Comparison of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bilirubin levels between patients with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease / Comparação dos níveis de 25-hidroxivitamina D e bilirrubina entre pacientes com tremor essencial e doença de Parkinson

Introduction: Differential diagnoses between essential tremor and Parkinson's disease is challenging in some individuals, with both disorders sharing similarities. Considering these links, we hypothesized that both conditions have a similar profile for some antioxidant molecules, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bilirubin. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study comparing serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bilirubin in 31 ET patients, 38 PD, and 65 controls matched for age. We used the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin scale for the severity of tremors in the ET group. We used Hohen-Yahr and MDS-UPDRS part III scales in the PD group. In addition, we evaluated sociodemographic characteristics, including age, sex, ethnicity, years of study, duration of disease, and use of primidone. Results: We found no differences in serum levels for 25-hydroxyvitamin D or bilirubin subtype levels between the ET and PD groups. We found low levels of indirect bilirubin in the PD group compared to the controls. We did not find differences between ET and controls in all biomarkers of the study. Conclusion: ET and PD patients have similar profiles for 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bilirubin serum levels. The discovery of differences in oxidative stress biomarkers in both conditions, mainly low-cost substances available clinically, can assist in the differential diagnosis and, in the future, prognostication and better therapy management (AU).

Introdução: O diagnóstico diferencial entre tremor essencial (TE) e a doença de Parkinson (DP) é desafiador em alguns indivíduos com ambas as afecções apresentando algumas similaridades. Assim sendo, hipotetizamos que ambas têm perfil similar de algumas moléculas antioxidantes, incluindo 25-hidroxivitamina D e bilirrubina. Méto-dos: Realizamos um estudo transversal comparando os níveis séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D e bilirrubinas em 31 indivíduos com TE, 38 com DP e 65 controles pareados por idade. A escala de Fahn-Tolosa-Marin foi usada para avaliação da gravidade do tremor no grupo com TE e Hohen-Yahr e UPDRS parte III na avaliação do grupo com DP. Também foram avaliadas as características sociodemográficas. Resultados: Não encontramos diferenças nos níveis séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D ou bilirrubina entre os grupos TE e DP. Encontramos baixos níveis de bilirrubina indireta no grupo DP comparado aos controles. Não encontramos diferenças entre os grupos com TE e controles em nenhum dos biomarcadores do estudo. Conclusão: Pacientes com TE e DP apresentam níveis séricos semelhantes de 25-Hidroxivitamina D e bilirrubinas. Diferenças nos biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo em ambas as condi-ções, principalmente substâncias de baixo custo disponíveis na clínica, pode auxiliar no diagnóstico diferencial e, futuramente, no prognóstico e otimização terapêutica (AU).

Correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and nephroblastoma in children and its value in assessing disease prognosis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D] and nephroblastoma in children and its value in assessing the prognosis of the disease.@*METHODS@#A total of 50 children with nephroblastoma who were admitted from January 2018 to December 2022 were included as the nephroblastoma group, and according to the postoperative pathological type, they were divided into a good prognosis group with 38 children and a poor prognosis group with 12 children. A total of 50 healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period of time served as the healthy control group. The above groups were compared in terms of serum creatinine and 25-(OH)D level. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between serum 25-(OH)D level and therapeutic effect reaction. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors affecting the prognosis of nephroblastoma in children.@*RESULTS@#The nephroblastoma group had significantly lower levels of serum creatinine and 25-(OH)D than the healthy control group (P<0.05). Compared with the good prognosis group, the poor prognosis group had a significantly larger tumor diameter, a significantly higher proportion of children with stage III-IV tumors, a significantly higher rate of tumor metastasis, and significantly lower serum levels of creatinine and 25-(OH)D (P<0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum 25-(OH)D level was negatively correlated with therapeutic effect reaction (rs=-0.685, P<0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tumor diameter ≥10 cm, stage III-IV tumors, presence of tumor metastasis, and 25-(OH)D <19 ng/mL were closely associated with the poor prognosis of nephroblastoma in children (P<0.05). Serum 25-(OH)D level had an area under the curve of 0.805 (95%CI: 0.706-0.903, P<0.001) in evaluating the prognosis of nephroblastoma in children, with a Youden index of 0.512, a sensitivity of 0.938, and a specificity of 0.575 at the optimal cut-off value of 1.764 ng/mL.@*CONCLUSIONS@#There is a significant correlation between 25-(OH)D level and the prognosis of nephroblastoma in children, and 25-(OH)D can be used for prognosis prediction.

Levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E and their influencing factors in children with obesity / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E in children with obesity and their influencing factors.@*METHODS@#A total of 273 children with obesity who attended the Department of Clinical Nutrition, Xi'an Children's Hospital, from January 2019 to April 2021 were enrolled as the obesity group. A total of 226 children with normal body weight who underwent physical examination during the same period were enrolled as the control group. Anthropometric parameters and body composition were measured for both groups, and the serum concentrations of vitamins A, D, and E were also measured.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the obesity group had significantly higher serum levels of vitamin A [(1.32±0.21) μmol/L vs (1.16±0.21) μmol/L, P<0.001] and vitamin E [(9.3±1.4) mg/L vs (8.3±1.2) mg/L, P<0.001] and a significant reduction in the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [(49±22) nmol/L vs (62±24) nmol/L, P<0.001]. In the obesity group, the prevalence rates of marginal vitamin A deficiency, vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, and vitamin E insufficiency were 5.5% (15/273), 56.8% (155/273), and 4.0% (11/273), respectively. After adjustment for body mass index Z-score and waist-to-height ratio, serum vitamin A level was positively correlated with age (P<0.001), while vitamins E and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were negatively correlated with age in children with obesity (P<0.001). After adjustment for age, the serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin E and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were not correlated with degree of obesity, percentage of body fat, and duration of obesity in children with obesity, while the serum levels of vitamins A and E were positively correlated with waist-to-height ratio (P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#There are higher serum levels of vitamins A and E in children with obesity, especially in those with abdominal obesity, while serum vitamin D nutritional status is poor and worsens with age. Therefore, vitamin D nutritional status should be taken seriously for children with obesity, and vitamin D supplementation should be performed when necessary.

Vitamin D concentrations and their relationship with iron parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease / Concentrações de vitamina D e sua relação com parâmetros de ferro em pacientes com doença renal crônica

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the relationship between calcidiol (25(OH)D3) concentrations and iron parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study. The sample consisted of 86 adult patients of both sexes undergoing dialysis. 25(OH)D3 concentrations were determined by chemiluminescence; food consumption was assessed using 24-hour recalls, and the serum levels of hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were assessed. Data analysis was performed using the program Stata, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results The results pointed to 25(OH)D3 concentrations compatible with sufficiency, iron levels consistent with normality, and ferritin and transferrin saturation above the reference values. The consumption of carbohydrates and lipids was higher in females. There was no relationship between the adequacy of 25(OH)D3 and the presence of anemia and iron parameters. Conclusion Considering that the mean serum levels of iron and 25(OH)D3 were adequate, it is suggested that resistance to erythropoietin and the inflammatory process may have contributed to the percentage of anemic individuals found in the study.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a relação entre as concentrações de calcidiol (25(OH)D3) e os parâmetros de ferro em pacientes com doença renal crônica. Métodos É um estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo. A amostra foi composta por 86 pacientes, adultos, de ambos os sexos, em terapia dialítica. As concentrações de 25(OH)D3 foram determinadas pelo método de quimioluminescência; o consumo alimentar foi avaliado pela aplicação de Recordatórios de 24 horas e foram avaliados os níveis séricos de hemoglobina, ferro, ferritina e saturação de transferrina. A análise dos dados foi realizada no programa Stata, com nível de significância p<0.05. Resultados Os resultados apontaram para concentrações de 25(OH)D3 compatíveis com suficiência, níveis de ferro compatíveis com a normalidade e ferritina e saturação de transferrina superiores à referência. O consumo de carboidratos e lipídios foi superior no sexo feminino. Não foi verificada relação entre a adequação de 25(OH)D3 e a presença de anemia e parâmetros de ferro. Conclusão Tendo em vista que os níveis médios séricos de ferro e 25(OH)D3 estavam adequados, sugere-se que a resistência à eritropoietina e o processo inflamatório podem ter contribuído para o percentual de anêmicos constatado no estudo.

Predictive diagnostic value of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To compare the value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-(OH)D3) with other clinical parameters in the prediction and diagnosis of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP). Methods: Eligible chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients and healthy subjects in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January to April of 2021 were included for this study. The age, gender, past history and other basic characteristics of all subjects were recorded. The CRSwNP patients were classified into ECRSwNP and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (nECRSwNP) endotypes by the percentage of tissue eosinophils. Serum 25-(OH)D3 levels measurements were performed in all subjects. Paranasal sinus CT scans, blood eosinophil counts, and determination of total immunoglobulin E (total IgE), Th1/Th2 plasma cytokines and nasal nitric oxide (nNO) levels were performed before surgery. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the related factors of ECRSwNP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to evaluate the predictive potential of the clinical parameters. Results: One hundred and twenty-seven CRSwNP patients and 40 healthy subjects were recruited, including 74 males and 93 females of the patients, with the age of (38.73±13.05) years. In patients with ECRSwNP, serum 25-(OH)D3 levels were significantly lower than those in nECRSwNP patients ((26.14±4.58) ng/ml vs (35.71±7.86) ng/ml, t=-8.564, P<0.01). The prevalence of asthma, prevalence of allergic rhinitis, peripheral blood eosinophil counts, total IgE levels, nNO levels and CT scores ratio for ethmoid sinus and maxillary sinus (E/M ratio) of ECRSwNP patients were significantly higher than those in nECRSwNP patients (all P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in Th1/Th2 cytokines levels between the histological types of CRSwNP (all P>0.05). Among the predictive indicators, 25-(OH)D3 had the highest predictive value, with ROC area under curve (AUC) value of 0.882. The best cut-off point of 28.5 ng/ml for 25-(OH)D3 demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.871 and a specificity of 0.762 for ECRSwNP. Conclusion: Measurement of serum 25-(OH)D3 level may be used as an effective method to distinguish between ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP.

