Vitamin D deficiency among healthy Egyptian females.

PubMed

Botros, Raif M; Sabry, Inas M; Abdelbaky, Rania S; Eid, Yara M; Nasr, Merihan S; Hendawy, Laila M

2015-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is becoming endemic in many parts of the world. To study vitamin D status in Egyptian females of different age groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 404 females, who were categorized into group 1 (51 nursing females); group 2 (50 pregnant females); group 3 (208 females of childbearing age); group 4 (38 elderly females); and group 5 (57 geriatric females). Females completed a questionnaire regarding dietary calcium and vitamin D intake, sun exposure, and clothing habits, and performed laboratory tests including calcium, PO4, alkaline phosphatase, intact PTH, and 25-OH vitamin D levels. Median and IQR of vitamin D levels across groups 1, 2, 3 and 5 were in the deficient range, being lowest in groups 3, 5, and 1, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 72.6% of the nursing group, 54% of the pregnant group, 72% of the childbearing age group, 39.5% of the elderly group, and 77.2% of the geriatric group. Vitamin D was significantly higher in non-veiled females [23ng/dl] as compared to veiled females [16.7ng/dl]. Vitamin D levels with poor, fair, and good sun exposure were 14.1, 14, and 37ng/dl, respectively. These results show a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy Egyptian females. Copyright © 2015 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Impact of CD1d deficiency on metabolism.

PubMed

Kotas, Maya E; Lee, Hui-Young; Gillum, Matthew P; Annicelli, Charles; Guigni, Blas A; Shulman, Gerald I; Medzhitov, Ruslan

2011-01-01

Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) are innate-like T cells that are highly concentrated in the liver and recognize lipids presented on the MHC-like molecule CD1d. Although capable of a myriad of responses, few essential functions have been described for iNKTs. Among the many cell types of the immune system implicated in metabolic control and disease, iNKTs seem ideally poised for such a role, yet little has been done to elucidate such a possible function. We hypothesized that lipid presentation by CD1d could report on metabolic status and engage iNKTs to regulate cellular lipid content through their various effector mechanisms. To test this hypothesis, we examined CD1d deficient mice in a variety of metabolically stressed paradigms including high fat feeding, choline-deficient feeding, fasting, and acute inflammation. CD1d deficiency led to a mild exacerbation of steatosis during high fat or choline-deficient feeding, accompanied by impaired hepatic glucose tolerance. Surprisingly, however, this phenotype was not observed in Jα18⁻/⁻ mice, which are deficient in iNKTs but express CD1d. Thus, CD1d appears to modulate some metabolic functions through an iNKT-independent mechanism.

Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Alaska Native Children

PubMed Central

Singleton, Rosalyn; Lescher, Rachel; Gessner, Bradford D.; Benson, Matthew; Bulkow, Lisa; Rosenfeld, John; Thomas, Timothy; Holman, Robert C.; Haberling, Dana; Bruce, Michael; Bartholomew, Michael; Tiesinga, James

2015-01-01

Background Rickets and vitamin D deficiency appeared to increase in Alaskan children, starting in the 1990s. We evaluated the epidemiology of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in Alaska Native (AN) children in 2001-2010. Methods We analyzed 2001-2010 visits with rickets or vitamin D deficiency diagnosis for AN and American Indian children and the general U.S. population aged <10 years. We conducted a case-control study of AN rickets/vitamin D deficient cases and age- and region-matched controls. Results AN children annual rickets-associated hospitalization rate (2.23/100,000 children/year) was higher than general U.S. rate (1.23; 95% CI 1.08-1.39). Rickets incidence increased with latitude. Rickets/vitamin D deficiency cases were more likely to have malnutrition (OR 38.1; 95% CI 4.9-294), had similar breastfeeding prevalence, and were less likely to have received vitamin D supplementation (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.1-0.87), than controls. Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance of latitude, malnutrition and lack of vitamin D supplementation as risk factors for rickets. PMID:25741788

Rickets and vitamin D deficiency in Alaska native children.

