Vitamin D Status Research Articles

Vitamin D-status of calves at the first month of life after different routes of cholecalciferol input to cows

Vitamin D-status of calves at the first month of life after different routes of cholecalciferol input to cows

Vitamin D3 levels and bone mineral density in patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.

Limited data are available on the vitamin D3 status and bone mineral density (BMD) of patients with psoriasis or with psoriatic arthritis. Our study intended to explore possible correlations between vitamin D status and BMD, as well as among these parameters and the features of the underlying disorder. Seventy-two patients with psoriasis/or psoriatic arthritis (female:male ratio, 40:32; mean age, 58.5±11.6years; mean duration of follow up, 142.7±147.7months) participated in the study. We evaluated the characteristic clinical features of the underlying disease, performed bone densitometry of the lumbar spine and the hip region, measured the serum vitamin 25(OH)D3 levels of the patients, and undertook the statistical analysis of the relationships between the clinical and the laboratory parameters. The proportion of patients with a low BMD value did not exceed that seen in the general population. We found an inverse correlation between the serum level of vitamin 25(OH)D3 and body mass index, as well as between the former and the severity of skin involvement. Furthermore, the activity of psoriatic arthritis was significantly higher in patients with inadequate vitamin D3 status. In patients with psoriatic arthritis, BMD significantly exceeded the values measured in patients suffering from psoriatic skin lesions only. Our findings suggest the importance of evaluating the vitamin D3 status and screening for comorbid conditions in patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. This appears justified, in particular, due to the possible role of hypovitaminosis D3 in provoking the development of skin lesions and joint symptoms.

Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates atypical antipsychotic-induced metabolic side effects in rats: Involvement of the INSIG/SREBP pathway

Metabolic syndrome is a major concern in psychotic patients receiving atypical antipsychotics. Recent evidence suggests that sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) and insulin-induced genes (INSIGs) are implicated in the antipsychotic-induced metabolic side-effects. Vitamin D (VD) deficiency, a highly prevalent phenomenon among patients with psychosis, might also predispose individuals to metabolic syndrome Considering that VD has modulating effects on the INSIG/SREBP pathway, it is possible that VD may have a role in the antipsychotic-induced metabolic disturbances involving its effects on the INSIG/SREBP system. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of VD deficiency and VD supplementation on antipsychotic-induced metabolic changes in rats. After 4-week administration, clozapine (10mg/kg/d) and risperidone (1mg/kg/d) both caused glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in VD deficient rats, but not in rats with sufficient VD status. Antipsychotic treatments, especially clozapine, elevated serum lipid levels, which were most apparent in VD deficient rats, but alleviated in VD-supplemented rats. Additionally, antipsychotic treatments down-regulated INSIGs and up-regulated SREBPs expression in VD deficient rats, and these effects were attenuated when VD status was more sufficient. Collectively, this study disclose the novel findings that antipsychotic-induced metabolic disturbances is exacerbated by VD deficiency and can be alleviated by VD supplementation, providing new evidence for the promising role of VD in prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders caused by antipsychotic medications. Furthermore, our data also suggest the involvement of INSIG/SREBP pathway in the antipsychotic-induced hyperlipidemia and beneficial effects of VD on lipid profile.

Vitamin D and colorectal cancer: is it time for D3 supplementation in patients with metastatic disease?

