Serum Vitamin D3 Concentrations Research Articles

Comparative Study of Healthy Older and Younger Adults Shows They Have the Same Skin Concentration of Vitamin D3 Precursor, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, and Similar Response to UVR.

Vitamin D3 synthesis in human skin is initiated by solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure of precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC), but influence of age on the early stage of vitamin D3 metabolism is uncertain. We performed a prospective standardised study in healthy ambulant adults aged ≥65 and ≤40 years examining (1) if baseline skin 7DHC concentration differs between younger and older adults and (2) the impact of older age on serum vitamin D3 response to solar simulated UVR. Eleven younger (18-40 years) and 10 older (65-89 years) adults, phototype I-III, received low-dose UVR (95% UVA, 5% UVB, 1.3 SED) to ~35% of the body surface area. Biopsies were taken for 7DHC assay from unexposed skin, skin immediately and 24 h post-UVR, and blood sampled at baseline, 24 h and 7 d post-UVR for vitamin D3 assay. Samples were analysed by HPLC-MS/MS. Baseline skin 7DHC (mean ± SD) was 0.22 ± 0.07 and 0.25 ± 0.08 µg/mg in younger versus older adults (no significant difference). Baseline serum vitamin D3 concentration was 1.5 ± 1.5 and 1.5 ± 1.7 nmol/L in younger versus older adults, respectively, and showed a significant increase in both groups post-UVR (no significant differences between age groups). Thus, skin 7DHC concentration was not a limiting factor for vitamin D3 production in older relative to younger adults. This information assists public health guidance on sun exposure/vitamin D nutrition, with particular relevance to the growing populations of healthy ambulant adults ≥65 years.

Low Serum Vitamin D3 Levels among Premenopausal Women with Uterine Fibroids: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, with an incidence ranging from 5.4% to 77%, leading to significant morbidity and affecting quality of life. Earlier studies suggested that uterine fibroids are more likely to develop in those women with low levels of serum vitamin D. Subsequently, the objective of the current study was to investigate the association of serum vitamin D3 levels in premenopausal women with uterine fibroids. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Indira IVF Hospital and Fertility Clinics located in India. The study was conducted from April 2022 to November 2022. In this study, a total of 160 women [80 cases and 80 controls] were enrolled. Women diagnosed with at least one uterine fibroid measuring 2 cm in size through a transvaginal scan were considered as cases, in comparison to healthy controls. Results: The mean serum vitamin D3 levels for the case and control groups were 10.85 ± 3.34 ng/ml and 19.64 ± 5.50 ng/ml, respectively. Serum vitamin D3 was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in women with uterine fibroids compared to healthy controls. Additionally, a significant association was observed between serum vitamin D3 levels and the number of fibroids in the case group (P < 0.001). This indicates that as the level of serum vitamin D3 decreases, the number of fibroids increases gradually. Conclusion: Our study suggests that women with uterine fibroids tend to have low serum vitamin D3 concentrations. Therefore, serum vitamin D3 concentration needs to be considered along with other risk factors in the treatment of uterine fibroids..

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the vitamin D status of people in the West of Ireland.

Identify the impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on the vitamin D status of individuals in the west of Ireland. Cross-sectional study. Adults who had wintertime serum 25(OH)D analysis completed in Galway University Hospital. A total of 16,725 participants (2015-2020 (n = 13,449) and 2020-2021 (n = 3276)). Baseline demographics; sex, age, origin of the sample and the date of sample collection. Median serum vitamin D and serum vitamin D3 concentrations were higher in the 5-month period from October-February 2020-2021 (61nmol/L (± 36-85nmol/L) and 60nmol/L (± 34-85nmol/L)) respectively, than for the corresponding 5-month period (October-February) in 2015-2020 (53nmol/L (± 32-78nmol/L) and 51nmol/L (± 30-77nmol/L)) respectively. These changes coincided with a decline in the prevalence of deficiency. In the 5-month period October-February 2020-2021, 19.2% of the population were vitamin D deficient (< 30nmol/L) compared to 22.5% in the corresponding 5-month period in 2015-2020, and 38.1% were vitamin D deficient (< 50nmol/L) in the 5-month period October-February 2020-2021 compared to 46.6% in the corresponding 5-month period in 2015-2020. Males were more likely to be deficient at both thresholds (p < 0.001). For the total cohort, at the < 30nmol/L threshold, inpatients (25.5%) and nursing home residents (34.1%) had higher prevalence of deficiency. Vitamin D levels were higher in the 5-month period of October-February 2020-2021, and this precipitated a decline in deficiency at both thresholds, indicating that lockdown coincided with enhanced vitamin D status. We postulate that it may be attributable to changes in diet and/or supplementation, or increased sun exposure, but further confirmatory studies are required.