Variación estacional de 25-hidroxi-vitamina D3, hormona paratiroidea y fosfatasa alcalina en niños escolares / Seasonal variations in 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, parathormone and alkaline phosphatase in school-aged children

INTRODUCCIÓN: El principal rol de la vitamina D es la regulación del metabolismo del calcio, cuya principal fuen te es la vitamina D3 que se obtiene principalmente por la acción de la luz ultravioleta (UV) en la piel. OBJETIVO: Evaluar las diferencias estacionales en las concentraciones de 25-hidroxi-vitamina D3 (25OHVitD3), hormona paratiroidea (PTH), fosfatasa alcalina (FA) y calcio en niños en edad esco lar. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: Se midieron las concentraciones de 25OHVitD3, PTH, FA y calcio en niños de 5 a 8 años, sin suplementación de Vitamina D, reclutados en Santiago de Chile (latitud -33.4372) en distintas estaciones del año. El estatus de VitD fue definido como suficiente con concentraciones de 25OHVitD3 > 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L), insuficiente 12-20 ng/mL (30-50 nmol/L) y deficiente 20 ng/mL) en verano, lo que disminuyó significativamente en invierno (54,3%, p < 0,0001). CONCLUSIONES: Las concentraciones de 25OHVitD3 disminuyeron en aproximadamente la mitad de los niños durante el invierno, lo que se vio acompañado de un aumento de la PTH y FA, asociado a concentraciones normales de calcio. De acuerdo a nuestros resultados, la suplementación con VitD en niños podría ser necesaria durante otoño e invierno.

INTRODUCTION: The main role of Vitamin D is to regulate calcium metabolism, whose main source is vitamin D3 ob tained mostly from the action of ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the seaso nal differences in the concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25OHVitD3), parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and calcium in school-age children. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The concentrations of 25OHVitD3, PTH, ALP, and calcium were measured in children from Santiago, Chile (latitude -33.4372), aged 5 to 8 years, without Vitamin D supplementation, in different seasons of the year. VitD status was defined as sufficient with concentrations of 25OHVitD3 >20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L), insufficient 12-20 ng/mL (30-50 nmol/L) and deficient 20 ng/mL), which decreased significantly in winter to 54.3% (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In winter, 25OHVitD3 concentrations decreased in approximately half of the children, which was associated with an increase in PTH and ALP, and normal calcium concentrations. According to our results, children may need VitD supple mentation during fall and winter.

Déficit de vitamina D en hombres y mujeres con deseo sexual hipoactivo: Estudio de prevalencia / Vitamin D deficiency in men and women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Prevalence study

Resumen Objetivo: Establecer la prevalencia del déficit de vitamina D en hombres y mujeres con deseo sexual hipoactivo. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal en el período 2011- 2017 en Armenia, Colombia en una muestra de 107 participantes. Se incluyeron hombres y mujeres con diagnóstico en la consulta externa, de una clínica privada de carácter universitario de referencia, de deseo sexual hipoactivo (DSH). Se les realizó cuantificación de 25-hidroxivitamina D [25(OH)D] (calcidiol) y se consideró que en la historia clínica tuvieran diligenciados los cuestionarios: Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) o Prueba del Deseo Sexual Inhibido (PDSI), en las mujeres , y el cuestionario Sexual desire inventory (SDI) en los hombres. Muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva. Los resultados se exponen de manera agrupada para el total de la población. Resultados: La prevalencia del déficit de vitamina D fue del 63.55 % (34.57 % en hombres y 28.97 % en mujeres). Los niveles de vitamina D fueron inferiores en los hombres respecto a las mujeres, (34.57 vs. 41.36; p<0.001), con mayor porcentaje de deficiencia (21.49 vs. 14.95 % p<0.007) y de insuficiencia (16.82 vs. 10.28 %, p<0.001). Conclusiones: Es considerablemente alta la prevalencia (63.55 %) del déficit de vitamina D, en hombres y mujeres con deseo sexual hipoactivo. Se hace necesaria la cuantificación de sus niveles a fin de establecer la suplencia como parte del tratamiento.

