VitD Levels Research Articles

Assessment of 25 Hydroxy Cholecalceferol Level in Autistic Children; is there a role for it in Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Abstract Background Autism is a group of neurodevelopmental disabilities with various genetic and environmental risk factors. Vitamin D is an important neurosteroid hormone which can affect brain development and function, but research on its use in treating autism has been limited. Objectives The current study aimed at assessing the level of 25 OH vit D3level in a group of autistic infants and children compared to controls and correlating it with the severity of autistic manifestations and evaluation of the role of therapeutic doses of vitamin D on the severity of autistic manifestations. Methodology Thirty autistic Egyptian children (group I) and 30 clinically healthy age and sex matched controls were enrolled (group II). Therapeutic doses of vitamin D were given for autistic children who showed insufficient levels of 25 OH cholecalceferol for a period of 4-6 weeks followed by maintenance doses for another 6 weeks. Psychometric and laboratory evaluation for this group was done thrice: at the onset of study, at 6 week after enrollment in the study, and at 12 weeks after that enrollment. Results Serum vitamin D level was substantially reduced in patients with ASD in comparison to control group, and on the other hand, 25 (OH) vitamin D level was significantly negatively correlated with ATEC score and Total CARS score. Autistic children who received vitamin D3 treatment had significant improvement of CARS and ATEC scores. Conclusion vitamin D supplementation significantly improved the outcome of enrolled autistic children. It is recommended to follow up our studied sample to check the consolidation of improvement for how long it will be needed.

Mendelian Randomization Focused Analysis of Vitamin D on the Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke.

Experimental studies showed vitamin D (Vit-D) could promote vascular regeneration and repair. Prior randomized studies had focused mainly on primary prevention. Whether Vit-D protects against ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction recurrence among subjects with prior ischemic insults was unknown. Here, we dissected through Mendelian randomization any effect of Vit-D on the secondary prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Based on a genetic risk score for Vit-D constructed from a derivation cohort sample (n=5331, 45% Vit-D deficient, 89% genotyped) via high-throughput exome-chip screening of 12 prior genome-wide association study-identified genetic variants of Vit-D mechanistic pathways (rs2060793, rs4588, and rs7041; F statistic, 73; P<0.001), we performed a focused analysis on prospective recurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke in an independent subsample with established ischemic disease (n=441, all with prior first ischemic event; follow-up duration, 41.6±14.3 years) under a 2-sample, individual-data, prospective Mendelian randomization approach. In the ischemic disease subsample, 11.1% (n=49/441) had developed recurrent ischemic stroke or MI and 13.3% (n=58/441) had developed recurrent or de novo ischemic stroke/MI. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that genetic risk score predicted improved event-free survival from recurrent ischemic stroke or MI (log-rank, 13.0; P=0.001). Cox regression revealed that genetic risk score independently predicted reduced risk of recurrent ischemic stroke or MI combined (hazards ratio, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.48-0.81]; P<0.001), after adjusted for potential confounders. Mendelian randomization supported that Vit-D is causally protective against the primary end points of recurrent ischemic stroke or MI (Wald estimate: odds ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.35-0.81]) and any recurrent or de novo ischemic stroke/MI (odds ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.42-0.91]) and recurrent MI alone (odds ratio, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.30-0.81]). Genetically predicted lowering in Vit-D level is causal for the recurrence of ischemic vascular events in persons with prior ischemic stroke or MI.

