Vitamin D Deficiency Research Articles

Investigating the Effect of Vitamin D3 on Osseointegration of Dental Implants in Rabbits: An Experimental Pilot Study

Aim: Studying in rabbit model, the bone behavior during the process of osseointegration of dental implants mimicking vitamin deficiency D3.Materials and Methods: Six rabbits received implants in the area of the removed lower first incisor after creating a condition of vitamin D3 deficiency. Afterwards, the examinations were carried out on days 3, 5, 7, 30, and 90 when all animals were removed from the experiment. At that time, a bone block was collected within the installed dental implant, with the intact area and the area of the adjacent tooth. The samples were examined by histomorphometry analysis.Results: In rabbits with vitamin D3 deficiency, dental implants could be osseointegrated by the regeneration of the bone tissues after surgeries. However, a decrease in the number of cells involved in the construction of bone tissue—osteocytes—was recorded in the regenerated bone (40% ± 7%) as compared with the native bone immediately after implantation, before the bone remodeling processes.Conclusions: The study’s results on the rabbit model in vivo confirmed the relationship between vitamin D3 and the process of osseointegration. This in vivo experiment can be the basis for future clinical study.

Epidemiology of Celiac Disease in Western Iran during 2019-2021.

Celiac disease is a growing global public health concern. This epidemiological study is aimed at determining the prevalence of celiac disease in Kermanshah, Western Iran, from 2019 to 2021, as well as the frequency of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal manifestations associated with the disease. In this cross-sectional study, the medical records of all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease between 2019 and 2021 were reviewed. The average population during the study period was 2,058,545. A researcher-developed checklist was used as the data collection tool, and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. During the study period, there were 113 patients diagnosed with celiac disease, with a mean age of 29.1 ± 16.6 years. The three-year prevalence of celiac disease was 5.49 (95% CI: 5.17-5.82) per 100,000 population. Among these patients, 70% (n = 78) was female. The most common gastrointestinal manifestations of the disease were abdominal pain (77.8%), constipation (59.3%), and diarrhea (54.9%). Iron-deficiency anemia (64.6%) and vitamin D3 deficiency (46.1%) were the most common nongastrointestinal manifestations. Growth retardation was observed in 39.0% of patients. This study demonstrated a higher prevalence of celiac disease in Kermanshah compared to global statistics. Given the association of celiac disease with other conditions such as diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, growth retardation, and iron-deficiency anemia, healthcare providers should consider screening patients for celiac disease. Furthermore, community-based education is crucial in raising awareness about the significance of adhering to a proper diet and reducing wheat consumption.

Vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women and their relationship with diabetes mellitus

Background: Vitamin D (VD) plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism and bone growth and has emerging roles beyond the skeleton. Deficiency is linked to various health issues, especially in postmenopausal women. The burden of T2DM in India, particularly among women, emphasizes the need for exploring the VD-diabetes connection. Aim and Objective: To investigate VD levels in postmenopausal women with T2DM compared to premenopausal women, assessing the association between VD deficiency and glycemic control. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in Chennai, India, involving pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women with T2DM. Ethical clearance was obtained, and participants were recruited with informed consent. Fifty pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women, each with T2DM, were included. Exclusions involved individuals taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, anticonvulsants, and those afflicted with osteoporosis, renal disease, asthma, and hypertension. Blood samples were collected for glucose and VD level assessments, employing standard methodologies. Results: Pre-menopausal women exhibited significantly higher VD levels compared to their post-menopausal counterparts. Blood sugar levels did not significantly differ based on menopausal status. Conclusion: This study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between VD, menopausal status, and glycemic control in women with T2DM. The high prevalence of VD deficiency and its association with suboptimal glycemic control emphasize the need for further research. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing targeted interventions for postmenopausal women with diabetes.

Study on the clinical value of Vitamin D in recurrent spontaneous abortion: Revisiting the Importance of Vitamin D.

