Serum 25(OH) vitamin D deficiency among young adults in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya and its influence on bone mineral density: Investigating the involvement of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system.

Introduction: Vitamin D's precise role in bone mineral density regulation remains elusive. Nevertheless, its deficiency is linked to increased bone turnover through the upregulation of RANK ligands by osteoblasts. This study aimed to (i) evaluate vitamin D status in young adults and (ii) assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and bone turnover markers receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), RANK, and the osteoprotegerin (OPG) in determining bone mineral density. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 474 participants from the East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. Vitamin D levels were measured using the UniCel DxI 800 system, while OPG, RANK, and RANKL were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, a whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan determined bone mineral density. Vitamin D deficiency was categorised as <20 ng/ml, insufficiency as 20-29 ng/ml, and sufficiency as ≥30 ng/ml. Results: Findings indicated 54.6% vitamin D deficiency and 35.4% insufficiency in young adults. Osteoporosis affected 26%, and 67% exhibited osteopenia. A weak positive correlation was found between vitamin 25(OH) D and bone mineral density T score (r = 0.16, r2 = 0.02, P = 0.44). Additionally, moderately weak correlations were observed between serum vitamin D and OPG (r = -0.42, r2 = 0.18, P < 0.001) and between vitamin D and RANKL (r = -0.13, r2 = 0.01, P = 0.18). Conclusion: The study suggests that vitamin D deficiency diminishes bone mineral density by promoting RANKL-RANK osteoclastogenesis and upregulating OPG expression. As young adults form a significant workforce, creating awareness is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

Micronutrient Status During Military Training and Associations With Musculoskeletal Health, Injury, and Readiness Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Micronutrient status, specifically vitamin D and iron, represent modifiable factors for optimizing military readiness. The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine associations between micronutrient deficiency (i.e., iron status and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D]) and operationally relevant outcomes (i.e., skeletal health, musculoskeletal injury) at baseline and post-10 weeks of arduous military training. METHODS: A total of 227 (177 men, 50 women) Marine Officer Candidates School (OCS) candidates who completed OCS training with complete data sets were included in this analysis. Vitamin D and iron status indicators were collected at two timepoints, pre (baseline) and post OCS. Musculoskeletal outcomes at the mid- and proximal tibial diaphysis were assessed via peripheral quantitative computed tomography. RESULTS: Micronutrient status declined following OCS training in men and women and was associated with musculoskeletal outcomes including greater bone strength (strength strain index) at the mid-diaphysis site in those with optimal status (M = 38.26 mm3, SE = 15.59) versus those without (M = -8.03 mm3, SE = 17.27). In women (p = .037), endosteal circumference was greater in the deficient group (M = 53.26 mm, SE = 1.19) compared with the optimal group (M = 49.47 mm, SE = 1.31) at the proximal diaphysis. In men, greater baseline hepcidin concentrations were associated with an increased likelihood of suffering musculoskeletal injury during training. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D and iron status declined over the course of training, suggesting impaired micronutrient status. Differences in musculoskeletal outcomes by micronutrient group suggests optimal vitamin D and ferritin concentrations may exert beneficial effects on bone fatigability and fracture reduction during military training.

The Role of 25-OH Vitamin D in Alzheimer's Disease through Mendelian Randomization and MRI.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanism underlying the relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and minerals (serum calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc), vitamins (25-OH vitamin D, vitamin A1 [retinol], B9 [folic acid], B12, C) is unclear. METHODS: In a two-step Mendelian randomization analysis, the association between positive nutritional elements and 3935 MRI phenotypes was examined, and the mediation proportion was calculated. Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity of Mendelian randomisation were assessed using MR-Egger, Cochran's Q test, MR-PRESSO. RESULTS: 25-OH vitamin D (p = 0.0019, OR = 0.6179, 95% CI = 0.4562-0.8368, IVW) is negatively associated with AD among 10 nutrients. The mediation proportion of the effect of vitamin D on AD mediated by IDP_dMRI_TBSS_L3_Superior_fronto-occipital_fasciculus_L was approximately 7.08%. DISCUSSION: Our results support 25-OH vitamin D as a causal protective factor for Alzheimer disease. It was found that the Superior_fronto-occipital_fasciculus_L may play a minimal mediating role.

Relationship between Vitamin D Insufficiency, Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Indices in Healthy Women Aged 18-50 Years.