PubMed

Singleton, Rosalyn; Lescher, Rachel; Gessner, Bradford D; Benson, Matthew; Bulkow, Lisa; Rosenfeld, John; Thomas, Timothy; Holman, Robert C; Haberling, Dana; Bruce, Michael; Bartholomew, Michael; Tiesinga, James

2015-07-01

Rickets and vitamin D deficiency appeared to increase in Alaskan children starting in the 1990s. We evaluated the epidemiology of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in Alaska native (AN) children in 2001-2010. We analyzed 2001-2010 visits with rickets or vitamin D deficiency diagnosis for AN and American Indian children and the general US population aged <10 years. We conducted a case-control study of AN rickets/vitamin D deficient cases and age- and region-matched controls. In AN children, annual rickets-associated hospitalization rate (2.23/100,000 children/year) was higher than the general US rate (1.23; 95% CI 1.08-1.39). Rickets incidence increased with latitude. Rickets/vitamin D deficiency cases were more likely to have malnutrition (OR 38.1; 95% CI 4.9-294), had similar breast-feeding prevalence, and were less likely to have received vitamin D supplementation (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.1-0.87) than controls. Our findings highlight the importance of latitude, malnutrition, and lack of vitamin D supplementation as risk factors for rickets.

Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in Middle Eastern sportsmen.

PubMed

Hamilton, Bruce; Grantham, Justin; Racinais, Sebastien; Chalabi, Hakim

2010-10-01

While vitamin D deficiency is well recognized in Middle Eastern women as a result of cultural norms of remaining covered, Middle Eastern men are an under-reported group. Vitamin D is now known to have multiple effects, including an impact on muscle function, thereby increasing the relevance for sportsmen. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in young male Middle Eastern athletes. Cross-sectional study. Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar. Ninety-three Middle Eastern men presenting to hospital for an annual screening undertook a blood test to evaluate their vitamin D status. Ninety-one per cent of athletes were found to be deficient in 25(OH)D (serum concentration <20 ng/ml). Athletes with severe deficiencies were significantly younger than those with less marked deficiency. A subset of athletes underwent bone mineral density assessment and 59 % were shown to have at least one Z-score less than -1; despite this, however, no athletes reported a stress fracture. There was no correlation between 25(OH)D concentration and sunlight exposure, skin coverage and skin colouring. The study revealed that 25(OH)D deficiency is very common among otherwise healthy Middle Eastern male athletes. Given the potentially significant long- and short-term effects of 25(OH)D deficiency, serum 25(OH)D evaluation should be part of the routine assessment in this region.

Vitamin D deficiency among the elderly: insights from Qatar.

PubMed

Alhamad, Hanadi Khamis; Nadukkandiyil, Navas; El-Menyar, Ayman; Abdel Wahab, Luay; Sankaranarayanan, Anoop; Al Sulaiti, Essa Mubarak

2014-06-01

Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is associated with comorbidities in the elderly. The present study investigates the prevalence of VitD deficiency among the elderly in Qatar. A retrospective study conducted between April 2010 and April 2012 that involved chart reviews. All elderly patients of age ≥65 years in geriatrics facilities including Rumailah hospital, skilled nursing facility and home healthcare services in Qatar were included in the study. Patient characteristics and outcomes were analyzed and compared according to the severity of VitD deficiency. Correlation of VitD with comorbidities was analyzed. Mean follow-up period was 6 months. A total of 889 patients were enrolled; the majority (66%) were females and the mean age was 75 ± 8.7 years. Patient comorbidities included hypertension (76.5%), diabetes mellitus (63%), dyslipidemia, (47.5%), dementia (26%) coronary artery disease (24%) and cerebrovascular accident (24%). The mean baseline serum VitD level was 24.4 ± 13.5 ng/ml; 72% of patients had VitD deficiency: mild (31%), moderate (30%) and severe (11%). Patients with severe VitD deficiency had significantly higher HbA1c levels compared with patients with optimal VitD (P = 0.03). High density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in severe VitD deficiency patients compared with optimal VitD patients (P = 0.04). There was a positive correlation between HDL-C and VitD level (r = 0.17, P = 0.001), whereas HbA1c levels showed negative correlation with VitD (r = -0.15, P = 0.009). A high prevalence of VitD deficiency (72%) was observed among the elderly in Qatar. Lower VitD was associated with higher HbA1c and lower HDL-C levels. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether VitD supplementation controls diabetes mellitus (DM) and low HDL-C levels among the elderly.

[Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome].