This study explores the possible pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) caused by vitamin D (VD), provides evidence-based bases for prevention and treatment of RSA, improves female reproductive health. This study randomly selected 305 patients without spontaneous abortion (SA0), 216 patients with a spontaneous abortion (SA1) and 200 patients with RSA from 1421 women of childbearing age who visited the RSA specialty clinic of Hangzhou First People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023 to conduct a prospective clinical study. Then, we collected the data of clinical diagnosis and treatment, conducted intervention and follow-up, and finally executed statistical analysis. (1) RSA patients were significantly older than the other two groups. (2) The rates of VD deficiency in SA1 and RSA patients were significantly higher than those in SA0. (3) When BMI<20 or>24kg/m2 , there were abnormal increase in VD and increased number of spontaneous abortions. (4) The bilateral S/D of the VD-sufficient, VD-insufficient and VD-deficient groups gradually increased with statistical significance (p ≤ .018). (5) Among the 65 cases undergoing embryo chromosome examinations, chromosomal abnormalities accounted for 55.38% and 69.05% in RSA patients. (6) Among 186 patients with abnormal ACA, there was a certain negative correlation between ACA and VD, which was stronger among RSA patients. Moreover, ACA significantly decreased (p<.001) after effectively supplementing VD, and the miscarriage rate of re-pregnancy also decreased. The rate of VD deficiency is higher in RSA patients. VD deficiency may be related to the age of women of childbearing age and too low or high BMI, and may cause abnormal plasma antiphospholipid antibodies, increased uterine artery resistance and abnormal chromosomal division during fertilization, leading to spontaneous abortion and even RSA. The improvement of VD deficiency may reduce the risk of RSA occurrence.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and their impact on all-cause mortality in Parkinson's disease: insights from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2020 data.

This study explores the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and mortality among Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, providing evidence for the potential benefits of vitamin D (VD) supplementation. PD patients were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 1999 to 2020. These patients were categorized based on their serum 25(OH)D levels: deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency. We compared demographic information and analyzed mortality data from the National Death Index. A restricted cubic spline model assessed the nonlinear association between 25(OH)D levels and mortality, complemented by multivariable Cox regression analysis. Consistency of results was checked through subgroup analysis. The study included 364 PD patients: 87 (23.9%) with VD deficiency, 121 (33.2%) with insufficiency, and 156 (42.9%) with sufficiency. Demographically, 46.4% were male, and 56% were over 65 years. The deficiency group predominantly consisted of Mexican Americans (53.1%), had lower income levels, a higher unmarried rate, and increased liver disease incidence. The analysis showed a U-shaped curve between 25(OH)D levels and mortality risk, with the lowest risk at 78.68 nmol/L (p-non-linear = 0.007, p-overall = 0.008). Kaplan-Meier analysis found the highest survival rates in patients with 25(OH)D levels between 75-100 nmol/L (p = 0.039). Compared to this group, patients with levels below 50 nmol/L had a 3.52-fold increased mortality risk (95% CI = 1.58-7.86, p = 0.002), and those above 100 nmol/L had a 2.92-fold increase (95% CI = 1.06-8.05, p = 0.038). Age-specific subgroup analysis (p = 0.009) revealed that both very low (<50 nmol/L) and high (>100 nmol/L) levels increased mortality risk in patients under 65, while levels below 75 nmol/L raised mortality risk in older patients. Serum 25(OH)D levels are nonlinearly linked to mortality in PD patients, with optimal survival rates occurring at 75-100 nmol/L. Deviations from this range increase the risk of death.

A Study Assessing the Correlation of Atherogenic Index of Plasma with Severity of Coronary Artery Disease by Modified Gensini Score in Postmenopausal Women