Garland et al. first reported in 1980 a link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) [1]. Garland confirmed the increased risk in geographic locations with low sunlight exposure and in cities with increased risk of rickets, both considered measures of low vitamin D levels [1]. Subsequent studies have suggested a link between vitamin D status, as reflected by 25-OH vitamin D3 level (25-D3), and the risk of CRC. A meta-analysis of studies evaluating the impact of serum 25-D3 and CRC confirmed a statistically significant increased risk of CRC in the vitamin D3-deficient population. This meta-analysis suggested that for every 10 ng/ml increase in 25-D3 levels, there was a 26% reduction in the risk of CRC [2]. An association between vitamin D deficiency and colorectal carcinogenesis is supported further by several case control and observational studies that have linked an increased risk of colorectal adenoma and vitamin D deficiency [3–5]. In addition, a meta-analysis of studies investigating dietary vitamin D intake and risk of CRC has suggested a modest, but statistically significant, association between D3 intake and risk of CRC [2]. These data have been considered hypothesis generating. Note that no large-scale randomized prospective studies have yet shown any advantage to vitamin D3 supplementation for the prevention of CRC. To the contrary, the Women’s Health Initiative study failed to show any benefit from vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation in the prevention of CRC [6]. However, this study was criticized for the low dose of 400 IU vitamin D3 supplementation [7]. There is a strong rationale for the consideration of vitamin D3 supplementation in the prevention of CRC. 1,25-hydroxy-D3 (1,25-D3) has an antitumor and prodifferentiating activity through its binding to vitamin D receptor. Vitamin D receptor expression is present in normal and malignant colonic tissue [8–10]. Vitamin D 1α-hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for the transformation of 25-D3 to the active form 1,25-D3 is expressed in colon tissue. The expression appears equally prominent in normal colon, polyps and differentiated colonic adenocarcinomas [10]. However, the expression of 1αhydroxylase appears to be decreased in higher grade CRC [11,12]. These findings may suggest a differential impact of vitamin D3 in the prevention setting compared with the more advanced, metastatic CRC [13]. Nonetheless, several studies have now investigated the impact of vitamin D3 status on patients with established CRC. Analysis of the Nurse Health Study and the Health Professional Follow-up Study showed an improved overall survival (OS) following a diagnosis of CRC in patients with the highest quartile of 25-D3 levels [14]. Given the dominance of earlier stages of CRC in this study, extrapolation to more advanced metastatic disease is

Maintenance of Vitamin D Status in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats by Dietary Resistant Starch is Dependent on Colonic Fermentation

Diabetic nephropathy increases the risk for vitamin D (VD) deficiency due in part to the role of kidney in maintaining circulating 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25D) concentrations. We reported that high-amylose maize that is partially resistant to digestion (RS) protected renal health and maintained VD status in Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF), an experimental model of type 2 diabetes. Here, we tested whether butyrate, a fermentation product of RS, underlies the renal protection in ZDF by comparing the effect of orally administered sodium butyrate (SB) with dietary RS. Lean Zucker (n=5) rats were fed AIN-93G diet; ZDF (n = 5/group) were fed either AIN-93G diet, AIN-93G diet with SB at 2g/kg orally on alternate days, or AIN-93G diet where cornstarch was replaced by RS for 7 weeks. SB suppressed body weight gain in ZDF whereas RS normalized their growth pattern, independent of hyperglycemia. Albuminuria and proteinuria were attenuated by RS and SB, respectively. However, RS, but not SB, prevented urinary excretion of the VD-binding protein complex and 25D in ZDF, which resulted in 20% greater serum 25D concentrations compared to ZDF control. Additionally, serum triglycerides (TG) in ZDF control were 2-fold higher despite hepatic TG being 50% lower compared with RS-fed ZDF, while no differences were detected in SB-treated ZDF. These data may further suggest that renoprotection in ZDF by SB and RS is driven by different mechanisms and that the regulation of VD metabolism and hepatic lipid mobilization in ZDF by RS could be dependent on colonic fermentation.

Vitamin D3 acts on the gut-liver-adipose tissue axis to modulate obesity and associated metabolic and inflammatory changes in diet-induced obese mice

Background: Obesity and associated metabolic complications are increasing problems in industrialized countries. Serum 25-OH Vitamin D3 (VD3) levels negatively correlate with body mass index, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans. The causal relation between VD3 status and NAFLD as well as the potential underlying mechanisms are, however, not fully understood.

Relationship between 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D levels and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance values in obese subjects.