Abstract Objective: To establish the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in men and women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2011 and 2017, in Armenia, Colombia to a group of 107 participants (men and women) that were diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in the outpatient department of a private University Referral Clinic. The participants underwent quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] (calcidiol) and it was confirmed if the medical records of the participants had completed some specific questionnaires. The Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) or Test of Inhibited Sexual Desire (ISD) was required for women and the Sexual desire inventory (SDI) was required for men. Non-probability sampling for convenience was implemented, descriptive statistics were applied, and the results are presented in a general way for the total population Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 63.55% in total, 34.57% in men and 28.97% in women. Vitamin D levels were lower in men than in women (34.57 vs. 41.36, p <0.001), with a higher percentage of deficiency (21.49 vs. 14.95% p <0.007) and of insufficiency (16.82 vs. 10.28%, p <0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is considerably high in men and women with hypoactive sexual desire. It is necessary to quantify their vitamin D levels in order to establish the substitution as part of the treatment.

Seasonal variation of vitamin D among healthy adult men in a subtropical region

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate seasonal variation of 25(OH)vitamin D [25(OH)D3] levels, and factors associated with it, in healthy adult men, who exercised outdoors for 50 min., at least twice a week, from 10AM to 4PM, in a Brazilian semitropical region. METHODS: Blood samples were collected at the end of each season for 25(OH)D3, measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Ultraviolet irradiation was estimated by radiometer, calculating the daily photobiological response to vitamin D synthesis in human skin (D-VitD). The prevalence of 25(OH)D3 <20ng/mL changed with the seasons (p=0.000): 8.7% (n=6/69), 1.5% (n=1/66), 0 (n=0/64), and 21.7% (n=13/60), respectively, at the end of winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The prevalence, adjusted for multiple comparisons, was higher in winter than summer (p=0.026), and in autumn than spring (p=0.001) and summer (p=0.000). There were no associations of 25(OH) D3 levels with BMI (p=0.207), body fat (p=0.064), and phototype (p=0.485), in univariate analysis. It was associated with D-VitD in the 30 days before blood sampling (p=0.000), after adjustment to body fat. The prevalence of 25(OH)D3 <30ng/mL varied seasonally (p=0.000): 69.6% (n=48/69), 68.2% (n=45/66), 43.8% (n=28/64), and 88.4% (n=53/60), respectively, in winter, spring, summer, and autumn. CONCLUSIONS: In a Brazilian subtropical region, a seasonal variation in 25(OH)D3 was observed in healthy adult males, although they spent at least 50 min outdoors twice a week, wearing shorts and T-shirts. 25(OH)D3 <20ng/mL was 21.7% in autumn; D-vitD 30 days prior to blood sampling was the only factor independently associated with 25(OH)D3 levels.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a sazonalidade da 25(OH)vitamina D3 [25(OH)D3] e fatores associados em homens adultos saudáveis, que se exercitavam ao ar livre pelo menos 50 min duas vezes por semana, das 10 às 16h, em uma região subtropical. MÉTODOS: Sangue foi colhido no fim das estações para medir 25(OH)D3, por cromatografia líquida em tandem com espectroscopia de massas. A radiação ultravioleta foi estimada por radiômetro, calculando diariamente a resposta fotobiológica para sintetizar vitamina D na pele humana (D-VitD). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de 25(OH)D3 <20ng/mL foi sazonal (p=0.000): 8.7% (n=6/69), 1.5% (n=1/66), 0% (n= 0/64), e 21.7% (n=13/60), respectivamente, no final do inverno, primavera, verão e outono. A prevalência, ajustada para comparações múltiplas, foi maior no inverno do que no verão (p=0.026) e no outono do que na primavera (p=0.001) e verão (p=0.000). A 25(OH)D3 não se associou com o índice de massa corporal (p=0.207), gordura corporal (p=0.064) ou fototipo (p=0.485), na análise univariada. Associou-se à D-VitD nos 30 dias antes da coleta de sangue (p=0.000), ajustada para gordura corporal. Houve sazonalidade na prevalência de 25(OH)D3 <30ng/mL (p=0.000): 69.6% (n=48/69), 68.2% (n=45/66), 43.8% (n=28/64), e 88.4% (n=53/60), respectivamente, no inverno, primavera, verão e outono. CONCLUSÕES: Em uma região subtropical, houve sazonalidade na 25(OH)D3 em homens adultos, saudáveis, embora se exercitassem ao ar livre pelo menos 50 minutos duas vezes por semana, usando shorts e camiseta. 25(OH)D3 <20ng/mL foi 21.7% no outono e a D-vitD 30 dias antes da coleta do sangue foi o único fator associado de modo independente à 25(OH)D3.

Importancia de la Vitamina D en la época del COVID-19 / Importance of Vitamin D in the time of COVID-19