Serum Vitamin D3 Concentration, Sleep, and Cognitive Impairment among Older Adults in China.

Cognitive decline in older adults has become one of the critical challenges to global health. This study aims to examine both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) (briefed as VD3) concentration and sleep quality/duration, especially their interactions, with risk of cognitive impairment among older adults in China. We utilized a special subsample of adults aged 65-105 years (individuals = 3412, observations = 4816) from eight provinces in China derived from the 2011/2012 and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Cognitive impairment was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination scale. Sleep quality was classified as good versus fair/poor, and sleep duration was classified into short (<7 h), normal (≥7 but <9 h), and long (≥9 h). The VD3 concentration was divided into three levels: deficiency (VD3 < 25 nmol/L), insufficiency (25 nmol/L ≤ VD3 < 50 nmol/L), and sufficiency (VD3 ≥ 50 nmol/L). A wide set of covariates that include demographics, socioeconomic status, family support, health practice, and health conditions was adjusted for robust findings. Multilevel random intercept logit regression models were used to examine the cross-sectional associations between VD3, sleep, and cognitive impairment, whereas logit regression models were applied to investigate the longitudinal associations. In the cross-sectional analyses, when all covariates were adjusted, VD3 sufficiency was significantly associated with a 33% lower risk of cognitive impairment compared with VD3 deficiency; good sleep quality was associated with 34% lower odds of cognitive impairment compared with fair/poor sleep quality; sleep hours were not associated with cognitive impairment, although a long sleep duration (≥9 h) was associated with 30% higher odds of being cognitively impaired when baseline health was not controlled. Interaction analyses reveal that VD3 sufficiency could help to additionally reduce the risk of cognitive impairment for good sleep quality and normal sleep hours. In the longitudinal analyses, the association of VD3 sufficiency remains significant, whereas sleep quality and sleep duration were not significant associates. Good sleep quality, normal sleep hours, and VD3 sufficiency are positively associated with good cognitive function. VD3 sufficiency could enhance the associations between sleep and cognitive impairment.

Deterioration of Phosphate Homeostasis Is a Trigger for Cardiac Afterload - Clinical Importance of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 for Accelerated Aging.

Background: After the discovery of the Klotho gene, phosphate came into focus as a pathogenetic aging agent. Phosphate homeostasis is controlled by phosphate-regulating hormones: fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), vitamin D3, and parathyroid hormone. This study investigated the relationship between the deterioration in phosphate homeostasis and arterial stiffness by measuring serum FGF23 concentrations. Methods and Results: The study subjects comprised 82 hospitalized patients (31 males, 51 females; mean [±SD] age 78.6±10.5 years). All patients underwent chest computed tomography, measurement of central blood pressure (BP), and blood chemistry tests. Arterial calcification and/or stiffness was evaluated using the Agatston calcification score (ACS) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). PWV was significantly correlated with age (t=23.47, P<0.0001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; t=-4.40, P<0.0001), and ACS (t=4.36, P<0.0001). Serum FGF23 concentrations were significantly correlated with age (t=2.52, P=0.014), eGFR (t=-3.37, P<0.001), serum inorganic phosphorus concentrations (t=3.49, P<0.001), serum vitamin D3 concentrations (t=-4.57, P<0.001), ACS (t=2.30, P=0.025), augmentation pressure (t=2.48, P=0.015), central systolic BP (t=2.00, P=0.049), plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations (t=3.48, P<0.001), and PWV (t=2.99, P=0.004). PWV was positively related to augmentation pressure (t=4.09, P<0.001), central systolic BP (t=3.13, P=0.002), and plasma BNP concentrations (t=3.54, P<0.001). Conclusions: This study shows that the increase in serum FGF23 concentrations reflects deterioration of phosphate homeostasis and is an important predictor for arterial stiffness, which intensifies cardiac afterload.

