Serum Levels Of Vitamin Research Articles

Age-dependent changes in fat- and water-soluble vitamins-National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys study.

Aging is an independent risk factor for the development of various diseases associated, among others, with detrimental blood levels of fat- and water-soluble vitamins. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate age-related changes in blood levels of vitamin A, B12, C, D, and E. Subject serum vitamin levels were obtained from the combined National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). NHANESIII and NHANES 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004, and 2005-2006. The raw data set was stratified into five age groups G1- G5: 20 ≤ G1 < 30, 30 ≤ G2 < 40, 40 ≤ G3 < 50, 50 ≤ G4 < 60, and 60 ≤ G5 < 70 years of age. Age stratified data was cleaned using the modified Horn algorithm. The reference range for the vitamin level of a specific age group was defined as data between the first and third quartile of the subject defined by normal blood pressure and normal bone density. Age-dependent changes in serum/plasma vitamin levels were assessed using the bootstrap technique with 10,000 repeats and Bonferroni adjustment. There was a continuous increase in vitamin A, B12, D, and E levels in the blood. However, the vitamin C concentration remained virtually constant in all age groups. There was a lack of cross-correlations between lipid and water-soluble vitamin levels and blood pressure and bone health. The following reference levels for vitamin A, B12, C, D, and E in subjects older than 20 years of age were established: vitamin A: 1.32-2.8 mmol/L, vitamin B12: 257.94-498.33 pmol/L, vitamin C: 38.18-79.2 mmol/L, vitamin D: 76.33-199.36 nmol/L and vitamin E: 3.65-41.12 μmol/L.

Serum vitamin K2 level and its association with bone metabolism markers in 1 732 children

To study the level of serum vitamin K2 (VitK2) and its association with bone metabolism markers osteocalcin (OC), type I procollagen amino-terminal peptide (PINP), and type I collagen carboxy-terminal peptide (CTX) in children. A prospective analysis was performed on 1 732 children who underwent routine physical examination from October 2020 to October 2021. The serum levels of VitK2 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured. According to age, they were divided into four groups: <1 year, 1-3 years group, >3-6 years group, and >6-14 years. A total of 309 children with 25(OH)D≥50 nmol/L were screened out, and serum levels of OC, PINP, and CTX were measured to investigate the correlation of the serum levels of OC, PINP, and CTX with serum VitK2 levels in different age groups. The prevalence rate of serum VitK2 deficiency was 52.31% (906/1 732). The VitK2 deficiency group had higher prevalence rates of overweight/obesity and growth pain (≥3 years of age) than the normal VitK2 group (P<0.05). There were differences in the prevalence rate of serum VitK2 deficiency (P<0.0083) and the serum level of VitK2 (P<0.05) between the 1-3 years group and the >6-14 years group. The <1 year group had a higher serum level of CTX and a lower serum level of PINP than the >3-6 years group and the >6-14 years group (P<0.05). The <1 year group had a lower serum level of OC than the >6-14 years group (P<0.05). Serum VitK2 level was positively correlated with OC level (rs=0.347, P<0.01), and CTX level was negatively correlated with PINP level (rs=-0.317, P<0.01). Serum VitK2 deficiency may be associated with overweight/obesity. Serum VitK2 may affect the level of OC and even bone health.

Screening for novel risk factors related to high myopia using machine learning

BackgroundHigh myopia-related complications have become a major cause of irreversible vision loss. Evaluating the association between potential factors and high myopia can provide insights into pathophysiologic mechanisms and further intervention targets for myopia progression.MethodParticipants aged 12–25 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2006 were selected for the analysis. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent (sum of spherical error and half of the cylindrical error) of any eyes ≤-0.5 diopters. High myopia was defined as the spherical equivalent of any eye ≤ − 5.00 diopters. Essential variables were selected by Random Forest algorithm and verified by multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA total of 7,033 participants and 74 potential factors, including demographic (4 factors), physical examination (6 factors), nutritional and serological (45 factors), immunological (9 variables), and past medical history factors (10 factors), were included into the analysis. Random Forest algorithm found that several anthropometric, nutritional, and serological factors were associated with high myopia. Combined with multivariable logistic regression, high levels of serum vitamin A was significantly associated with an increased prevalence of high myopia (adjusted odd ratio = 1.46 for 1 µmol/L increment, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–2.10). Furthermore, we found that neither C-reactive protein nor asthma increased the risk and severity of myopia.ConclusionHigh levels of serum vitamin A was seemingly associated with an increased prevalence of high myopia. This borderline significant association should be interpreted with caution because the potential increased type I error after the multiple testing. It still needs further investigation regarding the mechanism underlying this association. Neither C-reactive protein nor asthma increased the risk and severity of myopia.