Retrospective evaluation of the serum level of Vitamin D among COVID-19 patients in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new viral illness that affects not only the respiratory system but also leads to multiorgan involvement. Till now, no curative treatment is available; prevention is the only way to reduce the number of infected cases. Low serum level of vitamin D has been implicated in increased susceptibility to coronavirus infection and disease severity. However, there is no conclusive evidence as regards the role of vitamin D in COVID-19 infection and outcome. This study aimed to evaluate the serum level of Vit D in patients with COVID-19 and highlights its prognostic significance. A total of 109 COVID-19 patients' medical records were selected and retrospectively analyzed from Ohoud Hospital in Medina. Data collection was done in the period between 1/4/2020 and 22/2/2021 followed by statistical analysis. The median age for COVID-19 patients was 54 years old. The level of Vit-D was low in patients with COVID-19 with a median of 15.2 ng/ml. Serum ferritin was high in all COVID-19 patients with a median of 720.9 ng/ml. There was a significantly higher rate of developing severe forms of COVID-19 in males compared to females, P-value &lt; 0.001. Serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 compared to control with P-value &lt; 0.001. More reduction in Vit-D level was detected in the severe form of COVID-19 (P-value 0.042). There were significantly lower levels of vitamin D and higher levels of ferritin in the server covid-19 cases, P-values of 0.018 and 0.001, respectively. Low serum Vitamin-D level was significantly associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 infection and a more severe form of the disease that may end by death. Vitamin D supplementation will provide a sufficient serum level of the vitamin that can prevent infection and or minimize COVID-19 severity. Keywords: COVID-19, vitamin D deficiency.

An Ignored Contributing Factor of Vitamin-D Deficiency, despite the Strong Association with Breast Carcinoma among Women in Punjab, Pakistan

Pakistani females are at elevated risk of breast cancer, hence there is a need to explore every possible potential contributing factor. The present study was performed to analyze the perception of women about their Vit-D levels in both urban and rural areas. Women included 154 clinically diagnosed breast cancer patients from different hospitals and 248 randomly selected females as control group were recruited from Punjab, Pakistan. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS to find the association of Vit-D deficiency with breast carcinoma in different age groups. Out of a total of 402 respondent, 51.5% were completely ignorant of their Vit-D level. Pearson’s Chi- square test for those who had perception about Vit-D deficiency among the breast cancer patients and control group revealed asymptotic 2-sided significance of 0.004 while among different age groups, 41 to 50 years were most prone to deficiency with P = 0.003. Urban women were found to had 12% greater association of Vit-D deficiency as compared to women living in rural areas. It was concluded that Vit-D deficiency is a highly contributing factor for breast cancer so every female must be aware of the importance of Vit-D and should maintain a sufficient level of this crucially important vitamin.

Lower Levels of Vitamin D Are Associated with an Increase in Insulin Resistance in Obese Brazilian Women.

Adult women are more likely to be obese than men. Moreover, there is evidence that obesity is a risk factor for increased insulin resistance (IR) and hypovitaminosis D (VITD), conditions related to metabolic and endocrinologic disturbance. We performed a cross-sectional study with 103 women diagnosed with obesity, recruited between 2009 and 2013, in an obesity referral outpatient clinic in Bahia, Brazil. Laboratory and clinical characteristics were compared between the groups according to the degree of obesity (I, II and III), and levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were used to define the VITD status (insufficiency and no insufficiency). We calculated the homeostatic model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) index to assess insulin resistance in the groups. Our analyses revealed that HOMA-IR values and VITD levels were inversely correlated. Furthermore, we observed a distinct expression profile of values of laboratory markers according to 25(OH)D levels. Negative correlations were found between HOMA-IR and body mass index (BMI) in VITD insufficient participants but not in those with the sufficiency. Furthermore, multivariate regression demonstrated independent associations between lower levels of 25(OH)D and increased values of HOMA-IR. These findings suggests that lower levels of VITD are strongly associated with the increased IR in obese women.

Vitamin D Status and Its Correlation With Anthropometric and Biochemical Indicators of Cardiometabolic Risk in Serbian Underground Coal Miners in 2016.

