Vitamin D3 Levels Research Articles

New perspectives on the role of vitamin D in the mucosal barrier system of fish gills infected with Flavobacterium columnare

The mucosal barrier of vertebrates comprises a unique array of physical elements and bioactive molecules that act in concert to protect the host against pathogens. Vitamin D (VD), an essential nutrient for animals, along with its receptor (VDR), plays a major role in immunity. However, the correlation between VD/VDR and the mucosal barrier system remains unclear. Here, we employed the fish gill as a model and evaluated the role of VD as a dietary supplement in modifying this typical mucosal barrier system. Varies levels of VD (15.2, 364.3, 782.5, 1167.9, 1573.8, and 1980.1 IU/kg) were formulated and fed to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) for 70 d. Subsequently, fish were challenged with Flavobacterium columnare, a pathogen in epithelial tissues. Following infection, dietary VD alleviated gill rot and damage caused by F. columnare. Further investigations demonstrated that VD improved physical barrier function by elevating the antioxidant capacity and tight junction barriers, and moderated excessive apoptosis. The promoted physical barrier function was related to nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 and myosin light-chain kinase signaling. Additionally, VD treatment enhanced the immune barrier function by boosting disease resistance, producing antibacterial compounds and immunoglobulins, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and upregulating the gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which correlated with nuclear factor kappa B and the target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Thus, VD strengthened pathogen defenses in the gill mucosal barrier system. This finding supports the rationale for VD intervention in infectious diseases and will be critical for the viability of sustainable practices in aquaculture.

Vitamin D3 and zinc supplements augment the antimanic efficacy of lithium and olanzapine treatments in an animal model of mania

ABSTRACT Objective: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a challenging psychiatric disorder and a complex disease. The associated reduction in serum vitamin D3 (VitD3) levels in BD patients and the contribution of zinc (Zn) to the treatment, along with the severe side effects of lithium (Li) treatment, were encouraging to assess the efficacy of different correlated combinations of therapeutic/nutraceutical treatments such as olanzapine (Oln), VitD3, and Zn against Li. Methods: Mania was induced in C57BL/6 mice by administering methylphenidate (MPH) for 14 consecutive days. On the 8th day of MPH injection, different treatment regimens were administered, Li, Oln, VitD3/Zn, VitD3/Zn/Oln, VitD3 + Zn + Oln + Li50mg/kg (C50), and VitD3 + Zn + Oln + Li100mg/kg (C100). Both VitD3 (850 IU/kg) and Zn (180 mg/kg) were supplied with food for 2 weeks before starting the induction of mania, which continued until the end of MPH administration. Behavioral, brain oxidative stress, thyroid hormones, VitD3, Zn, GsK-3β, and Bcl2 levels, as well as brain histopathological alterations, were assessed. Results: Manic mice exhibited alterations in all tested parameters, and the histopathological examination of the cortex and hippocampus confirmed these results. The VitD3/Zn/Oln, C50, and C100 treatment regimens reversed most of the behavioral and pathophysiological alterations; however, the C50 treatment regimen was the most efficient. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of combining different antimanic medications like Li and Oln with nutraceutical supplements to increase their antimanic efficacy, reduce their adverse effects, and, ideally, improve the BD patient's quality of life.

Vitamin D3 among neonates born after invitro fertilization compared with neonates from the general population.

