Could Vitamin D3 Deficiency Influence Malocclusion Development?

The abnormal growth of the craniofacial bone leads to skeletal and dental defects, which result in the presence of malocclusions. Not all causes of malocclusion have been explained. In the development of skeletal abnormalities, attention is paid to general deficiencies, including of vitamin D3 (VD3), which causes rickets. Its chronic deficiency may contribute to skeletal malocclusion. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of VD3 deficiency on the development of malocclusions. The examination consisted of a medical interview, oral examination, an alginate impression and radiological imaging, orthodontic assessment, and taking a venous blood sample for VD3 level testing. In about 42.1% of patients, the presence of a skeletal defect was found, and in 46.5% of patients, dentoalveolar malocclusion. The most common defect was transverse constriction of the maxilla with a narrow upper arch (30.7%). The concentration of vitamin 25 (OH) D in the study group was on average 23.6 ± 10.5 (ng/mL). VD3 deficiency was found in 86 subjects (75.4%). Our research showed that VD3 deficiency could be one of an important factor influencing maxillary development. Patients had a greater risk of a narrowed upper arch (OR = 4.94), crowding (OR = 4.94) and crossbite (OR = 6.16). Thus, there was a link between the deficiency of this hormone and the underdevelopment of the maxilla.

The impact of atorvastatin on cardiometabolic risk factors in brothers of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are characterized by increased cardiometabolic risk. The aim of the current study was to compare the impact of atorvastatin on plasma levels of cardiometabolic risk factors between men whose sisters had either PCOS or were unaffected. METHODS: The study population consisted of two age-, fat-free mass index-, blood pressure- and plasma lipid-matched groups of men with elevated total and LDL cholesterol levels: 20 brothers of PCOS probands (group 1) and 20 brothers of healthy women (group 2). Both groups were then treated with atorvastatin (40 mg daily) for the following 6 months. At the beginning and at the end of the study, we assessed plasma lipid levels, glucose homeostasis markers and levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, fibrinogen and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, both treatment arms differed in the degree of insulin resistance, calculated bioavailable testosterone, as well as in plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, uric acid, hsCRP and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Although atorvastatin reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels, this effect was stronger in group 2 than group 1. In group 2, atorvastatin exerted also a more potent impact on hsCRP, fibrinogen and homocysteine. An unfavorable impact on insulin sensitivity was observed only in group 1; while, statistically significant changes in uric acid and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were found only in group 2. CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggest that cardiometabolic effects of atorvastatin are less pronounced in male siblings of PCOS probands than in brothers of unaffected women.

Measurement of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in population of patients with cardiovascular disease by UPLC-MS/MS method.

Vitamin D has a potential role in protecting against cardiovascular disease (CVD). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) is the most widely used indicator of vitamin D status in the human body. 25D is estimated as total of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25D2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25D3). However, the presence of 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (3epi25D3) can affect 25D measurement. In this research a novel validated UPLC-MS/MS technique was developed to measure three vitamin D metabolites, 25D2, 25D3 and 3epi25D3 in human plasma. A liquid-liquid extraction using hexane was applied for isolation of the analytes from the samples. A chromatographic separation was achieved in a Kinetex F5 analytical column with isocratic elution (water and methanol with 0.1% methanoic acid, 20:80 v/v). Mass spectrometry detection of the metabolites was performed in a triple-quadruple tandem mass spectrometer under positive ion mode. Concentrations of the analytes were estimated in plasma samples of 54 patients. Validation parameters of the UPLC-MS/MS method, including linearity, precision, accuracy, and stability, fulfilled the requirements for bioanalytical assays. The deficient concentration of 25D (<20 ng/mL) was stated in over 60% of patients. 3epi25D3 was present in 78% of samples and its relative amount ranged from 0 to 54.1% of 25D concentration. The analysis of 25D2, 25D3 and 3epi25D3 by the validated UPLC-MS/MS method in plasma of patients with CVD permitted the classification of the patients with insufficient levels of 25D. 3epi25D3 might be relevant in the classification of vitamin D status.