ABSTRACT Introduction: The latest area of interest in lipids is small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C). They are highly atherogenic. There is no effective way of estimating them convetionally. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) reflects the level of sdLDL-C. The postmenopausal women have increased likelihood for coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, the correlation between AIP and severity of CAD in postmenopausal women was assessed. Materials and Methods: A total of 448 postmenopausal women with chest pain were screened, of which 252 had a provisional diagnosis of CAD. Of them, 148 patients satisfying inclusion criteria were enrolled. Routine investigations, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and coronary angiogram (CAG) were performed. Modified Gensini score (mGS) was used for severity of CAD. Chi-square test and Spearman correlation were used to analyze the correlation. Results: The mean age was 57 ± 8.3 years. The most common presentation was STEMI (32.4%), followed by unstable angina (28.4%). Patients already on statin therapy were 26.4%. Hypertension (HTN) was the most common risk factor (38.5%), followed by diabetes with HTN (23%). The mean AIP and mGS score were 0.23 ± 0.16 and 99.66 ± 65.61, respectively. Higher AIP values were seen in patients with higher mGS. Patients on statins and with normal lipid parameters showed higher mGS and AIP. There was a positive correlation of AIP with diabetes, HTN, Vitamin-D deficiency, C-reactive protein, body mass index, waist-circumference, waist-hip ratio, and waist-height ratio. Conclusion: AIP is a novel indicator and a strong marker for predicting the severity of CAD in postmenopausal women. In postmenopausal women with recurrent CAD and on statin therapy previously, AIP levels were high, implying that they need further management.

Does vitamin D supplementation benefit patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who are vitamin D deficient? A study was performed at the Sudan Childhood Diabetes Center from 2019 to 2022.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by insufficient production of insulin. Many studies have linked type 1 diabetes mellitus to vitamin D3 deficiency. We investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Sudanese children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and assessed the impact of vitamin D deficiency treatment on their glycemic control. In 2019-2022, we conducted a quasi-experimental study on 115 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (1-19 years old) at the Sudan Childhood Diabetes Center. Vitamin D supplements were given orally to deficient patients for 3 months. The concentrations of hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose, insulin dosage, and vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)) were measured before and after vitamin D3 administration. One-way ANOVA and paired sample t-tests were used to evaluate the effect of supplementation. Only 27% of type 1 diabetes mellitus children were deficient in vitamin D, whereas 31.1% were inadequate and 40.9% were sufficient. The administration of vitamin D supplements slightly improved hemoglobin A1c levels in 67.7% of the patients, but the difference was not significant (mean 10.8 ± 2.1% before, 10.1 ± 2.5% after, p0.05 = 0.199). However, there was a significant decrease in the fasting blood glucose level (mean: 174.978.5-136.759.1 ng/ml; p0.05 = 0.049). Vitamin D levels were significantly increased after treatment (mean = 49.6 ng/mL; t-test = -11.6, 95% CI 40.8-(-28.6); p0.05 = 0.000). After vitamin D3 supplementation, 25.8% of individuals changed their insulin dosage; however, there was no significant variation in insulin needs. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Sudan is relatively high; incorporating vitamin D supplements in their treatment plan may improve their glycemic control.

Clinical value of vitamin K testing in children aged 1-2 years with vitamin D deficiency rickets.

to investigate the clinical value of vitamin K testing in children with vitamin D deficiency rickets. fifty children with vitamin D deficiency rickets admitted to our hospital from March 2021 to March 2022 were recruited as the case group using convenience sampling; and an additional 50 children without bone health diseases during the same period of health checkup were selected as the control group. The relevant indexes between the two groups were compared. there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 [25-(OH)D3], the proportion of breastfeeding, and the proportion of preterm birth (p < 0.001). The levels of vitamin K1 and K2 were lower in the case group than in the control group, and the proportion of those with vitamin K1 deficiency and vitamin K2 deficiency were higher than the control group (p < 0.001) . Positive correlations were found between vitamins K1 and K2 and 25-(OH)D3, blood calcium, and blood phosphorus (p < 0.05); artificial feeding, preterm birth, vitamin K1 deficiency, and vitamin K2 deficiency were risk factors for the development of vitamin D deficiency rickets, and the highest AUC of the combination of each index in predicting the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency rickets was 0.951 (95 % CI: 0.910-0.991). preterm birth, artificial feeding, and vitamin K1 and K2 deficiency are independent risk factors for bone metabolism in children with vitamin D-deficiency rickets. And these risk factors have predictive and diagnostic value in the diagnosis and management of vitamin D deficiency rickets.