In this study, our aim is to evaluate the insulin resistance and quality of life in obese subjects and nonobese subjects and to find out the Vitamin D (VD) status and correlations between obesity and control groups and also according to their quality of life scores. The study was carried out between May and October 2013 which is the period of VD synthesis in Turkey. The participants of this study were volunteering individuals - obese and nonobese individuals defined according to the body mass index (BMI) - that did not receive any VD support in the last 1-year and did not have any known chronic diseases. 1,25-OH VD status and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were evaluated. The study population consisted of 39 individuals with normal weight (23 women, 16 men) and 66 individuals categorized as obese (51 women, 15 men). The difference in HOMA-IR and VD values between the group of obese individuals and the group of nonobese individuals was significant (P < 0.001 vs. P <0.001). The median value of HOMA-IR was higher in the obese group than in the nonobese group (P < 0.001) while the median value of VD was higher in the nonobese group than in the obese group (P < 0.001). The results regarding the relationship of BMI with HOMA-IR and VD show that there was a positive correlation between HOMA-IR and BMI (rs = 0.507; P < 0.001) and there was a negative correlation between HOMA-IR and VD (rs = -0.316; P = 0.0001). Given serious diseases associated with low serum VD levels such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders as well as low side effect incidence and low cost of VD treatment, it would be a reasonable approach to identify routine serum 25(OH) D and/or 1,25-OH VD levels of obese patients and administer a treatment to patients with low levels of VD.

Risk Factors of Hypovitaminosis D in Adolescents, Shanghai, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background and Objectives: Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent worldwide. Accumulating researches suggested vitamin D deficiency is associated with obesity and dyslipidemia. But the relationship is still controversial. This study was aimed to evaluate the vitamin D status in Chinese adolescents, to find out the risk factors of hypovitaminosis D and its association with obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of serum 25(OH)D, glycolipids, anthropometric measurements and life style investigation was done in 441 youths. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was determined. The influence factors of 25(OH)D concentration were analysed. Multi-variation logistic regression was utilized to find the risk factors of hypovitaminosis D. The association of vitamin D3 and the metabolic indice was analysed by gender. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 21.9 ± 8.1 ng/ml. Boys had higher 25(OH)D than girls (22.4 ± 8.1 ng/ml vs. 19.0 ng/ml (P25: 15.5 ng/ml, P75: 25.2 ng/ml), p<0.05). The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 42.4%. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in girls was significantly higher than in boys (55.4% vs. 39.8%, p<0.01). The mean concentration of 25(OH)D in winter was 19.6ng/ml, significantly lower than that in summer(25.6 ± 7.8 ng/ml, p<0.001). Significant differences were found in gender (p=0.005), age (p<0.001), BMI-SDS (p=0.003), WCSDS (p=0.005), seasons (p<0.001) and NAFLD ratios (p=0.018) among groups of vitamin D sufficiency, insufficiency and deficiency. The logistic regression suggested that female (OR=2.45, p=0.001), older ages (OR=1.29, p=0.011) and winter (OR=1.96, p=0.038) were risk factors of vitamin D deficiency. In male adolescents, HDL was protective factor of 25(OH)D concentrations (OR=0.22, p=0.009). BMI and WC were of no association with vitamin D. No relationship between 25(OH)D and metabolic indice or anthropometric measurements in girls was found. Conclusions: The vitamin D3 status in adolescents was very worrying. The risk factors of hypovitaminosis D were female, older ages and winter. 25(OH)D concentration had no relationship with BMI, WC, NAFLD in both genders.

Simultaneous Quantification of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Rats Shows Strong Correlations between Serum and Brain Tissue Levels.