Sufficient levels of vitamin D have been associated with higher chances for both clinical pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques, whereas low levels of maternal vitamin D have been associated with preeclampsia and late miscarriage. In Denmark, subgroups at risk for low vitamin D levels, including neonates and toddlers, are recommended to use supplementation. The aim was to study the level of vitamin D3 among neonates born after invitro fertilization compared with neonates from the general population. In this cohort study a random sample of 1326 neonates representing the general population and 1200 neonates conceived by invitro fertilization born in Denmark from 1995 to 2002 were identified from registries covering the whole Danish population. Information on use of assisted reproduction was collected from the Danish InVitro Fertilization register, ICD-10 code: DZ358F. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D was measured from dried blood spots routinely collected by heel prick 48-72 h after birth and corrected according to the hematocrit fraction for capillary blood of neonates. Linear regression analysis was performed, both crude and adjusted, for predefined putative confounders, identified through directed acyclic graphs. Vitamin D3 analysis could be performed from a total of 1105 neonates from the general population and 1072 neonates conceived by invitro fertilization that were subsequently included in the study. The median vitamin D3 was 24.0 nmol/L (interquartile range [IQR] 14.1-39.3) and 33.0 nmol/L (IQR 21.3-48.8) among neonates from the general population and neonates conceived by invitro fertilization, respectively. The adjusted mean difference between neonates from the general population and those conceived by invitro fertilization was 6.1 nmol/L (95% confidence interval 4.1-8.1). In this study, children born after invitro fertilization have a higher vitamin D3 than a random sample of neonates in Denmark.

Vitamin D and tear fluid cytokines in predicting outcomes in viral conjunctivitis - A new outlook.

To determine the association between systemic vitamin D (VD) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels with severity and ocular surface inflammatory profile in patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). 210 eyes of 105 patients who were clinically diagnosed with EKC were included in the study. The levels of serum VD and serum IgE were measured. Schirmer's strip-based tear fluid (TF) was used to determine levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNFα, MMP9, sICAM1, and VEGF-A in a subset of patients. Levels of VD were significantly ( P < 0.05) lower and levels of IgE were significantly higher in patients with severe forms of conjunctivitis compared to those with nonsevere forms. Majority of the patients with severe forms of the disease exhibited VD deficiency and/or abnormally high IgE. A negative correlation (r = -0.682; P < 0.0001) was observed between VD and IgE levels. TF levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and sICAM1 were significantly higher in eyes with severe forms of conjunctivitis compared to those with nonsevere forms and controls. These factors showed a positive correlation ( P < 0.05) with IgE levels and a negative correlation ( P < 0.05) with VD levels. Patients with severe forms of EKC exhibited VD deficiency and higher levels of IgE. Increased TF inflammatory factors demonstrated a disease causal relationship with VD and IgE. Hence, restoring the altered levels of VD and IgE to normal range would be pivotal in the prevention and management of severe conjunctivitis.

Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Rat Reproductive System: Potential Benefits of Vitamin D3 Intervention.

Gravity in space can have a negative impact on the reproductive system. Given that the reproductive system is one of vitamin D's objectives, this study will use a simulated microgravity model to evaluate its impact on the rat reproductive system.Twenty-two male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups at random. Under microgravity circumstances, the rats were housed in both special and standard cages. Each group was then separated into two subgroups, one of which received vitamin D3 and the other did not. Blood was drawn twice to determine blood levels of vitamin D3, LH, FSH, and testosterone. Rat testes were isolated for histological analysis, as well as a piece of epididymis for sperm count and morphological examination.Microgravity had a detrimental effect on testicular tissue, resulting in lower serum levels of LH and testosterone (p-value < 0.001). Spermatogenesis was largely inhibited under microgravity. During microgravity conditions, however, vitamin D3 had a good effect on testicular structure, and the total number of sperm. Simulated microgravity affects the male reproductive system, compromising testicular morphology, sperm parameters, and hormonal balance. However, this study shows that vitamin D3 supplementation can act as a preventative strategy, minimizing the negative consequences of microgravity. The beneficial effect of vitamin D3 on testicular health and sperm quality implies that it may be useful in protecting male reproductive function in space-related situations.

From 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3: Optimization of UV conversion procedures toward the valorization of fish waste matrices

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble steroid, has increasingly taken a central role due to its crucial role in human health. It is estimated that about 40% of worldwide population are vitamin D deficient. The fish industry produces significant quantities of waste daily, with consequent high environmental impact. The aim of this work is to place a first brick for the fish waste reuse as a source of vitamin D3 extracts to be used for nutraceutical purposes. For this purpose, an UV conversion method for transforming the 7-dehydrocholesterol, highly present in fish, in vitamin D3 has been optimized. The UV wavelength, exposure time, temperature, stirring, and UV intensity were optimized using a surface response design tool. The optimized treatment was applied to five fish species with different fat percentages and the results were very promising reaching vitamin D3 levels >10 times higher than the pre-treatment ones.