"Los coronavirus pertenecen a una gran familia de virus (Coronaviridae) que infectan aves y varios mamíferos. El coronavirus actualmente denominado SARS-CoV-2, fue descubierto en diciembre de 2019 en Wuhan, provincia de Hubei, China, y es el agente causal de la epidemia de neumonía atípica actual" (COVID-19; Coronavirus Disease 2019). Los casos más graves presentan un síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda que puede conducir a la muerte. La vitamina D (VD), además del efecto bien conocido y positivo sobre la salud ósea y la homeostasis del calcio, tiene efecto pleiotrópico en varios órganos, con distribución casi universal del receptor de VD y de las enzimas de metabolización de 25 hidroxivitamina D (25OHD) en las células del organismo. Estas acciones extraesqueléticas dependen de la síntesis en dichas células del metabolito activo 1,25 dihidroxivitamina D por regulación paracrina y autocrina, dependiente de niveles circulantes óptimos de 25OHD. Por sus acciones inmunomoduladora, antiinflamatoria, antimicrobiana, reguladora del sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona, favorecedora de la indemnidad del epitelio respiratorio y la homeostasis redox celular, la VD podría tener efecto protector en la infección por COVID-19. Entre los grupos de riesgo para COVID-19 figuran los adultos mayores, obesos, diabéticos, hipertensos, con afecciones cardiovasculares, patologías con mayor incidencia en individuos con hipovitaminosis VD. La suplementación con VD, para alcanzar niveles óptimos de 25OHD de 40-60 ng/ml, podría reducir la incidencia, severidad y riesgo de muerte en la actual pandemia por COVID-19, como medida complementaria mientras se desarrollan la vacuna y otras medicaciones específicas. (AU)

Coronaviruses belong to a large family of viruses (Coronaviridae) that infect birds and various mammals. The novel coronavirus currently known as SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China and is the causal agent of the current atypical pneumonia epidemic (COVID-19: Coronavirus Disease 2019); The most severe cases present with acute respiratory distress syndrome that can lead to death. Vitamin D (VD) has a pleiotropic effect on several organs, in addition to its wellknown and positive effect on bone health and calcium homeostasis, with an almost universal distribution of the VD receptor and the metabolites of 25hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in all cells of the body. These extra-skeletal actions depend on the synthesis of the active metabolite 1,25dihydroxyvitamin D in the cells depending on the optimal circulating levels of 25OHD and though paracrine and autocrine regulation. Due to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and regulatory actions on the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, which favors the compensation of the respiratory epithelium and cellular redox homeostasis, the VD could have a protective effect on COVID-19 infection. Among the risk groups for COVID-19 are obese, diabetic, and hypertensive patients, subjects with cardiovascular conditions, and elderly people. All these pathologies show a higher incidence in individuals with VD hypovitaminosis. VD supplementation, to achieve optimal 25OHD levels of 40-60 ng/ml, could reduce the incidence, severity, and risk of death in the current COVID-19 pandemic, as a complementary measure while the vaccine and other specific therapies are being developed. (AU)

Status of vitamin D-25 hydroxy ditamin D {25 (OH)} in patients with multiple myeloma

Introduction @#Multiple myeloma (MM) causes generalized bone loss leading to lytic bone lesions and pathologic fractures. The increased osteoclast activity and reduced osteoblast function favors bone resorption and decreased bone formation. Vitamin D is vital in regulating calcium homeostasis and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Defi ciency of Vitamin D among MM patients may complicate bone mineralization problems and fractures.@*Objective@#General Objective:To determine the status of Vitamin D in patients with multiple myeloma Specific Objective: To determine the levels of Vitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium among MM patients.@*Methodology @#This is a prospective, cross-sectional study which included patients who were 18 years old and above, male or female, diagnosed with MM at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, with or without treatment. Excluded in the study were those with Vitamin D and calcium supplementation. Eligible subjects were extracted blood for Vitamin D assay, intact parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium.@*Results@#A total of 22 patients with MM were included in the study. Sixteen patients (72.7%) had hypovitaminosis D. Among these sixteen patients, seven (31.8%) had Vitamin D defi ciency (Vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL [50 nmol/L]) and nine (40.9%) had Vitamin D insuffi ciency (levels of 21-29 ng/ mL [52.5-72.5 nmol/L]). Only 6 (27.3%) of them were found to have normal serum Vitamin D (levels of >29 ng/mL [>72.5 nmol/L]). The mean age (p=0.069), intact PTH (p=0.062) and ionized calcium (p=0.188) of the three groups of patients did not differ@*Conclusion @#This study found a high incidence of Vitamin D defi ciency among MM patients seen at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital. Vitamin D defi ciency was independent of age, intact PTH and ionized calcium. It was more common in male subjects. Patients with hypovitaminosis D are at risk of having secondary hyperparathyroidism. @*Recommendation @#Vitamin D status should be determined among patients with MM. Early recognition and treatment of hypovitaminosis D will prevent the risk of having secondary hyperparathyroidism that can complicate skeletal-related events.