Relationship of Vitamin-D Deficiency with Kidney Disease in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Makkah Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the occurrence of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. None of the studies have focused on the association between vitamin D levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of vitamin D with kidney disease in patients with T2DM in the Makkah region, of Saudi Arabia. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at different hospitals in the Makkah region on T2DM patients from 2021 to 2022. In total, 328 patients with confirmed diabetes were enrolled in this study. T2DM patients over the aged>18 to 92 years were included in the study. General laboratory characteristics of the study population were measured, including fasting blood sugar, HbA1C (Glycated hemoglobin), vitamin D, kidney function (BUN-Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), and lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-Low density lipoprotein, and HDL-High density lipoprotein). 46.6% (n=153) of participants had normal serum vitamin D levels. Insufficient and deficient serum vitamin D level were observed in 43.9% (n=144) and 9.5% (n=31) of participants, respectively. Of the participants, 25.9% (n=85) had good glycemic control (<7.0%). Moderate and poor glycemic control were observed in 39.9% (n=131) and 34.1% (n=112) of the participants, respectively. A significant negative correlation (p<0.5) was found between vitamin D levels and kidney function test results (blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels). An inverse relationship was observed between HbA1c levels and vitamin D deficiency. Nephropathy is more likely to develop in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and vitamin D deficiency.

Relationship between Maternal Vitamin-D deficiency and serum Calcium level with Primary Caesarean Section and Postpartum Hemorrhage

Relationship between Maternal Vitamin-D deficiency and serum Calcium level with Primary Caesarean Section and Postpartum Hemorrhage

Activation of Hepatic Branched-Chain α-Ketoacid Dehydrogenase Complex by Vitamin D Deficiency in Rats.

Branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex is a rate-limiting enzyme in branched-chain amino acid catabolism and is subject to inactivation via phosphorylation by BCKDH kinase (BDK). In the present study, we examined the effects of vitamin D-deficiency on hepatic BCKDH and BDK activities in rats. Rats fed a vitamin D-deficient diet long-term showed a slight but significant decrease in plasma Ca concentration, which was associated with an elevation of BCKDH activity and a decrease in BDK activity. These results suggest that vitamin D deficiency promotes BCAA catabolism via BCKDH activation, which resulted from BDK suppression. It is proposed that Ca2+-dependent BDK inhibition by thiamine pyrophosphate may be involved in the BDK suppression.

The relationship between Vitamin D3 deficiency and Hormones Imbalance

The relationship between Vitamin D3 deficiency and Hormones Imbalance

Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation in the Therapy Of Tuberculosis

Ultraviolet B (UV-B) synthesis occurs when the skin is exposed to sunshine and produces vitamin D as a result. Additionally, nutritional supplements and diet can provide it. Animals are the primary source of vitamin D. Vitamin D has been identified as a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) disease and infection. It is considered that vitamin D influences the release of antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidin in response to viral and bacterial stimuli, which is thought to affect both the innate and adaptive immune systems. This essay sought to provide an outline of vitamin D's role in the treatment of tuberculosis. For journal articles, reports, and reliable sources, several databases were searched to compile pertinent information. Additionally, search terms were utilised interchangeably to find pertinent materials. The majority of the literature revealed a connection between vitamin D levels and TB. Furthermore, research has indicated that certain vitamins, including Vitamins C and D, have antimycobacterial capabilities. Despite contradicting data about the relationship between Vitamin D Deficiency (VDD) and the risk of tuberculosis, vitamin D supplementation is still a viable strategy. The analysis of the impact of vitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic intervention for TB infection should pay more attention to exploring larger sample sizes and metabolite chemicals.