PubMed

González-Molero, Inmaculada; Rojo, Gemma; Morcillo, Sonsoles; Pérez-Valero, Vidal; Rubio-Martín, Eleazara; Gutierrez-Repiso, Carolina; Soriguer, Federico

2014-06-06

Vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome are 2 very common health problems in the Spanish population. It has been suggested that patients with metabolic syndrome may be vitamin D deficient more often than subjects without it and that low vitamin D levels may predispose to metabolic syndrome development. However, the results of prospective and intervention studies have been different and such relationship remains unclear. We assessed the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome. We undertook a population-based cohort study in Spain. At baseline (1996-1998), 1,226 subjects were evaluated. Follow-up visits were performed in 2002-2004 and 2005-2007.At baseline and follow-up, participants underwent an interview and a standardized clinical examination with an oral glucose tolerance test in those subjects without known diabetes. At the second visit, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and intact parathyroid hormone levels were measured. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome at the second and third visit was 29.4 and 42.5%, respectively. Mean levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome: 21.7 (6.21) vs 23.35 (6.29) ng/ml, P<.001.The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D<20 ng/ml) at the second evaluation was 34.7%, with significant differences between subjects with and without metabolic syndrome(34.6 vs 26.5%, P<.01). Men with vitamin D deficiency had more frequently hypertension and metabolic syndrome than men with normal levels. Women with vitamin D deficiency had more frequently hyperglycemia, hypertension, increased waist circumference and hypertriglyceridemia. In a prospective study, 25-hydroxyvitamin D values<20 ng/ml were not significantly associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome in the next 5 years (odds ratio 0,99, 95% confidence interval 0.57-1.7, P=.97) after adjusting by sex and age. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an

[Vitamin D deficiency in childhood: an opportunity for prevention].

PubMed

López-González, Desirée; Méndez-Sánchez, Lucía; Guagnelli, Miguel Ángel; Clark, Patricia

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the pediatric population has increased in recent years and continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. According to data from the "ENSANUT 2006" (National Health and Nutrition Survey), the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Mexico was 16% in children aged 2-12 years. Vitamin D plays a critical role in the formation and bone homeostasis and consequently on growth. Its deficiency is clearly associated with diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia, and it has been linked to other diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer, respiratory infections and immune system disease. Specific risk groups have been described in the medical literature for vitamin D deficiency in which supplementation may offer a benefit. Currently, there is still controversy in defining the serum levels of proficiency and dose supplementation. In Mexico, the daily suggested intake of vitamin D is 5.6μg (224 IU), which is significantly lower than the recommendations in the U.S. and Europe (i.e., between 400 and 1000 IU/day). An increase in vitamin D deficiency has been reported in recent years. There is no consensus regarding the sufficiency levels of vitamin D. Cut-off values vary from 20 to 30ng/ml. Therefore, the objective of this review was to provide an overview of the problem in the pediatric population and to describe the groups at risk, as well as to analyze the current recommendations for vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D deficiency was considered rare in Mexico according to the National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán. Lack of evidence did not help to establish the international recommended daily intake. Currently, vitamin D deficiency must be recognized as a health problem, worthy of attention and action. We suggest that prospective studies are carried out in our country where the relationship between serum vitamin D deficiency and poor bone mineralization will be established. Copyright

Developmental vitamin D deficiency causes abnormal brain development.

PubMed

Eyles, D W; Feron, F; Cui, X; Kesby, J P; Harms, L H; Ko, P; McGrath, J J; Burne, T H J

2009-12-01

There is now clear evidence that vitamin D is involved in brain development. Our group is interested in environmental factors that shape brain development and how this may be relevant to neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia. The origins of schizophrenia are considered developmental. We hypothesised that developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency may be the plausible neurobiological explanation for several important epidemiological correlates of schizophrenia namely: (1) the excess winter/spring birth rate, (2) increased incidence of the disease in 2nd generation Afro-Caribbean migrants and (3) increased urban birth rate. Moreover we have published two pieces of direct epidemiological support for this hypothesis in patients. In order to establish the "Biological Plausibility" of this hypothesis we have developed an animal model to study the effect of DVD deficiency on brain development. We do this by removing vitamin D from the diet of female rats prior to breeding. At birth we return all dams to a vitamin D containing diet. Using this procedure we impose a transient, gestational vitamin D deficiency, while maintaining normal calcium levels throughout. The brains of offspring from DVD-deficient dams are characterised by (1) a mild distortion in brain shape, (2) increased lateral ventricle volumes, (3) reduced differentiation and (4) diminished expression of neurotrophic factors. As adults, the alterations in ventricular volume persist and alterations in brain gene and protein expression emerge. Adult DVD-deficient rats also display behavioural sensitivity to agents that induce psychosis (the NMDA antagonist MK-801) and have impairments in attentional processing. In this review we summarise the literature addressing the function of vitamin D on neuronal and non-neuronal cells as well as in vivo results from DVD-deficient animals. Our conclusions from these data are that vitamin D is a plausible biological risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders and that

High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in urban health checkup population.