The impact of vitamin D on the etiopathogenesis and the progression of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and adults.

Diabetes is a common chronic metabolic disease with complex causes and pathogenesis. As an immunomodulator, vitamin D has recently become a research hotspot in the occurrence and development of diabetes and its complications. Many studies have shown that vitamin D can reduce the occurrence of diabetes and delay the progression of diabetes complications, and vitamin D can reduce oxidative stress, inhibit iron apoptosis, promote Ca2+ influx, promote insulin secretion, and reduce insulin resistance. Therefore, the prevention and correction of vitamin D deficiency is very necessary for diabetic patients, but further research is needed to confirm what serum levels of vitamin D3 are maintained in the body. This article provides a brief review of the relationship between vitamin D and diabetes, including its acute and chronic complications.

Comparative Performance Assessment of Novel Fluorescence Immunoassay POCTs for Measuring Circulating Levels of Vitamin-D.

Vitamin D (Vit D) is a fat-soluble molecule acting like a hormone, and it is involved in several biological mechanisms such as gene expression, calcium homeostasis, bone metabolism, immune modulation, viral protection, and neuromuscular functions. Vit D deficiency can lead to chronic hypocalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and many other pathological conditions; in this context, low and very low levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D) were found to be associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection and the likelihood of many severe diseases. For all these reasons, it is important to quantify and monitor 25-OH-D levels to ensure that the serum/blood concentrations are not clinically suboptimal. Serum concentration of 25-OH-D is currently the main indicator of Vit D status, and it is currently performed by different assays, but the most common quantitation techniques involve immunometric methods or chromatography. Nevertheless, other quantitation techniques and instruments are now emerging, such as AFIAS-1® and AFIAS-10® (Boditech and Menarini) based on the immunofluorescence analyzer, that guarantee an automated system with cartridges able to give quick and reliable results as a point-of-care test (POCT). This work aims to compare AFIAS-1® and AFIAS-10® (Boditech and Menarini) Vit D quantitation with Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry that currently represents the gold standard technique for Vit D quantitation. The analyses were performed in parallel on 56 samples and in different conditions (from fresh and frozen plasma) to assess the reliability of the results. Any statistically significant differences in methods, the fixed error, and the error proportional to concentration were reported. Results obtained in all conditions showed a good correlation between both AFIAS® instruments and LC-MS/MS, and we can affirm that AFIAS-1® and AFIAS-10® are reliable instruments for measuring 25-OH-D with accuracy and in a fast manner.

Exploring the Role of Vitamin D2, Parathyroid Hormone, and C-Peptides as Biomarkers in Diabetic Neuropathy Development

Abstract Background: Diabetic neuropathy affects significant individuals worldwide and is considered a chronic complication of diabetes. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic neuropathy are still not fully understood. Objectives: This study investigated the involvement of vitamin D2, PTH, and C-peptide in the onset of diabetic neuropathy. Materials and Methods: This study included 120 diabetic patients and 30 healthy controls. Diabetic patients were divided into group 1 with neuropathy (N = 80) and group 2 without neuropathy (N = 40). The following data were incorporated: sex, age, diabetes duration, and BMI. Biochemical evaluations involved HbA1C, C-peptide, PTH, and vitamin D2. Results: The study’s population had a 52.2 ± 13.9 years mean age. Patients had 9.8 years average diabetes duration, were mostly overweight, and were poorly controlled (mean HbA1C = 8.8). Vitamin D2 was insufficient, particularly in diabetics, and C-peptide measures were markedly low. There were differences in the three parameters between diabetes and controls. Potential relationships among the parameters were detected namely, higher HbA1C, elder, lower vitamin D2, besides higher C-peptide and vitamin D2 levels. ROC-curve metrics for vitamin D2, PTH, and C-peptide, revealed varied diagnostic potential. All parameters were unable to distinguish between patients with or without neuropathy from healthy subjects. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of glycemic control, insulin production, PTH, and vitamin D2 levels in the context of diabetic neuropathy. While these biomarkers show associations with neuropathy risk, their diagnostic potential is still limited. The associations between age, HbA1C levels, PTH, C-peptide levels, and vitamin D2 levels provide valuable insights into potential contributors to neuropathy risk.