Combination of Vitamin D Intake and Aerobic Exercise Protected Young Female Rats From Oxidative Stress and Memory Impairment Caused by Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a crucial global health issue that causes increased oxidative stress (OS) and memory disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D (VD) and aerobic exercise (EXE) combination therapy on OS and memory impairment caused by maternal VDD in young female rats. Methods: Forty female Wistar rats, aged 3 weeks and weighing 70±5 g, were divided into five groups. The Sham with a standard diet (SSD) group received a standard diet (SD) 6 weeks before mating until the end of lactation, and the VDD group consumed VDD a week before mating until the last day of lactation. The VDD+VD group received SD containing 1,000 IU/kg VD a week before mating until the end of lactation, and the VDD+EXE group received SD one week before mating until the last day of gestation and underwent treadmill exercise from a week before mating until gestational day 20. The last group received VDD+VD+EXE. Finally, spatial memory was assessed, and the animals were sacrificed on post-natal day 40. Left hippocampal OS status was evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Maternal VDD caused an elevation in hippocampal OS along with memory impairment (P &lt; 0.05). Vitamin D supplementation and aerobic exercise, alone or in combination, improved memory performance in the T-maze and novel object recognition test tasks by reducing lipid peroxidation levels and increasing enzymatic antioxidant activity in the hippocampus (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicated that vitamin D supplementation and aerobic exercise can effectively reduce the amount of OS and thus improve the level of memory in rats.

A Comprehensive Review of Vitamin D3: Metabolism, Functions, and Clinical Implications

The current article examines the metabolism of cholecalciferol, its functions in body, and relevance within a clinical set up. Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is important for many physiological processes and is essential for general health. The purpose of this review is to begin by providing extensive discussions about vitamin D3 thereafter explain how it travels through the body in order to determine why its level varies from one human to another. The article is very precise describing the functions of vitamin D3 which includes supporting bone strength, normalization of calcium blood levels, immunological regulation, and relation with the chronic disease incidence. The article also discusses how vitamin D3 relates to musculoskeletal integrity, cardiovascular functioning, mental/psychological wellbeing, and tumor inhibition. Vitamin D3 deficiency screening methodology including diagnosis, dietary sources and supplementation regime is assessed in detail. Lastly, the article touches on the potential of adding vitamin D3 in clinical work. Safety assessments are performed while considering possible side effects in relation to vitamin D3. This review underscored the critical role of vitamin D3 in sustaining human life and its significance for population health management.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a common problem in reproductive-aged women and has become a major public health problem worldwide. Adverse health outcomes such as preeclampsia, low birthweight, neonatal hypocalcemia, poor postnatal growth, bone fragility, and increased incidence of autoimmune diseases have been linked to low vitamin D levels during pregnancy and infancy. A systematic literature search was performed on September 6th – 21st, 2022 using respected database. The identified articles were screened using the chosen eligibility criteria. Literature selection was performed with rest time restriction from January 1, 2017, and September 22, 2022 and restricted to only published in English articles. Three papers were evaluated in full-text after duplicates were removed. Tammo et al, Mansur et al and Moralez et al were the three studies that remained following full-text screening utilizing eligibility criteria and quality assessment showing a significant proof regarding this review. Vitamin D deficiency had wide variety of effects in pregnancy as it may increased risk of multisystem disorders in pregnancy such as preeclampsia, low birth weight in neonates, insulin resistance, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and a higher risk of primary cesarean delivery. Optimal level of 30 ng/mL or more before conception and throughout the entire pregnancy with different dosages available, avoiding levels below 20 ng/ml.

Association between vitamin D deficiency and post-acute outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and post-acute outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This retrospective study used the TriNetX research network to identify COVID-19 patients between January 1 and November 30, 2022. Patients were matched using propensity score matching (PSM) and divided into VDD (< 20ng/mL) and control (≥ 20ng/mL) groups. The primary outcome was a composite of post-COVID-19 condition (identified by ICD-10 code), all-cause emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalization, and death during the follow-up period (90-180days) after the diagnosis of COVID-19. From an initial recruitment of 42,674 non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and known 25(OH)D status, a VDD group of 8300 was identified and propensity matched with 8300 controls. During the follow-up period, the VDD group had a higher risk of the primary outcome than did the control group [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.122; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.041-1.210]. The VDD group also had a higher risk of all-cause ED visits (HR = 1.114; 95% CI = 1.012-1.226), all-cause hospitalization (HR = 1.230; 95% CI = 1.105-1.369), and all-cause death (HR = 1.748; 95% CI = 1.047-2.290) but not post-COVID-19 condition (HR = 0.980; 95% CI = 0.630-1.523), individually. Among the COVID-19 patients, VDD might be associated with a higher risk of all-cause ED visits, hospitalization, and death during the post-acute phase.

