate on the Ileum of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective role of Vitamin E

Abstract Background Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely used food-additives in commercial foods. Its application has increased over time and it is found in many different ingredients and processed foods obtainable in every market or grocery store. Besides its flavor enhancing effects, MSG has been associated with various forms of toxicity. Aim of the work The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of monosodium glutamate on the histology of the ileum of the adult male albino rats and evaluate the protective effect of vitamin E. Material and methods 30 Adult male albino rats were assigned randomly into three groups; control group, it was further subdivided into three subgroups (IA received no treatment, IB received 2 ml olive oil/day, and IC received 400 IU/kg. BW of Vitamin E dissolved in 2 ml olive oil once daily), MSG group (rats fed 2mg/kg. BW of MSG once daily, orally), and vitamin E treated group (rats fed MSG and received concomitant 400 IU/kg/day vitamin E orally). Weight of rats were measured at the start & end of experiment. At the end of experiment (15 days), rats were euthanized, and ileal specimens were processed into paraffin blocks for light microscopic examination and other specimens were processed into scanning electron microscopic examination. Morphometric study and statistical analysis were done. Results The present work demonstrated that MSG induced several histopathological changes of the ileum. Broad, fused villi sloughed epithelial cells and pronounced increase in the number of goblet cells. Massive lymphocyte infiltration and hemorrhage was noticed in the lamina propria. Enterocytes lining crypts showed cytoplasmic vacuolation, pale nuclear staining and loss of demarcation between adjacent cells. Increased villus width, goblet cell and lymphocytes numbers was demonstrated by histomorphometry. Vitamin E treated group showed histopathological findings mostly normalized compared with MSG group. Width and length of villi was reduced, enterocytes appeared healthy and well arranged, reduced inflammatory cell infiltrate and vascular congestion and decreased number of goblet cells was observed. Conclusion The present results demonstrated deleterious effects of MSG on the structure of the mucosa of the ileum. It also suggested a novel and favorable protective effect of vitamin E on mucosa of the ileum.

The Toxic Effects of Methotrexate on the Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Albino Rats and the Protective Role of Vitamin C: A Light Microscopic Study

Abstract Background: Cerebellum is the region of brain responsible for multiple motor and cognitive functions. It is formed of two cerebellar hemispheres separated by fissures. It is formed of lobes, lobules and folia; each folium is formed of cerebellar cortex and medulla. Methotrexate is anti-metabolic drug used in treatment of cancer, it has neurotoxic effect, and it produces oxidative stress in nervous tissue. Vitamin C is powerful anti-oxidant; it is a powerful free radical scavenger. Aim of Study: The aim of this work is to study the toxic effects of methotrexate and the possible protective role of vitamin C. Material and Methods: In this study, 30 rats are divided in to 3 groups (Group 1) received no treatment. (Group 2) received 10mg/kg methotrexate injected intraperitoneal once time per week foe four weeks. (Group 3) received vitamin C 20mg/kg by intragastric tube every other day for four weeks and methotrexate as same dos of group 2. At the end of experiment, rats are sacrificed and cerebella are taken and processed for light microscopic examination. Results: There are histological changes in group treated with methotrexate (2) in the form of decreased thickness of granular layer. Purkinje cells shows shrinkage in cell bodies, decrease in number, lost mono laminar organization. Molecular layer showed decreased cellularity. After administration of vitamin C, these cellular changes are decreased, molecular and granular cell layer thickness are restored. Conclusion: Methotrexate is a toxic drug, it destroys the cerebellar cortex, but when administrated with vitamin C, its toxicity is decreased.

Effect of Cyclosporin - A on the Lung of Adult Male Albino Rats and The Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E

Abstract Background: Cyclosporine A (Cs A) is an immunosup-pressive agent which used in treatment of various autoimmune diseases. Aim of Study: Evaluation of the effect of cyclosporin-A administration on the histological structure on the lung in adult male rat and the protective role of vitamin E. Material and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided equally into four groups. Group 1 received distilled water, Group 2 received oral daily dose of cyclosporine A (10mg/kg/body weight) for 4 weeks, Group 3 (a co-treated group) received oral daily dose of vitamin E (200mg/kg/body weight) simultaneously with cyclosporine A (10mg/kg/body weight) for 4 weeks, and Group 4 (a pre-treated group) received oral daily dose of vitamin E (200mg/kg) 2 hours prior to treatment with cyclosporine A (10mg/kg body weight) for 4 weeks. Lung specimens were taken out and processed for histopathological examination and for assessment of lung tissue levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GSH, and CAT). Results: Histopathological examination using light and electron microscope revealed that cyclosporine-A induced deleterious histopathological changes in the lungs of adult male albino rats. Focal destruction of alveolar walls, formation of emphysematous air spaces, distortion of the interalveolar septa, peri-bronchial inflammatory cell infiltration and con-gestion with fibrosis. Pneumocytes type I showed an irregular nucleus. Pneumocytes type II revealed irregular pyknotic nuclei, numerous vacuolated or empty lamellar bodies with loss of their lamellar arrangement, and distorted surface microvilli. There was significant increase in lung malondial-dehyde (MDA) level, with significant decrease in lung super-oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and catalase (CAT). Vitamin E either with or before receiving cyclosporin-A reduced lung affection with improved level of oxidative markers in the lung homogenates. Conclusion: Vitamin E reduced cyclosporin-A lung affec-tion with improved level of oxidative markers in the lung homogenates.