Investigating the comparative effect of vitamin D level with the type of complications in Henoch Schönlein purpura and Kawasaki disease

Introduction and objectivesHenoch Schönlein purpura (HSP) and Kawasaki disease (KD) are two main inflammatory diseases among childhood vasculitis. Considering the anti-inflammatory effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, we decided to investigate the association of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 level with the type and severity of these conditions. Materials and methodsThe present study was performed as a historical cohort of 254 affected children with KD and HSP vasculitis. The required data were extracted, using a researcher-made questionnaire from patients’ electronic file, and then they were analyzed after collecting information of the patients. ResultsIn HSP group, 54% of participants were boys. Similarly, in KD group, boys were more affected than girls. The comparative 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D3 level in HSP patients with and without renal involvement (P=0.02), hematuria (P=0.14), and in two groups with and without heart disease, and also with and without coronary artery dilatation in KD patients (P<0.001) were significant. Discussion and conclusionsThe findings showed that insufficient level of vitamin D3 were significantly associated with the exacerbation of complications of both diseases, and therefore it seems that vitamin D deficiency can be an effective predictive factor of severity in HSP and KD patients.

Impact of supplementation with iron–folic acid (IFA) and vitamin D3 compared with IFA alone on haemoglobin levels in elderly people with mild-to-moderate anaemia: protocol for the double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled Iron and vitamin D trial in Elderly Anemia (IDEA)

IntroductionAnaemia in the elderly is often difficult to treat with iron supplementation alone as prevalence of anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) alone or mixed with iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is high...

Evaluation of Osteoporosis Among Epileptic Patients on Monotherapy

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder that affects almost 50 million people worldwide. Most patients require long-term, and sometimes lifelong therapy with antiseizure medications (ASMs), our case control study evaluates the long-term effect of carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproate (VPA) on bone mineral density and bone health biochemical markers. 50 patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy who had no history of antiseizure medications (ASMs) intake prior were divided into 2 groups. In the first group, 25 patients started carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy, while the second group included 25 patients who started receiving valproate (VPA) monotherapy. Another 25 healthy individuals were considered as a control group. The primary outcome of our study is to evaluate the percentage of osteoporosis compared to the duration of ASM therapy measured by the T score at two different sites in the body at baseline, after 3 and 6 months of therapy, while measurements of bone biomarker variables are considered secondary outcomes. We found that CBZ and VPA significantly decreased the level of vitamin D3, Ca, P, the L3-L5, and right femoral neck T score with prolonged treatment duration, while the level of ALP increased with increasing duration of treatment in patients treated with CBZ but not in the VPA group. Furthermore, CBZ significantly decreased bone health biomarkers and T score before VPA and the control group, as well as there were no significant differences between the two sexes who received CBZ or VPA therapy on bone biomarkers. In conclusion, valproate will not affect bone biomarkers earlier, but with a longer duration of therapy, they may have the same effect as carbamazepine which requires the prescription of supportive vitamin D and Ca along with ASMs.

Weight reduction among females undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: The role of Calcium and Vitamin D3.

To evaluate the role of Vitamin-D and calcium supplementation on preoperative weight reduction in obese women before laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. This double-blind clinical trial was conducted at the affiliated health centers of King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia from January 2021 to December 2021. It included forty-five obese women aged 24-56 years, with body mass index (BMI) of 34.0-48.0kg/m2. They were randomly allocated into two groups; the Group-A (N=22) included obese women who received supplementation of 5000IU cholecalciferol (Vitamin-D3), and 1000mg calcium daily for 12 months, while the Group-B (N=23) received no treatment. Measurement of change in weight and BMI and comparison of their pre-operative weight reduction, laparoscopic operative time, and length of hospital stay was done. There were no differences in patients' biographic data between the two groups. During the study, Vitamin-D level in the patients increased and there was a significant positive association with weight loss. In group-A, the mean weight loss was 11.8±3.5 kg. At the end of first year, their BMI decreased from 36.1±1.6kg/m2 at baseline to 29.7±2.6 kg/m2, whereas in-group-B, the mean weight loss was 6.8±3.1 kg and their BMI decreased from 36.9±2.69kg/m2 at baseline to 32.7±0.93kg/m2. The operation time and the length of hospital stay were shorter in group-A (107 vs.128.min) and (3 vs. 5 days) respectively as compared to Group-B. Vitamin-D and calcium supplementation contributes to a remarkable weight reduction of preoperative obese female patients, which in turn is associated with significantly better outcome of laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia.