The effect of vitamin D administration on inflammatory markers in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The exact relationship between vitamin D deficiency and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of vitamin D3 administration on inflammatory responses and disease severity in patients with IBD. METHODS: We investigated the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25-(OH)D], C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the partial Mayo score (PMS) in patients with IBD. Vitamin D3 was administered in patients with either vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency and CRP, serum vitamin D levels and PMS were re-examined at 6 months of administration. RESULTS: In 88 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), a negative correlation was found between serum vitamin D and CRP. In 178 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), serum vitamin D showed no association with CRP or PMS. Serum vitamin D increased from 11.08±3.63 to 22.69±6.11 ng/mL in 29 patients with CD and from 11.45±4.10 to 24.20±6.61 ng/mL in 41 patients with UC who received vitamin D3 treatment (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). In patients with CD, median ΔCRP was –0.24 in the normalized vitamin D group and –0.11 in the non-normalized group (P=0.308). In patients with UC, median ΔCRP was −0.01 in the normalized vitamin D group and 0.06 in the non-normalized group (P=0.359). CONCLUSIONS: Although a negative correlation was found between serum vitamin D and CRP levels in patients with CD, administration of vitamin D did not improve the CRP level in patients with CD. In patients with UC, serum vitamin D level was unrelated to CRP or PMS.

Response to vitamin D replacement in overweight and normal weight children with vitamin D deficiency

PURPOSE: It is well known that obesity is related to vitamin D deficiency (VDD). We investigated the response to vitamin D replacement in normal-weight and overweight children. METHODS: This was a prospective study including 62 Korean children with VDD. VDD was defined as a serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) concentration <20 ng/mL. Overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI)≥the 85th percentile (n=21), and normal weight as a BMI between the 5th and 84th percentiles (n=41). All participants received vitamin D3 supplementation (2,000 IU/day) for 8 weeks. The serum levels of 25(OH)D, PTH and biochemical parameters were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: The mean age was 10.0±1.4 years in normal-weight children and 10.0±2.1 years in overweight children (P=0.93). After 8 weeks of treatment, 61.9% of normal-weight children and 47.6% of overweight children achieved vitamin D sufficiency (P =0.30). The mean serum 25(OH)D levels after vitamin D replacement were 33.8±7.6 ng/mL and 30.3±6.6 ng/mL in normal-weight and overweight children, respectively (P =0.10). The mean calcium/creatinine ratios after treatment were 0.09±0.07 and 0.08±0.06 in the normal-weight and overweight groups, respectively, and no hypercalciuria was found. In multiple regression analysis, the response to vitamin D replacement was influenced by the BMI (β=-1.0, P=0.03) and sex (β=-4.0, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of vitamin D replacement (2,000 IU/day) is sufficient to overcome vitamin D deficiency in normal-weight and overweight children without any complications.

25 (OH) D3 levels, incidence and recurrence of different clinical forms of benig paroxysmal positional vertigo / Níveis de 25 (OH) D3, incidência e recorrência de diferentes formas clínicas de vertigem posicional paroxística benigna

Abstract Introduction Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common cause of dizziness in the general population. It is a condition with potential impact of reduced levels of vitamin D on its recurrent attacks. Objectives The aim of this study was to measure the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D3) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and determine whether there is a difference in the serum levels of vitamin D3 between patients with and without recurrence, as well as between the different clinical forms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Methods The study included 40 patients who came to the regular medical examination, diagnosed with posterior canal-benign paroxysmal positional vertigo based on the positive Dix-Hallpike's test. All patients underwent Epley manoeuvre after the diagnosis. Patients were classified according to current guidelines for levels of vitamin D3 in the serum in three groups: the deficiency, insufficiency and adequate level. Results The average serum level of 25-OH D3 among respondents was 20.78 ng/mL, indicating a lack or insufficiency of the aforementioned 25-OH D3. According to the levels of 25-OH D3, most patients suffer from deficiency (47.5%). 7 (17.5%) respondents had adequate blood level of 25-OH D3, and 14 (35%) respondents suffer from insufficiency. A significant difference was not found in the serum level of 25-OH D3 between patients with and without benign paroxysmal positional vertigo recurrence. There was a significant difference in the serum levels of 25-OH D3 in comparison to the clinical form of the disease. Lower 25-OH D3 values were found in patients with canalithiasis compared to those with cupulolithiasis. Conclusions There were no significant differences in the vitamin D3 serum level in patients with and without recurrence. The study showed a low level of serum vitamin D3 in most patients, indicating the need for supplemental therapy.

Resumo Introdução Vertigem posicional paroxística benigna é a causa mais comum de tonturas na população em geral. É uma condição no qual níveis reduzidos de vitamina D podem ter um potencial impacto para o desenvolvimento de crises recorrentes. Objetivos O objetivo desse estudo foi medir os níveis séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D3 (25-OH D3) em pacientes com vertigem posicional paroxística benigna e determinar se há diferença nos níveis séricos de vitamina D3 entre pacientes com e sem recorrência, bem como entre as diferentes formas clínicas de vertigem posicional paroxística benigna. Método O estudo incluiu 40 pacientes submetidos a exame médico regular, diagnosticados com vertigem posicional paroxística benigna de canal posterior baseado no resultado positivo do teste de Dix-Hallpike. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à manobra de Epley após o diagnóstico. Os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com as diretrizes atuais para os níveis de vitamina D3 sérica em três grupos: deficiência, insuficiência e nível adequado. Resultados O nível sérico médio de 25-OH D3 entre os indivíduos avaliados foi de 20,78 ng/mL, indicando falta ou insuficiência desta vitamina. De acordo com os níveis de 25-OH D3, a maioria dos pacientes apresentou deficiência (47,5%). Sete indivíduos (17,5%) entrevistados tinham nível sanguíneo adequado de 25-OH D3 e 14 (35%) apresentavam insuficiência. Não foi encontrada diferença significativa no nível sérico de 25-OH D3 entre pacientes com e sem recidiva de vertigem posicional paroxística benigna. Houve uma diferença significativa nos níveis séricos de 25-OH D3 de acordo com a forma clínica da doença. Baixos níveis de 25-OH D3 foram mais encontrados em pacientes com canalitíase em comparação com aqueles com cupulolitíase. Conclusões Não houve diferenças significativas no nível sérico de vitamina D3 em pacientes com e sem recorrência. O estudo mostrou um baixo nível de vitamina D3 sérica na maioria dos pacientes, indicando a necessidade de terapia suplementar.