Altered Vitamin D Status and Bone Mineral Density in Obese and Non-obese Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey.

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological disease in women of reproductive age. In addition to providing the basis for comorbidities such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, it also affects bone metabolism. This study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between bone mineral density (BMD), vitamin D status, insulin resistance, sex hormones, and calcium metabolism disorders in women with PCOS. Methodology Fifty-six non-obese women with PCOS, 67 obese women with PCOS, and 45 normal weight controls participated in the study. Circulating levels of gonadotropins, estradiol, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, total testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin, insulin, glucose, and calcium metabolism parameters were assessed. We used the Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance Index to detect insulin resistance. BMD values in the various body regions were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Results Women with PCOS had significantly lower vitamin D values and lumbar spine BMD than controls (p <0.001 and p <0.05, respectively). Among the patients with PCOS subgroups, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was more frequent in obese PCOS patients (67.1%) than in non-obese patients (58.9%). We found significantly lower BMD at all sites only in the subgroup of the non-obese PCOS women than in controls (p <0.001). Conclusions VDD is prevalent in PCOS women in those with obesity and hyperandrogenemia. Non-obese PCOS women have significantly lower BMD measurements than healthy controls, but obese PCOS women have BMD values comparable with normal-weight eumenorrheic controls. Body mass index is the most important factor determining BMD in women with PCOS.

Association of bone mineral density and potential risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with severe haemophilia A.

In people with haemophilia (PWH), recurrent episodes of bleeding lead to joint deterioration and bone resorption. To date, the effects of various other factors on bone mineral density (BMD) reduction have found conflicting results. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between BMD, bone mineral content (BMC), and trabecular bone score (TBS) parameters based on the dual X-ray absorptiometry method (DXA) and potential risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with severe haemophilia A. Fifty-five men with severe haemophilia A, aged 18-68 years, and 59 healthy volunteer men were enrolled in this study. Densitometric-derived lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD, BMC, and TBS were measured. Blood analyses were performed for morphology parameters, liver and kidney function parameters, and viral status. Serum levels of oestradiol (E2 ), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), parathormone, and vitamin D were measured. Patients showed significantly lower BMD compared to controls (p<.003). The result below the expected range for age was nearly double (6.82%vs. 3.92%) in PWH under 50 years old compared to controls. Haemophilic patients also exhibited significantly higher vitamin D3 deficiency (p<.0001), which was strongly associated with low TBS. Additionally, low body mass index and high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were correlated with low BMC and BMD. This study confirms the prevalence of low BMD and BMC in patients with haemophilia in Poland. Factors that contribute to low BMD are primarily vitamin D deficiency, low BMI, high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and low testosterone/oestradiol ratio.

Effects of 1,25-Vitamin D3 and 24,25-Vitamin D3 on Corneal Nerve Regeneration in Diabetic Mice.

Corneal nerve homeostasis is essential for the functional integrity of the ocular surface. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and vitamin D receptor knockout (VDR KO) have been found to reduce corneal nerve density in diabetic mice. This is the first study to comprehensively examine the influence of vitamin D on nerve regeneration following corneal epithelial injury in diabetic mice. Corneal nerve regeneration was significantly retarded by diabetes, VDR KO, and VDD, and it was accelerated following topical 1,25 Vit D and 24,25 Vit D administration. Furthermore, topical 1,25 Vit D and 24,25 Vit D increased nerve growth factor, glial cell line-derived neurotropic factor, and neurotropin-3 protein expression, and it increased secretion of GDNF protein from human corneal epithelial cells. CD45+ cells and macrophage numbers were significantly decreased, and vitamin D increased CD45+ cell and macrophage recruitment in these wounded diabetic mouse corneas. The accelerated nerve regeneration observed in these corneas following topical 1,25 Vit D and 24,25 Vit D administration may be related to the vitamin D-stimulated expression, secretion of neurotrophic factors, and recruitment of immune cells.