Histological and Immunohistochemical Study on the Effect of Cyclophosphamide in Testis of Adult Albino Rats and the possible protective role of Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acid

Background: cyclophosphamide is an immunosuppressive agent and anticancer drug in childhood and adult malignant tumors. The compounds that have antioxidant properties might improve the side effect of cyclophosphamide on spermatogenesis. The aim of the work: This study designed to evaluate the effect of cyclophosphamide in testis of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of vitamin E and alpha lipoic acid. Materials and Methods: Forty male adult albino rats were divided equally into five groups Group I as a control group, Group II rats were given cyclophosphamide. Group III rats were given cyclophosphamide concomitantly with vitamin E. Group IV rats were given cyclophosphamide concomitantly with alpha lipoic acid. And Group V rats were given cyclophosphamide and a combination of vitamin E plus alpha lipoic acid. The testis samples were prepared for histological examination and PCNA immunohistochemical stain. Results: cyclophosphamide induced destruction of normal testicular histological structure, increased collagen fibers deposition and significantly decreased main area percent of PCNA immune-positive germ cells indicating decreased spermatogenesis. In group III vitamin E mild prevented the pathological changes in testicular tissue and non significantly increased the main area percent of PCNA immune-positive germ cells. While in group IV alpha lipoic acid enhanced marked preservation of the lined germinal cells and significantly increased the main area percent of PCNA immune-positive germ cells compared to group II. However, in group V there was almost total prevention of side effects induced by cyclophosphamide in adult rat testis and preservation of spermatogenesis.Conclusion: Cyclophosphamide induced damage in histological structure of testis and decreased spermatogenesis of adult rats. Alpha lipoic acid comparatively preserved the normal histological structure of testis and normal spermatogenesis than vitamin E. However, administration of vitamin E and alph lipoic acid together was almost totally prevented the damaging effect of cyclophosphamide.

Ameliorative effect of vitamin C on cypermethrin-induced hepatotoxicity and renal malfunction of adult male rats.

Cypermethrin is a widely used insecticide belongs to type II pyrethroids. It is highly used in developing countries to control many species of insects as it plays an important role in pest control. Vitamin C is an important intracellular antioxidant against insecticides. The aim of the present study is to analyze the toxic effects of cypermethrin (CYP) and the positive effect of vitamin C (VC) with graded doses (0 CYP, 200 VC, 12 CYP and 12 CYP+200 VC mg/kg body weight of male rats/day) for 30 days on liver and kidney functions. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress markers, glycogen and glucose levels and also serum lipid profile were studied. Also, this study aimed to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin C against cypermethrin toxicity

Cellular Senescence and Vitamin D Deficiency Play a Role in the Pathogenesis of Obesity-Associated Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Study of the Potential Protective Role of Vitamin D Supplementation.

The exact link between obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and their relation to cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of subclinical atherosclerosis is still under debate. Therefore, the current study aims to verify the possible role of vitamin D deficiency and cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of obesity-related subclinical atherosclerosis. Moreover, it aims to investigate the possible protective role of vitamin D supplementation. Fifty-seven male albino rats were enrolled in the study and classified into four groups: negative (10) and positive control groups (10), an obese model group (24), and a vitamin-D-supplemented obese group (13). Aortic tissue samples and fasting blood samples were collected. The following biochemical investigations were performed: serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, ALT, AST, CPK, CK-MB, and hs-cTnt. HOMA-IR was calculated. Moreover, serum SMP-30, 25 (OH)Vitamin D3, and eNOS were determined by the ELISA technique. Aortic gene expression of eNOS, SMP-30, and P53 was estimated by real-time qRT-PCR. Serum 25(OH) D3 and SMP-30 were lower in the obese group. In addition, the obese group showed higher serum lipid profile, HOMA-IR, eNOS, ALT, AST, CPK, CK-MB, and hs-cTnt than the control groups, while decreased levels were found in the vitamin-D-treated obese group. Gene expression of eNOS and SMP-30 were in accordance with their serum levels. A positive correlation was found between vitamin D level and SMP-30. In conclusion, obesity is associated with vitamin D deficiency and enhanced cellular senescence. They could play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. Vitamin D supplements could play a protective role against such obesity-related comorbidity.

The Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E on the Induced Silver Nanoparticles Toxicity on Filiform and Circumvallate Tongue Papillae of Albino Rats Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

The Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E on the Induced Silver Nanoparticles Toxicity on Filiform and Circumvallate Tongue Papillae of Albino Rats Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Effect of Acrylamide on Ovaries of Female Albino Rats and Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E

Abstract Background: Acrylamide (ACR) is a chemical substance with a very wide range of uses and it accounts for one of the major health concern and one of the most important contam-inants occurring in foods heated at high temperatures so human exposure to ACR is high. Vitamin E is the most important lipid-soluble vitamin presents in the nature and one of the basic vitamins in biological systems and plays a vital role in many physiological processes. Aim of Study: To investigate the Potential protective effects of Vitamin E on Acrylamide induced ovarian damage in female albino rats through histological examination by light microscope. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in Human Anatomy and Embryology Department in Sohag University during 2019 forty-five female virgin albino rats weighing 180-300g were used and randomly divided into three equal groups: Control group; ACR group was given 10 mg/kg body weight of acrylamide for by oral gavage for 3 weeks; the third group was given ACR at a dosage of 10 mg/kg/d, and vitamin E at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight for 3 weeks orally then sacrificed by cervical dislocation Ovaries were excised for light microscopic study and mor-phometric study. Results: Oral administration of ACR induced marked cystic ovarian changes, degenerative changes in zona pellucida, Granulosa cells and oocytes detected by light microscope this study reported that supplementation of a diet with Vit E provided antioxidant defense against the toxicity of ACR in ovary. Conclusions: These results concluded that acrylamide combined with vitamin E in comparison with acrylamide induced less ovarian damage and this protective effect might be due to the antioxidant activity of Vit E.

Effect of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes on the Adult Rat Prostate and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a disorder of metabolism, has adverse effects on all organ systems including reproductive organs due to insulin deficiency. The aim of the present work was to study the impact of Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and the potential protective role of vitamin E on the adult rat prostate. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups (10 rats per group). First group was control negative, while the second group was control positive. Rats in the 3rd group were received streptozotocin dissolved in a citrate buffer by intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight once daily. 2 weeks after confirmation of diabetes induction rats were sacrificed. Rats in the fourth group after induction of diabetes were fed with vitamin E supplemented diet for 15 days then the rats were sacrificed. The prostatic lobes were dissected out and processed for histological and immuno-histochemical examinations. Hormonal assay was performed and Statistical analysis was done.Results: No structural differences were found between the two control groups. The diabetic group showed thinning of acinar epithelial lining; sever cellular infiltration and areas of exudate in interstitial tissue. By immunohistochemical staining, apparent decrease of the acinar cells with positive immunostaining androgen receptor reaction was observed. Also decreased serum testosterone level in diabetic group was noticed. Supplementation of vitamin E was found to improve most of the prostatic changes associated with DM.Conclusion: Supplementation of vitamin E improves the prostatic changes produced by DM.

Vitamin D 25OH deficiency in COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital

Background & aimsGreat interest has been raised by the possible protective role of vitamin D in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but objective data on 25(OH)vitamin D deficiency in hospitalized COVID-19 patients are not conclusive.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of 25(OH)vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 patients admitted to an Italian referral hospital and explore its association with clinical outcomes and the markers of disease severity.MethodsIn this single-center cohort study, 129 consecutive adult COVID-19 patients hospitalized in an Italian referral center were enrolled from March to April 2020. 25(OH)Vitamin D serum levels were assessed 48 h since hospital admission and categorized into: normal (≥30 ng/mL), insufficient (<30 - ≥20 ng/mL), moderately deficient (<20 - ≥10 ng/mL), severely deficient (<10 ng/mL).ResultsThe prevalence of 25(OH)vitamin D insufficiency, moderate deficiency and severe deficiency was 13.2%, 22.5% and 54.3%, respectively.25(OH)Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was not associated with COVID-19 clinical features and outcomes. Unexpectedly, after adjusting for major confounders, a significant positive association between increasing 25(OH)vitamin D levels and in-hospital mortality (on a continuous logarithmic scale, odds ratio = 1.73 [95% CI, 1.11 to 2.69]; P = .016) was observed.ConclusionsVery low 25(OH)vitamin D levels were highly prevalent and suggestive of deficiency among our hospitalized severe COVID-19 patients, but low 25(OH)vitamin D levels were not associated with outcome variables. Whether 25(OH)vitamin D adequacy may influence clinical outcomes in COVID-19 and the unexpected correlation between higher 25(OH)vitamin D levels and mortality require further investigations by large intervention trials.