Vitamin D3 improves lipophagy-associated renal lipid metabolism and tissue damage in diabetic mice.

Oxidative stress and abnormal lipid metabolism in diabetes can trigger renal lipotoxicity, extending to diabetic nephropathy. Vitamin D3 has been known to be involved in lipid metabolism as well as insulin secretion or inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that vitamin D3 supplementation attenuated hyperglycemia-induced renal damage in diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced by a 40% kJ high-fat diet with 30 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin by intraperitoneal injection twice in male C57BL/6J mice. Among diabetic mice (fasting blood glucose > 140 mg/dL), mice were supplemented with 300 ng/kg body weight of vitamin D3 dissolved in olive oil for 12 weeks. Normal control and diabetic control mice were orally administrated with olive oil as a vehicle. Normal control mice were fed with an AIN-93G diet during the experiment. Vitamin D3 supplementation in diabetic mice improved glucose intolerance and kidney function, demonstrated by diminishing glomerular areas. Vitamin D3 supplementation in diabetic mice significantly reduced triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma as well as triglycerides and total cholesterol in the kidney. Furthermore, vitamin D3 supplementation attenuated lipid synthesis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, accompanied by activation of ß-oxidation, antioxidant defense enzymes, and autophagy in diabetic mice. In conclusion, vitamin D3 supplementation ameliorates hyperglycemia-induced renal damage through the regulation of lipid metabolisms, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in diabetes. Vitamin D3 could be a promising nutrient to weaken diabetic nephropathy.

Distribution of free 25OHD in elderly population based on LC-MS/MS.

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem in all age groups, especially in the elderly population. Serum 25(OH)D is the biomarker to assess vitamin D nutrition status. However, the free hormone hypothesis proposes that free vitamin D might be a more reliable marker of vitamin D nutrition status. Thus, the aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the distribution of free 25OHD in elderly individuals, and (2) to assess the association between free 25OHD and total 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D, 24,25(OH)2D, calcium (Ca), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and phosphorus (P) in elderly population. A total of 312 healthy elderly individuals were enrolled in this study and residual serum samples were collected. Free 25OHD, total 25(OH)D, 24,25(OH)2D, and 1,25(OH)2D were measured using LC-MS/MS. Other biochemical analytes were measured using automatic analyzers. Our results showed that with an increase in the levels of total 25(OH)D, the levels of 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D, 24,25(OH)D, and free 25OHD increased, whereas the levels of 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D decreased. Further, we observed that the level of free 25OHD was significantly positively correlated with the total 25(OH)D (r = 0.226, P < 0.001), 25(OH)D (r = 0.221, P < 0.001), and 24,25(OH)2D (r = 0.231, P < 0.001) but was negatively correlated with 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D (r = -0.185, P < 0.01). Moreover, the total 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D, and 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D were correlated with 1,25(OH)2D. Furthermore, free 25OHD was positively correlated with creatinine (Cr) (r = 0.227, P <0.001). Our results showed a narrower distribution for free 25OHD than that reported by direct measurement techniques and confirmed the correlation between free 25OHD and total 25(OH)D.

Time trends and predictors of hypovitaminosis D across the life course: 2009-2016.

