Vitamin D Status Research Articles

Assessment of relationship of lipid and carbon profile indicators with vitamin D supply in children depending on body mass index

Overweight children represent a particularly vulnerable group for hypovitaminosis D. Clinical studies on the relationship between vitamin D (VD) deficiency and metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disorders are controversial, and for children of primary school age who have overweight and obesity are insufficient. The aim of the research was to study the relationship between lipid and carbohydrate metabolism indicators and VD status in children, depending on the body mass index. Material and methods. A cross-sectional (one-step) study was carried out on a sample of 154 children with different weight of 8-10 years old (74 girls, 80 boys). Three groups of research participants were identified: group 1 - 44 obese, group 2 - 58 overweight, group 3 - 52 children with normal body weight. For all children, the serum level of 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), ß-lipoproteins, glucose, insulin was determined, and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was also calculated. Results. VD deficiency in obese children was found almost 2.3 fold more often than in overweight (p=0.002) and 2.8 fold more often than in children with normal body weight (p=0.001). Indicators of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were within physiological limits. However, in obese children they significantly exceeded the indicator of healthy children (p<0.05). When comparing the results of biochemical studies, it was revealed that children with VD deficiency [25(OH)D <20 ng/ml] had statistically significantly higher medians of PTH, TC, TG, ALT, AST, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and lower P and Ca level compared with children with normal micronutrient blood content (p<0.05). The medians of ALT, AST, TC, ß-lipoproteins, TG, glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR levels in obese children with VD deficiency were statistically significantly higher than in children with normal body weight and VD deficiency and in healthy children with an optimal concentration of 25(OH)D. At the same time, there was no statistically significant difference between the indicators of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the group of healthy children with normal VD status and its deficiency. Conclusion. VD deficiency is an important predictor of obesity complications and it exacerbates the risk of cardiometabolic disorders in children who are obese in the early school years.

Association between Maternal Serum 25(OH)-Vitamin D3 Levels in Late Pregnancy and Profiles of Newborn Amino Acid Concentrations.

Vitamin D deficiency is common during pregnancy. 25(OH)-Vitamin D3 is the major vitamin D circulating form in human organism. However, the effects of 25(OH)-vitamin D3 deficiency in late pregnancy on the infant's amino acid metabolism has still not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between maternal serum 25(OH)-vitamin D3 levels in late pregnancy and profiles of newborn amino acid concen-trations. A total of 539 women in late pregnancy and their newborns enrolled in this study. The concentrations of 25(OH)-vitamin D3 in maternal serum were measured by ABI 4500 high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). For newborns, their amino acids levels were measured by ABI 3200 LC/MS/MS. T-test and Spearman's correlation analyses were used in the study as statistical analysis methods. The concentrations of arginine (Arg) and glycine (Gly) in newborn blood spots were significantly different in each maternal serum 25(OH)-vitamin D3 status group. There was a significant correlation between maternal serum 25(OH)-vitamin D3 status and Arg concentration in their offspring (p = 0.03). Maternal serum 25(OH)-vitamin D3 concentration in late pregnancy may affect their newborn's amino acid metabolism, but the precise mechanisms underlying the relationship need further investigation.

ASSOСIATION BETWEEN VITAMIN D STATUS AND METABOLIC DISORDERS IN PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH AUTOIMMUNE HYPOTHYROID DISEASE