The status of vitamin D in underground working coal miners and its association with their cardiometabolic health is rarely studied. This study aimed to examine vitamin D (VitD) status in Serbian underground coal miners and to correlate it with anthropometric and laboratory indicators of cardiometabolic risk. Nutritional data (food frequency questionnaire, FFQ, and two times repeated 24 h recall), anthropometric data (including segmental analysis by bio-impedance analyzer TANITA BC-545N), arterial tension, and biochemical and hematological data of 103 coal miners (aged 22–63 years) were correlated with their late summer (early September) serum 25 (OH)D levels (measured by HPLC). 68.9% of the studied coal miners were overweight/obese, and 48.5% had metabolic syndrome. Their mean VitD nutritional intakes were low: 5.3 ± 3.8 μg/day (FFQ) and 4.9 ± 8 μg/day (24 h recalls), but their mean serum 25 (OH)D levels were surprisingly high (143.7 ± 41.4 nmol/L). Only 2.9% of the coal miners had 25(OH)D levels lower than 75 nmol/L (indicating an insufficient/deficient status), while 63.2% had values above 125 nmol/L (upper optimal limit), and even 10.7% had values above 200 nmol/L. There were no statistical differences in 25 (OH)D levels in the coal miners with or without metabolic syndrome (or overweight/obesity). Interestingly, 25(OH)D levels had significant positive correlations with body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat mass percentage (FM%), limbs FM%, serum triglycerides, GGT, AST, ALT, and ALT/AST ratio, and had significant negative correlations with serum HDL-cholesterol and age. All these correlations were lost after corrections for age, FM, FM%, and legs FM%. In Serbian coal miners, high levels of early September VitD levels were observed, indicating sufficient non-working-hour sun exposure during the summer period. Furthermore, the unexpected positive correlations of VitD levels with anthropometric and biochemical parameters indicative of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver disease were found. More research is needed on the VitD status of coal miners (particularly in the winter period) and its relationship with their cardiometabolic status.

Vitamin d and leishmaniasis: Neither seasonal nor risk factor in canine host but potential adjuvant treatment through cbd103 expression.

Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency has been shown to be a risk factor for a plethora of disorders. We have shown that dogs with clinical leishmaniasis presented lower VitD serum levels than non-infected dogs, and even lower than those with asymptomatic infection. However, if VitD deficiency is a risk factor to develop clinical leishmaniasis remains to be answered. It is also unknown if VitD participates in Leishmania control. First, we retrospectively analysed VitD concentration in serum samples from 36 healthy dogs collected in different periods of the year concluding that there isn’t a seasonal variation of this vitamin in dogs. We also included 9 dogs with clinical leishmaniasis and 10 non-infected healthy dogs, in which we measured VitD levels at the beginning of the study, when all dogs were negative for serology and qPCR, and 1 year later. Whereas non-infected dogs showed no change in VitD levels along the study, those developing clinical leishmaniasis showed a significant VitD reduction at the end of the study (35%). When we compared VitD concentration between the two groups at the beginning of the study, no differences were detected (43.6 (38–59) ng/mL, P = 0.962). Furthermore, an in vitro model using a canine macrophage cell line proved that adding active VitD leads to a significant reduction in L. infantum load (31.4%). Analyzing expression of genes related to VitD pathway on primary canine monocytes, we showed that CBD103 expression was significantly enhanced after 1,25(OH)2D addition. Our results show that VitD concentration is neither seasonal nor a risk factor for developing canine leishmaniasis, but it diminishes with the onset of clinical disease suggesting a role in parasitic control. Our in vitro results corroborate this hypothesis and point out that VitD regulates infection through CBD103 expression. These results open the possibility for studies testing VitD as an adjuvant in leishmaniasis therapy.

Synergistic effects of Vitamin D and magnesium in non-specific low back ache (nLBA) – A prospective comparative study

Low back ache constitute a group of symptoms with no clear etiopathogenesis and pose a major difficulty for a health care professional to diagnose and treat the disease per se. Low back ache has become permanent disability for certain individuals and interferes with normal functioning of day-to-day life activities. This study was undertaken to establish the correlation and functional outcome between combination of Vitamin D &amp; magnesium supplementation and Vitamin D supplementation for patients with non-specific low back ache. An observational comparative study was performed with 117 patients of non-specific low back ache from June 2019 to May 2020. Out of 117 patients, a total of 60 patients (Group A) were treated with a combination of Vitamin D supplementation along with magnesium tablets for 3 consecutive months and remaining 57 patients (Group B) were treated with Vitamin D supplementation for 3 consecutive months. Both the groups were followed up for 6 months for pain relief assessed by VAS score and functional improvement in quality of life assessed by Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. A significant difference was noted in the Group A compared to Group B which demonstrates an additive effect on the combination used in them. When analysing the change in parameters compared to the pre-interventions state both the groups showed significant improvements. However, upon analysis of the correlation between the parameters with regard to the change among the groups, we noted that Group A showed significant correlation with respect to the Calcium and Vit-D level improvement out of the intervention upon the observed results. Treatment of non-specific low back ache with vitamin-D and magnesium shows synergistic effects with significant improvement in the functional outcomes and the pre-intervention metabolic parameters.