Although vitamin D insufficiency has been correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are few data on the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and atherogenic indices predictive of CVD. This study investigated the relationship of vitamin D status with lipid profile and atherogenic indices in adult women in Morocco. Three hundred women aged 18 to 50 years from Meknes were included. Fasting 25(OH)D and lipid concentrations were assayed by a one-step electrochemiluminescence-based immunoassay and an enzymatic method, respectively. Atherogenic indices (atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC), non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C), Castelli risk indices I and II (CRI-I and II), and CHOLIndex (CI)) were calculated using conventional lipid parameters. Logistic regression models and operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were used to assess the relationship of the variables and estimate the threshold of 25(OH)D levels associated with high atherogenic indices. 25(OH) D below 20 ng/mL was significantly associated with an enhanced risk of hypertriglyceridemia and elevated values of AIP, AC, non-HDL-C, and CRI-I with an OR (95% CI) of 4.904 (1.856-12.959), 3.637 (2.149-6.158), 3.589 (1.673-7.700), 2.074 (1.215-3.540), and 2.481 (1.481-4.123), respectively. According to the ROC analysis, the likelihood of hypertriglyceridemia and high values of AIP, AC, non-HDL-C, and CRI-I were associated with 25(OH)D thresholds ≤15.15 ng/mL, ≤17.5 ng/mL, ≤19.8 ng/mL, ≤20.1 ng/mL, and ≤19.5 ng/mL, respectively, all p < 0.01. Based on the atherogenic indices, this study indicates that vitamin D below 20 ng/mL may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in adult women. Additional health measures are essential to raise awareness among women and health professionals of preventing and controlling cardiovascular risk factors, particularly among young individuals.

Vitamin D evaluation in adenomyosis: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Objective: Adenomyosis is a chronic inflammatory illness that depends on estrogen. In addition to its immune regulatory effects in chronic diseases, vitamin D also plays roles in regulating normal cell growth. In the present study, the purpose was to evaluate the possible relationships between serum 25-OH vitamin D levels and clinical and laboratory parameters in patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with adenomyosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 168 females with a history of hysterectomy between January 2019 and November 2022 who were histopathologically diagnosed with adenomyosis and 168 women who were not diagnosed with adenomyosis were retrospectively evaluated in the present study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded at the time of admission. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were calculated for each patient to evaluate the severity of dysmenorrhea. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of VAS: the adenomyosis group scored an average of 6, whereas the control group scored an average of 3 (p<0.001). The average platelet volume value of the patients was 8.6 fL in the adenomyosis group, and that of the control group was 7.2 fL, and it was detected to be significantly elevated in the adenomyosis group (p<0.001). The CA-125 value of the patients was 63.5 U/mL in the adenomyosis group, and that of the control group was 15.6 U/mL and it was detected to be significantly rised in the adenomyosis group (p<0.001). The 25-OH vitamin D level of the patients was 12.6 ng/mL in the adenomyosis group and that of the control group was 19.1 ng/mL and it was detected to be significantly elevated in the control group. Conclusion: The current investigation provides compelling evidence for the association between low vitamin D levels and adenomyosis, which agrees with other research in the field. The current study's findings agree with other research that suggests vitamin D regulates cellular and signaling networks, including those that control cytokines and gene expression during adenomyosis. However, further studies are needed because data assassing the therapeutic efficacy of vitamin D in adenomyosis are questionable.

Comparison of maternal 25 (OH) vitamin D levels between premature infants with/without asphyxia.

OBJECTIVES: Perinatal asphyxia is the main risk factor for mortality and morbidity in neonates and neurological disorders in survived infants. We compared the neonatal and maternal 25 (OH) vitamin D levels in neonates with/without asphyxia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional research was done on 229 neonates (including 158 neonates [69%] without asphyxia [control group] and 71 neonates [31%] with asphyxia [case group]) from 2020 to 2023 using the available sampling method. 25 (OH) Vit D levels in mothers and neonates were assessed and compared in the 2 groups. The data collection instrument was a researcher-made checklist, containing the maternal and neonatal characteristics and laboratory evaluations. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 using the t-test. RESULTS: The mean maternal 25 (OH) Vit D levels in the case and control groups were 16.34±11.87 and 22.80±12.67 ng/mL, respectively. The mean neonatal 25 (OH) Vit D levels in the case and control groups were respectively 12.13±8.62 and 19.55±11.62 ng/mL (P = 0.002). The case group showed severer maternal and neonatal 25 (OH) Vit D deficiency (P = 0.000) compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal and maternal 25 (OH) Vit D deficiency can increase the risk of perinatal asphyxia. Therefore, administration of 25 (OH) Vit D supplements to pregnant mothers may reduce the incidence of asphyxia.