The aim: Is to establish a relationship between serum vitamin D level with carbohydrate and lipid indexes in women with autoimmune hypothyroid disease. Materials and methods: 146 women with autoimmune hypothyroid disease were examined in the period 2017-2019, who signed the informed consent. The mean age of women was 43.8 ± 0.7 years. Anthropometric, general clinical and biochemical examinations were performed including determination of lipid metabolism, hydrocarbon metabolism and establishment of vitamin-D status. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was found in 78.8%, insufficiency in 17.1% of women with autoimmune hypothyroidism. Statistical processing of results was carried out and established strong negative correlation between 25 (OH) D and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (r = -0,77) and thyrotropic hormone level (r = -0.72), р&lt;0,05. Strong inverse correlations were found between vitamin D levels and body mass index (r=-0,74) and total cholesterol levels (r=-0,72), negative correlation of medium strength was with highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0,58), triglycerides (r=-0,46), atherogenic coefficient (r=-0,65) and the HOMA-IR (r=-0,57), The values of p &lt; 0.05 were considered reliable. Conclusions: The incidence of vitamin D hypovitaminosis in women with autoimmune thyroid disease is significantly higher than in the healthy population. Low vitamin D status is significantly associated with autoimmune thyroid dysfunction and determines the degree of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular risk in premenopausal women with autoimmune hypothyroid disease.

Vitamin D status and calcium-phosphoric metabolism in children with excessive body weight and obesity

Obesity is a multifactorial disease, the prevalence of which has increased over the past few decades worldwide in all age groups. There is evidence of the pathogenetic role of vitamin D (VD) in the formation of obesity. However, there are few studies concerning the characteristics of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in obese children. Therefore, data on the prevalence of VD deficiency stratified by body mass index categories, characteristics of calcium-phosphorus homeostasis and the relationship between the concentration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25(OH)D in obese children are of scientific and practical interest. The aim of the study was to assess the VD status of children, to analyze the ratio of individual biochemical markers of bone metabolism [concentration of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), PTH, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity] depending on body mass index (BMI). Material and methods. The cross-sectional (one-stage) study included 77 children with different weight and height parameters at the age from 8 to 10 years. All children were divided into 3 groups: 1st - 26 children with normal body weight, 2nd - 29 children with overweight, 3rd - 22 people with obesity. All children underwent determination of the level of 25(OH)D, PTH, alkaline phosphatase, Ca, P in blood serum. Results. Reduced VD supply occurred in all groups. However, children with normal BMI had a higher concentration of 25(OH)D - 32.65 [15.96; 44.4] ng/ml vs 23.6 [11.3; 34.54] ng/ml (p=0.001) in children with overweight and 12.51 [5.7; 19.1] ng/ml (p=0.014) in children with obesity (p<0.05). With an increase in BMI, a decrease in 25(OH)D level was noted (r=-0.480, p<0.05). Vitamin D deficiency in obese children (86.4%) occurred 2.3 fold more often than in overweight children (p=0.002), and 2.8 fold more often than in children with normal body weight (p=0.001). The concentration of PTH in all children was within the physiological norm, while there was a moderate negative correlation between the levels of PTH and 25(OH)D (r=-0.44, p<0.05). A moderate inverse correlation was also found between the concentration of PTH and total Ca (r=-0.38, p<0.05) and P (r=-0.44, p<0.05). With an increase in the BMI/age Z-score, a decrease in serum Ca level was observed (r=-0.497, p<0.05). The P content and ALP activity in blood serum were within the physiological norm in all children, however, in children with overweight and obesity, these indicators were statistically significantly lower than in healthy peers (p<0.05). Conclusion. In children with overweight and obesity, vitamin D deficit and insufficiency are recorded statistically significantly more often than in healthy children. With an increase in BMI, there is a tendency to a decrease in Ca, P and ALP.