Relationship between vitamin D receptors gene polymorphism and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction.

Over the past few decades, a number of studies have linked vitamin-D deficiency with ED (Erectile dysfunction) risk factors. There is a clear correlation between VD (vitamin-D) levels and ED, according to observational and interventional researches that have been reported in the literature. This crucial information encouraged scientists to investigate the impact of VD on erectile function in greater detail. The fact that vitamin D is a component of a healthy penis that begins in early life has just come to light, however there haven't been many research looking at the connection between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and erectile dysfunction. To evaluate the relationship between arteriogenic erectile dysfunction and the vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism. Between October 2022 and October 2023, at Al-Azhar University Hospitals, 40 patients with arteriogenic ED and 40 healthy controls underwent informed consent, a detailed history, a physical examination, a penile duplex ultrasound and the extraction of peripheral blood to determine the type of polymorphism for each of the vitamin D receptors: FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There is no statistically significant association between arteriogenic erectile dysfunction and the vitamin D receptors (VDR) gene polymorphisms FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI. Since there is no statistically significant association between the polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction, it is advised to investigate other VDR gene polymorphisms as well as alternative clinical subtypes of erectile dysfunction.

Abstract 3588: Androgen synthesis disruption, ferroptosis induction and prostate cancer inhibition by androgen and vitamin D combination

Abstract Background: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a fatal condition that progresses to end-of-life within two years, and it is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men globally. New avenues for preventing or delaying lethal CRPC progression are a critical unmet need. Hormonal vitamin D3 (calcitriol) inhibits prostate cancer - both castration sensitive and castration resistant - in preclinical models, as documented widely. However, vitamin D as an anti-cancer therapeutic is clinically untenable since prostate tumor suppression in patients requires hormone dosing at a supraphysiologic level which induces hypercalcemia and other toxicities. Results: Herein we provide the first evidence that a subnanomolar, non-calcemic calcitriol dose can inhibit CRPC cell proliferation, G1 to S phase transition, clonal growth, migration, and invasion in vitro, and xenograft growth in vivo, only upon concurrent dosing with 5α-DHT at a physiologic or subphysiologic level. Calcitriol as a single treatment is non-inhibitory at a subnanomolar dose. HSD3β1, a hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, was markedly induced by calcitriol, while DHT cotreatment reduced the induction. HSD3β1 catalyzes conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone, an adrenal androgen, to androstenedione (AED) - a rate-limiting step in the androgen biosynthesis pathway. AKR1C3, an aldo-keto reductase which promotes androgen biosynthesis, was also reduced by calcitriol/DHT cotreatment. In contrast, AKR1D1, an androgen-inactivating 5β-reductase, was robustly induced by a non-calcemic calcitriol dose in the presence of DHT, not by calcitriol singly. AKR1D1 converts AED and testosterone to 5β-diols. HSD3β1 and AKR1C3 are elevated in CRPC. Disruption of androgen biosynthesis and net reduction of the intratumor androgen pool are expected outcomes of reduced HSD3β1 and AKR1C3, and elevated AKR1D1. The hormone pair led to LC3B induction, ferritin degradation, and induction of ALOX-5 and NCoA4 - the genes which regulate ferroptosis, indicating autophagy mediated ferroptosis (ferritinophagy). Apoptosis and necroptosis were absent. We conclude that vulnerabilities created by combined androgen and non-calcemic vitamin D dosing can lead to cell death by ferroptosis, and this hormone pairing may be a new avenue for arresting CRPC clinical progression. Significance: The translational potential of our results is bolstered by the precedent that supraphysiologic testosterone improved serum PSA scores and other clinical parameters for a subset of therapy-inert CRPC patients who received repeated cycles of once-a-month single testosterone dosing- a protocol known as bipolar androgen therapy (BAT)1. Our findings may offer a strategic framework for enhancing the efficacy of BAT by including oral dosing of a non-calcemic level of vitamin D3. W81XWH-21-1-0307 (DoD); IK6 BX004207 (VA). Ref 1: Nat Rev Urol 2023; PMID 36543976 Citation Format: Bobae Park, Jacqueline Vaquiz, Okunola Igbekoyi, Bandana Chatterjee. Androgen synthesis disruption, ferroptosis induction and prostate cancer inhibition by androgen and vitamin D combination [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3588.