While vitamin D3 is recognized as a neuroactive steroid affecting both brain development and function, efficient analytical method in determining vitamin D3 metabolites in the brain tissue is still lacking, and the relationship of vitamin D3 status between serum and brain remains elusive. Therefore, we developed a novel analysis method by using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to simultaneously quantify the concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) in the serum and brain of rats fed with different dose of vitamin D3. We further investigated whether variations of serum vitamin D3 metabolites could affect vitamin D3 metabolite levels in the brain. Serum and brain tissue were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization following derivatization with 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD). The method is highly sensitive, specific, and accurate to quantify 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 in animal brain tissue. Vitamin D3 metabolites in brain tissue were significantly lower in rats fed with a vitamin D deficiency diet than in rats fed with high vitamin D3 diet. There was also a strong correlation of vitamin D3 metabolites in serum and brain. These results indicate that vitamin D3 status in serum affects bioavailability of vitamin D3 metabolites in the brain.

Vitamin D status after a high dose of cholecalciferol in healthy and burn subjects

BackgroundBurn patients are at risk of vitamin D (VD) deficiency and may benefit from its pleiotropic effects as soon as acute phase. Aim of this observational study was to assess effects of a cholecalciferol (VD3) bolus on VD status in adult burn patients (Group B, GB) after admission, compared to healthy subjects (Group H, GH). MethodsBoth groups received an oral dose of 100,000IU VD3. Blood samples were collected before (D0) and 7 days (D7) after bolus to measure 250H-D, 1,25(OH)2-D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Albumin (ALB) and VD binding protein (DBP) were measured and used to calculate free 25OH-D level. Data were expressed as median (min–max) or proportions. ResultsA total of 49 subjects were included: 29 in GH and 20 in GB. At D0, prevalence of VD deficiency was higher in GB: 25OH-D was 21.5 (10.1–46.3) ng/ml in GH vs 11 (1.8–31.4) ng/ml in GB. DBP and ALB were lower in GB. At D7, DBP was stable in both groups while ALB decreased in GB. 25OH-D increased by 66.6 (13.5–260.3)% in GH. In GB, changes in 25OH-D extended from −36.7% to 333.3% with a median increase of 33.1%. Similar changes were observed in each group for free 25OH-D. High FGF23 levels were observed in GB. ConclusionsThis study highlighted the differences in VD status and in response to a high dose VD3 in burn patients when compared to healthy patients. Pitfalls in VD status assessment are numerous during acute burn care: 25OH-D measurement needs cautious interpretation and interest of free 25OH-D is still questionable. They should not prevent burn patients to receive VD supplements during acute care. Higher doses than general recommendations should probably be considered.

A study of the prevalence of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis are highly prevalent disease, so is hypovitaminosis D. We tried to find out prevalence of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D in patients suffering from primary knee Osteoarthritis. We also compared the prevalence of oseotoporosis between general population and patients of primary osteoarthritis. Patients suffering from primary knee OA were taken from Rheumatology OPD of Medical College Hospital and SSKM Hospital Kolkata, India. For each patient age and sex matched friend or relative of same locality was taken in the study as controls. Hospital staffs that come from different part of state was taken in the study as controls. The control population was the representative of general population. Total number of participants in this study was 206. Out of which there were 98 cases and 108 controls. BMD status correlates significantly with Primary OA. Serum Vitamin D3 status correlates significantly with Osteoarthritis. Age of the patients correlated significantly with both BMD Status and Knee OA but not with the vVitamin D level. There were significant correlation between the Serum Vitamin D3 status and BMD of the subjects. Osteoporosis is prevalent both in general population and patients suffering from Knee Osteoarthritis and may increase the disability. The matter is complicated by the fact hypovitaminosis D is also prevalent in the population and positively correlated with both Osteoporosis and osteoarthrosis, though we cannot comment on further pathogenesis because of cross sectional design of the study.