Association of Serum Vitamin D3 Levels with the Severity of Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study from Western Odisha, India

Introduction: Vitamin D3 plays an important role in the immune system, and its deficiency has been implicated in various skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease of adolescence and young adulthood that affects the face and upper trunk. The scarring caused by acne can have a significant psychological impact on patients and greatly affect their quality of life. However, the association between the severity of acne and vitamin D3 levels remains unclear. Aim: To assess the role of vitamin D3 in the severity of acne vulgaris in adolescents. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology and Biochemistry, VIMSAR, Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, India, from August 2022 to November 2022. Adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 years, of either sex, with acne were clinically examined, and the severity of acne was evaluated using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score. Serum vitamin D3 levels were measured using a Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) analyser (Electra FA). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0 (SPSS IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York), and a p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 150 clinically diagnosed cases of acne vulgaris patients were evaluated. The study included 73 males and 77 females. The mean age of males was 19.1±2.3 years, and for females, it was 18.2±2.4 years. Serum vitamin D3 levels were lower in patients with severe acne (18.03 ng/mL) compared to those with moderate acne (23.57 ng/mL) and mild acne (28.02 ng/mL). The association between serum vitamin D3 concentration and the different degrees of acne vulgaris was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). There was a strong negative correlation between severe acne and serum vitamin D3 levels (r=-0.042, p-value=0.002). Conclusion: Vitamin D3 deficiency was more prevalent in patients with severe acne, and serum vitamin D3 levels were inversely correlated with the severity of acne vulgaris.

PS-C31-4: METABOLIC RISK FACTORS DIFFER IN OBESE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS FROM RURAL VERSUS NON-RURAL REGIONS

Objective: The obesity rate in children is rising in the United States, and this is particularly true in children located in rural regions. Rural communities are at greater risk for health disparities, such as metabolic disease, due to socioeconomic factors and access to food and healthcare. Previous studies in rural youth have focused on lifestyle intervention and behavior modification to improve obesity rates. However, there are limited studies comparing clinical parameters of metabolic disease in rural versus non-rural regions in youth. The objective of this study was to examine blood markers of glucose and lipid status among rural vs non-rural adolescents to identify risk factors for metabolic disease. Design and method: This is a single timepoint pilot study of n = 82 children and adolescents ages 6–17 recruited from a Pediatric High BMI Clinic. Subjects were grouped according to region: rural (n = 12), micropolitan (n = 20), and metropolitan (n = 50). Weight, adiposity, clinical data, and blood samples were collected at the time of initial clinic visit. Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA. Results: BMI and waist circumference (WC) was highest in rural subjects (BMI - rural: 38.5 ± 5.4 versus micropolitan: 37.7 ± 9.1 versus metropolitan: 33.5 ± 5.5 kg/m2; P &lt; 0.05. WC - rural: 116 ± 12.5 versus micropolitan: 115.1 ± 19.8 versus metropolitan: 105.2 ± 15.6 cm; P &lt; 0.05). In contrast, there was no difference in markers of glucose homeostasis or lipids between regions. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3 were different among groups, with the lowest in subjects from the metropolitan area, and highest in the rural area (rural: 34.9 ± 9.6; micropolitan: 30.2 ± 9.7; metropolitan: 23.0 ± 9.3 ng/mL; P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: In agreement with literature, adiposity was greatest in subjects living in non-metropolitan areas. However, this was not associated with elevated markers of metabolic risk, and rural subjects had the greatest serum vitamin D3 concentrations. Further understanding of differences in lifestyle in rural versus non-rural areas may improve opportunities for targeted health interventions.