PURPOSE: We investigated prevalence, determinants, seasonal changes, and time trends in hypovitaminosis D. We derived a desirable serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) level in adults/elderly by evaluating the 25OHD-parathyroid hormone (PTH) exponential relationship. METHODS: We analyzed serum 25OHD data from a large laboratory database (N = 151,705), from a major academic medical center in Lebanon, from 2009 to 2016. We used cross calibration formulas to convert measured 25OHD levels to LC-MS/MS equivalents based on our external quality assurance protocols. RESULTS: 6% of the population were children (mean age 11 ±â€¯5 years, 56% girls), 68% were adults (44 ±â€¯13 years, 71% women), and 25% were elderly (74 ±â€¯6 years, 59% women). The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, in the entire population, was 39%, 29% and 23% at 25OHD cutoffs of 20 ng/ml, 15 ng/ml, and 12 ng/ml, respectively, across all years. Using multivariate analysis, predictors of 25OHD levels below 12, 15 and 20 ng/ml were younger age, male sex, winter months, and inpatient status both in adults and elderly. In children, older age, female sex, winter months, and inpatient status, predicted levels below 15 ng/ml and 20 ng/ml, but only older age, female sex, and winter months predicted levels below 12 ng/ml. There was a significant steady annual increase in 25OHD levels between 2009 and 2016 of 0.9 ng/ml/year (95% CI: 0.7, 1.0) in children, 1.2 ng/ml/year (1.2, 1.3) in adults and 2.6 ng/ml/year (2.6, 2.8) in the elderly. Using best fit non-linear regression models, on a subset of adults and elderly in whom concomitant 25OHD and PTH data was available (N = 4025), PTH levels plateaued at a serum 25OHD level of 26.1 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Secular increase in serum 25OHD levels is observed in Lebanon, but hypovitaminosis D is still prevalent. Our data provides basis for a desirable 25OHD level above 26 ng/ml in adult and elderly Lebanese individuals.

Primary and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients with Primary Aldosteronism - Findings From the German Conn's Registry.

CONTEXT: Recent studies support a bidirectional interaction between aldosterone and parathyroid hormone (PTH), possibly increasing the individual cardiovascular risk. Primary aldosteronism (PA) and primary hyperparathyroidism can occur simultaneously. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of hyperparathyroidism in PA. PATIENTS: We performed a case finding of primary hyperparathyroidism in a retrospective series of 503 patients with PA (cohort 1). We analysed primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism in 141 prospective PA patients who underwent PTH, serum calcium and phosphate measurements at time of diagnosis of PA (cohort 2). RESULTS: The prevalence for primary hyperparathyroidism was 1.2% in cohort 1, and 2.1% in cohort 2. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was found in 54.6% of the patients. Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism had significantly higher aldosterone and lower potassium levels and took more antihypertensive medications compared to those with normal PTH levels. In multivariate analysis, aldosterone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly correlated with serum PTH levels. There was a nonsignificant trend to a higher cardiovascular morbidity in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Patients with aldosterone producing adenoma had significantly higher PTH levels compared to patients with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. After treatment, there was a significant decrease of PTH levels in both groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with PA frequently have primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism, which is alleviated by correction of PA by surgical or medical means. Patients affected by secondary hyperparathyroidism seem to have a more severe phenotype of PA and have a trend towards more cardiovascular co-morbidities.

Circulating Vitamin D Levels and Alzheimer's Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study in the IGAP and UK Biobank.

Observational studies strongly supported the association of low levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and cognitive impairment or dementia in aging populations. However, randomized controlled trials have not shown clear evidence that vitamin D supplementation could improve cognitive outcomes. In fact, some studies reported the association between vitamin D and cognitive impairment based on individuals aged 60 years and over. However, it is still unclear that whether vitamin D levels are causally associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk in individuals aged 60 years and over. Here, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal association between vitamin D levels and AD using a large-scale vitamin D genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset and two large-scale AD GWAS datasets from the IGAP and UK Biobank with individuals aged 60 years and over. Our results showed that genetically increased 25OHD levels were significantly associated with reduced AD risk in individuals aged 60 years and over. Hence, our findings in combination with previous literature indicate that maintaining adequate vitamin D status in older people especially aged 60 years and over, may contribute to slow down cognitive decline and forestall AD. Long-term randomized controlled trials are required to test whether vitamin D supplementation may prevent AD in older people especially those aged 60 years and may be recommended as preventive agents.

