VitD Levels Research Articles

Evaluating the predictive effect of vitamin D on clinical outcomes of infliximab-treated Crohn’s disease patients in western China

The aim was to evaluate predictors of clinical outcomes in infliximab (IFX)-treated Crohn’s disease (CD) patients in western China and provide evidence for future treatment optimization. Our retrospective study included CD patients at Chongqing General Hospital from July 2022 to July 2023. Clinical data of CD patients at baseline and the endpoint (the seventh IFX treatment, 38 weeks) were collected. Baseline variables of IFX-treated patients with regard to clinical remission [Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) < 150] at endpoint were assessed, and the correlation of serum vitamin D (Vit-D) levels before initiating IFX therapy and CDAI at week 38 was analyzed. Sixty patients with IFX-treated CD were included. The Vit-D-deficient rate was 51.7% at baseline, 81.7% of patients achieved clinical remission, and 66.7% achieved endoscopic remission at week 38 of IFX treatment. Vit-D level at baseline was an independent predictors of clinical remission after IFX treatment (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that when Vit-D concentration was 15.81 ng/ml, the area under the curve was 0.711 (95% CI 0.523–0.899, P = 0.03). The sensitivity and specificity were 81.6% and 63.6%, respectively. Vit-D level in the normal BMI, non-smoking, immunosuppressant-treated subgroup had independent predictive value for CDAI at endpoint (P < 0.05). Baseline Vit-D level predicted clinical remission in CD patients after IFX treatment, especially in those with normal body mass index, who do not smoke, and who take IFX in combination with immunosuppressants.

SARS-CoV-2 induced vitamin D deficiency and psychological stress: a manifestation of autoimmune disease onset.

The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic significantly altered lifestyles, access to healthcare, and social interactions, introducing unprecedented physical and psychological stress all over the world. This study explores the relationship between psychological stress, vitamin D (Vit-D) levels, and autoimmune connective tissue diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The analysis was based on over one million patient data points derived from anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) testing conducted both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic 2017-2021. In a subset of patients, longitudinal data were collected bi-yearly to yearly over 5-8 years using the same three-month criteria. The dataset was analyzed using GraphPad Prism9 using paired t-tests or ordinary one-way ANOVA with a significance threshold of p < 0.05 to ensure robust correlations between the variables. Data indicated that Vit-D levels peaked between 2017 and 2019 before declining, while ANA data demonstrated a rise in autoimmune connective tissue disease cases during the pandemic, reaching a peak in 2021. A clear correlation was observed, with autoimmune disease incidence increasing as Vit-D levels decreased. In-depth case analysis revealed that declining Vit-D levels preceded higher ANA titers and increased autoimmune disease severity, whereas improvements in Vit-D levels were associated with reduced ANA titers and less severe disease manifestations. The findings suggest that maintaining mental health and ensuring adequate Vit-D supplementation could be essential strategies for mitigating autoimmune disease risks and maintaining immune stability, particularly in pandemic scenarios. Clinically, these results underscore the need for early interventions targeting both psychological well-being and Vit-D levels to reduce the burden of autoimmune diseases.

A-039 Parathyroid Hormone and Vitamin D Follow an Inversely Correlated Serum Level

Abstract Background Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a polypeptide responsible for regulating the physiological level of serum calcium through a complex homeostatic process closely associated with bone metabolism. In response to a decreased serum concentration of calcium, PTH level is increased leading to the elevation of calcium via bone resorption. Furthermore, Vitamin D (Vit-D) is a critical component of the endocrine system that also contributes to calcium homeostasis. Vit-D increases the level of serum calcium by stimulating intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption. Vit-D impacts the serum level of PTH by two distinct mechanisms. First indirectly, an increase in serum concentration of calcium, caused by Vit-D-mediated intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption disengages the process of PTH release through interaction with calcium-sensing receptors on parathyroid cells. Secondly, Vit-D directly interacts with parathyroid cells resulting in a reduced expression of PTH. Taken together, Vit-D is assumed to negatively impact the serum level of PTH. This study examined the homeostatic correlation between the circulating concentrations of Vit-D and PTH. Methods Retrospective serum concentrations of PTH and Vit-D were retrieved from the biochemical profiles of hospitalized and ambulatory patients who presented to or admitted at the tertiary care level hospital of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center during the period between July-to-September of 2021. Correlation analysis between Vit-D and PTH was performed using GraphPad-PRISM-version-8. Results A total of 163 corresponding serum Vit-D and PTH values were obtained. Vit-D and PTH values displayed an inverse correlation (Figure 1). Pearson r values for linear and logarithmic trendlines (-0.6745 and -0.785, respectively) demonstrated a negative correlation between Vit-D and PTH. Conclusions Measuring Vit-D and PTH levels are critically important for assessing the homeostatic status of calcium. PTH level maintains an inverse relationship with Vit-D. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of Vit-D or PTH would mutually affect their concentration eventually reflected in calcium homeostasis.