The Relationship Between Vitamin D Serum Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Patients Referred to Central Laboratory of ACECR in Mashhad, Iran

Background: Vitamin D3 deficiency, which is associated with several other diseases such as high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) is prevalent all over the world. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D3 deficiency and MetS and evaluate their association in patients referred to the central laboratory of Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR) in Mashahd, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,214 patients aged 15 - 75 years referred to the central laboratory of ACECR in Mashhad, Iran, in 2018. Participants with MetS were identified using the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) criteria. Biochemical parameters and vitamin D3 levels were assessed using the Mindray instrument and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, respectively. The subjects were divided into four groups in terms of serum vitamin D3 concentration as follows: Deficient (&lt; 10 ng/mL), insufficient (10 - 30 ng/mL), sufficient (30 - 80 ng/mL), and toxic (80 &lt; ng/mL). Results: From a total of 1,214 subjects, 15.0% had vitamin D3 deficiency, 53.2% showed insufficiency, 31.1% were normal with sufficient vitamin D3, and 0.7% suffered from vitamin D3 toxicity. Therefore, 437 (49.7%) females and 209 (62.6%) males suffered from vitamin D3 insufficiency. Overall, 27.6% of females and 33.2% of males had MetS (P &lt; 0.05). Subjects with and without MetS showed no significant difference in serum levels of vitamin D3 (P = 0.608). In addition, there was a significant direct correlation between vitamin D3 levels and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the group with MetS. Conclusions: A high proportion of subjects had MetS and insufficient vitamin D3 levels. There were no significant differences between the serum vitamin D3 levels in participants with and without MetS.

Vitamin D Levels in Black Americans and the Association With Left Ventricular Remodeling and Incident Heart Failure With Preserved Ejectin Fraction: The Jackson Heart Study

BackgroundIn observational studies, a lower serum vitamin D3 concentration has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the associations between serum vitamin D3 levels and left ventricular (LV) structure and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have not been well-characterized among Black Americans. The prevalence of vitamin D3 deficiency is higher among Black Americans than in other race/ethnicity groups. We hypothesized that serum vitamin D3 levels are associated with LV concentric remodeling and incident HFpEF in Black Americans. Methods and ResultsAmong 5306 Black Americans in the Jackson Heart Study cohort, we investigated the relationships between serum vitamin D3 levels and LV structure and function, evaluated with echocardiography, and incident HF hospitalization, categorized as either HF with reduced EF (HFrEF; an EF of <50%) or HFpEF (an EF of ≥50%). After adjustment for possible confounding factors, lower vitamin D3 levels were associated with greater relative wall thickness (β for 1 standard deviation [SD] increase –0.003, 95% confidence interval –0.005 to –0.000). Over a median follow-up period of 11 years (range 10.2–11.0 years), 340 participants developed incident HF (7.88 cases per 1000 person-years), including 146 (43%) HFrEF and 194 (57%) HFpEF cases. After adjustment, higher serum vitamin D3 levels were associated with decreased hazard for HF overall (hazard ratio for 1 SD increase 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.99) driven by a significant association with HFpEF (hazard ratio for 1 SD increase 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.71–0.99). ConclusionsIn this community-based Black American cohort, lower serum vitamin D3 levels were associated with LV concentric remodeling and an increased hazard for HF, mainly HFpEF. Further investigation is required to examine whether supplementation with vitamin D3 can prevent LV concentric remodeling and incident HFpEF in Black Americans.