Relationships between circulating 25(OH) vitamin D, leptin levels and visceral adipose tissue volume: results from a 1-year lifestyle intervention program in men with visceral obesity.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity has been associated with elevated leptinemia and vitamin D deficiency. To date, whether there is an association between vitamin D and leptin levels independent from adiposity remains uncertain. Our objective was to investigate the associations between changes in 25(OH) vitamin D levels, changes in adiposity variables, and changes in leptin levels produced by a 1-year lifestyle intervention program. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Sedentary men (n = 113) with abdominal obesity, dyslipidemic, and non-vitamin D supplemented were involved in a 1-year lifestyle modification program. Subjects were individually counseled by a kinesiologist and a nutritionist once every 2 weeks during the first 4 months with subsequent monthly visits in order to elicit a 500 kcal daily energy deficit and to increase physical activity/exercise habits. Adiposity mapping by computed tomography and cardiometabolic biomarkers, as well as vitamin D measurements were performed at baseline and at the 1-year visit. RESULTS: The 1-year intervention resulted in a 26% decrease in visceral adipose tissue volume (from 1951 ± 481 to 1463 ± 566 cm3), a 27% decrease in leptin levels (from 12.0 ± 8.1 to 8.5 ± 7.8 ng/mL) and a 27% increase in plasma 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations (from 50 ± 18 to 60 ± 18 nmol/L, p < 0.0001). One-year increases in 25(OH) vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with 1-year changes in leptin levels (r = -0.41, p < 0.001). The association remained significant after adjustment for 1-year changes in various adiposity indices: visceral adipose tissue (r = -0.30, p = 0.0019), subcutaneous adipose tissue (r = -0.35, p = 0.0004), total abdominal adipose tissue (r = -0.31, p = 0.0015), and fat mass (r = -0.31, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In response to a 1-year lifestyle intervention, changes in 25(OH) vitamin D levels were independently associated with changes in leptinemia after adjustment for adiposity changes. This finding supports a possible physiological link between leptinemia and 25(OH) vitamin D levels independent from adiposity and underscores the role of lifestyle modifications leading to lowered leptinemia in the clinical management of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D in Follicular Fluid Correlates With the Euploid Status of Blastocysts in a Vitamin D Deficient Population.

Context: The widespread distribution of the Vitamin D (VitD) receptor in reproductive tissues suggests an important role for VitD in human reproduction. The assessment of patient´s VitD is based on the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) metabolite measurement. However, most of the circulating 25(OH)D is bound to either VitD-binding protein (VDBP) (88%) or albumin (12%) and less than 1% circulates free. Objective: To determine a possible correlation between VitD levels in serum (S) and follicular fluid (FF) and blastocyst ploidy status in patients undergoing infertility treatment. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed including couples planned for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) from ART Fertility Clinics. Patients were classified according to their 25(OH)D-Serum levels: VitD deficient group <20 ng/ml and insufficient/replete ≥20 ng/ml defined as VitD non-deficient group. Results: Serum samples and 226 FF from individual follicles were collected for 25(OH)D, bioavailable 25(OH)D, free 25(OH)D, and % free 25(OH)D measurement. 25(OH)D-Serum in VitD deficient and non-deficient were 13.2±4.0 ng/ml vs 32.3±9.2 ng/ml; p<0.001. FF from 40 and 74 biopsied blastocysts was analysed of which 52.5 and 60.8% were euploid (p = 0.428), respectively. In VitD deficient patients, mean 25(OH)D-FF, bioavailable 25(OH)D-FF, and free 25(OH)D-FF were higher in euploid vs aneuploid blastocysts (18.3±6.3 ng/ml vs 13.9±4.8 ng/ml; p = 0.040; 1.5±0.5 ng/ml vs 1.1±0.4 ng/ml; p = 0.015; 0.005±0.002 ng/ml vs 0.003±0.001 ng/ml; p = 0.023, respectively), whilst no differences were found in VitD non-deficient patients (37.9±12.3 ng/ml vs 40.6±13.7 ng/ml; p = 0.380; 3.1±1.1 ng/ml vs 3.3±1.2 ng/ml; p = 0.323; 0.01±0.003 ng/ml vs 0.01±0.004 ng/ml; p = 0.319, respectively). Conclusion: VitD non-deficient patients have a significantly higher probability of obtaining a euploid blastocyst compared to VitD deficient patients (OR:33.36, p = 0.002).