JPEN Journal Club 73. When it is too good to be true.

There is an association between low serum levels of vitamin D and susceptibility This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Serum vitamin D level in COVID-19 patients and its correlation with disease severity

BackgroundSevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections are associated with increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and several pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to cytokine storm. Vitamin D has been proved to be associated with biological activities of the innate and adaptive immune systems. There is a growing number of data showing an association between serum vitamin D level and the different clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection. Our aim is to evaluate the relation between serum vitamin D levels and the severity and mortality of COVID-19 infection in an Egyptian cohort.ResultsThe study included 80 COVID-19 patients, 38 males (47.5%) and 42 females (52.5%), with a mean age of 52 ± 11.4 years (18–80 years). The serum vitamin D levels ranged between 2 and 30 ng/mL with a mean of 12.05 ± 9.04. Patients who were intubated had the lowest levels of serum vitamin D (7.26 ng/ml ± 5.21), while patients who had no need for oxygen supply had the highest levels (20.00 ng/ml ± 9.23) (P = 0.025). A highly significant negative correlation was found between serum vitamin D level and each of CRP and serum ferritin (r = − 0.346 and − 0.313) (P = 0.002 and 0.005). Of the enrolled 80 patients, 63 (79%) recovered (group 1) and 17 (21%) died (group 2). Group 2 had significantly lower vitamin D levels (6.17 ng/mL ± 3.22) and hemoglobin (10.75 ± 1.74) than group 1 patients (13.63ng/mL ± 9.46) (12.10 ± 1.85) (P = 0.002 and 0.009 respectively).ConclusionSerum vitamin D levels are significantly lower in patients needing mechanical ventilation, and in deceased patients, and are inversely related to the inflammatory markers CRP and serum ferritin, suggesting a relation between vitamin D insufficiency and poor COVID-19 outcome.

Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism (FokI-rs2228570) among Men with Anemia in Babylon Province, Iraq.

Vitamin D or calciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin that has a unique feature of synthesizing in the body mainly by exposure to UV from the sunlight and then transformed to 25 (OH) D by the liver and finally to a vital form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D by the kidneys. Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism (FokI-rs2228570) has been proposed as the major cause of anemia. The present study aimed to discover the association between vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism (FokI-rs2228570) in patients with anemia. A total of 120 men with anemia and no kidney disorders have been compared with 60 healthy controls in the present case-control study. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) FokI-rs2228570 was detected by PCR and PCR-RFLP techniques. Levels of serum vitamin D, erythropoietin, and some biochemical parameters were detected by the ELISA assay technique. The mutant homozygous genotype ff was more frequent in patients with anemia (45%) than in the controls (15%). Also, the frequency of the f allele was associated with a significant decrease in the levels of vitamin D and hemoglobin in patients (0.62%); therefore, the mutant allele is a risk factor for developing anemia compared with genetic patterns FF and Ff. Vitamin D deficiency is common in those with anemia which is often associated with low hemoglobin and high levels of erythropoietin. Additionally, the genetic frequencies also affect the level of vitamin D which is indicated by low levels of mutant patterns (Ff, ff) in which patients suffer from severe anemia.