Study of vitamin D3 formulation prepared by phytosolve technique and its effect on CTRP6 gene expression in PCOS model

IntroductionAccording to previous studies, vitamin D3 can be helpful in treating PCOS. However, its low solubility and bioavailability decelerate treatment and increase the required dose. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of PhytoSolve formulation in increasing vitamin D3 solubility and improving PCOS treatment. MethodsThe PhytoSolve formulation contained a mixture of lipid S75, glycerol, and MCT oil, which were prepared using a probe sonicator. In this study, 36 female NMRI mice were allocated to six groups: sham, PCOS model, control, PhytoSolve formulation, vitamin D3-containing PhytoSolve formulation and vitamin D3. DHEA was injected to induce the PCOS model. Vitamin D3 was administered by gavage for one week from day 13, after which serum samples were collected to examine CTRP6 gene and protein expression and determine the serum vitamin D3 concentration. ResultsThe mean particle size in the PhytoSolve formulation was 71.10 ± 1.100 nm; after 120 h, the release rate of vitamin D3 from the PhytoSolve formulation was 91.5%. Based on the results, the CTRP6 gene and protein expression were significantly reduced in the VD3-containing PhytoSolve group compared to the vitamin D3 group (P < 0.05). ConclusionBased on the present findings, vitamin D3 loaded in the PhytoSolve formulation was more effective in the treatment of PCOS compared to its suspension form. Therefore, is suggested to use the PhytoSolve formulation as an effective delivery system for drugs with low solubility and bioavailability.

Relationship between serum vitamin D3 concentration and anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease in China.

ObjectiveIn the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D3 concentration and anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in China, to assist understanding of the effects of vitamin D treatment in such patients.MethodsA total of 225 patients with CKD were enrolled and a range of laboratory parameters were measured. The participants were allocated to three groups, according to their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration: a severe deficiency group, a deficiency group, and a sufficiency group. The prevalences of anaemia in the three groups were assessed, and the factors associated with anaemia in patients with CKD were analysed using logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalences of anaemia were 79.5% in the severe deficiency group, 63.5% in the deficiency group, and 48.0% in the sufficiency group. The prevalence of anaemia gradually increased with the severity of vitamin D3 deficiency. The prevalences of anaemia in participants with stages 1 to 5 CKD were 21.1%, 30.4%, 39.5%, 78.7%, and 94.6%, respectively.ConclusionVitamin D3 deficiency may increase the risk of anaemia in patients with CKD.

The Association of Serum Irisin with Vitamin D and Body Mass Index in Healthy Adults

Objectives: This study was designed to explore the relationship between serum irisin hormone with VitaminD levels and investigate the association of serum Vitamin D3 concentrations and serum irisin levels withBMI of male healthy individuals in Anbar province.Method: This study included 84 Iraqi men with the age range (20-40) year, divided into three groupsdepending on body mass index (BMI). The weight and height of all participants were taken to extract BMI.The ELISA method has been used to estimate levels of vitamin D and the irisin hormone in the serum.Pearson correlation coefficient was used to find the association between the studied variables.Results: The mean and standard deviation of serum vitamin D concentrations was significantly lower inall groups. This study showed there was non- significant difference in the mean of irisin among the threegroups. A negative linear correlation was found between vitamin D and BMI, while a positive correlationwith irisin. A positive correlation was found between irisin with BMI.Conclusion: People with a high BMI are deficient in Vitamin D. There was a positively relation betweenserum irisin levels and BMI.

Efficacy of Oral Administration of a Reliable AD3E Treatment on Vitamin D3 Deficiency in Najdi Sheep

This study was aimed to assess the efficacy of oral treatment of commercial product of vitamin D3 (VITOL-80 C ORAL®, Interchemie, Holland) in growing Najdi sheep suffering from musculoskeletal illness due to vitamin D3 deficiency in Basra province, Iraq. Using a Najdi sheep model bred in Iraq, here we focused on measuring the serum levels of total vitamin D3, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as complete blood count (CBC) and clinical examinations pre and post-treatment with VITOL-80 C ORAL®. No significant changes (P > 0.05) of the vitamin D status were recorded in Najdi sheep with vitamin D3 deficiency post treatment with (VITOL-80 C ORAL®). However, a sharp (P < 0.0001) decline of the total serum vitamin D3 concentration were observed in those Najdi sheep per-administration (21.95 ± 1.82 ng/ml) and postadministration (22.29 ± 1.34 ng/ml) of vitamins therapy contrast to control healthy Najdi sheep (89.75 ± 6.84 ng/ml). An interaction between vitamin D3 status and the serum concentrations of calcium/phosphorus, PTH, ALP and ALT was observed. With vitamin D3-deficient Najdi sheep; values of CBC, and calcium/phosphorus concentrations were lower while PTH, ALP and ALT were higher than the healthy control Najdi sheep; thus, no significant changes (P > 0.05) of these values were recorded post treatment of (VITOL-80 C ORAL®). In conclusion, vitamin D3 deficiency threats the health of local Najdi sheep and has a potential role through suppressing their immunity. Oral administration of the commercial product as a source of vitamin D3 is not effective suggesting involvement of vitamin D receptors (VDR) and/or dysfunction of liver and kidneys.