The Role of Vitamin D in the Pathogenesis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Several theories have been proposed to explain the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) until present. However, limited data are available regarding the impact of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency on scoliosis. Previous studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are prevalent in adolescents, including AIS patients. A series of studies conducted in Hong Kong have shown that as many as 30% of these patients have osteopenia. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level has been found to positively correlate with bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy adolescents and negatively with Cobb angle in AIS patients; therefore, vitamin D deficiency is believed to play a role in AIS pathogenesis. This study attempts to review the relevant literature on AIS etiology to examine the association of vitamin D and various current theories. Our review suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with several current etiological theories of AIS. We postulate that vitamin D deficiency and/or insufficiency affects AIS development by its effect on the regulation of fibrosis, postural control, and BMD. Subclinical deficiency of vitamin K2, a fat-soluble vitamin, is also prevalent in adolescents; therefore, it is possible that the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is related to decreased fat intake. Further studies are required to elucidate the possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and clinical management of AIS.

Vitamin D in prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Signaling through the vitamin D receptor has been shown to be biologically active and important in a number of preclinical studies in prostate and other cancers. Epidemiologic data also indicate that vitamin D signaling may be important in the cause and prognosis of prostate and other cancers. These data indicate that perturbation of vitamin D signaling may be a target for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Large studies of vitamin D supplementation will be required to determine whether these observations can be translated into prevention strategies. This paper reviews the available data in the use of vitamin D compounds in the treatment of prostate cancer. Clinical data are limited which support the use of vitamin D compounds in the management of men with prostate cancer. However, clinical trials guided by existing preclinical data are limited.

Predictive value of cord blood 25(OH)D3 for early infantile atopic dermatitis / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the predictive value of cord blood 25(OH)D [25(OH)D] for infantile atopic dermatitis (AD), and to provide a reference for primary prevention of early infantile AD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The neonates born from July to September, 2015 were enrolled. The cord blood samples were collected at birth to measure the level of 25(OH)D. Outpatient follow-up was conducted for all the infants at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after birth. A survey was performed to investigate the incidence of AD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 67 neonates completed a 6-month follow-up. The incidence of AD was 34% (23/67), and 91% (21/23) of these cases occurred in the first month after birth. The 23 AD children had a significantly lower cord 25(OH)D level than those without AD (P<0.05). The children with a cord 25(OH)D level <30 nmol/L showed a significantly higher incidence of AD than those with a cord 25(OH)D level ≥30 nmol/L (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve of cord 25(OH)D in predicting AD was 0.648 (standard error: 0.075; 95%CI: 0.502-0.795). Its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 52.2%, 79.5%, 57.1%, and 76.1%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that low cord 25(OH)D level, preference for seafood during pregnancy, atopic family history, and mixed feeding were risk factors for infantile AD (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Cord 25(OH)D level is inversely associated with the risk of infantile AD, but it has a low diagnostic value for this disease.</p>

Maintenance Dose of Vitamin D: How Much Is Enough?

BACKGROUND: It is still unclear the ideal vitamin D dosage once the deficiency and insufficiency is treated. Once deficiency was corrected we prospectively treated patients with 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 to check whether this dosage is enough to keep them above the 30 ng/mL of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D). METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five Saudi Arabian men and women treatment naïve for the vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were part of this study. History and clinical examination were done to rule out any metabolic bone disease. Weight and height was taken to calculate the body mass index (BMI). Patients who were vitamin D deficient (≥30 ng/mL), a standard treatment of 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 weekly for 3 months, a blood test for the vitamin D levels at the end of 3 months, maintenance dose of 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 for 3 months and a third blood sample after 3 months. RESULTS: The data for 128 patients was available for analysis. The average age was 44.95±12.97 years with the mean BMI of 29.60±2.59 kg/m2. The baseline 25(OH)D level was 13.16±3.30 ng/mL. The increase in the level of 25(OH)D on 50,000 IU weekly was significant from 13.16±3.3 ng/mL to 36.97±4.67 ng/mL (P < 0.001) and then 2,000 IU daily for next 3 months, the level of 25(OH)D dropped top 20.38±5.42 ng/mL (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that the maintenance dose of 2,000 IU of vitamin D is not enough for patients to keep the 25(OH)D levels above 30 ng/mL.