Charactirestics of vitamin D level in patients with atopic dermatitis

The peculiarity of the skin is that it acts not only as a place of synthesis of vitamin D, but also as an organ targeted for its biologically active form. The aim of our study was to analyze the level of vitamin D in patients with atopic dermatitis. There were examined 48 people aged between 18 to 55 years; they are residents of Vinnytsia and Vinnytsia region. Serum levels of vitamin D, total IgE and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) were determined in the subjects. The average level of vitamin D in the serum of patients with atopic dermatitis was 19.2 [11.3-25.4] ng/ml, which corresponded to a deficiency. Among those surveyed, vitamin D deficiency was found in 68.4±4.7% (n=26) while vitamin D insufficiency in 31.6±4.5% (n=12). The severe course of the disease prevailed among patients aged 18-40 years (63.33±8.79) % more than in the age group of 41 years and older, (36.67±8.8%, p&lt;0.05; OR=2.98, S=0.53, 95% SI:1.04-8.52). The proportion of people with vitamin D deficiency and moderate severity of atopic dermatitis was 62.5% (n=10) with a median level of 14 [8.3–19] ng/ml, and patients with severe atopic dermatitis made up 90.9% (n=20) (χ²=4.6; p=0.023), in which the median level of vitamin D was 14 [8.3-19] ng/ml. Serum vitamin D levels were in the zone of deficiency in patients with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in the group of patients with elevated levels of allergic inflammation markers. A positive correlation of medium strength between the level of vitamin D and ECP in the serum of patients with atopic dermatitis (rs=0.53, p&lt;0.001), was revealed.

The correlation between vitamin D and inflammatory indicators in middle-aged and elderly patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

This study investigates the relationship between vitamin D and inflammatory indicators in middle-aged and elderly patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). In this study, 100 middle-aged and elderly patients with IMN were enrolled in the nephropathy group and 100 healthy people were enrolled as a control group. The clinical data and test specimens were collected. The patients were categorized into deficiency group and lack group based on vitamin D level. The levels of serum vitamin 25 (OH) D, inflammatory indicators and clinical indicators were compared between the nephrotic group and the control group. The levels of inflammatory indicators and clinical indicators were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to detect the correlation degree between serum vitamin 25 (OH) D, inflammatory indicators and clinical indicators in IMN patients. The outcomes compared with the control group, the levels of vitamin 25 (OH) D, IL-10, IFN-γ and ALB in the nephrotic group were significantly lower and CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, Cr, CysC, β2-MG were significantly higher (all p<0.05). Compared with the vitamin D deficiency group, the levels of IL-10, IFN-γ and ALB were significantly lower and NLR, CRP, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, 24 urinary protein, Cr, CysC, β2-MG were significantly higher in the vitamin D lack group (p<0.05). Vitamin 25 (OH) D level was negatively correlated with CysC, β2-MG, 24hUP, CR (r=-0.412, -0.387, -0.382, -0.429, all p<0.05) and was positively correlated with ALB (r=0.463, p<0.001). the conclusion Low vitamin D level in middle-aged and elderly patients with IMN is common and vitamin D supplementation can improve the clinical symptoms and delay the development of IMN.

Effect of Serum Level of Vitamin D on External Apical Root Resorption in Maxillary Anterior Teeth in Patients under Fixed Orthodontic Treatment

Introduction This study aimed to assess the effect of serum level of vitamin D on external apical root resorption (EARR) in maxillary anterior teeth in patients under fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods This retrospective cohort was conducted on patients under fixed orthodontic treatment who were between 12 to 30 years of age. All patients underwent the same treatment technique by the same orthodontist using a 0.022 MBT system. EARR in maxillary anterior teeth was evaluated on pre- and postoperative panoramic radiographs. Blood samples were also collected from patients, and their serum level of vitamin D was measured after the completion of treatment. Data were analyzed by independent t-test and Chi-square test (alpha = 0.05). Results A reduction in root length was noted in all patients, which was significant (P < 0.0001); 75% of patients showed EARR in at least one maxillary incisor. EARR had no significant correlation with the serum level of vitamin D (P=0.423). Conclusions Serum level of vitamin D had no significant correlation with the occurrence of EARR. However, the high prevalence of EARR calls for measures to minimize it.

The Relationship between Vitamin D and Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review studies the relationship between vitamin D serum levels and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight exposure. Recently, an increase in the intake of vitamin D supplements has been noticed. The protective value of vitamin D is well established and has been studied several times for the health of the bones, cartilage, growth, various dermatological diseases, and also as a chemoprotective agent against several cancers. On the scientific front, it has yet to be established that increasing serum vitamin D levels increase the incidence of BCC. We included reports that investigated this relationship in this review. We applied keywords in published papers in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to find relevant studies. After applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and the quality appraisal for 68 records, we included only ten studies. In these studies, serum levels of vitamin D were measured. Five of them supported the link between BCC incidence and development and high serum vitamin D levels (e.g., Mahamat-Saleh Y, et al.), while the other five did not (e.g., Tang JY, et al.). We included only two studies that investigated the vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism. Experts debate adding a high dose of vitamin D supplements to our daily routine. After studying most of the reports, it was ascertained that the literature supports keeping vitamin D serum levels below 30-60 nmol/L. However, further studies should be done to help find a healthy balance of vitamin D serum levels, especially when it comes to increasing the risk of cancer like BCC.