Effect of Hypervitaminosis D3 on Liver, Kidney Functions in White Rats

The research was undertaken to evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 on the liver and kidney functions through some haematological and biochemical parameters. The results illustrate that high doses (30000 and 50000 IU) of vitamin D3 significantly reduce the rats' body weights in about 46% additionally much of symptoms like weakness, the rigidity of limbs, neurological irritation, difficulty in movement, respiration and deaths occurrence. The results also showed that the high doses vitamin D3 has a significant decreased in Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs), Hemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), White Blood Corpuscles (WBCs), Lymphocytes (Lymph), Monocytes (Mono), Granulocytes (GRA) and Platelets (PLT) compared with the control group. In contrast, the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) significantly increased after 20-30 days of treatment . Besides, the results demonstrated a significant decrease in Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Total Protein (TP), Creatinine (Cr) and increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Urea. While albumin did not give any significant differences. As well the study proved significantly increase in serum vitamin D3 concentration compared with the control group after 20-30 days of treatment. Since vitamin D3 can be beneficial for the organisms, but the overdoses of the vitamin can alter some parameters in the body.

Effect of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Supplementation on Serum Vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) Concentrations Among Participants in the VITAL-DKD Study

Abstract Objectives To compare the serum vitamin D3 and 25(OH)D responses to vitamin D3 supplementation in the VITAL-DKD study. Methods The Vitamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL)-DKD was a 2 × 2 factorial, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) and omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day) for prevention of chronic kidney disease among adults with type 2 diabetes. For the first 200 enrolled participants, we measured baseline and year 2 serum vitamin D3 concentration with a new validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Linear regression was used to test the effects of D3 treatment on changes in serum D3 and 25(OH)D concentrations and to examine possible effect modification by relevant clinical characteristics. Results Participants were 70 ± 6 years of age, 64% male, 70% non-Hispanic white, and 15% black. At baseline and year 2, serum D3 concentration and 25(OH)D3 concentration were positively related, with a threshold effect at a 25(OH)D3 concentration of 50 nmol/L. Below this threshold, serum D3 concentration rarely exceeded 5 nmol/L. Above it, serum D3 concentration was much more variable. Supplementation increased mean serum D3 concentration from 12 nmol/L at baseline to 41 nmol/L at year 2 (difference compared with placebo 30 nmol/L; 95% CI 25 to 35 nmol/L) and increased mean serum 25(OH)D concentration from 76 nmol/L to 102 nmol/L (difference compared with placebo 33 nmol/L; 95% CI 26 to 40 nmol/L). The effect of treatment on change in serum 25(OH)D was modified by body weight (−0.48 nmol/L per kg of weight; P &amp;lt; 0.01), baseline 25(OH)D concentration (−0.30 nmol/L per nmol/L of baseline 25(OH)D; P &amp;lt; 0.01), baseline D3 concentration (−5 nmol/L per 100% increase in baseline D3; P = 0.04), and non-study vitamin D supplement use (smaller effect as dose of non-study supplement increased). The effect of treatment on change in serum D3 concentration was modified only by body weight (−0.33 nmol/L per kg of weight; P = 0.01). Conclusions Among older adults, 2 years of 2000 IU/day vitamin D3 led to similar mean increases in serum D3 and 25(OH)D. Unlike the serum 25(OH)D response, the serum D3 response to supplementation did not depend on baseline vitamin D status. The serum vitamin D concentration may be an additional, valuable marker of exposure to vitamin D during supplementation. Funding Sources NIDDK NIH ODS NHLBI.