Influence of the Biofield Energy Treatment on the Pharmacokinetics of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats after a Single Oral Dose of Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 reported having many important roles in bone metabolism, osteoporosis, immunity, and useful in numerous diseases, i.e., cardiovascular, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. Unexpectedly, there is little information available about the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the blood, which is the best indicator of vitamin D3 status after its oral absorption. However, the biological activity of vitamin D3 is mediated via the formation of the active metabolite, 1-α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 . There are several factors that affect its absorption and first-pass metabolism that lead to having very low plasma concentrations of both the metabolites (25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1-α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 ) following an oral administration. Thus, the current study was executed to determine the influence of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Treatment on vitamin D3 and rats through the measurement of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations after the oral administration of vitamin D3 in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The test item, vitamin D3 was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control (without Biofield Energy Treatment/Blessing), while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Treatment by renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Dahryn Trivedi. Additionally, one group of animals also received Consciousness Energy Treatment per se by the Healer under similar conditions. The Biofield Energy Healer who was located in the USA, while the test samples and animals were located in the research laboratory in India. Vitamin D3 oral formulations were administrated by oral gavage at a dose of 500 µg per kg in groups viz. G1 (untreated vitamin D3 ), G2 (Biofield Treated vitamin D3 ), and G3 (Biofield Treated animals received untreated vitamin D3 ) group. The Biofield Energy Treatment increased the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 by 3.45% and 72.77% in the G2 and G3 groups, respectively as compared with the G1 group. The area under the plasma concentration– time curve (AUC0–t) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was altered by -11.19% in the G2 group and 59.45% in the G3 group as compared to the G1 group. After oral administration, the Tmax of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was altered by -62.97% in G2 and 55.56% in G3 groups compared to G1. The mean residence time (MRT) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was also altered in the G2 group by -12.34% and G3 group by 0.18%, as compared to the G1. The relative oral bioavailability (Fr) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was significantly altered by -11.19% in the G2 group and 59.45% in the G3 group compared to the G1. Biofield Energy Treatment could be an innovative strategy that opens new avenues to overcome poorly absorbed pharmaceuticals/ nutraceuticals/herbal extracts and can also improve the therapeutic performance of orally active molecules.

Frequency of Vitamin-D deficiency in children with Urinary tract infection: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Objective:To determine Vitamin-D status in children with urinary tract infection.Methods:A Cross-sectional study was done at Pediatric Department, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad, from July 2019 to March 2020. A total of 172 children of either gender from 2 to 60 months of age with confirmed urinary tract infection (UTI) (having positive urine C/S report) were included in the study. The child who received antibiotics 48 hours prior or already on immunosuppressive drugs and steroids from previous health record or by taking clinically relevant history), children with CKD on vitamin-D supplementation, and known case of Vitamin-D deficiency were also excluded from the study. All study participants were evaluated for vitamin-D level by high performance liquid chromatography. Urine sample was collected for C/S and 1 cc venous blood was taken for Vitamin D status (ng/ml). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) and stratification was calculated for age, duration of urinary tract infection and vitamin-D level. Post stratification chi-square test was applied for all categorical variables at 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value ≤0.05 was considered significant.Results:The average age of the patients was 41.51±18.34 months. There were 130 (75.58%) females and 40 (23.25%) males. Most common complaint of the children was fever 150 (87.21%). Vomiting was present in 31 (18.02%), abdominal pain 22 (12.79%) and dysuria in 15 (8.72%) children. A total of 129 (75%) children had pyelonephritis and 15 (25%) had cystitis. (Frequency of vitamin-D deficiency in children with diagnosed UTI was 45.93% (79/172). Mild vitamin D deficiency was present in 42 (53.16%) children, while moderate deficiency in 55 (69.62%) children. E. Coli was the most common pathogen in both mild and moderate vitamin D deficiency i.e., 20 (47.61) and 31 (56.36%) respectively.Conclusion:The frequency of urinary tract infection is more common in children having vitamin D deficiency.