Low sun exposure increases multiple sclerosis risk both directly and indirectly.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study (1) to what extent the influence of low sun exposure on multiple sclerosis (MS) risk is mediated by low vitamin D levels; (2) whether low sun exposure or vitamin D deficiency act synergistically with HLA-DRB1*15:01 and absence of HLA-A*02:01. METHODS: We used two population-based case-control studies (7069 cases, 6632 matched controls). Subjects with different HLA alleles, sun exposure habits and vitamin D status were compared regarding MS risk, by calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) employing logistic regression. Mediation analysis was used to identify the potential mediation effect of vitamin D on the relationship between low sun exposure and MS risk. RESULTS: Low sun exposure increased MS risk directly as well as indirectly, by affecting vitamin D status. The direct effect, expressed as OR, was 1.26 (95% CI 1.04-1.45) and the indirect effect, mediated by vitamin D deficiency, was 1.10 (95% CI 1.02-1.23). Of the total effect, nearly 30% was mediated by vitamin D deficiency. There was a significant interaction between low sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency (attributable proportion due to interaction 0.3, 95% CI 0.04-0.5) accounting for about 12% of the total effect. Further, both factors interacted with HLA-DRB1*15:01 to increase MS risk. INTERPRETATION: Our findings indicate that low sun exposure acts both directly on MS risk as well as indirectly, by leading to low vitamin D levels. The protective effect of sun exposure thus seems to involve both vitamin D and non-vitamin D pathways, which is of relevance for prevention, in particular for those with a genetic susceptibility to MS.

Factors associated with bone mineral content in adults: a population-based study / Fatores associados ao conteúdo mineral ósseo em adultos: estudo de base populacional

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the association among bone mineral content, sociodemographic, anthropometric and behavioral factors, and health status of Brazilian adults. Methods This was a cross-sectional, population-based study including 701 individuals from both sexes aged between 20 and 59 years. DEXA was used to evaluate dependent variable. The associations were evaluated using linear regression models stratified by sex. Results When mean bone mineral content values were compared, we found significant differences related to sex and all the independent variables evaluated. In the adjusted models, we identified an inverse association between bone mineral content and age in both sexes. Among men, to be overweight and/or obese, be highly educated, and have almost sufficiency of 25(OH)D were associated with higher bone mineral content values. On the other hand, among women, to be non-white skin color, overweight and/or obese were associated with better bone health. The main factors associated with low total bone mineral density were advanced age, white skin color, low level of formal education, eutrophy, and 25(OH)D deficiency. Conclusion Our results may help to identify adults who are at higher risk, and these findings should be used as guidelines for prevention and early diagnosis.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a associação entre o conteúdo mineral ósseo e fatores sociodemográficos, antropométricos, comportamentais e condições de saúde em adultos brasileiros. Métodos Estudo transversal, de base populacional, realizado com 701 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 20 e 59 anos. A variável dependente foi avaliada por DEXA. As associações foram avaliadas por modelos de regressão linear estratificados baseados no sexo dos indivíduos. Resultados Quando comparados os valores médios do conteúdo mineral ósseo, observamos diferença estatisticamente significante em relação aos sexos e para todas as variáveis independentes avaliadas. Nos modelos ajustados, identificamos associação inversa entre o conteúdo mineral ósseo e a idade em ambos os sexos. Entre os homens, sobrepeso e obesidade, alta escolaridade e suficiência de 25(OH)D foram associados a maiores valores de conteúdo mineral ósseo. Entre as mulheres, por sua vez, cor da pele não branca, sobrepeso e obesidade foram associados a melhor saúde óssea. Os principais fatores associados à baixa massa óssea total foram idade avançada, cor da pele branca, baixa escolaridade, eutrofia e deficiência de 25(OH)D. Conclusão Esses resultados podem auxiliar na identificação de adultos com maior risco e que devem ser alvo de medidas de prevenção e diagnóstico precoce.