Serum vitamin D content is associated with semen parameters and serum testosterone levels in men.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of serum vitamin D levels on semen quality and testosterone levels. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Androscience, Science and Innovation Center in Andrology and High-Complex Clinical and Andrology Laboratory in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with 508 male patients, aged 18–60 years, from 2007 to 2017. Seminal parameters and serum sexual hormones were correlated with serum vitamin D concentrations in 260 men selected by strict selection criteria. Patients were divided into normozoospermic group (NZG, n = 124) and a group with seminal abnormalities (SAG, n = 136). Evaluation included complete physical examination, past medical history, habits and lifestyle factors, two complete seminal analysis with sperm functional tests, serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25(OH)VD3), total and free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total cholesterol, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, and karyotype. The mean concentration of 25(OH)VD3 was significantly lower in the SAG (P < 0.001) and positively correlated with all baseline seminal parameters and total testosterone levels. In addition, serum vitamin D3 concentration was found to be positively correlated with sperm concentration (β= 2.103; P < 0.001), total number of spermatozoa with progressive motility (β = 2.069; P = 0.003), total number of motile spermatozoa (β = 2.571; P = 0.015), and strict morphology (β = 0.056; P = 0.006), regardless of other variables. This is the first comparative study to address the issue of serum vitamin D3 content between normozoospermic patients and those with sperm abnormalities. It clearly demonstrates a direct and positive relationship between serum vitamin D level and overall semen quality, male reproductive potential, and testosterone levels.

The Study of Correlation Between Serum Vitamin D3 Concentrations and HBV DNA Levels and Immune Response in Chronic Hepatitis Patients.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a common chronic disease. Previous studies have shown a link between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D3) concentration and liver disease. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been attributed to the inappropriate functioning of cell-mediated immunity. However, the effects of vitamin D3, immune cell, and HBeAg status on HBV viral load in CHB patients are still unclear. We investigated the relationship between the serum concentration of vitamin D3, percentage of immune cells in peripheral blood, and the HBV viral load of CHB patients. Sixty CHB patients were recruited, and their blood samples were collected and analyzed. Vitamin D level was measured using a chemiluminescence assay. A level of 30 ng/mL or above was defined as a vitamin D3 sufficiency. We assigned vitamin D3 status as either normal (≥30 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), or deficient (<20 ng/mL). T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte surface markers in peripheral blood were detected using flow cytometry. The factors associated with HBV viral load were analyzed using univariate and multivariate-adjusted models. The mean serum vitamin D3 concentration in the subjects was 20.9 ± 5.6 ng/mL. Up to 88.3% of the patients were either deficient in or had insufficient vitamin D3. The gender, BMI, hepatitis B surface antigen levels, and ALT levels were significantly related to serum vitamin D3 levels. Serum vitamin D3 concentration, HBe status, HBs levels, ALT, and AST levels showed a statistically significant correlation with the HBV DNA levels. Serum vitamin D3 concentrations and hepatitis B surface antigen levels were strongly correlated with HBV DNA levels. Vitamin D3 levels were significantly associated with CD19 numbers (β:−6.2, 95% CI: −10.5). In multivariate analysis, vitamin D3 levels in the deficient and insufficient groups, and the CD8, HBeAg, and WBC counts were significantly associated with HBV DNA levels. In the immune tolerance phase of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection, vitamin D3 may be a modulator of immune function via CD8, CD19, and HBV DNA.