Differences in DNA Methylation in Genes Involved in Vitamin D Metabolism Are Related to Insulin Requirement in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

In a previous study performed by our group, pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes (GDM) showed higher vitamin D (VitD) levels in the last trimester, particularly in those requiring insulin. This phenomenon was not linked to factors like season or supplementation. This study aimed to investigate if insulin treatment in GDM affects DNA methylation in VitD metabolism genes. Thirty-two pregnant women were selected, half of whom had GDM, and were divided into insulin-treated and lifestyle groups. The DNA methylation levels in CpGs from 47 VitD metabolism-related genes were analyzed at the diagnostic visit (24-28 weeks) and before delivery. At week 36-38 of pregnancy, twenty-six CpG sites were differentially methylated (DMPs) in the insulin-treated group compared with the control group and the lifestyle group. Twenty-two of these DMPs were not different at the diagnostic visit. Six CpGs (cg18276810 (CTNNB1), cg03919554 (FGFR3), cg03984919 (NCOA1), cg19218509 (ASIP), cg09922639 (SMAD3), and cg25356935 (PDZD3)) showed significant correlations with VitD levels, not only before childbirth, but also in the postpartum period and at one year later. This suggests that insulin treatment in GDM could influence DNA methylation in genes involved in vitamin D metabolism, affecting VitD levels during and after pregnancy. Further research is warranted to elucidate these findings' clinical implications.

Increase of serum vitamin D levels in the COVID-19 pandemic: Report of a Mexican reference clinical laboratory

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic prompted health professionals to look for prevention and treatment options to improve outcomes. Vitamin D3 (VitD) is a sun dependent, immunomodulatory hormone that was widely used approaching COVID-19 because of previous experience with other RTIs. Its use was recommended in clinical practice guidelines and mainstream media, motivating supplement consumption. This increased the demand for serum VitD determinations, as well as the progressive increase of serum VitD levels. ObjectiveStudy the change in mean VitD serum levels in the population of one reference clinical laboratory before and during pandemic years. MethodsWe analyzed 65,481 results (78% female, mean age of 53.47 (M = 55, IQR = 25)). ResultsThe median Vitamin D level was higher in all seasons in the pandemic years compared to previous years: spring 24 ng/dL (IQR 13.7) vs 25.4 ng/dL (IQR 17), summer 23.5 ng/dL (IQR 13.4) vs 24.2 ng/dL (IQR 16.3), autumn 23.7 ng/dL (IQR 14.3) vs 27 ng/dL (IQR 18.7), winter 22.4 ng/dL (IQR 14.9) vs 23.4 ng/dL (IQR 17.8). ConclusionsThe increase in serum VitD during the pandemic years is probably due to the recommendations of its use in guidelines of clinical practice. Although up to date the CDC and NIH have deemed there is not enough information in favor or against VitD use, epidemiology studies should be done to observe the impact of widespread VitD use in COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Assessment IL-6, TGF-1, CRP, and Vit-D in Women With Uterine Fibroid