Relationship between serum Vitamin D and insulin resistance in pre-diabetic and diabetic states- A comparative study

Introduction: Pre-diabetes is an important risk factor for the development of overt diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease. Pre-diabetes is frequently associated with obesity which in turn is commonly associated with hypovitaminosis-D. Low Vitamin D levels impair synthesis & secretion of insulin and through many other mechanisms is attributed in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a stage where prevention efforts have been shown to be effective in delaying or preventing the onset of diabetes. However, there are not many studies that have examined the association between low serum 25(OH) Vit D levels and prediabetes. The aim of this study was to compare Vit D levels between the normals, pre-diabetics & diabetics and study the relationship between insulin resistance and vitamin-D status among individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes. Materials and Methods: 50 non diabetic, 50 pre-diabetic and 50 type 2 diabetics were included in the study. Waist hip ratio and Body mass index calculated. Fasting blood sugar, insulin, lipid profile, calcium, alkaline phosphatase and serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D were estimated. Insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) and beta cell function (HOMA2-β) was calculated using HOMA 2 calculator. Result: Vitamin-D deficiency (

Effects of maternal vitamin D3 status on quality traits of longissimus dorsi muscle in offspring pigs during postmortem storage

Maternal nutritional status has long lasting consequences on meat quality in offspring. We sought to determine how maternal vitamin D3 would influence quality traits of longissimus dorsi muscle in offspring pigs during postmortem storage. A total of 72 offspring pigs (150 d, Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) obtained from 3 sow feeding groups (9 sows per group) which contained 200 (low vitamin D3, LD), 800 (normal vitamin D3, ND) and 3200 (high vitamin D3, HD) IU of vitamin D3/kg basal diet during pregnancy to investigate the effects of maternal vitamin D3 status during pregnancy on meat quality attributes such as pH, shear force, water holding capacity (WHC), color, and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) T2 relaxation times of longissimus dorsi muscles in meat samples of offspring pigs during postmortem storage. The results showed that during postmortem storage times, HD group had higher pH value and WHC, while lower T21 relaxation time compared with LD group (P < 0.05), shear force of ND group was higher than that of HD group, while lower than that of LD group (P < 0.05), ND and HD groups had lower L*, b* values, T22 relaxation time, and higher a* value compared with LD group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, postmortem storage decreased pH value of ND group, WHC of LD group, and L*, a* values of LD and ND groups, but increased b* values of LD and ND groups, and T22 relaxation time of all groups were insignificant (P < 0.05). These results indicated that maternal vitamin D3 status affected pH value, WHC, shear force, meat color and LF-NMR T2 relaxation time of longissimus dorsi muscles, which improved meat quality attribute and eating quality in offspring pigs through regulating meat quality index during postmortem storage.

Tracking of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D during 21 years.

Our objective was to evaluate the degree of tracking for serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] over time, by using data from three previously conducted surveys of the Tromsø study collected in the years 1994/1995 (Tromsø 4), 2007/2008 (Tromsø 6), and 2015/2016 (Tromsø 7). Subjects with valid 25(OH)D measurements in all three surveys were included. 25(OH)D z-scores were used to adjust for seasonal variation. Z-scores and sextiles were used to illustrate tracking of 25(OH)D. 1702 subjects (572 males, 1130 females) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Median (5th, 95th percentiles) age for these subjects was 55 (33, 65) years in Tromsø 4, and mean (SD) 25(OH)D levels were 57 (18) nmol/L, 59 (19) nmol/L, and 72 (21) nmol/L for Tromsø 4, Tromsø 6, and Tromsø 7, respectively. There was significant tracking of serum 25(OH)D over the 21 years period between the surveys of the Tromsø study. The correlation coefficient r between 25(OH)D z-scores from Tromsø 4 and Tromsø 6 was 0.40, and declined to 0.29 for the correlation between Tromsø 4 and Tromsø 7. Twenty-six percent of the subjects in the lowest 25(OH)D z-score sextile in Tromsø 4 were in the three highest sextiles of 25(OH)D in Tromsø 7. Similarly, 35% of those in the highest sextile in Tromsø 4 were in the lowest three sextiles in Tromsø 7. The degree of tracking for serum 25(OH)D declines over time, and the use of a single serum 25(OH)D measurement as an indicator of the vitamin-D status is questionable if used in long-lasting observational studies.

Unraveling the roles of vitaminD status and melanin during Covid‑19 (Review).