PubMed

Ning, Zhiwei; Song, Shufan; Miao, Li; Zhang, Pengrui; Wang, Xin; Liu, Jia; Hu, Yanjin; Xu, Yuan; Zhao, Tingting; Liang, Yufang; Wang, Qingtao; Liu, Lihong; Zhang, Jing; Hu, Lizhi; Huo, Mingyan; Zhou, Qinyun

2016-08-01

Vitamin D deficiency is documented as a common health problem in the world. Limited data has been found on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Beijing area. To investigate the prevalence s of vitamin D deficiency in urban Beijing residents and the seasonal and monthly serum 25(OH)D variation in this population. This is an urban hospital based cross-sectional study lasting whole 2 years. 5531 (5-101 years old) urban Beijing residents for health checkup are recruited from December 9th, 2011 to December 8th, 2013. Each subject completed a questionnaire designed to quantify intake of vitamin D through food, vitamin D supplements, hours of sun exposure, sunscreen use over the past month. Serum 25(OH)D is statistically analyzed in accordance with gender, age, and time-lines. Vitamin D deficiency (Serum 25(OH)D level ≤20 ng/mL) and sever deficiency (Serum 25(OH)D level ≤ 10 ng/mL) are highly prevalent in this population. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is 87.1% and higher prevalence is found in female (89.0%) than male (84.9% P < 0.001). Severe vitamin D deficiency is also higher in female than male (59.3% and 42.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). Female under 20 and over 80 have lower 25(OH)D levels compared to 40-60 years old female (both P < 0.05). Severe vitamin D deficiency are also highly prevalence in this two group (60.9% and 54.1%) compared with 40-60 years old females (43.1%, both P < 0.05). Seasonal variation are also found in this population (P < 0.01). Autumn and summer have the higher 25(OH)D level than winter and spring in both genders (P < 0.001). Winter and spring have higher vitamin D deficiency and Severe deficiency than the other two seasons (P < 0.05). Serum 25(OH)D level peaks in October and troughed in April in both female and male. Lower serum 25(OH)D level are found in April than February (P < 0.05) in both gender. This is the first time to examine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among urban Beijing

Comparison of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi married couples.

PubMed

Elshafie, D E; Al-Khashan, H I; Mishriky, A M

2012-06-01

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia. The study objective was to compare vitamin D deficiency in Saudi married couples. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Royal Guard primary health care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on a consecutive sample of 50 Saudi married couples attending the center without complaints related to vitamin D deficiency. Data were collected through an interview questionnaire addressing the risk factors and dietary habits. Quantitative determination of total 25-hydroxy vitamin D in blood was done by Electro-Chemical Luminescence assay. Fieldwork was carried out from December 2010 to January 2011. Men had higher sun exposure (P = 0.001), more use of light clothes at home (P = 0.002) and more intake of milk (P = 0.023) and soft drinks (P = 0.001). Vitamin D was higher in men with mean difference about 9 nmol/l (P < 0.001). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/l) was 70% in women, compared with 40% in men (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified male gender, physical activity and the intake of milk as statistically significant positive independent predictors of vitamin D level, adjusted for factors as age, sun exposure, clothing, skin color, BMI, soft drinks and animal protein intake. Vitamin D deficiency is very high among Saudi married couples, especially wives. Female gender is an independent predictor of lower vitamin D level, in addition to sedentary lifestyle and low milk consumption. There is a need to revise the levels set for the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in the study region.

[Prevalence and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in general practices].

PubMed

Merlo, C; Ross, C; Trummler, M; Zeller, A

2012-10-31

In 776 primary care patients serum vitamin D level was measured in month of september showing deficiency (<50 nmol/l) in 45,1%, severe deficiency (<30 nmol/l) in 9,8% and serum levels below the recommended target level of 75 nmol/l in 88,9% of cases. Three possible symptoms of vitamin D deficiency were assessed by a visual analogue scale (0-10): fatigue, muscle weakness, and muscle and joint pain. A significant correlation between muscle weakness and degree of vitamin D deficiency was shown (p=0,04), whereas there was no correlation in the two other symptoms. However, patients with vitamin D deficiency more frequently reported fatigue (p=0,02) and muscle weakness (p=0,009) than patients without deficiency did, and no difference was seen concerning muscle and joint pain.