Factors associated with bone mineral content in adults: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association among bone mineral content, sociodemographic, anthropometric and behavioral factors, and health status of Brazilian adults. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study including 701 individuals from both sexes aged between 20 and 59 years. DEXA was used to evaluate dependent variable. The associations were evaluated using linear regression models stratified by sex. RESULTS: When mean bone mineral content values were compared, we found significant differences related to sex and all the independent variables evaluated. In the adjusted models, we identified an inverse association between bone mineral content and age in both sexes. Among men, to be overweight and/or obese, be highly educated, and have almost sufficiency of 25(OH)D were associated with higher bone mineral content values. On the other hand, among women, to be non-white skin color, overweight and/or obese were associated with better bone health. The main factors associated with low total bone mineral density were advanced age, white skin color, low level of formal education, eutrophy, and 25(OH)D deficiency. CONCLUSION: Our results may help to identify adults who are at higher risk, and these findings should be used as guidelines for prevention and early diagnosis.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation in the Prevention of Recurrent Pneumonia in Under-Five Children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of recurrent pneumonia in under-five children. METHODS: The present one year 8 months longitudinal, community-based randomized controlled study included a total of 100 under-five children with pneumonia. Children were divided into two groups: intervention group (Group I: standard treatment with vitamin D 300,000 IU; n = 50) and control group (Group C: standard treatment only; n = 50). As nine samples were hemolyzed, groups I and C comprised of 46 and 45 children, respectively. The children were followed up for 1 y and signs of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), vitamin D deficiency, and vitamin D toxicity were recorded. RESULTS: The male to female ratio in group C and I was 1.27:1 and 1.5:1, respectively (P = 0.420). Age, gender, birth, anthropometric and clinical characteristics, and feeding habits were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) between both the cohorts (Group C and I). Children with reduced vitamin D levels were high in group C (25) when compared to the group I (15). During all the follow-ups, the URTI and LRTI episodes, severity of pneumonia, number of hospital admissions, complications, mean episodes of LRTI, and mean duration of LRTI were comparable between group I and group C (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the present study highlights that oral vitamin D (300,000 IU bolus dose quarterly) has some beneficial effect in the prevention of recurrent pneumonia in under-five children, although, not to a significant degree. Hence, it is recommended that further studies are required to demonstrate a significant effect of vitamin D in the prevention of pneumonia.