Abstract PL01-03: Vitamin D deficiency and prostate cancer in men with African ancestry

Abstract African-American men are disproportionally affected by prostate cancer in that African-American men are not only at increased risk of prostate cancer compared to American men of European descent, but also are at the highest risk of aggressive prostate cancer and death from prostate cancer. As well vitamin D3 deficiency is rampant in the African-American population. There is a biological component to this deficiency because sun-induced vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin is significantly reduced in melanin-rich pigmented skin. Consequently, about two thirds of African-American men are vitamin D3 deficient compared to about 20% of men of European descent. It is important to maintain a healthy vitamin D3 status because vitamin D3 deficiency increases the risk of prostate cancer mortality. Our group has examined vitamin D3 concentrations, metabolism and mediators in prostate tissue and cells of a racially diverse group of patients to discern differences in African-American men. Citation Format: Larisa Nonn. Vitamin D deficiency and prostate cancer in men with African ancestry. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr PL01-03. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-PL01-03

Chronic stress causes neuroendocrine-immune disturbances without affecting renal vitamin D metabolism in rats.

Vitamin D (VD) insufficiency has been repeatedly observed in the medical conditions associated with inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression. However, contrasting to the observational evidence, randomized trials of VD supplementation failed to demonstrate such link. Given the recent evidence that the inflammatory process can in turn alter VD metabolism, it has been hypothesized that the insufficient VD status could be the result rather than the cause of chronic inflammation involved in the onset of depression and other disease conditions. Chronic mild stress (CMS) is a valid animal model of depression that accompanied with neuroendocrine-immune disturbances. In the present research, we assessed serum VD concentrations and renal expression of the cytochromes P450 enzymes involved in VD activation (CYP27B1) and catabolism (CYP24A1) of rats following 8-week exposure to CMS. While CMS induced the rats to a depression-like state and increased serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines and corticosterone, and the antidepressant, sertraline, mitigated depression-like behaviors and neuroendocrine-immune disturbances, neither the stress regimen nor sertraline significantly affected endocrine metabolism of VD. Our data suggest that the stress-induced neuroendocrine-immune disturbances may account for the development of depression, but are not responsible for the insufficient VD status that frequently observed in depressed patients.

Effects of cholecalciferol supplementation and optimized calcium intakes on vitamin D status, muscle strength and bone health: A one-year pilot randomized controlled trial in adults with severe burns

ObjectiveBurn patients are at risk of hypovitaminosis D and osteopenia or sarcopenia. Vitamin D pleiotropic effects may influence bone and muscle health. The aim of this pilot study was to assess effects of a cholecalciferol (VD3) supplementation and an optimized calcium (Ca) regimen on vitamin D (VD) status, bone and muscle health during sequelar stage of burn injury. DesignMonocentric randomized controlled trial. MethodsFifteen adults with thermal burns dating from 2 to 5 years were randomized into two groups. For 12 months, they either received a quarterly IM injection of 200,000IU VD3 and daily oral Ca (Group D) or placebo (Group P). VD status and bone remodeling markers were assessed every 3 months. Knee muscle strength and bone mineral density were, respectively, assessed using isokinetic dynamometry and dual X-ray absorptiometry at initiation (M0) and completion (M12) of the protocol. ResultsOf all the patients, 66% presented with VD deficiency and 53% (with 3 men <40y) were considered osteopenic at inclusion. After one year, calcidiol levels significantly increased in Group D to reach 40 (37–61)ng/ml. No significant change in bone health was observed in both groups while Group D significantly improved quadriceps strength when tested at high velocity. ConclusionsThis VD3 supplementation was safe and efficient to correct hypovitaminosis D in burn adults. When combined with optimized Ca intakes, it demonstrated positive effects on muscle health but not on bone health. A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and osteopenia in these patients, as well as their wide range of muscle performances, seem to be worrying when considering rehabilitation and quality of life.

Insignificant medium-term vitamin D status change after 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing in a large managed care population.