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and Atopic Dermatitis in Early Childhood: Findings from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study

Vitamin D (VitD) may affect immune system modulation and result in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, published findings have remained controversial. We investigated the association between early-life 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and AD risk at childhood with a birth cohort. The data were obtained from “the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)” and “the Sub-Cohort study of JECS” performed with children aged 2 years. “Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry” was used to measure VitD. The information on AD was obtained from parents’ answers to a questionnaire when their children were aged 3 years. In order to explain the seasonal effects on VitD levels, a deseasonalized continuous variable was further calculated. The logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the effect of VitD on childhood AD. The study included 4378 children with complete data on VitD and AD. The results from models indicated that low VitD at 2 years was not a risk factor for the development of AD at 3 years, after adjusting for potential confounders. Moreover, there was no U-shape relationship between deseasonalized VitD and childhood AD. Overall, early-life 25(OH)D levels were not link to the increased risk of developing childhood AD.

O-151 Detailed characterization of infertile men with idiopathic versus unexplained infertility: a single-center experience

Abstract Study question We aimed to investigate the rate of and the clinical characteristics of men with idiopathic versus unexplained infertility from a cohort of white-European men. Summary answer Approximately 20% and 5% of men evaluated for primary couple’s infertility depicted characteristics suggestive for idiopathic and unexplained infertility, respectively. What is known already Male factor infertility (MFI) can be associated with clinical, hormonal and genetic diseases, but MFI is idiopathic in almost 30% of cases. Study design, size, duration Data from 3098 infertile men (according to WHO definition) consecutively evaluated between 2003-2020 at a single academic centre were analysed and compared with those of 103 fertile controls. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Idiopathic infertility was defined for pathological semen analysis but normal physical examination and endocrine, genetic and biochemical laboratory testing. Unexplained infertility is defined as infertility of unknown origin with normal sperm parameters. Participants/materials, setting, methods Testicular volume (TV) was assessed with a Prader’s orchidometer. Serum hormones and sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF) were measured in every patient. Vitamin D3 (VitD) deficiency was considered for vitD levels &amp;lt;20 ng/mL. Semen analyses were based on the 2010 WHO reference criteria. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Main results and the role of chance Overall, 570 (18.5%) and 154 (5.0%) patients depicted criteria suggestive for either idiopathic or unexplained primary infertility, respectively. Groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, CCI, recreational habits, circulating serum hormones and SDF. Testicular volume was lower in men with idiopathic vs. unexplained infertility [median (IQR) 20 (15-25) vs. 20 (17-25); p &amp;lt; 0.001]; more idiopathic than unexplained infertile men depicted TV &amp;lt; 15ml (23.4% vs. 12%; p &amp;lt; 0.01). Similarly, vitD levels were lower [22 (17-28) vs. 27 (21-42) ng/mL; p &amp;lt; 0.001] in idiopathic vs. unexplained infertile men, with a higher rate of pathologic VitD levels in the same group (42.1% vs. 10%; p = 0.04). When compared to fertile controls, groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, CCI and serum hormones values. TV was larger in fertile controls than idiopathic and unexplained infertile men (all p &amp;lt; 0.01). At multivariable logistic regression analysis only vitD deficiency (OR 8.1, p = 0.03) was found to be associated with idiopathic infertility after accounting for age, BMI, testosterone values and TV. Limitations, reasons for caution The small number of fertile controls may raise the possibility of biases. Wider implications of the findings Idiopathic and unexplained infertility were identified in approximately 20% and 5% of men evaluated, respectively. Idiopathic infertile men showed lower TV and lower vitD values compared to men with unexplained infertility. Future studies are needed to develop a more tailored management to these difficult MFI cases. Trial registration number .