Evaluation of Vit. D3 and Zn levels in patients with urinary tract infections

Background: Vitamin D, known for its immunoregulatory effects and antimicrobial properties, plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation and chemokine production. Zinc is influential for a healthy immune system and human health, influencing cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, which impact organism growth. Objective: Determine the serum zinc and vitamin D3 levels in UTI patients and controls to detect the role of vit. D3 and Zn in UTIs, and their levels in recurrent and non-recurrent infections. Materials and Methods: Samples of 60 urinary tract infection patients, distributed between 30 females and 30 males, were collected from Imam Hassan Al-Mujtaba Hospital for the period from December 2022 to April 2023. After collecting venous blood samples from patients and the controls, the serum was separated to measure the concentrations of vitamin D3 and zinc. The concentration of vitamin D3 was measured using the Cobas system, while the concentration of zinc was measured using a Mindray device. Results: UTI patients have lower serum zinc levels than the controls group, with the patient group having 83.0 mg/dL compared to the control group. Vitamin D3 was also low in the patients group compared to controls (10.50, 12.58 respectively). Conclusion: Vitamin D3 and zinc levels can influence UTI development, with patients having lower serum vit. D3 and zinc than the controls group, indicating a potential risk of UTI.

Iodine Nutrition, Thyroid-stimulating Hormone, and Related Factors of Postpartum Women from three Different Areas in China: A Cross-sectional Survey*

ObjectiveStudies on the relationship between iodine, vitamin A (VA), and vitamin D (VD) and thyroid function are limited. This study aimed to analyze iodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) status and their possible relationships with VA, VD, and other factors in postpartum women. MethodsA total of 1,311 mothers (896 lactating and 415 non-lactating) from Hebei, Zhejiang, and Guangxi provinces were included in this study. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC), TSH, VA, and VD were measured. ResultsThe median UIC of total and lactating participants were 142.00 µg/L and 139.95 µg/L, respectively. The median TSH, VA, and VD levels in all the participants were 1.89 mIU/L, 0.44 µg/mL, and 24.04 ng/mL, respectively. No differences in the UIC were found between lactating and non-lactating mothers. UIC and TSH levels were significantly different among the three provinces. The rural UIC was higher than the urban UIC. Obese mothers had a higher UIC and a higher prevalence of excessive TSH. Higher UICs and TSHs levels were observed in both the VD deficiency and insufficiency groups than in the VD-sufficient group. After adjustment, no linear correlation was observed between UIC and VA/VD. No interaction was found between vitamins A/D and UIC on TSH levels. ConclusionThe mothers in the present study had no iodine deficiency. Region, area type, BMI, and VD may be related to the iodine status or TSH levels.

Association of rs4516035 Polymorphism with Osteoporosis in the Southeastern Iranian Population: A Case-Control Study.