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread worldwide, it has become evident that the morbidity and mortality rates clearly vary across nations. Although several factors may account for this disparity, striking differences within and between populations indicate that ethnicity might impact COVID-19 clinical outcomes, reflecting the 'color of disease'. Therefore, the role of key biological variables that could interplay with viral spreading and severity indices has attracted increasing attention, particularly among non-Caucasian populations. Although the links between vitamin D status and the incidence and severity of COVID-19 remain elusive, several lines of emerging evidence suggest that vitamin D signaling, targeting several immune-mediated pathways, may offer potential benefits at different stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given that the vitamin D status is modulated by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including skin type (pigmentation), melanin polymers may also play a role in variable COVID-19 outcomes among diverse population settings. Moreover, apart from the well-known limiting effects of melanin on the endogenous production of vitamin D, the potential crosstalk between the pigmentary and immune system may also require special attention concerning the current pandemic. The present review article aimed to shed light on a range of mostly overlooked host factors, such as vitamin D status and melanin pigments, that may influence the course and outcome of COVID-19.

Hepatic steatosis indices as predictors of vitamin D3 deficiency in patients with NAFLD associated with type 2 diabetes

Background. Recently, vitamin D3 deficiency is considered one of the factors associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim was to evaluate steatosis indices and metabolic parameters in NAFLD depending on vitamin D3 status. Methods. According to the recommendations of the European Society of Endocrinology, all patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 — with an optimal level of vitamin D3 (30 ng/mL); group 2 — vitamin D3 insufficiency (21–29 ng/mL) and group 3 — vitamin D3 deficiency (< 20 ng/mL). Results. The study included 126 T2D patients with NAFLD diagnosed with ultrasound. The highest hepatic steatosis (HSI) and fatty liver (FLI) index values were diagnosed in vitamin D3 deficiency as compared to optimal group (HSI — 43.34 ± 6.59 vs. 39.67 ± 4.37; P = 0.032 and FLI — 79.21 ± 19.61 vs. 64.96 ± 17.72; P = 0.007). Triglyceride and glucose index (TyG) also were insignificantly elevated parallel to vitamin D3 status worsened (P = 0.175). In multivariate logistic regression analysis all steatosis indices were independent from transaminases activity, body mass index (BMI) and T2D duration associated with vitamin D3 deficiency. Conclusions. Hepatic steatosis indices (HSI, FLI and TyG) independently from anthropometric parameters and transaminase activity associated with D3 deficiency in NAFLD patients

Efficacy of Oral Administration of a Reliable AD3E Treatment on Vitamin D3 Deficiency in Najdi Sheep

This study was aimed to assess the efficacy of oral treatment of commercial product of vitamin D3 (VITOL-80 C ORAL®, Interchemie, Holland) in growing Najdi sheep suffering from musculoskeletal illness due to vitamin D3 deficiency in Basra province, Iraq. Using a Najdi sheep model bred in Iraq, here we focused on measuring the serum levels of total vitamin D3, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as complete blood count (CBC) and clinical examinations pre and post-treatment with VITOL-80 C ORAL®. No significant changes (P > 0.05) of the vitamin D status were recorded in Najdi sheep with vitamin D3 deficiency post treatment with (VITOL-80 C ORAL®). However, a sharp (P < 0.0001) decline of the total serum vitamin D3 concentration were observed in those Najdi sheep per-administration (21.95 ± 1.82 ng/ml) and postadministration (22.29 ± 1.34 ng/ml) of vitamins therapy contrast to control healthy Najdi sheep (89.75 ± 6.84 ng/ml). An interaction between vitamin D3 status and the serum concentrations of calcium/phosphorus, PTH, ALP and ALT was observed. With vitamin D3-deficient Najdi sheep; values of CBC, and calcium/phosphorus concentrations were lower while PTH, ALP and ALT were higher than the healthy control Najdi sheep; thus, no significant changes (P > 0.05) of these values were recorded post treatment of (VITOL-80 C ORAL®). In conclusion, vitamin D3 deficiency threats the health of local Najdi sheep and has a potential role through suppressing their immunity. Oral administration of the commercial product as a source of vitamin D3 is not effective suggesting involvement of vitamin D receptors (VDR) and/or dysfunction of liver and kidneys.