Impact of Serum Vitamin D Status on the Outcome of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Neonates

Objectives: The aim of this work was to study the status of serum vitamin D level on the outcome of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in neonates.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out on 60 intubated neonates with gestational age &gt; 32 weeks and ventilated for more than 48 h and included two groups, VAP group (n=30) and non-VAP group (n=30). Serum 25-hydroxy Vit D was tested at the start of mechanical ventilation, while blood culture and endotracheal culture were obtained after 2 days of mechanical ventilation and when VAP was suspected.&#x0D; Results: The mean serum level of vitamin D in VAP group was statistically significantly lower than non-VAP group. Also, the total duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of O2 supplementation post extubation and duration of hospital stay were statistically significantly longer in VAP group. Although the mortality was higher in neonates developed VAP, it didn’t achieve a statistically significant difference. A cut off value of ≤17.35 ng/ml of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D showed a sensitivity of 83.33%, specificity of 100% and area under curve (AUC) was 0.895 to predict neonatal VAP.&#x0D; Conclusion: 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency is an important risk factor for VAP development in neonates, and low vitamin D levels is associated with significant longer duration of mechanical ventilation, post extubation O2 support and hospital stay in neonates with VAP.

Relationship between serum vitamin D levels in diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy

Aim: To study the relationship between serum Vitamin D levels and severity of Diabetic Retinopathy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 346 subjects. The cases were divided into three groups, group A comprised of 180 type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy, group B comprised of 86 type 2 diabetic patients without retinopathy (no DR) and group C comprised of age and gender matched 80 healthy non diabetic controls. Group A further divided into group A1 consisting 84 proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients and group A2 consisting of 96 non proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients (NPDR). Results: The difference in the levels of serum Vitamin D between group A1 and group B and group A1 and group C were statistically significant with p value and Confidence Interval (CI) being (&lt;0.001, -10.35 to -4.66) and (&lt;0.001, -11.45 to -5.54) respectively. There was statistically significant negative correlation between HbA1c and serum Vitamin D in diabetic patients with PDR (r=-0.464, p=0.002), diabetic patients with NPDR (r=-0.399, p=0.005) and diabetic patients with no DR(r=-0.397, p=0.011). Conclusions: Serum vitamin D level decreases significantly with increasing severity of Diabetic Retinopathy and increasing levels of HbA1c.

Association between anthropometric markers of adiposity, adipokines and vitamin D levels

Inverse association between serum levels of vitamin D and obesity has been pointed out in several studies. Our aim was to identify to the associations between vitamin D levels and a large panel of anthropometric markers and adipokines. Cross-sectional study including 6485 participants. Anthropometric markers included body mass index (BMI), % body fat, waist, waist-to-hip (WHR), waist-to-height (WHtR), conicity index, body roundness index (BRI) and a body shape index (ABSI). 55.7% of women and 60.1% of men presented with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D levels were negatively associated with most anthropometric markers, with correlation coefficients ranging between −0.017 (ABSI) and −0.192 (BMI) in women and between −0.026 (weight) and −0.130 (% body fat) in men. Vitamin D levels were inversely associated with leptin levels in both sexes and positively associated with adiponectin levels in women only. The likelihood of vitamin D deficiency increased with increasing adiposity levels, except for ABSI (women) and BMI (men). Total body fat, rather than localized or unevenly distributed body fat, is the adiposity marker most associated with decreased vitamin D levels. Monitoring vitamin D levels in people with overweight/obesity is essential.