Genetic polymorphisms are known to play a crucial role in the development of osteoporosis. Vitamin D3 regulates bone homeostasis through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Reduced VDR activity increases osteoporosis risk. Study Design: A case-control study. This case-control study investigated the potential association between six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the VDR gene (rs11568820, rs4516035, rs2228570, rs1544410, rs7975232, and rs731236) and the occurrence of osteoporosis in Kerman province. The genotypes of the SNPs were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system-PCR, and sequencing in two groups of osteoporosis patients (n=40) and controls (n=42). Additionally, the levels of calcium and vitamin D3 in the serum of the patients were measured, and the in silico analysis of the VDR structure and interaction was performed using I-TASSER, ProSA, PROCHECK, GeneMANIA, GTEx, and GPS 6.0. None of the patients exhibited calcium or vitamin D3 deficiencies. Among the six SNPs, only the T allele in rs4516035, which leads to a shorter variant called VDRA, showed a significant association with susceptibility to osteoporosis (odds ratio=3.061, P=0.007). The in silico analysis demonstrated that the 3D structure, expression, and post-transcriptional modification of VDRA are distinct from those of the more extended variant, VDRB1. VDRB1 is upregulated in sun-exposed skin, and its interactions with its partners differ from those of VDRA. Despite adequate vitamin D levels, the VDRA variant, which has lower activity, could increase the predisposition to osteoporosis in the studied population. These findings clarify the importance of genetic screening for personalized medicine and the effectiveness of prevention and treatment strategies.

The Effects of Optimal Dietary Vitamin D3 on Growth and Carcass Performance, Tibia Traits, Meat Quality, and Intestinal Morphology of Chinese Yellow-Feathered Broiler Chickens.

This study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary vitamin D3 (VD3) levels on growth and carcass performance, tibia traits, meat quality, and intestinal morphology of yellow-feathered broilers. One-day-old broilers (n = 1440) were assigned into four treatment groups with six replicates per group, and each replicate contained 60 chicks. Dietary VD3 significantly improved the growth performance and carcass traits of broilers, and only low-dose VD3 supplementation decreased the abdominal fat percentage. High-dose VD3 supplementation improved intestinal morphology in the finisher stage, while the b* value of breast muscle meat color decreased markedly under VD3 supplementation (p < 0.05). Serum Ca and P levels and the tibia composition correlated positively with dietary VD3 supplementation at the early growth stage. The weight, length, and ash contents of the tibia increased linearly with increasing dietary VD3, with maximum values achieved in the high-dose group at all three stages. Intestinal 16S rRNA sequencing and liver transcriptome analysis showed that dietary VD3 might represent an effective treatment in poultry production by regulating lipid and immune-related metabolism in the gut-liver axis, which promotes the metabolism through the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine and improves their protective humoral immunity and reduces infection mortality. Dietary VD3 positively affected the growth-immunity and bone development of broilers during the early stage, suggesting strategies to optimize poultry feeding.

Beyond the Tropics: Unraveling the Complex Relationship between Sun Exposure, Dietary Intake, and Vitamin D Deficiency in Coastal Malaysians.

Despite Malaysia's year-round sunny climate, vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common among Malaysians. However, we hypothesise that vitamin D levels among coastal populations are above average. Thus, we aim to investigate vitamin D levels and correlate them with the potential contributing factors from three selected coastal villages in Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan. Convenient sampling was employed to recruit 120 Malay male and female participants, and dried blood spots (DBS) were obtained to measure 25 (OH) vitamin D3 levels via immunoassay. Participants also completed two questionnaires: the Sun Exposure and Protection Index (SEPI) and a validated food frequency questionnaire for Malaysians. The participant pool comprised 35.20% males and 64.80% females who completed all questionnaires and underwent DBS sampling. Our analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) based on skin tones, impacting various facets of the SEPI, including sunscreen usage, protective clothing utilisation, and the adoption of protective headwear. Furthermore, gender emerged as another pivotal factor, demonstrating significant distinctions in these SEPI components. Nevertheless, there is a weak correlation between SEPI scores and vitamin D levels. Subsequent regression analysis did produce statistically significant results (p = 0.018), yet the associated low R2 value indicated a weak correlation between dietary vitamin D intake that impacts vitamin D levels. In conclusion, our preliminary findings indicate that sun exposure and dietary factors are not the sole determinants of 25-OH vitamin D3 levels. However, we require more samples from various coastal locations for a definitive justification.