Renalase in children with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Renalase is kidney-derived molecule initially considered as catecholamine-inactivating enzyme. However, recent studies suggest that renalase exerts potent cardio- and nephroprotective actions, not related to its enzymatic activity. Purpose: To assess renalase level in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Material and methods: Serum renalase, BMI, arterial stiffness, peripheral and central blood pressure, intima-media thickness (IMT), medications, and biochemical parameters were analyzed in 38 children with CKD (12.23 ± 4.19 years) (stage G2-5). Control group consisted of 38 healthy children. Results: In the study group, GFR was 25.74 ± 8.94 mL/min/1.73 m2; 6 children were dialyzed; 26 had arterial hypertension. Renalase level was higher in the study group compared to control group (p < 0.001). In CKD children renalase correlated (p < 0.05) with BMI Z-score (r = -0.36), alfacalcidol dose (r = 0.41), GFR (r = -0.69), hemoglobin (r = -0.48), total cholesterol (r = 0.35), LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.36), triglycerides (r = 0.52), phosphate (r = 0.35), calcium-phosphorus product (r = 0.35), parathormone (r = 0.58), and pulse wave velocity Z-score (r = 0.42). In multivariate analysis GFR (ß = -0.63, p < 0.001), triglycerides (ß = 0.59, p = 0.002), and alfacalcidol dose (ß = -0.49, p = 0.010) were determinants of renalase. Conclusions: In children with CKD there is a strong correlation between renalase level and CKD stage. Furthermore, in these patients renalase does not correlate with blood pressure but may be a marker of arterial stiffness.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function and blood Aß-related biomarkers in older adults with Alzheimer's disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to assess the effect of a 12-month vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function and amyloid beta (Aß)-related biomarkers in subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS : This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 210 AD patients were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Participants received 12-month 800 IU/day of vitamin D or starch granules as placebo. Tests of cognitive performance and Aß-related biomarkers were measured at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. RESULTS : Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant improvements in plasma Aß42, APP, BACE1, APPmRNA, BACE1mRNA (p<0.001) levels and information, arithmetic, digit span, vocabulary, block design and picture arrange scores (p<0.05) in the intervention group over the control group. According to mixed-model analysis, vitamin D group had significant increase in full scale IQ during follow-up period (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Daily oral vitamin D supplementation (800 IU/day) for 12 months may improve cognitive function and decrease Aß-related biomarkers in elderly patients with AD. Larger scale longer term randomised trials of vitamin D are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-IIR-16009549.

Vitamin D supplementation and bone markers in ambulatory children on long-term valproic acid therapy. A prospective interventional study.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to investigate any adverse effects of long-term valproic acid (VPA) therapy on bone biochemical markers in ambulatory children and adolescents with epilepsy, and the possible benefits of vitamin D supplementation on the same markers. METHODS: In this single center, the prospective interventional study levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and the bone turnover indices of Crosslaps (CTX), total alkaline phosphatase (tALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and the receptor activator for nuclear factor kB (RANK) ligand (sRANKL) were assessed before and after one year of vitamin D intake (400 IU/d) and were compared with those of clinically healthy controls. Fifty-four ambulatory children with mean (±standard deviation [SD]) age 9.0 ±â€¯4.5 yrs on VPA (200-1200 mg/d) long-term monotherapy (mean: 3.2 ±â€¯2.6 yrs) were studied, before and after a year's vitamin D intake (400 IU/d). RESULTS: Nearly half of the cases were vitamin D insufficient/deficient with mean levels 23.1 ±â€¯12.8 vs 31.8 ±â€¯16.2 ng/mL of controls (p = 0.004) and after the year of vitamin D intake increased to 43.2 ±â€¯21.7 ng/mL (p < 0.0001). In parallel, serum CTX and tALP had a decreasing trend approaching control levels but OPG and sRANKL did not change and were not different from controls. However, after vitamin D intake, a positive correlation was seen between 25OHD and OPG but not before. CONCLUSIONS: The findings imply a higher bone turnover in the young patients on long-term VPA therapy that decreased after vitamin D intake.

The synergistic effects of vitamin D and estradiol deficiency on metabolic syndrome in Chinese postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies show that vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Current evidence suggests that estrogen and VitD have similar physiological functions and potentially interact with bone health. We investigated the association between estradiol (E2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D] with MetS and its components in Chinese postmenopausal women. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we examined 616 postmenopausal women (aged 49-86 y) from southern China who were not taking estrogen and VitD/calcium supplements. At the end of data collection, serum E2 and 25(OH)D were measured for each participant. MetS was defined according to the 2006 International Diabetes Federation standard. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between 25(OH)D and E2. Higher 25(OH)D was associated with a favorable lipid profile, blood pressure, and glucose level. E2 was negatively associated with cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. The odds ratio for MetS was 2.19 (95% CI, 1.19-4.01, P value for trend=0.009) for deficient compared with sufficient women after multivariable adjustment. This association remained unchanged after further adjusting for E2 levels. After stratified analysis by VitD status, low E2 increased MetS risk in women with VitD deficiency (odds ratio = 3.49, 95% CI, 1.45-8.05 for the lowest vs the highest tertile). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a synergistic role of VitD and E2 deficiency in MetS in Chinese postmenopausal women.