Increased bioavailability of Vitamin D improved pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization cycles, only in patients over 36 years: a cross-sectional study.

Vitamin D (VitD) is a secosteroid hormone showing both antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. Its involvement in placental steroidogenesis and endometrial decidualization even plays a role in other gynecological functions, including assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, controversial data have been reported on its implication in pregnancy outcomes during In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) programs. In order to elucidate the VitD role in ART success, we evaluated serum and follicular fluid (FF) VitD levels in infertile women concerning the pregnancy rate. In our IVF center, 446 patients, under the age of 42 years old, were evaluated in the period between January 2018 and December 2019. It is here important to clarify that, in order to respect the exclusion criteria, only 103 of them were enrolled for the study concerning the VitD evaluation in serum and follicular fluid at the time of the egg retrieval. This took place both in 34 pregnant patients (Group 1) and 69 non-pregnant ones (Group 2). Furthermore, the collection of these data gave us the opportunity to assess a possible correlation between the VitD levels and the achievement of pregnancy in the performed IVF cycles. The studied group included 103 eligible women. The average age for Group 1 was 33.12 ± 3.72 yrs whereas 33.72+3.99 yrs (p=0.467) for Group 2. The main differences were observed concerning follicle numbers of 17-21 mm (p=0.0043), the number of retrieved oocytes (p=0.0207), as well as the number of mature oocytes (p=0.0233) among the different groups. Different reference ranges, established according to the pregnancy outcomes, revealed that pregnant women with >36 yrs showed significantly higher levels of VitD. Increased serum and FF-VitD levels in women undergoing IVF with age ≥36 yrs, were significantly associated with a favorable outcome to achieve and carry on with the pregnancy.

English

BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency continues to be an unrecognized health disorder globally while ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of premature mortality. Many recent studies have found high rates of cardiovascular diseases among patients with low vitamin D levels. Due to limited randomized control trials, it is reasonable to screen acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients for vitamin D deficiency. Thus, the study aims to find out as to whether vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for AMI and evaluate the association between their troponin I and vitamin D levels. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, cases included patients admitted with myocardial infarction in the medicine wards or ICU while controls were age and sex matched apparently healthy subjects. Detailed history was taken about duration of the illness and other significant medical illness. Serum troponin I (Trop I) levels and electrocardiogram (ECG) reports were assessed. Serum samples for 25- hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)VitD] estimation by electrochemiluminescence method, were collected from both cases and controls. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0 software. RESULTS The mean 25(OH)VitD levels were found to be significantly lesser in cases [20.98 ± 6.29 ng/ml] as compared to controls [27.13 ± 10.50 ng/ml], further decreased in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (17 %) subjects [15.70 ± 4.43 ng/ml] as compared to non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (83%) [22.06 ± 6.10 ng/ml]. There exists a significant moderate negative correlation [ρ = -0.46] between troponin I levels and 25(OH)VitD levels in AMI. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency hence can be a risk factor for development of myocardial infarction. But already established risk factors confounds to state it as an independent risk factor. KEYWORDS Acute Myocardial Infarction, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Troponin I, ST-Elevation myocardial infarction, Non-ST Elevation myocardial infarction