ObjectivesTo examine the clinical utility of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) testing in achieving medium-term vitamin D (VD) sufficiency in a managed care population.MethodsRetrospective study of a continuously-enrolled patient population in a 3-year period between 2011 and 2013. Primary outcome was VD status at ∼1 year after 25(OH)D testing. Patient demographics, comorbidities, medications, and 25(OH)D test results were gathered from relevant databases and multivariate logistic regression analysis used to study the risk factors of persistent VD deficiency or insufficiency.ResultsOf 22,784 patients, 7533 (females 69.3%) did 14,563 25(OH)D tests, with an estimated cost of $582,520. Of the 7533 patients, 1126 had another 25(OH)D test at 300–400 days after the first one. Based on the two test results, 234 patients (20.8%) maintained sufficient 25(OH)D levels; 132 (11.7%) turned from VD-sufficient into VD-insufficient or -deficient; 538 (47.8%) remained VD-insufficient or -deficient, and only 222 (19.7%) improved to be VD-sufficient. Overall, only 8.0% more patients were VD-sufficient at ∼1 year after 25(OH)D testing. Only younger age and higher BMI were independent risk factors for persistent low 25(OH)D levels and high-dose VD use was not associated with achieving VD sufficiency.Conclusions25(OH)D testing only benefits a small portion of patients thus lacks clinical utility in achieving VD sufficiency in the medium term but incurs a significant cost. A practical strategy to treat VD deficiency or insufficiency is needed; without it, 25(OH)D testing adds little value to most patients’ health and should be used with discretion.

The role of vitamin d deficiency in the development of luteal phase deficiency

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency connecting with insufficient production in the skin and limited alimentation delivery, disrupts the function of all system of the body and increases the risk of women health. VD receptor and VD metabolizing enzymes have been detected in female reproductive tissues, such as ovary, uterus and placenta. There is an increasing human data suggesting that VD status may be associated with impaired fertility, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and ovarian cancer. We studied the role of Vitamin D deficiency andpathogenesis role in the development of deficiency of Luteal Phase.Was detected the positive correlations with premenstrual bleeding, luteal progesterone and estradiol levels and no connecting with post peak duration.

A Pilot Study on Vitamin-D Status and Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Indian Population

Vitamin D status indicated by 25-hydroxyvitamin D, along with its classic role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, is thought to be inversely associated with adiposity, glucose homeostasis, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. Studies among the western population have also shown it to be inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, evidence from the Asian population is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) (&lt;20 ng/mL) and its association with metabolic risk factors among adults. About 129 adults in the age group 30-60 years, who gave consent for participation, were enrolled in the study through snowball effect. Anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard methods &amp; tools. Serum 25(OH)D was estimated by CLIA method, lipid profile and fasting-glucose using enzymatic kits. MS was defined using NCEP ATP-III, 2005 guidelines. The results revealed that, around 88% of the subjects had VDD, with the prevalence being significantly higher among females than males (95% vs 77%). 31% of the population had MS of which 87.5% were vitamin-D deficient. The vitamin-D status of the subjects was not significantly related with the risk of developing MS (OR=0.88, 95% CI= 0.28-2.78). None of the risk factors for MS correlated significantly with the vitamin-D levels of the subjects. Waist-circumference (Exp(B)= 0.281, 95% CI= 0.089-0.887) entered the model for logistic regression with vitamin-D status as the dependent variable. Thus the results highlighted the high prevalence of VDD among the population and it was independently associated with greater abdominal obesity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i2.10180Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(2): 126-131

Primary vitamin D receptor target genes as biomarkers for the vitamin D3 status in the hematopoietic system