Vitamin D concentrations among older adults according to physical disability status: NHANES 2007-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Background: older adults are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency as a result of limited sun exposure and inadequate vitamin D intake. Despite this evidence, there are scarce data regarding the concentration of 25(OH)D and its metabolites among older adults with physical disability. Methods: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2014 data were collected to compare 25(OH)D3, 25(H)D2, and total 25(OH)D concentrations among adults aged 60 years and older with and without physical disability. Moreover, general linear models adjusted for potential confounders were used to examine the independent effect of vitamin D intake, physical activity status and body mass index (BMI) categories on 25(OH)D concentrations by disability status. Results: of 6,250 older adults, 17.9% were defined as physically disabled. 25(OH)D concentrations were 71.3 and 78.2 nmol/l in subjects with and without disability, respectively. However, after adjustment for potential confounders, similar 25(OH)D concentrations were seen between disabled subjects and their non-disabled counterparts (75.6 vs 77.5 nmol/l; p = 1.17). In contrast, older adults with disability had significantly increased 25(OH)D2 concentrations (8.3 vs 6.1 nmol/l; p < 0.05). Notably, older adults with a daily vitamin D intake of ≥ 15 mcg achieved sufficient 25(OH)D concentrations, regardless of their disability status. Conclusion: 25(OH)D concentrations did not significantly differ among older adults by disability status. This finding was attributed to increased 25(OH)D2 concentrations among those with physical disability. Thus, adequate vitamin D intake is an effective strategy to maintain sufficient 25(OH)D concentrations, particularly among disabled older adults.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: los adultos mayores tienen mayor riesgo de deficiencia de vitamina D debido a una limitada exposición al sol e ingesta inadecuada de vitamina D. A pesar de esto, existen escasos datos sobre la concentración de 25(OH)D y sus metabolitos en adultos mayores con discapacidad física. Métodos: la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de 2007-2014 se analizó para comparar las concentraciones de 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2 y 25(OH)D total entre los adultos mayores con y sin discapacidad física. Se usaron modelos generalizados lineales ajustados por cofactores para examinar el efecto independiente de la ingesta de vitamina D, los niveles de actividad física y las categorías del índice de masa corporal (IMC) sobre las concentraciones de 25(OH)D por condición de discapacidad. Resultados: de un total de 6.250 adultos mayores, el 17,9% tenía discapacidad física. Las concentraciones de 25(OH)D fueron 71,3 y 78,2 nmol/l en sujetos con y sin discapacidad, respectivamente. Sin embargo, después del ajuste por covariables, niveles similares de 25(OH)D fueron observados entre los sujetos con discapacidad y sus homólogos sin discapacidad (75,6 vs. 77,5 nmol/l; p = 1,17). En contraste, las concentraciones de 25(OH)D2 fueron significativamente mayores en los sujetos con discapacidad física (8,3 vs. 6,1 nmol/l; p < 0,05). En particular, los sujetos con una ingesta diaria de vitamina D de ≥ 15 mcg alcanzaron niveles adecuados de 25(OH)D, a pesar de su condición de discapacidad. Conclusión: las concentraciones de 25(OH)D fueron similares entre los adultos mayores por condición de discapacidad. Este hallazgo fue atribuido al aumento de la concentración de 25(OH)D2 entre las personas con discapacidad física. Así, la ingesta adecuada de vitamina D es una estrategia efectiva para mantener niveles óptimos de 25(OH)D, particularmente entre los adultos mayores con discapacidad.