Serum Uric Acid and Coronary Arterial Disease in Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Background–Aim: Uric acid is considered a marker of high cardiovascular risk. We investigated the association between serum uric acid and coronary arterial disease (CAD) in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: We enrolled 110 subjects on mean age 69.02 ± 14.3 years old. The participants were categorized for both estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria according to criteria 2012 of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes. Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) was calculated using an equation including the age and mean blood pressure. The CAD prevalence rate was recorded. Results: The patients were divided in two groups according to uric acid cutoff point value related to high ePWV. The patients with higher uric acid were older and they had significantly higher systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and parathyroid hormone, but significantly lower eGFR and 1,25(OH)2 Vit D3 levels. The association between high uric acid and both high ePWV and CAD occurrence was found to be significant ( x2 = 6.7, P = .008 and x2 = 4.1, P = .03, respectively), although the relationship with albuminuria was found to be nonsignificant. In a built multifactorial model, the low serum uric acid rather than the high was found to be an independent predictor for CAD demonstration entering traditional and specific confounders. Conclusion: The low serum uric acid levels were proved to be a significant predictor for CAD accounting potential covariates, even though the high uric acid per se was found to be connected with cardiovascular disease characteristics including arterial stiffness in predialysis CKD patients.

The relationship between serum vitamin D levels and health-related quality of life in peritoneal dialysis patients.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between Vitamin D level and quality of life in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis as renal replacement therapy. 50 peritoneal dialysis patients aged between 18 and 73 years were included in this study. KDQOL-36 questionnaire was applied to rate the quality of life of the patients. This questionnaire consisted of 36 questions divided into five subscales. The patients were divided into two groups according to serum vitamin D levels. Patients with a serum 25(OH) D level < 20ng/mL were identified as vitamin D deficiency group and those with a serum 25(OH)D level ≥ 20ng/mL were identified as normal vitamin D group. The patients had a mean age of 41.16 ± 16.05 years, 56% of them were females. The mean 25(OH) D levels of patients with 25 (OH) D levels < 20ng/mL and those with ≥ 20ng/mL were 10.50 ± 4.62 ng/mL and 25.55 ± 4.11ng/mL, respectively. We found that all subscales of KDQOL-36 were lower with statistically significance in the group with Vitamin D (Vit-D) deficiency. Hemoglobin level was detected as independent risk factor for Symptom and problem list subscales and SF-12 physical component summary subscale (PCS) (P = 0.029, P = 0.047). Vit-D deficiency was detected as independent risk factors for kidney disease burden subscale and PCS (P = 0.035, P = 0.019). Hypertension was detected as independent risk factor for kidney disease burden subscale (P = 0.015). Our study is the first to investigate the relationship between serum Vit-D level and quality of life by KDQOL-36 scale in peritoneal dialysis patients. We revealed that patients with low Vit-D levels had worse quality of life in all subscales.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its prognostic impact on patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Objectives: Although hypovitaminosis D appears to be highly prevalent in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its impact on their prognosis remains unclear.Methods: In this study, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Vit-D) level was measured in 200 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The association between Vit-D and the composite endpoint of intensive care unit (ICU) admission/in-hospital death was explored using univariable and multivariable analyses. Also, serum Vit-D level in patients with COVID-19 was compared with that in age- and sex-balanced COVID-19-negative controls (i.e., 50 inpatients with sepsis).Results: Serum Vit-D level was comparable between patients with COVID-19 and COVID-19-negative inpatients with sepsis (P = 0.397). No significant differences were found in serum Vit-D level according to COVID-19 severity at the time of hospital admission (P = 0.299). Incidence rates of the composite endpoint of ICU admission/in-hospital death did not differ significantly between patients with either Vit-D deficiency (i.e., Vit-D <20 ng/mL) or severe Vit-D deficiency (i.e., Vit-D <12 ng/mL) and those without (31% vs 35% with P = 0.649, and 34% vs 30% with P = 0.593, respectively). Vit-D level and status (i.e., Vit-D deficiency and severe Vit-D deficiency) were not prospectively associated with the risk of the composite endpoint of ICU admission/in-hospital death (P > 0.05 for all Cox regression models).Conclusions: Regardless of the potential usefulness of Vit-D measurement to guide appropriate supplementation, Vit-D does not appear to provide helpful information for the stratification of in-hospital prognosis in patients with COVID-19.

In-hospital mortality in SARS-CoV-2 stratified by serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels: A retrospective study.