Background: Uterine fibroids, also known as UFs, are the most common type of tumor that occurs in the female reproductive system. They affect a significant majority, around 70-80%, of women during their lifetime. Various factors that increase the incidence of Uterine Fibroids (UFs) have been found, including as vitamin D deficiency, inflammation, DNA repair deficit, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. Objective: The purpose of this study to evaluated the level of IL-6, TGF-1, CRP, and Vit-D in women with uterine fibroid and study the relation these parameter with different ages. Materials and methods: 90 blood samples were collected and divided into (50) blood samples from women with uterine fibroids who received a diagnosis from a qualified medical specialist, and (40) blood samples from healthy women, whose ages ranged from (20-50). Assessment level of IL-6, TGF-1, CRP, and Vit-D have been done by using ELISA technique. Result: The results showed that there was no significant difference at the probability level (P&gt;0.05) in the level of IL-6 in women with uterine fibroids, as it reached (44.9±4.4 pg/ml) when compared with healthy women (42.5±4.1 pg/ml). The results of this study showed a significant increase in the levels of both β-TGF and CRP in women with uterine fibroids at the probability level (P&lt;0.05), reaching (2.870±0.760ng/ml, 62.9±6.4 pg/ml), respectively, when compared with Healthy women: As for Vit.D3, it showed a significant decrease in women with uterine fibroids at the probability level (P≤0.05), as it reached (5.92±1.87 ng/ml). Conclusion: This result concluded no differences in the level of IL-6 in women with uterine fibroids, while increase in the levels of both β-TGF and CRP . Furthermore, decrease level of Vit.D3.

Serum Vitamin D3 as a Potential Biomarker for Neuronal Damage in Smoldering Multiple Sclerosis

Permanent inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative processes lead to neurological disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D3 (VitD) are well established, but its role in neurodegeneration is still uncertain. The usefulness of the serum concentration of VitD as a potential biomarker in evaluating brain injury in terms of recently known smoldering MS was under consideration. Methods: We assessed the concentrations of the parameters of brain injury (NF-H, GPAF, S100B, UCHL1) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of relapsing-remitting (RRMS, n = 123) and progressive MS (PMS, n = 88) patients in the group with normal levels of VitD (VitDn) and in the VitD deficiency group (VitDd). The levels of NF-H and UCHL1 were higher in the group of VitDd compared to VitDn. The higher serum levels of VitD were correlated with lower concentrations of GFAP, NF-H and S100B in the CSF of the whole group of MS patients and in women with MS as opposed to the levels of UCHL1. In men, there were noted negative correlations between the levels of serum VitD and GFAP and NF-H in CSF but not between VitD and S100B and UCHL1. The negative correlations were observed between VitD and the selected parameters of brain injury in MS patients, in women as well as in men. The concentrations of serum VitD together with selected parameters of brain injury in CSF seem to be promising biomarkers of neurodegeneration processes in smoldering MS.

Relationship between homocysteine levels, vitamin D and cognitive function in persons with intellectual disability

Objectives The aim of the article is to determine the relationship between homocysteine in the plasma, vitamin D (VitD) in the serum and cognitive abilities in persons with mild intellectual disability (ID) in different age groups. Methods In a cross-sectional, observational study including younger and older participants with mild ID, a cognitive assessment was performed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and blood samples were taken to assess plasma homocysteine and serum VitD levels. Results A total of 60 persons with mild ID were included in the study, of whom 30 were aged 9–16 and 30 were aged 35–62 years old. Increased plasma homocysteine values were detected in 85% of cases and reduced serum VitD levels in 90% of cases. Older participants had significantly higher homocysteine values than younger ones (t(58) = −4.19; p = 0.00; d = 1.082), while younger participants had significantly more pronounced VitD deficiency than older ones (t(58) = −3.91; p = 0.00; d = 1.011). A significant correlation between cognition and VitD values was found in older participants (r = −0.424, p = 0.020). Conclusions A substantial proportion of individuals with ID, both children and adults, have increased total homocysteine (tHcy) plasma levels and insufficient VitD serum, but the clinical significance of these findings remains to be determined. Homocysteine and VitD have not been found to have a protective effect on cognition among persons with mild ID.