Phosphaturia in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Neonates Associated with Maternal Use of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Late Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is often used in treating pregnant women living with HIV. Third-trimester TDF exposure is associated with a 12% reduction in bone mineral content in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) neonates. The potential mechanisms underlying this observation are unknown. METHODS: The TDF study enrolled newborns of gestational age ≥36 weeks from the Surveillance Monitoring for Antiretroviral Therapy and Toxicities study based on in utero TDF exposure (TDF use ≥8 weeks in the third trimester vs none). Blood and urine samples were collected cross-sectionally within 30 days of birth to assess renal function (serum creatinine, serum phosphate, eGFR, percent tubular reabsorption of phosphate [PTRP]), and bone turnover (serum parathyroid hormone, 25-OH vitamin D [25(OH)D], and urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen). For each biomarker, a LOESS plot was fit using values at age at specimen collection; regression lines over age were fit among samples collected from 4 to 30 days, to compare slopes by TDF exposure. RESULTS: Among 141 neonates, 77 were TDF-exposed and 64 TDF-unexposed. Between age 4 and 30 days, PTRP decreased more rapidly in the TDF-exposed compared to the unexposed group with slopes of -0.58 vs -0.08/day (difference -0.50/day [95% CI -0.88, -0.11]). Slopes for 25(OH)D were similar in both groups, but serum levels were lower in TDF-exposed neonates (median [IQR]: 22 [19, 29] vs 26 [22, 37] ng/mL). No differences were observed for other biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: Third-trimester in utero exposure to TDF is associated with increased urinary loss of phosphate and lower serum concentrations of 25(OH)D in HEU neonates.

Correlation between Trabecular Bone Score and Homocysteine Level in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on Anti-TNF Inhibitors.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an independent osteoporosis risk factor. Biologic and immunosuppressive treatment, and levels of homocysteine and 25-OH vitamin D may influence the trabecular bone score (TBS) in RA patients. We aimed to compare the effects of biological (b) and conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on TBS in patients with RA and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) or 25-OH vitamin D deficiency. Patients who had tests conducted for trabecular bone score, bone mineral density (BMD), homocysteine (Hcy) and 25-OH vitamin D at an interval of one year and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this retrospective study. Sixty-four patients with RA were enrolled and were divided into the following two groups: the first group (34 patients) had received treatment with bDMARDs and the second group (30 patients) had received csDMARDs. BDMARDs and csDMARDs had a positive influence on TBS and BMD. The best results were observed in the Adalimumab group (p = 0.033). Hyperhomocysteinemia and 25-OH vitamin D deficiency led to lower TBS values. Both bDMARDs and csDMARDs positively affected TBS and BMD in RA patients. High homocysteine serum levels or 25-OH vitamin D deficiency had a negative impact on TBS and BMD after 12 months. Our study aims to show the potential benefits of anti-TNF α drugs on TBS. This impact appears to be strongly associated with serum 25-OH vitamin D and homocysteine levels. Anti-TNF drugs may increase bone mineral density and microstructure. As a result, they may minimize the incidence of fractures in RA patients.

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

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

Human milk-derived versus bovine milk-derived fortifier use in very low birth weight infants: growth and vitamin D status.

Background: Human milk-derived fortifier (HMDF) coupled with human milk feeding in extremely premature infants reduces the adverse outcome risks of early exposure to bovine milk ingredients but may not provide enough nutrients for adequate catch-up growth compared with bovine milk-derived fortifier (BMDF). Objective: This study aims to compare HMDF and BMDF effects on growth parameters and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels in preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during the first 8 weeks of life. Methods: We present a retrospective chart review of inpatient VLBW infants with birth weight <1,500 g and gestational age <32 completed weeks who received either their mother's milk or donor breast human milk fortified with HMDF or BMDF for the first 8 weeks. Weight, head circumference, length gain, and 25OHD level were calculated at 4 and 8 weeks of age. Results: A total of 139 VLBW infants (91 HMDF + 48 BMDF) received fortified human milk without any supplemental premature formula from birth to 4 weeks of age, of whom 44 (37 HMDF + 7 BMDF) continued until 8 weeks of age. There was no statistically significant difference in the growth parameters between the two groups at 4 and 8 weeks of age. Serum 25OHD level in the HMDF group was significantly higher compared with that in the BMDF group at 4 weeks of age despite receiving lower vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion: Similar gain in growth parameters in HMDF and BMDF groups at 4 and 8 weeks of age was observed, suggesting that HMDF provides adequate nutrients for growth in VLBW infants. A higher 25OHD level in HMDF may suggest better absorption.