An epidemiology survey of vitamin D deficiency and its influencing factors

BackgroundThere is growing evidence that vitamin D is related to the development of a variety of diseases. The current study was performed to investigate the status of serum vitamin D distribution among adult Chinese people and reveal the influence of gender, age, seasonality and residential regions on serum vitamin D levels. MethodThis cross-sectional study included 14,302 participants aged from 18 years old to 65 years old from six major cities in China. The basic demographic information and the levels of serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) and vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) were collected from Jan 2, 2014 to Dec 25, 2017. ResultThe prevalence of 25(OH)D3 concentration <30ng/mL reached up to 83%, in which the rate of vitamin D insufficiency (20–29ng/mL) was 32.7%, and vitamin D deficiency (10–19ng/mL) accounted for 41.9%, and vitamin D severe shortage (<10ng/mL) accounted for 8.4%. Women were more likely to have vitamin D3 deficiency and lower serum vitamin D3 concentration than men (both p<0.001). The mean concentration of serum 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3 in summer and autumn were higher than that in spring and winter (p<0.001), and the mean concentration of serum 25(OH)D in people from Southern China was higher than that in people from other regions (p<0.001). Although the mean concentrations of serum 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3 were both increased by age, the percentage of patients with serum 25(OH)D3 insufficiency was also increased. ConclusionSerum vitamin D deficiency is very common in adults in China. The level of serum vitamin D may be associated with age, sex, seasonality and residential regions.

Emmetropia Is Maintained Despite Continued Eye Growth From 16 to 18 Years of Age

To examine, in Norwegian adolescents, to what degree emmetropia and low hyperopia were maintained from 16 to 18 years of age, and if this was the case, whether it was associated with continued coordinated ocular growth. Cycloplegic autorefraction and ocular biometry, including crystalline lens thickness, were measured in 93 Norwegian adolescents (mean age: 16.7 ± 0.3 years; 63.4% females) and repeated after 2 years. Crystalline lens power was determined by ray tracing over a 1-mm pupil, based on the Gullstrand-Emsley model. Serum vitamin D3 concentration was measured at follow-up. Emmetropia and low hyperopia (-0.50 diopters [D] < spherical equivalent refractive error [SER] < +2.00 D) were present in 91.4% at baseline and 89.2% at follow-up. The emmetropes and low hyperopes who maintained their refractive error exhibited continued ocular axial growth (+0.059 ± 0.070 mm) together with a decrease in crystalline lens power (-0.064 ± 0.291 D) and a deepening of the anterior chamber (+0.028 ± 0.040 mm). Thinning of the crystalline lens was found in 24%. Overall, the negative change in SER was larger in those with the most negative SER at baseline (R2 = 0.178, P < 0.001), and was associated with increases in vitreous chamber depth and in crystalline lens power (R2 = 0.752, P < 0.001), when adjusted for sex. There was no difference in vitamin D3 level between those who exhibited negative versus positive changes in refractive error. The results show that emmetropic and low hyperopic eyes were still growing in late adolescence, with refractive errors being maintained through a coordinated decrease in crystalline lens power.

An epidemiology survey of vitamin D deficiency and its influencing factors

BackgroundThere is growing evidence that vitamin D is related to the development of a variety of diseases. The current study was performed to investigate the status of serum vitamin D distribution among adult Chinese people and reveal the influence of gender, age, seasonality and residential regions on serum vitamin D levels. MethodThis cross-sectional study included 14,302 participants aged from 18 years old to 65 years old from six major cities in China. The basic demographic information and the levels of serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) and vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) were collected from Jan 2, 2014 to Dec 25, 2017. ResultThe prevalence of 25(OH)D3 concentration <30ng/mL reached up to 83%, in which the rate of vitamin D insufficiency (20–29ng/mL) was 32.7%, and vitamin D deficiency (10–19ng/mL) accounted for 41.9%, and vitamin D severe shortage (<10ng/mL) accounted for 8.4%. Women were more likely to have vitamin D3 deficiency and lower serum vitamin D3 concentration than men (both p<0.001). The mean concentration of serum 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3 in summer and autumn were higher than that in spring and winter (p<0.001), and the mean concentration of serum 25(OH)D in people from Southern China was higher than that in people from other regions (p<0.001). Although the mean concentrations of serum 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3 were both increased by age, the percentage of patients with serum 25(OH)D3 insufficiency was also increased. ConclusionSerum vitamin D deficiency is very common in adults in China. The level of serum vitamin D may be associated with age, sex, seasonality and residential regions.