Assessment IL-6, TGF-1, CRP, and Vit-D in Women With Uterine Fibroid

Background: Uterine fibroids, also known as UFs, are the most common type of tumor that occurs in the female reproductive system. They affect a significant majority, around 70-80%, of women during their lifetime. Various factors that increase the incidence of Uterine Fibroids (UFs) have been found, including as vitamin D deficiency, inflammation, DNA repair deficit, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. Objective: The purpose of this study to evaluated the level of IL-6, TGF-1, CRP, and Vit-D in women with uterine fibroid and study the relation these parameter with different ages. Materials and methods: 90 blood samples were collected and divided into (50) blood samples from women with uterine fibroids who received a diagnosis from a qualified medical specialist, and (40) blood samples from healthy women, whose ages ranged from (20-50). Assessment level of IL-6, TGF-1, CRP, and Vit-D have been done by using ELISA technique. Result: The results showed that there was no significant difference at the probability level (P&gt;0.05) in the level of IL-6 in women with uterine fibroids, as it reached (44.9±4.4 pg/ml) when compared with healthy women (42.5±4.1 pg/ml). The results of this study showed a significant increase in the levels of both β-TGF and CRP in women with uterine fibroids at the probability level (P&lt;0.05), reaching (2.870±0.760ng/ml, 62.9±6.4 pg/ml), respectively, when compared with Healthy women: As for Vit.D3, it showed a significant decrease in women with uterine fibroids at the probability level (P≤0.05), as it reached (5.92±1.87 ng/ml). Conclusion: This result concluded no differences in the level of IL-6 in women with uterine fibroids, while increase in the levels of both β-TGF and CRP . Furthermore, decrease level of Vit.D3.

Assessment of the vitamin D level and demographic characteristics of children suffering from β-thalassemia in Thi-Qar province

Beta thalassemia is a genetic disorder inherited by autosomal recessive inheritance, is present all over the world . Lifelong transfusions are necessary for people with beta-thalassemia, which can result in an iron buildup in the skin, liver, and kidneys that reduces the production of vitamin D. This study aims to evaluate vitamin D levels, blood groups, and demographic characteristics in beta-thalassemia patients. The current study was conducted at the thalassemia center and hereditary blood disease in Thi-Qar Province with eighty-eight blood samples collected from individuals. It was divided into three groups according to age range, the first group (2-6), the second group (7- 11), and the third group (12- 15). In the current study, there was a significant decrease in Vit-D3 levels among thalassemia patients compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05) . As for age between the patients group and the control group, the highest proportion of patients in the third age group. As for gender, the results of the study found a non-significant difference at the (P ≤ 0.05 ) level between the patients group and the control group. The most common blood group in thalassemia was O followed by blood groups A, B, and AB. It also shows that the majority of the population was positive Rh.

Investigation of the extent of post-extraction bone contraction and remodeling after 4 months. A prospective pilot study

ObjectivesTo investigate the correlation between the serum levels of 25(OH)D and the resorption of the alveolar bone walls and regeneration of the alveolar space after tooth extraction. Methods14 adults in need of extraction of hopeless teeth were enrolled. An intraoral digital impression was performed, and each patient was tested to assess serum vitamin D levels. Subsequently, extraction of teeth and contextual guided bone regeneration was performed using porcine origin graft material and a resorbable collagen membrane to covert the defect. After 4 months, an impression was taken, and the model was scanned using a professional scanner for lab. At the same time, a cone beam computed tomography was performed to plan implant insertion through fully digital computer guided surgery. Bone was collected to perform histological and histomorphometric analysis. Pre and postoperative scans were compared using a specific software to estimate the volumetric changes. Tests were applied to investigate the relationship between the different predictor variables and the outcome variables. Results14 patients were divided in 3 groups depending on the serum Vit-D levels, identifying three ranges corresponding to low (lower than 20), medium (between 20 and 30), and optimal vitamin D levels (higher than 30). Volumetric contraction after extraction was observed for all patients, without any significant difference between the groups. Focusing on the post-extraction regeneration, patients belonging to the group with lower levels of Vit-D displayed lower and more disorganized levels of bone. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that Col1A1 and Osteocalcin had no physiological alteration. Osteopontin could be identified near the external surface of bone tissue granules. Runx2 signals were detected near the margins of bone trabeculae. ConclusionsSerum vit-D levels do not appear to influence the extent of post-extraction bone contraction; on the contrary, they seem to influence the post-extraction regeneration. Clinical SignificanceVit D serum levels may influence the regenerative aspect during post-extraction turn-over. This might suggest controlling and (in case of low levels) recommend Vit D supplement in the patient diet in case of extraction.