Vitamin D Deficiency Induces Elevated Oxidative and Biomechanical Damage in Coronary Arterioles in Male Rats.

Background: Several reports prove interconnection between vitamin D (VD) deficiency and increased cardiovascular risk. Our aim was to investigate the effects of VD status on biomechanical and oxidative–nitrative (O–N) stress parameters of coronary arterioles in rats. Methods: 4-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (11 animals) with optimal VD supply (300 IU/kgbw/day) and a VD-deficient group (11 animals, <5 IU/kg/day). After 8 weeks, coronary arteriole segments were prepared. Geometrical, elastic, and biomechanical characteristics were measured by in vitro arteriography. O–N stress markers were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results: Inner radius decreased; wall thickness and wall-thickness/lumen diameter ratio increased; tangential wall stress and elastic modulus were reduced in VD-deficient group. No difference could be found in wall-cross-sectional area, intima-media area %. While the elastic elements of the vessel wall decreased, the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunostaining intensity showed no changes. Significant elevation was found in the lipid peroxidation marker of 4-hidroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), while other O–N stress markers staining intensity (poly(ADP)ribose, 3-nitrotyrosine) did not change. Conclusions: Inward eutrophic remodeling has developed. The potential background of these impairments may involve the initial change in oxidative damage markers (HNE). These mechanisms can contribute to the increased incidence of the cardiovascular diseases in VD deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates Alzheimer-like pathologies by reducing antioxidant capacity

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is prevalent among aging people and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, the roles of VD deficiency in the pathology of AD remain largely unexplored. In this study, APP/PS1 mice were fed a VD-deficient diet for 13 weeks to evaluate the effects of VD deficiency on the learning and memory functions and the neuropathological characteristics of the mice. Our study revealed that VD deficiency accelerated cognitive impairment in the APP/PS1 mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that VD deficiency promoted glial activation and increased inflammatory factor secretion. Furthermore, VD deficiency increased the production and deposition of Aβ by elevating the expression levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and β-site APP cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1). In addition, VD deficiency increased the phosphorylation of Tau at Thr181, Thr205 and Ser396 by increasing the activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and glycogen synthase kinase 3α/β (GSK3α/β) and promoted synaptic dystrophy and neuronal loss. All these effects of VD deficiency may be ascribed to enhanced oxidative stress via the downregulation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and cystine/glutamate exchanger (xCT). Taken together, our data suggest that VD deficiency exacerbates Alzheimer-like pathologies via promoting inflammatory stress, increasing Aβ production and elevating Tau phosphorylation by decreasing antioxidant capacity in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Hence, rescuing the VD status of AD patients should be taken into consideration during the treatment of AD.

Maternal vitamin D status and association with neonatal anthropometric measures

Pregnant women are at risk of developing vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Vitamin D status has a great impact on both pregnancy and the fetus. The aim of the study was to evaluate the maternal serum vitamin D level and its impact on the neonatal anthropometric measures. Material and methods. A prospective study among 71 pregnant women aged 19 to 40 years was carried out. Women with a gestation period of 12-15 weeks between October to April were included in this study. A survey of pregnant women was conducted and the maternal serum total vitamin D [25 (OH) D2 and D3] level was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Neonatal anthropometric parameters (weight, body length, weightlength ratio) were measured. Results and discussion. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 (57.7%) of pregnant women, insufficiency - in 7 (9.9%), and the optimal level - in 23 (32.4%) of examined women. Women with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have a miscarriage in anamnesis than women with optimal D status (OR - 9.06; 95% CI: 1.11-73.86, р=0.0396). We have not established the influence of other factors (age, social status, body mass index, number of pregnancies) on the maternal D-status. There were no significant differences between indicators of weight by age, body length of a child by age, and Apgar scores depending on the vitamin-D status of pregnant women. Conclusion. The study showed that the optimal vitamin D level is observed only in 32.4%, and its deficiency or insufficiency occurs in 67.6% of pregnant women. The study did not reveal the correlation between maternal vitamin-D status and neonatal anthropometric measures. Taking into account the trend towards lower weight-length ratio to gestational age of the newborns from mothers with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, further studies are needed.

Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on COVID-19-A Prospective Analysis from the CovILD Registry.

The novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health concern. Vitamin D (VITD) deficiency has been suggested to alter SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and the course of disease. Thus, we aimed to investigate associations of VITD status to disease presentation within the CovILD registry. This prospective, multicenter, observational study on long-term sequelae includes patients with COVID-19 after hospitalization or outpatients with persistent symptoms. Eight weeks after PCR confirmed diagnosis, a detailed questionnaire, a clinical examination, and laboratory testing, including VITD status, were evaluated. Furthermore, available laboratory specimens close to hospital admission were used to retrospectively analyze 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at disease onset. A total of 109 patients were included in the analysis (60% males, 40% females), aged 58 ± 14 years. Eight weeks after the onset of COVID-19, a high proportion of patients presented with impaired VITD metabolism and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. PTH concentrations were increased in patients who needed intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, while VITD levels were not significantly different between disease severity groups. Low VITD levels at disease onset or at eight-week follow-up were not related to persistent symptom burden, lung function impairment, ongoing inflammation, or more severe CT abnormalities. VITD deficiency is frequent among COVID-19 patients but not associated with disease outcomes. However, individuals with severe disease display a disturbed parathyroid-vitamin-D axis within their recovery phase. The proposed significance of VITD supplementation in the clinical management of COVID-19 remains elusive.

Vitamin-D status and bone mineral density in asthmatic children on long-term inhaled corticosteroids

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory illness affecting children. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) form the main treatment modality in asthma. Reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) is an important adverse effect of steroid usage. This side effect is an established entity with oral corticosteroids but minimal with ICS therapy. However, there are reports regarding the detrimental effect of chronic therapy with ICS. Long-term high-dose budesonide more than 800 μg/day has been shown to reduce the BMD. However, this effect was not consistently seen with moderate doses of 400–800 μg/day. Anticipating the impact of steroids on bone metabolism and monitoring for it is essential. Annual monitoring of Vitamin-D levels and BMD in children on chronic therapy is beneficial for the early detection and management of steroid-induced osteopenia. Judicious ICS use at the lowest effective dose should be tailor-made for every individual.

Vitamin D Auto-/Paracrine System Is Involved in Modulation of Glucocorticoid-Induced Changes in Angiogenesis/Bone Remodeling Coupling.

Osteoporosis is a devastating side effect of chronic glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. Despite the crucial role of vitamin D (VD) in bone homeostasis, the precise molecular mechanisms of its action on GC-induced disturbances of bone remodeling remain undefined. The study was performed to elucidate the relation of VD status to GC-induced changes of the angiogenesis/osteogenesis/bone resorption coupling in bone tissue. Female Wistar rats received prednisolone (5 mg/kg of b.w.) with or without VD3 (1000 IU/kg of b.w., for 30 days). Biomechanical parameters of rat femurs were assessed by the three-point bending test. The levels of calcium, inorganic phosphate, activity of total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and its isoenzymes were determined spectrophotometrically. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and caspase-3 protein levels were detected by western blotting. Vdr and Cyp27b1 mRNAs were measured by qRT-PCR. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) expression in bone sections was visualized immunohistochemically. Serum 25(OH)D was assayed by ELISA. GC administration led to a decrease in maximal load (by 1.2-fold) and stiffness and toughness (by 1.3-fold), which was accompanied by a 3-fold reduction of 25(OH)D level, an elevation of the ALP bone isoenzyme activity in serum, hypocalcaemia, and hypophosphatemia. Along with prednisolone-induced VD deficiency, an impaired synthesis of Vdr (−30%) and Cyp27b1 (+71%) mRNA was observed, reflecting deregulation of bone tissue VD-auto-/paracrine system. GC caused an increase in caspase-3 content, suppressed the synthesis of the osteoclastic marker RANK, and altered angiogenesis/osteogenesis coupling by significantly reducing the level of VEGF-A.VD3 treatment restored serum 25(OH)D content and the expression of key components of the VD-auto-/paracrine system. VD3 supplementation diminished cell apoptosis and strongly improved angiogenesis/osteogenesis coupling as well as mineral metabolism and biomechanical parameters of femurs in GC-administered rats. Thus, VD3 can have a beneficial effect on the correction of GC-induced pathological changes in bone remodeling.