Multicenter comparison of analytical interferences of 25-OH vitamin D immunoassay and mass spectrometry methods by endogenous interferents and cross-reactivity with 3-epi-25-OH-vitamin D3.

Background: Vitamin D (vit-D) deficiency is highly prevalent in the Korean population, highlighting the need for accurate measurements. In this study, the interferences by endogenous and cross-reactive substances were compared between routine vit-D immunoassays and mass spectrometry (MS) methods. Methods: Two MS methods and 4 immunoassays from different manufacturers (Abbott, Beckman Coulter, Roche, Siemens) were compared. Residual samples that were icteric, lipemic, hemolyzed, high in rheumatoid factor, from myeloma patients, or patients undergoing hemodialysis were collected. Also, 4 levels of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material 972a, and 12 samples serially spiked with 3-epi-25-OH-D3 were prepared. Results: Significant interferences were observed in hemolytic (Roche), icteric (Beckman and Siemens) and lipemic samples (all 4 immunoassays). Level 4 NIST material and 3-epi-25-OH-D3-spiked samples induced significant cross-reactivity, yielding higher total vit-D measurements in non-epimer-separating MS methods, and both the Beckman and Roche immunoassays. Conclusion: Most observed interferences were consistent with manufacturers' claims, but overall improvement of immunoassay bias limits is required. Awareness of potential interference is important to increase the accuracy of vit-D measurements. Moreover, care is due when interpreting vit-D results of newborns, infants and less commonly, pregnant women, who are known to have physiologically high levels of the highly cross-reactive 3-epi-25-OH-D3.

Benefits and Harms of Edible Vegetable Oils and Fats Fortified with Vitamins A and D as a Public Health Intervention in the General Population: A Systematic Review of Interventions.

This systematic review aims to assess whether edible vegetable oils and fats fortified with vitamin A and/or D are effective and safe in improving vitamin intake and ameliorating deficiency states in the general population. In November 2022, we systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, Global Index Medicus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSI) investigating the fortification of edible vegetable oils and fats with either vitamin A or vitamin D or both as compared to the same vegetable oils and/or fats without vitamin A and D fortification or no interventions, in the general population, without age restriction. We assessed the methodological quality of included RCTs using Cochrane's risk of bias tool 2.0 and of NRSIs using ROBINS-I tool. We performed random-effects meta-analysis and assessed certainty of evidence using GRADE. We included eight studies. Available evidence showed no significant effect of fortification with vitamin A on serum retinol levels (RCTs: MD 0.35 µmol/L, 95% CI -0.43 to 1.12; two trials; 514 participants; low-certainty evidence; CCTs: MD 0.31 µmol/L, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.80; two trials; 205 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and on subclinical vitamin A deficiency. Low-certainty evidence showed no effect of vitamin D fortification on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration (MD 6.59 nmol/L, 95% CI -6.89 to 20.07; one trial; 62 participants). In conclusion, vitamin A-fortified vegetable oils and fats may result in little to no difference in serum retinol levels in general populations. The dose of vitamin A used in the trials may be safe but may not be sufficient to reduce subclinical vitamin A deficiency. Further, the evidence suggests that vitamin D fortification results in little to no difference in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration. Several aspects of providing fortified oils and fats to the general population as a public health intervention should be further investigated, including optimal fortification dose, effects on vitamin D deficiency and its clinical symptoms and potential adverse effects.

EFFECTS OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE CHILDREN.