Vitamin D Status and Behavioral Impulsivity in Anorexia Nervosa: Insights from a Longitudinal Study.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder marked by extreme weight control behaviors and significant impacts on physical and psychosocial health. This study explores the relationship between vitamin D (Vit-D) levels and impulsivity in women with AN. Forty-six cisgender White women participants were assessed upon admission and before discharge from a specialized eating disorder treatment center, with an average duration of 2.5 ± 0.10 months. Methods included self-reported questionnaires and behavioral tasks to measure impulsivity, alongside serum Vit-D levels. Our results showed significant improvements in Vit-D levels and certain impulsivity measures, such as faster reaction times and fewer errors on the go/no-go task, correlating with higher Vit-D levels. However, no significant correlations were found between Vit-D levels and self-reported impulsivity. These findings suggest that adequate Vit-D levels may enhance cognitive functions related to impulse control in AN. Given this study's limitations, including its exclusive focus on women and small sample size, future research should involve larger, more diverse populations and randomized clinical trials to better understand the causal relationships and therapeutic potential of Vit-D in managing AN-related impulsivity.

Genetic Variants in Vitamin-D Metabolism Genes (rs1155563, rs12785878 and rs10500804) among Females with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia.

Hypovitaminosis D has shown to be linked with T2DM development and control in numerous studies. The association of SNPs in genes related to VitD metabolism with T2DM has not been sufficiently studied. Consequently, our aim in the present study was to explore the association between genetic variants in genes connected with VitD, mainly a SNP in GC (rs1155563), a SNP in DHCR7 (rs12785878) and a SNP in CYP2R1 (rs10500804) with glycaemic parameters in females with T2DM in Saudi Arabia. The cross-sectional study included 149 females (age 38-52 years) with T2DM from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (September 2022-March 2023). Blood was extracted from the participants for biochemical tests including measuring VitD [25(OH)D] concentration, parameters of glycaemia (HbA1c, insulin, fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity indices including HOMA2-IR and HOMA2-%β), and for genomic DNA isolation. Sanger DNA sequencing was used to screen for VitD genetic polymorphisms (rs1155563, rs12785878 and rs10500804). Minor allele frequency for rs1155563C, rs12785878T and rs10500804G was 0.21, 0.23 and 0.37, respectively. Levels of 25(OH)D and glycaemic parameters as well did not show any significant difference between the genotypes of each SNP. This study showed lack of association of rs1155563 in GC, rs12785878 in DHCR7 and rs10500804 in CYP2R1 with VitD level primarily and with glycaemic parameters secondarily. Additional research is required to explore further other VitD genetic polymorphisms influencing T2DM which might lead consequently to genetically-based personalized management for T2DM.

Associations between Longitudinal Maternal and Cord Blood Vitamin D Status and Child Growth Trajectories Up to 4 Years of Age.

The current study aimed to explore the combined and individual effects of vitamin D (VitD) status in three trimesters during pregnancy and cord blood (CB) on child growth trajectories from birth to 4 years of age. Pregnant women (n = 1100) were recruited between 2013 and 2016 in the Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) Study. A total of 959 mother-child dyads were included. VitD status was measured by LC-MS/MS at three trimesters (T1, T2, T3) and CB. Children's weight, length/height, and head circumference were assessed at birth, 42 days, 6, 12, 24 months, and 4 years of age, and standardized into z-scores [weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), length-for-age z-score (LAZ), head circumference-for-age z-score (HCZ) and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ)]. Using the group-based trajectory model (GBTM), the trajectories of the four growth parameters were categorized into discrete groups. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) was employed to analyze the mixed effect of 25(OH)D throughout pregnancy on growth trajectories. The association between 25(OH)D status and each growth trajectory group was examined by multivariable logistic regression. Each 10 ng/mL increase in 25(OH) throughout three trimesters was not associated with four anthropometric parameters. Each 10 ng/mL increase in VitD in T3 was associated with a lower risk in the WAZ high-increasing trajectory (aOR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.91; p < 0.01). Each 10 ng/mL increase in VitD in CB was associated with a lower risk in the WAZ high-increasing trajectory (aOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.76; p < 0.01). No significant association was found between maternal or CB VitD and LAZ or HCZ. Three trimesters' VitD throughout pregnancy had no persistent effect on the offspring's growth trajectory. However, higher VitD status in the third trimester and CB related to a lower risk of high-increasing WAZ from birth to 4 years of age. Elevated VitD levels in late pregnancy and cord blood may protect against continuous early-life weight growth at high levels.

Can Vitamin D Supplementation Improve Inflammation in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients?