Effects of Vitamin E in Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy and Its Outcomes

Objective: To investigate the effects of vitamin E in Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy and the effects of vitamin E in Pregnancy Outcomes in Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy. Study Design: Prospective Cohort Study Materials and Method Data source: A total of 1910 pregnant women visited to the OPD and admitted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University in Yunnan Province from June 2017 to May 2018 fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in our study group. Case selection: All the pregnant women between the ages 23 to 35 years were included in the study and were divided into four groups: Normal pregnant group, gestational hypertension group, Pre-eclampsia group, and severe Pre-eclampsia group. Control group: Normal pregnant women were included in this group. Statistical Method: This study was performed prospectively and collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software (version 20.0) using independent t-test, Pearson Chi-square test, and one-way ANOVA test. The P values considered significant at value P&lt;0.05. The descriptive data were presented using frequency and percentage. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the effect of vitamin E in HDP and Pregnancy outcomes including PPH, HIE, Neonatal rescue and 1≤Apgar Score≤7. Results: 1. There was no statistically significant difference in the results of all studies on BMI, WOG in the third trimester, parity, and maternal age (P&gt;0.05). 2. Analysis between the effect of vitamin E and Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy: 2.1.1. There was no significant difference between the hypertensive group and control group during pregnancy in vitamin E level (t=1.665 P=0.096) (P&gt;0.05). 2.1.2. The difference between pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia group was statistically significant in vitamin E level (t=27.692 P=0.000) (P&lt;0.05). 2.2. Analysis between the effect of vitamin E levels and Hypertensive Disorders of pregnancy: 2.2.1. When vitamin E was excess, there was no significant difference between the control group, the gestational HTN group, pre-eclampsia group and severe pre-eclampsia group (X2 =0.164, P=0.983) (P&gt;0.05). 2.2.2. When vitamin E was deficient, the difference between the control group and the hypertensive group during pregnancy was statistically significant (X2 =20.580, P=0.00) (P &lt;0.05). 2.2.3. When vitamin E was deficient, there was no significant difference between the pre-eclampsia group and severe pre-eclampsia group (X2 =0.827, P=0.399) (P&gt;0.05). 3. Effects of vitamin E in Pregnancy Outcomes in Hypertensive Disorders of pregnancy: When vitamin E level was deficient ： In Gestational Hypertension group there is 8.3% occurrence of PPH, 8.3% newborn has HIE. In pre-eclampsia group, there is 10% occurrence of PPH, 5% newborn has HIE, 5% newborn needed neonatal rescue and 5% newborn has 1≤Apgar Score≤7. In severe pre-eclampsia groups there is 5.7% occurrence of PPH, 5.7% newborn has HIE, 5.7% newborn needed neonatal rescue and 2.9% newborn has 1≤Apgar Score≤7. (X2 =2.325, P=0.887) (P&gt; 0.05) There was no significant difference in the incidence of 1≤Apgar Score≤7 and Neonatal rescue between the pre-eclampsia and the severe pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: 1. Vitamin E contents are related to the hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. 2. Vitamin E deficiency is related to the occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and has effects on maternal health and fetal outcomes. 3. Serum levels of vitamin E detection during pregnancy can help in the prediction of HOP; hence, it can help to reduce the risk of Pre-eclampsia.

Normalization of Vitamin D Serum Levels in Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus Reduces Levels of Branched Chain Amino Acids.

Background and Objectives: Vitamin D is involved in pancreatic beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. Further, elevation in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has been implicated in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) pathology. However, the relationship between vitamin D and BCAAs in T2DM remains unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D and BCAAs in T2DM. Materials and Methods: In total, 230 participants (137 with T2DM and 93 healthy controls) were recruited in a cross-sectional study. Furthermore, an additional follow-up study was performed, including 20 T2DM patients with vitamin D deficiency. These patients were prescribed weekly vitamin D tablets (50,000 IU) for three months. The levels of several biochemical parameters were examined at the end of the vitamin D supplementation. Results: The results showed that patients with T2DM had higher serum levels of BCAAs and lower serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) compared with those of the healthy controls (p < 0.01). The serum levels of vitamin D were negatively correlated with BCAA levels in T2DM patients (r = −0.1731, p < 0.05). In the follow-up study, 25(OH)D levels were significantly improved (p < 0.001) following vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the levels of BCAAs, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Overall, these results suggest a role for BCAAs and vitamin D in the etiology and progression of T2DM. Thus, managing vitamin D deficiency in patients with T2DM may improve glycemic control and lower BCAA levels.