Introduction: Antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids have protective effects in obesity. Aim: We investigated the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids associated with antioxidant vitamins in obese children. Magnesemia and calcemia were observed in relation with other metabolic parameters, before and after the treatment. Materials and methods: 60 obese children were compared with 35 normal weight children. Each obese child received daily, one pill, containing: 130mg docosahexaenoic acid, 25mg of eicosapentaenoic acid, vitamin A 200µg, vitamin D 1,25µg, vitamin E 2,5mg and vitamin C 30mg for three months. All the participants were instructed not to change their lifestyle. Results: The serum values for these minerals and for 25(OH) vitamin D were lower in obese children. The obese children had insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and an imbalance of serum adipocytokines. In obese children, the body mass index was negatively correlated with calcemia (r=-0.34) and serum 25(OH) vitamin D (r=-0.33). The HOMA-IR was negatively correlated with magnesemia (r=-0.34) and serum adiponectin (r=-0.29). The treatment improved the mineral serum level, the insulin sensitivity and the adipocytokines levels. Conclusion: In obese children, the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids associated with antioxidant vitamins, for three months improved calcemia and magnesemia and increased insulin sensitivity.

Assessment of the Relation Between Asthma Severity and Serum Vitamin D Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Vitamin D3's importance for bone health in children and its potential role beyond musculocutaneous health is an ongoing area of research. This study assesses vitamin D3 deficiency prevalence in asthmatic children and its correlation with asthma cases and healthy controls.  Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Punjab, India among children between 5 and 15 years of age. Fifty children diagnosed with "bronchial asthma" who were under follow-up in the asthma clinic in outpatient and inpatient patients were enrolled as cases. Age-matched 50 healthy controls who presented for routine check-ups were enrolled in the control group. Demographic details were noted and clinical examination was done in all the cases. 25-(OH) vitamin D levels were estimated and compared in all cases and controls. The study also analyzed the relationship between 25-(OH) vitamin D levels with asthma control and severity. Results The study showed that serum vitamin D3 level was significantly decreased in asthmatic children (24.62 ± 14.95 ng/ml) as compared with the healthy control group (32.08 ± 12.22 ng/ml). Also, serum vitamin D3 level was significantly decreased in children with uncontrolled asthma (12.06 ± 4.68 ng/ml) as compared to children with well-controlled asthma (44.82 ± 10.48 ng/ml).  Conclusion The findings showed that low serum levels were observed more in asthmatic children as compared to healthy children. A correlation was also found between vitamin D3 levels and asthma severity, its control, and the number of acute exacerbations in the last year.

Serum concentrations of 25-OH vitamin D and the pro-inflammatory interleukins IL-17, IL-23, and IL-18 in patients with plaque psoriasis.

AIMS: The present study aimed to assess vitamin D status and serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17, Il-23, and IL-18 in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and their association with various demographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: The study was conducted during the autumn/winter period on 48 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 48 controls. Total serum 25(OH)D level was determined with Roche Elecsys® 2010 Vitamin D total assay. Commercial ELISA kits were used for quantifying the serum levels of IL-17A, IL-18, and IL-23. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D had a median value of 16.95 ng/mL (IQR 10.8-23.50) for patients with psoriasis and 18.80 ng/mL (IQR 15.45-25.85) for the control group (P=0.09). A moderate negative correlation was found between PASI score and 25(OH)D levels (rs=-0.34; P=0.02). The serum levels of IL-17 (P=0.001), IL-23 (P=0.01) and IL-18 (P=0.02) were significantly higher in the patient group compared to controls. IL-17 concentrations were higher in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis compared to patients with mild psoriasis (P=0.003). No significant correlations were detected between the serum concentrations of 25(ОH)D and IL-17, IL-23, and IL-18. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed that IL-17 serum level is associated with psoriasis severity. Measurement of 25(OH)D serum concentration can be useful in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis with or without comorbidities. A direct association between 25(OH)D serum concentration and the serum concentrations of IL-17, IL-23, or IL-18 was not identified in this study.

Correlations of Serum Vitamin D Level with Markers of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Liver Cirrhosis.