(1) Background: Studies indicate that vitamin D (VitD) may reduce inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study was to assess the effect of supplementation with different doses of VitD on inflammation in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients. (2) Methods: The effect of 6-month supplementation with different doses of oral VitD (2000 IU/day) in a high-dose group (HD, n = 23) and a low-dose group (15,960 IU/month) (LD, n = 29) on selected markers of inflammation was assessed in 52 RRMS patients. (3) Results: Females constituted the majority of participants (63.46%). The median age [years] was 39.5 [34.5-49.8] and 47 [40.0-55.0] in the HD and LD groups, respectively. Significant differences were observed in age (p = 0.028), body weight (p = 0.014) and height (p = 0.001) between the study groups. Considering the BMI, statistically significant differences were not found (p = 0.496). The median 25(OH)D concentration [ng/mL] increased from 23.023 [15.578-25.76] in the HD group and 28.318 [20.644-32.232] in the LD group to 29.819 [24.937-38.064] and 30.837 [25.382-36.789], respectively (p < 0.01), and the increase was significantly higher in the HD group (p = 0.01). Hypovitaminosis D was found in most patients (71.2%) initially, and serum VitD levels were still <30.0 ng/mL in 46.2% of the participants at the follow-up. A significant increase in the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23 and TNF -α [pg/mL] and a decrease in IL-10 levels were reported during the study (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was observed between 25(OH)D serum levels and sCD40L (R = 0.33; p < 0.05) and TNF-α (R = 0.28; p < 0.05), and a significant negative correlation was reported between 25(OH)D and IL-23 (R = -0.32; p < 0.01) at the beginning of the study. (4) Conclusions: In RRMS patients, the doses of VitD were probably too low to induce beneficial effects on inflammation. Further studies are warranted to determine the effect of VitD supplementation on inflammatory markers in MS patients.

Vitamin D affects the risk of disease activity in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundVitamin D (VitD) affects the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), but the impact on disease activity is controversial. We assessed whether VitD is associated with the No-Evidence of Disease Activity-3...

Assessment of vitamin d status among egyptian covid-19 patients

BackgroundThe COVID-19 outbreak has increased awareness of vitamin D's (Vit-D) potential advantages for both prevention and treatment. Adequate vitamin D levels are necessary for health of the immune system, which can help with cellular response and protection against the severity of microbial infection.PurposeTo evaluate Vit-D levels and their association with illness severity in Egyptian COVID-19-infected individuals.MethodsThis case–control investigation was performed at the Alexandria Main University Hospital on 80 subjects divided into 2 groups: 40 COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy persons to measure the Vit-D levels of the Egyptian cohort.ResultsThere was a statistically insignificant difference in the Vit-D serum levels of the studied groups (P = 1.000). The age of the Vit-D insufficient patients was significantly higher than that of Vit-D sufficient patients (P = 0.006). There was a statistically insignificant rise in the CRP level in the Vit-D insufficient patients (P = 0.862) compared to patients with sufficient Vit-D. Also, the D-dimer levels in Vit-D-insufficient patients were considerably higher (P = 0.015). Patients with sufficient Vit-D exhibited significantly lower levels of IL-6 than Vit-D insufficient patients. (P = 0.037). Patients in the Vit-D-insufficient subgroup needed substantially more breathing support than those in the Vit-D-sufficient group (P = 0.020).ConclusionAlthough there was no association between both levels of Vit-D and the COVID-19 infection risk, insufficiency of Vit-D was related to more severe infection.

High Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A1 is Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

To explore the relationship between vitamin D (VitD) deficiency and the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (apo B/A1) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This was a retrospective study that lasted 2 years and 6 months, collecting information and laboratory data from 784 patients with T2DM. Patients were divided into VitD deficiency group (n = 433) and non-VitD deficiency group (n = 351) based on VitD levels. Calculated apo B/A1 ratio, and patients were further divided into high-apo B/A1 group (n = 392) and low-apo B/A1 group (n = 392) based on the median of the apo B/A1. All data were analyzed using Prism 8.0.1 and R version 4.3.1 software. Apo B/A1 levels of T2DM patients combined with VitD deficiency was significantly higher than that of non-VitD deficiency patients, and the VitD levels of patients with high apo B/A1 was significantly lower than that patients with low apo B/A1 (all P<0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that VitD levels were negatively correlated with apo B/A1 (r=-0.238, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed after adjusting other factors, VitD levels were significantly negatively associated with apo B/A1 (β=-0.123, P=0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed apoB/A1 was an independent risk factor for VitD deficiency in T2DM patients. Restrictive cubic spline indicated a significant linear relationship between apoB/A1 and VitD deficiency (P general trend <0.0001, P nonlinear = 0.0896), after stratification of gender, the results showed that apo B/A1 was more susceptible to VitD deficiency in female patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity of the apo B/A1 for VitD deficiency were 0.654, 66.3% and 59.8%, respectively. The apo B/A1 was significantly negatively associated with VitD levels and an independent risk factor for VitD deficiency in patients with T2DM.