This study is done to estimаte in‐hоsрitаl mоrtаlity in раtients with severe асute resрirаtоry syndrоme соrоnаvirus 2 (SАRS‐СоV‐2) strаtified by Vitamin‐D (Vit‐D) levels. Раtients were strаtified ассоrding tо by serum 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25(OH)Vit‐D) levels intо twо grоuрs, that is, 25(OH)Vit‐D less thаn 40 nmol/L аnd 25(OH)Vit‐D greаter thаn 40 nmol/L. А tоtаl оf 231 раtients were inсluded. Оf these, 120 (50.2%) оf the раtients hаd 25(OH)Vit‐D levels greаter thаn 40 nmol/L. The meаn аge wаs 49 ± 17 yeаrs, аnd 67% оf the раtients were mаles. The mediаn length оf оverаll hоsрitаl stаy wаs 18 [6; 53] dаys. The remаining 119 (49.8%) раtients hаd а 25(OH)Vit‐D less thаn 40 nmol/L. Vitamin D levels were seen as deficient in 63% of patients, insufficient in 25% and normal in 12%. Оverаll mоrtаlity wаs 17 раtients (7.1%) but statistically not signifiсаnt among the grоuрs (p = 0.986). The Kарlаn–Meier survivаl аnаlysis shоwed no significance based on an alpha of 0.05, LL = 0.36, df = 1, p = 0.548, indicating Vitamin_D_Levels was not able to adequately predict the hazard of Mortality. In this study, serum 25(OH)Vit‐D levels were found have no significance in terms of predicting the in‐hоsрitаl mortality in раtients with SАRS‐СоV‐2.

Whole-Exome Sequencing for Identification of Genetic Variants Involved in Vitamin D Metabolic Pathways in Families With Vitamin D Deficiency in Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundNumerous research studies have found an association between vitamin D (vitD) status and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in vitD metabolism. It is notable that the influence of these SNPs on 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels might vary in different populations. In this study, we aimed to explore for genetic variants in genes related to vitD metabolism in families with vitD deficiency in Saudi Arabia using whole-exome sequencing (WES).MethodsThis family-based WES study was conducted for 21 families with vitD deficiency (n = 39) in Saudi Arabia. WES was performed for DNA samples, then resulting WES data was filtered and a number of variants were prioritized and validated by Sanger DNA sequencing.ResultsSeveral missense variants in vitD-related genes were detected in families. We determined two variants in low-density lipoprotein 2 gene (LRP2) with one variant (rs2075252) observed in six individuals, while the other LRP2 variant (rs4667591) was detected in 13 subjects. Single variants in 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) (rs143587828) and melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) (rs1805005) genes were observed in two subjects from two different families. Other variants in group-specific component (GC), cubilin (CUBN), and calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene were found in index cases and controls. Polymorphisms in GC (rs9016) and CASR (rs1801726) were found in the majority of family cases (94 and 88%), respectively.ConclusionIn vitD-deficient families in Saudi Arabia, we were able to detect a number of missense exonic variants including variants in GC (rs9016), CUBN (rs1801222), CASR (rs1801726), and LRP2 (rs4667591). However, the existence of these variants was not different between affected family members and non-affected controls. Additionally, we were able to find a mutation in DHCR7 (rs143587828) and a polymorphism in LRP2 (rs2075252), which may affect vitD levels and influence vitD status. Further studies are now required to confirm the association of these variants with vitD deficiency.

Restoration of Vitamin D Levels Improves Endothelial Function and Increases TASK-Like K+ Currents in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency.

Background: Vitamin D (vitD) deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Moreover, PAH-patients with lower levels of vitD have worse prognosis. We hypothesize that recovering optimal levels of vitD in an animal model of PAH previously depleted of vitD improves the hemodynamics, the endothelial dysfunction and the ionic remodeling. Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed a vitD-free diet for five weeks and then received a single dose of Su5416 (20 mg/Kg) and were exposed to vitD-free diet and chronic hypoxia (10% O2) for three weeks to induce PAH. Following this, vitD deficient rats with PAH were housed in room air and randomly divided into two groups: (a) continued on vitD-free diet or (b) received an oral dose of 100,000 IU/Kg of vitD plus standard diet for three weeks. Hemodynamics, pulmonary vascular remodeling, pulmonary arterial contractility, and K+ currents were analyzed. Results: Recovering optimal levels of vitD improved endothelial function, measured by an increase in the endothelium-dependent vasodilator response to acetylcholine. It also increased the activity of TASK-1 potassium channels. However, vitD supplementation did not reduce pulmonary pressure and did not ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricle hypertrophy. Conclusions: Altogether, these data suggest that in animals with PAH and severe deficit of vitD, restoring vitD levels to an optimal range partially improves some pathophysiological features of PAH.