In this study we investigated the relationship between vitamin D and markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis in patients with liver cirrhosis stratified according serum GGT activity. Forty-eight patients with liver cirrhosis of various aetiology were selected, among which 58% cases (n=28) diagnosed with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and 42% (n=20) with cirrhosis after hepatitis virus infection. Each group was divided into three quartiles according GGT activity. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(HO) vit D], markers of oxidative stress (catalase, superoxide dismutase) and apoptosis (M30) were compared. Higher levels of GGT were correlated with elevated AST, ALT and ALP values in both groups. A statistically significant difference was observed when comparing 25-(OH) vit D levels of patients suffering from ethanol-induced liver cirrhosis versus control group for all the quartiles as well as for those from the first quartile of viral-induced liver cirrhosis. For SOD, statistically significant differences were noticed between all cirrhosis subgroups and the control group. CAT values in all cirrhosis subgroups were lower than in control, but significant differences were only between Q2.2 and Q1.3 quartiles and Q2.2 and control. Correlation of 25-(OH) vit D versus SOD yields statistically significant results in ethanol-induced cirrhosis patients. M30 activity was increased in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis compared to controls and those with virus-induced cirrhosis, being correlated with the degree of GGT activity. Our results emphasized that vitamin D deficiency is associated with enhanced liver dysfunction regardless of the trigger responsible for disease onset. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency augments liver injury by promoting oxidative stress which influence the survival mechanisms of parenchymal liver cells.

Vitamin D Serum Levels and Vitamin D Receptor Genotype in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is a steroid hormone, known to be involved in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to clarify the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and the predisposition for PD and its clinical presentation. An additional aim was to examine the specific gene polymorphisms associated with vitamin D level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total level of 25(OH)-vitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured in the serum of parkinsonian patients (n = 113) and controls (n = 82) using a commercial immunoassay. Genetic analyses were performed using Taqman assays on Real Time PCR amplification system. RESULTS: Higher frequency of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) was observed in PD patients, compared to controls (40.7% and 23.2%, respectively, P = 0.010). It was also a positive predictive marker of PD (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.206-4.298; P < 0.011). Significantly higher UPDRS (35.85 ± 1.35 and 32.09 ± 0.99, respectively, P = 0.023) and HY scores (2(1.5-2.5) and 1.5(1.0-2.0), respectively, P = 0.005) were present in patients with 25(OH)D level < 50 nmol/L compared to patients with 25(OH)D level ≥ 50 nmol/L. Despite some trends observed, differences in allelic and genotypic distribution between controls and patients, as well as between subgroups, did not reach the level of significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study confirm the hypothesis of a significant relationship between hypovitaminosis D and PD. We demonstrated higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in PD patients, as well as its predictive potential for the onset and progression of PD.

Relationship of Serum Vitamin D Levels With Diabetic Foot in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and aims: Diabetic foot is one of the most severe complications in patients with diabetes mellitus and has been linked to 25-OH-vitamin D status. This study aims to determine the prevalence of 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency and its association with diabetic foot. Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into the diabetic foot group (n = 95) and the non-diabetic foot group (n = 388). Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. The 25-OH-vitamin D and the other biochemical tests were extracted from the electronic medical records. The difference in clinical parameters between the diabetic foot group and the non-diabetic foot group was analyzed, and the risk factors of the diabetic foot group were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency was 44.6%, accounting for 57.9% of all the diabetic foot group patients and only 41.0% of the non-diabetic foot group patients. The mean serum 25-OH-vitamin D level was significantly different between the diabetic foot group and the non-diabetic foot group (19.8 ± 9.5 vs 24.1 ± 11.8; P = .011). Serum 25-OH-vitamin D and B12 were found to have a significant positive correlation (r = 0.410, P = <.01). The 25-OH-vitamin D level and body mass index were independently associated with diabetic foot (P = .043, OR = 1.21; P = .009, OR = 1.47), respectively. Conclusions: The 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency was higher in the diabetic foot group. More research is needed to understand the role of 25-OH-vitamin D in the development of diabetic foot.

Vitamin D and Mitosis Evaluation in Endometriosis: A Step toward Discovering the Connection?

(1) Background: The effects of serum vitamin D levels, the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) in endometriosis were investigated in two cohorts of women with this pathology: those receiving hormonal treatment and those without treatment. (2) Methods: In 60 cases of women with endometriosis (26 with progestin treatment and 34 without), paraffin-embedded endometriosis tissue samples retrieved after surgery were immunohistochemically (IHC) analyzed to determine the expression statuses of VDR and PHH3. In addition, serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D were assessed for each patient. (3) Results: The serum 25(OH) vitamin D evaluations revealed higher levels of 25(OH) vitamin D in women with treatment compared with those without. The positive IHC indexes of VDR and PHH3 in these two groups were compared. Vitamin D receptor levels were positively correlated with PHH3 levels, both being increased in patients without treatment. (4) Conclusions: Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels and IHC analysis of VDR and PHH3 can be used as additional tools for risk stratification and prognostic assessment in patients with endometriosis.