Vitamin D3 belongs to the few nutritional compounds that has, via the binding of its metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) to the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR), a direct effect on gene regulation. The relation of thousands of genomic VDR-binding sites to a few hundred primary 1,25(OH)2D3 target genes is still largely unresolved. We studied chromatin domains containing genes for the adhesion molecules CD97 and LRRC8A, the glucose transporter SLC37A2 and the coactivator NRIP1. These domains vary significantly in size (7.3 to 956 kb) but contain each one major VDR-binding site. In monocytic cells these four sites are associated with open chromatin and occupied by VDR, while in macrophage-like cells only the sites of LRRC8A, SLC37A2 and NRIP1 are accessible and receptor bound. The VDR site of CD97 does, in contrast to the three other loci, not carry any DR3-type binding sequence. CD97, LRRC8A, SLC37A2 and NRIP1 are early responding 1,25(OH)2D3 target genes in monocytic cells, while in macrophage-like cells they respond less and, in part, delayed. In primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 71 prediabetic subjects of a vitamin D3 intervention study (VitDmet) CD97, LRRC8A, SLC37A2 and NRIP1 can be used as transcriptomic biomarkers for classifying human individuals for their possible benefit from vitamin D3 supplementation. In particular, NRIP1 exceeds the potential of the previously identified marker CD14 by more than 40% and seems to be a well-suited molecular marker for the vitamin D3 status in the hematopoietic system.

Vitamin D status of adult population aged 30-60 years in Vadodara city- A cross sectional study

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a public health problem worldwide, but relatively few countries have data available on the vitamin D status of their population. Objective: The objective of the study was to map the prevalence of VDD among the adult population of Vadodara city in Gujarat, West India and identify its risk factors. Method: 141 adult subjects (males=50, females=91) in the age group 30-60 years, who gave written consent for participation, were enrolled for the cross-sectional study through snowball effect. Data on anthropometric indices and background information was collected from them. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D level of the subjects was found to be 13.53 ± 7.0, with significantly lower levels among females. About 88.6% subjects had VDD with 25(OH)D levels 30ng/ml). When vitamin-D status was cross tabulated with age, maximum deficiency was seen among 30-40y (31.9%) followed by 51-60y (29.8%). In relation to the anthropometric indices (BMI, WC, WHR, WSR, body fat and blood pressure), the prevalence of all the risk-factors was high among the group with low levels of vitamin-D (<20ng/ml) as compared to the high level group (≥20ng/ml). Nearly 27% subjects had a history of fractures of which 23% had VDD. With respect to sun exposure, the vitamin-D levels were significantly low among the subjects with no or low exposure (<140 min/week). Conclusion: Thus, a high prevalence of VDD was observed in the population indicating an urgent need to discover and implement preventive strategies and address this epidemic.

Altered vitamin D status in liver tissue and blood plasma from Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) dietary exposed to organohalogen contaminated minke whale (Balaenoptera acuterostrata) blubber

This study compared vitamin D3 (vitD3) and 25-OH vitamin D3 (25OHD3) status in Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) given either minke whale (Balaenoptera acuterostrata) blubber high in organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) or clean porcine (Suis scrofa) fat for up to 636 days. A group of six exposed and six control sister bitches (maternal generation) and their three exposed and four control pups, respectively, were daily fed 112g whale blubber (193µg ∑PCB/day) or porcine fat (0.17µg ∑PCB/day). Mean level of ∑PCB in adipose tissue of exposed bitches and their pups was 3106 and 2670ng/g lw, respectively, which was significantly higher than the mean concentration of 53ng/g lw for all controls (p<0.001). The vitamin analyses showed that 25OHD3 in liver of maternal exposed bitches were significantly lower than in controls (p=0.004) while vitD3 was significantly highest in liver of exposed pups (p<0.003). Regarding blood plasma concentrations, exposed F generation pups had significantly higher concentrations of 25OHD3 than controls (p=0.009). Correlation analyses showed that blood 25OHD3 decreased significantly with increased adipose tissue concentrations of ∑PCB in exposed dogs (R2=0.64, p=0.005) and a similar trend was found for liver 25OHD3 (R2=0.32, p=0.08). The results indicate that the homeostasis and metabolism of vitamin D compounds may respond differently to the dietary composition of fatty acids and OHC exposure. It is unknown if the lower level of 25OHD3 in the liver of exposed dogs would have any negative effects on immunity and reproduction and more focus should be conducted on this compound in Arctic wildlife.