Suboptimal Serum 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Is Associated with a History of Recent Disease Exacerbation in Pediatric Patients with Bronchial Asthma or Asthma-Suggestive Recurrent Wheezing.

Even though vitamin D is widely acknowledged as having a potential immunomodulatory role in asthma, its exact beneficial mechanisms are yet to be clarified. An optimal serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-VitD) level in pediatric asthma patients might not rely solely on the effect of dose-dependent vitamin D3 intake, but might also be influenced by factors related to insufficient asthma control. We aimed to survey the prevalence of serum 25-OH-VitD deficiency and analyze whether suboptimal levels were associated with asthma severity factors. The current cross-sectional study enrolled 131 pediatric asthma or asthma-suggestive recurrent wheezing patients, for whom serum 25-OH-VitD, IgE, and eosinophil count were assessed. The prevalence of suboptimal serum 25-OH-VitD was 58.8%. A suboptimal vitamin D status was associated with asthma exacerbation in the previous month (p = 0.02). Even under seasonal oral vitamin D3 supplementation, patients with a positive history of asthma attack in the previous four weeks presented significantly lower serum 25-OH-VitD concentrations, compared to their peers with no disease exacerbation. In conclusion, sequential measurements of serum 25-OH-VitD might prove useful for future studies evaluating the dynamic changes in vitamin D3 status in regard to asthma, especially in symptomatic patients.

Vitamin D Assessment Over 48 Weeks in Treatment-Naive HIV Individuals Starting Lopinavir/Ritonavir Monotherapy.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in HIV population and has been associated with increased comorbidity risk and poor immunologic status. To evaluate the effect of protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy on changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] over 48 weeks. Thirty-four treatment-naïve HIV individuals initiating lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy and receiving clinical care from private practice in Houston, Texas, were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels from stored plasma samples collected from IMANI-2 pilot study at both baseline and 48 weeks were analyzed using LC-MS assays. Mean 25(OH)D at baseline and 48 weeks were compared using paired t-tests. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with changes in 25(OH)D. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the effect of vitamin D status and covariates on CD4 cell count recovery. Mean 25(OH)D was significantly higher at 48 weeks (26.3 ng/mL (SD + 14.9); p=0.0003) compared to baseline (19.8 ng/mL (SD +12.1), with fewer individuals having vitamin D deficiency (41.2%) and severe deficiency (11.8%). Both body mass index and baseline CD4 cell count were significant independent covariates associated with 25(OH)D changes over 48 weeks. Baseline vitamin D status did not affect CD4 cell count recovery. However, in a 24-week multivariate analysis, current tobacco use was significantly associated with a decreased odds of CD4 cell count recovery (AOR 0.106, 95% CI 0.018-0.606; p=0.012). Individuals treated with lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy had significantly higher 25(OH)D after 48 weeks. Current tobacco users had significantly diminished CD4 cell count recovery after starting treatment, warranting further clinical investigation.