Impact of serum levels of vitamin D on lipid profiles, glycemic indices, and insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetes patients: An observational study

Background: Diabetes patients have a higher chance of developing dyslipidemia and increased release of free fatty acids, which participate in developing insulin-resistant fat cells. On the other hand, vitamin D insufficiency is linked to the evolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study examines the impact of vitamin D serum levels on lipid profiles and insulin resistance concerning glycemic indices in obese T2DM patients. Methods: During the data collecting stage, 47 diabetes patients were chosen from the out-patient clinic. The control individuals were selected from the general population and were equivalent to the matching patients, with a total of 43 healthy participants. After an overnight fast, a venous blood sample was collected from each individual to test insulin and vitamin D3 levels using particular ELISA kits. In addition, by colorimetric test, serum was used to estimate total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Aside from that, fasting serum glucose levels were measured (FSG). Results: Fasting serum glucose (FSG), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, and triglycerides, all of these values were significantly elevated in people with diabetes as compared to controls (p-value &lt;0.05) when the serum level of vitamin D was markedly low. In contrast, insulin and high-density lipoprotein values had decreased significantly in the diabetic population compared to controls (p-value &lt;0.05) and were not correlated to vitamin D levels. Conclusions: Diabetes patients had higher FSG, HOMA-IR, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios (TC: HDL-C), triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios (TG: HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios (LDL-C: HDL). In obese diabetic individuals, vitamin D levels had a significant impact on total cholesterol, LDL-C, and the TC:HDL-C ratio.

The association between the serum vitamin D levels and the stroke lesion size, functional ability, and cognition in elderly Korean ischemic stroke patients

The purpose of this study was to confirm the association between the serum vitamin D levels and ischemic stroke lesion size, functional ability, and cognitive function in elderly ischemic stroke patients. This study included Korean ischemic stroke patients aged 65 to 85 years. The size of the lesion was measured in brain images taken within 24 hours of hospitalization. The level of 25-(OH) Vitamin D (ng/mL), a metabolite of vitamin D, in the serum collected within 48 hours of hospitalization, and the modified Barthel index (MBI), gait performance, the muscle power of hip and knee extensors on the hemiplegic side, and mini-mental status examination (MMSE) were recorded within 1 week of the onset of the disease. Each factor was compared through correlation analysis, and the significance was confirmed using the Spearman correlation coefficient method. The association between the serum vitamin D levels and the size of the ischemic stroke lesion, the MBI, gait performance, the muscle power of hip and knee extensors on the hemiplegic side, and the MMSE were analyzed. It was confirmed that there was a significant correlation between all the factors (P < .005). In patients with serum vitamin D levels of ≥ 30 ng/mL, both the functional ability and cognitive functions were better than in patients lower than 30 ng/mL. We confirmed the lower the level of serum vitamin D levels, the larger the size of the ischemic stroke lesion when it occurred in elderly Koreans. And we confirmed that serum vitamin D levels affected the functional ability and cognitive function. And we recommend that elderly Koreans should maintain their blood vitamin D level above 30 ng/mL. We believe that this will help preserve the functional ability and cognitive function when ischemic stroke occurred.

Effect of Cytokines Gene Expression and Serum Level of Vitamin D on the Severity of COVID-19

Effect of Cytokines Gene Expression and Serum Level of Vitamin D on the Severity of COVID-19

Superoxide Dismutase and Vitamin E Levels in Serum as Indicators in Patients with Acute and Chronic Leukemia

Oxidative stress has been linked to the development of a variety of malignancies, including leukemia. Furthermore, the incidence of leukemia increases with age due to an increase in the number of free radicals reacting with age and a lower ability of the immune system to detoxify those free radicals. This study aims to investigate the levels of antioxidant activity and their relationship with various types of leukemia. The current study was carried out in the Hematology section of Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Medical City from November 2020 to January 2021. Patients with leukemia (n = 60) were divided into four groups based on their leukemia type: Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). These groups were compared to 30 healthy subjects. In this study, serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vitamin E were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The findings revealed that (Mean±SE) SOD levels were observed to be raised with age, but (Mean±SE) vitamin E levels decreased with age in leukemia patients. There were no statistically significant differences in gender (males and females). Compared with healthy subjects, the results showed a significant increase in SOD levels in ALL, AML, CLL, and CML (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences observed in vitamin E levels in ALL, AML, and CML except for the CLL group, which showed a significant decrease compared to the healthy subjects. Positive correlations were found between SOD and age (r = 0.367 P < 0.01). These results suggest that SOD and vitamin E levels play a critical role as an indicator of acute and chronic leukemia.

Maternal Serum Level of Vitamin D and the Incidence of Preeclampsia

Maternal Serum Level of Vitamin D and the Incidence of Preeclampsia