Association of vitamin D and gene variants in the vitamin D metabolic pathway with preterm birth

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the association of vitamin D (VitD) levels during pregnancy and its metabolic pathway genes with the risk for preterm birth (PTB) among pregnant women in southeast China. MethodsThis study was conducted in Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zhejiang, from August 2011 to May 2018. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in three trimesters and single-nucleotide morphisms in the VitD metabolic pathway were measured. Relevant information was collected using questionnaires and an electronic medical recorder system. Multiple statistical methods including linear regression, logistic regression, and crossover analysis were applied. ResultsThe prospective cohort study included 3465 pregnant women, of which 202 were PTB (week of gestation at delivery: 33.38 ± 4.05), accounting for 5.8%. After adjusting for potential confounders, VitD sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL) in the second and third trimesters was associated with longer gestational age at delivery compared with VitD deficiency (<20 ng/mL). However, no significant association was found between VitD with the risk for PTB. rs7041, rs10210408, and rs2228171 were associated with gestational week and the risk for PTB. Significant associations were found of rs10210408, rs2209314, rs1155563, rs2544381 and the status of VitD in the second and third trimester with the gestational week. We also found that rs7041 and VitD in the second trimester might exert interaction on gestational week and the risk for PTB (Pinter = 0.038; Pinter = 0.019); rs16846876 and VitD in the second trimester might exert interaction on gestational week (Pinter = 0.024); rs4334089 and VitD in the third trimester might exert interaction on gestational week (Pinter = 0.024). Similar results were found when we tested pregnant women's plasma 25(OH)D in the first and second trimesters. ConclusionsWomen with VitD deficiency were associated with shorter gestational weeks. Single-nucleotide morphisms in VitD metabolic pathway genes were significantly associated with gestation week and the risk for PTB, mainly in vitamin D–binding protein (GC) and low-density lipoprotein-related protein 2 (LRP2)genes. Additionally, maternal VitD with GC gene and maternal VitD with vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene might exert interactions on the risk for PTB.

Assessment of Serum Vit D and Serum Ferritin in Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

Introduction: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) is a non-scarring alopecia that affects both men and women. Itis characterized by a progressive miniaturization of hair follicles with a characteristic pattern distribution ingenetically predisposed men and women.Aim of the study: To assess the level of serum ferritin and vit D3 in female pattern of androgenic alopecia.Patients and method: A prospective case control study carried out at Department of Dermatology inBaladgeneral hospital, Iraq at the period from the first of January 2019 to the end of Dec 2019.Results: serum vit D3 for patients was (22.8 ± 11.5) in case group and (34.4±5.7) in control group, whilefor S. ferritin was (35.7±5.0) in control group and (44.8±7.3) in control group. Vit D3 deficiency (&lt;20 mg/dl) were found in 68% of patients while 30% with vit D3 insufficiency.In three grades of severity, it was found that vit D3 level in grade I was (24.2±6.9), in grade II (20.7±7.2),and in III (18.9±9.2). While for ferritin was (37.4±10.8) in grade I, (30.7±9.4) in grade II, and (25.9±12.1)in grade III.No significant differences were found between the three grades groups regarding serum vitamine D3, whilesignificant difference present among S. ferritin. The sensitivity of the vit D3 test to predict the disease were(90.9%), the specificity was excellent (95.1%), while for ferritin the sensitivity was (88.3%), the specificitywas (89.0%).Conclusion: Serum Vit D3 and Ferritin concentrations were significantly decrease in female with androgenicalopecia.