Dynamic change in vitamin D level in infants/toddlers with severe pneumonia and a correlation analysis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the correlation of dynamic change in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] level with the disease severity and related laboratory markers in infants/toddlers with severe pneumonia.@*METHODS@#A total of 132 infants/toddlers with severe pneumonia who were hospitalized between March 2017 and March 2018 were enrolled as the severe pneumonia group. According to the disease severity on admission and after one week of treatment, they were further divided into non-critical group (41 children on admission and 78 after one week of treatment), critical group (59 children on admission and 35 after one week of treatment), and extremely critical group (32 children on admission and 19 after one week of treatment). A total of 142 infants/toddlers who underwent physical examination during the same period of time were enrolled as the healthy control group. The serum levels of 25(OH)D, procalcitonin (PCT), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured on admission and after one week of treatment for the severe pneumonia group, and the serum level of 25(OH)D was measured on admission for the healthy control group. According to the 25(OH)D level after one week of treatment, the children with severe pneumonia were divided into increased vitamin D (VD) group with 81 children and reduced VD group with 51 children, and a comparative analysis and a correlation analysis were performed.@*RESULTS@#The severe pneumonia group had a significantly lower mean 25(OH)D level than the healthy control group (P<0.05), and all the three subgroups of different severities had significantly lower 25(OH)D level than the healthy control group (P<0.05). On admission and after one week of treatment, the non-critical group had a significantly higher 25(OH)D level than the critical and extremely critical groups (P<0.01), and the critical group had a significantly higher 25(OH)D level than the extremely critical group (P<0.05). The extremely critical and critical groups had significantly higher serum levels of PCT and NT-proBNP than the non-critical group on admission and after one week of treatment (P<0.05). After one week of treatment, compared with the reduced VD group, the increased VD group had a significantly less serious condition. At discharge, the increased VD group had a significantly better outcome compared with the reduced VD group (P<0.01). In the children with severe pneumonia, the change value of serum 25(OH)D level after treatment was negatively correlated with the change values of PCT and NT-proBNP (r=-0.597 and -0.404 respectively; P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The change in VD level is correlated with the severity of severe pneumonia in infants/toddlers and can be used as an index for disease monitoring. VD supplementation may help with disease recovery.

Associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level and skeletal muscle mass and lower limb muscle strength in Japanese middle-aged subjects

OBJECTIVES: One of the important risk factors of falling is decreased muscle mass and muscle strength. Recently, there has been an increasing concern on the role of vitamin D in muscle strength and physical activity. Aim of our study is to examine the relationships between vitamin D status and muscle mass and muscle strength in middle-aged healthy adults. METHODS: Subjects were 40 healthy volunteers aged 42.0 ± 10.6 years old. Evaluation was made for serum vitamin D₃ metabolites including 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [25(OH)D₃] and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [24,25(OH)₂D₃] concentrations, lower limb muscle strength, and dietary intake by food frequency questionnaire. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI) was calculated as skeletal muscle mass/squared height. RESULTS: 70% of the subjects had vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (serum total 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL), and female subjects had significantly lower serum total 25(OH)D level compared with males. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency group had significantly higher body fat, lower SMI and muscle strength, probably reflecting higher percentage of female subjects. Serum vitamin D₃ metabolites levels were significantly correlated with whole and site-specific ASMI, and lower limb muscle strength, except for the correlation between serum 24,25(OH)₂D₃ concentration and lower limb muscle strength. In addition, serum 25(OH)D₃ level was a positive significant predictor for both ASMI and lower limb muscle strength, while serum 24,25(OH)₂D₃ level was not their significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Serum 25(OH)D₃ level was significantly correlated with both skeletal muscle mass and lower limb muscle strength.

Association of Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D Concentration and Arterial Stiffness among Korean Adults in Single Center

BACKGROUND: There are growing concerns about the role of vitamin D deficiency in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) and arterial stiffness among Korean adults. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 302 people (115 women and 187 men) who visited a tertiary hospital from January 2015 to December 2016. Serum 25(OH)D was measured using the radioimmunoassay technique, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured using an automatic wave analyzer. We obtained the doctor's report on the medical history of the participants, their alcohol consumption and smoking habits, and their exercise status. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results of basic blood tests and physical assessment were also collected. RESULTS: In the Pearson correlation analysis, serum 25(OH)D and baPWV showed a statistically significant inverse relationship (r=-0.279, P<0.001). Using multiple regression analysis, and after adjusting for possible confounders, serum 25(OH)D concentration was found to be significantly associated with baPWV (β=-0.121, P=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: We observed an association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and arterial stiffness. Further studies involving larger sample sizes will be needed to confirm this associations.