Assessment of vitamin D status and associated risk factors in high-altitude populations affected by multiple sclerosis: A case-control study.

Several studies have suggested a correlation between serum vitamin D (VitD) level and multiple sclerosis (MS). MS has a known latitudinal distribution pattern, with greater incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates at higher latitudes. This study aims to assess levels of VitD and serum potassium in subjects with MS and the impact of gender and age as disease risk factors. A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted in a high-altitude region of Saudi Arabia. VitD deficiency was defined as serum 25 (OH)D level of ≤20 ng/mL and insufficiency as a serum level between >20 ng/mL and <30 ng/mL. Two hundred patients with MS volunteered for the study, and 160 healthy participants served as controls. VitD and serum potassium were measured in patients and controls. Student t test and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The average MS patient age was 37.37 ± 10.8 years. Most (73.02%) MS patients suffered from deficient vitamin D, while insufficiency (20-29 ng/mL) was found in 12.17%. Only 6.35% had sufficient vitamin D (30-40 ng/mL). VitD was significantly decreased in MS patients compared to the healthy controls (17.036 vs 25.01 ng/mL, P < .001), while serum potassium was also decreased (4.278 vs 4.329 mmol/L, P = .269). Risk factors found to have a statistically significant association with MS included female gender (odd ratio [OR] = 1.72, 95% confidence interval: 1.016-2.915; P = .044) and patient age < 40 years (OR = 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.023-1.054; P = .044). VitD was significantly lower in MS patients. The prevalence of MS was higher among women and younger individuals in a high-altitude population in Saudi Arabia.

Recovery of optimal vitamin D improves responsiveness to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): R.A. has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Marie-Curie grant agreement Nº 847635. Introduction 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 demonstrated that in animals with PAH and severe deficit of vitD, restoring vitD levels to an optimal range partially improves some pathophysiological features of PAH. Also, recent evidence suggests that vitD deficiency may cause insufficient response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i), such as sildenafil, in some patients with PAH. Thus, in this study, we hypothesize that the recovery of optimal vitD levels in experimental PAH might help to improve responsiveness to PDE5i therapy. 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 divided into two groups: (a) daily tadalafil therapy (oral;10mg/kg) + continued vitD-free diet (n=9) or (b) daily tadalafil therapy (oral;10mg/kg) + single oral dose of 50,000 IU/Kg of vitD plus standard diet (n=9) for four weeks. Animals were then used for exercise capacity evaluation, invasive haemodynamic, pulmonary vascular analysis, and sample collection. Evolution of cardiac (dys)function was assessed by echocardiography. Results Recovering optimal vitD levels improved pulmonary endothelial function, measured by an increase in the endothelium-dependent vasodilator response to acetylcholine. It also increased the vasodilator response to sildenafil. Moreover, pulmonary small artery (&amp;lt;55 µm) remodeling was decreased in vitD-restored group, as measured by a decline in mean lumen/total ratio and mean medial thickness. In a morphometric analysis, vitD treatment attenuated increases in both right ventricle (RV) and right atrial hypertrophy, as well as the fulton index. VitD supplementation also improved the exercise capacity with increases seen in distance run, evaluated by endurance tests in a treadmill set. RV catheterization showed that vitD did not decreased the RV dysfunction, evaluated by end-systolic and end-diastolic pressure. Similar to the RV, no alterations were observed in pulmonary artery pressures. However, echocardiographic analysis revealed an improved pulmonary flow in the vitD-restored group, where pulmonary artery acceleration time normalized to ejection time ratio and pulmonary artery velocity-time integral were increased. It also improved tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Conclusion Altogether, these data suggest that in animals with PAH treated with tadalafil, restoring vitD levels to an optimal range improves some pathophysiological features of PAH. Therefore, in addition to recovery of optimal vitD status being indicated to restore calcium homeostasis in those PAH patients with severe deficiency, it might help to improve responsiveness to PDE5i.