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Cambodian Women: A Common Deficiency in a Sunny Country

PubMed Central

Smith, Geoffry; Wimalawansa, Sunil J.; Laillou, Arnaud; Sophonneary, Prak; Un, Samoeurn; Hong, Rathavuth; Poirot, Etienne; Kuong, Khov; Chamnan, Chhoun; De los Reyes, Francisco N.; Wieringa, Frank T.

2016-01-01

Recent studies have shown that in spite of being generally close to the equator; vitamin D deficiency is common in South East Asian countries. In order to quantify micronutrient status for women and children in Cambodia; a nationally-representative survey was conducted in 2014 linked to the Cambodian Demographic Health Survey. The countrywide median of 25(OH)D was, respectively, 64.9 and 91.1 nmol/L for mothers and children. Based on The Endocrine Society cutoffs (>50<75 nmol/L = insufficiency; ≤50 nmol/L = deficiency); 64.6% of mothers and 34.8% of their children had plasma vitamin D concentrations indicating insufficiency or deficiency. For deficiency alone, 29% of the mothers were found to be vitamin D deficient, but only 13.4% of children. Children who live in urban areas had a 43% higher rate of vitamin D insufficiency versus those who live in rural areas (OR; 1.434; 95% CI: 1.007; 2.041). However, such differences were not observed in their mothers. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is likely in part due to lifestyle choices, including sun avoidance, increasingly predominant indoor work, and covered transport. These survey findings support the need for a broader national Cambodian study incorporating testing of adult men, adolescents and the elderly, and encompassing other parameters such as skeletal health. However, the data presented in this study already show significant deficiencies which need to be addressed and we discuss the benefit of establishing nationally-mandated food fortification programs to enhance the intake of vitamin D. PMID:27187456

Vitamin D Deficiency and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women.

PubMed

Aydogmus, H; Demirdal, U S

2018-06-09

The association of vitamin D deficiency and pelvic floor dysfunction has been examined by numerous studies. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with bladder filling and voiding functions are common in both sexes. A recent study reports a higher incidence of LTUS in men over 50 years old with vitamin D deficiency. The aim of the study is to investigate whether there is a difference in the Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms frequency between women with vitamin D deficiency and the control group or not. In this case control study, a total of 150 women who had a measured vitamin D level within a month were divided into two groups, one with a serum vitamin D deficiency and the other with a normal vitamin D level. Both groups were evaluated in terms of menopausal status, numbers of pregnancy and delivery, pelvic examination findings, pelvic floor muscle strength, level of pelvic organ prolapse, LUTS scores, and the findings were recorded. Both groups were compared for the presence of lower urinary system symptoms. The BFLUTS validated for Turkish-speaking populations was used to assess lower urinary system symptoms. Statistical analyses were performed via IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0. The results were considered significant at p < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 67.3% of the participants. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding variables that could affect lower urinary system symptoms such as menopausal status, presence of pelvic organ prolapse and neonatal weight (fetal macrosomia) The Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength was significantly lower in the group with vitamin D deficiency than the control group. BFLUTS scores of premenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency were found to be similar to the control group, likewise no significant differences in the BFLUTS scores were detected in postmenopausal women. Although vitamin D deficiency causes a significant reduction in pelvic floor muscle strength

Vitamin D deficiency: a new risk factor for type 2 diabetes?.

PubMed

Mezza, T; Muscogiuri, G; Sorice, G P; Prioletta, A; Salomone, E; Pontecorvi, A; Giaccari, A

2012-01-01

Recent compelling evidence suggests a role of vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and insulin secretion derangements, with a consequent possible interference with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanism of this link is incompletely understood. In fact, vitamin D deficiency is usually detected in obesity in which insulin resistance is also a common finding. The coexistence of insulin resistance and vitamin D deficiency has generated several hypotheses. Some cross-sectional and prospective studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in worsening insulin resistance; others have identified obesity as a risk factor predisposing individuals to exhibit both vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance. The available data from intervention studies are largely confounded, and inadequate considerations of seasonal effects on 25(OH)D concentrations are also a common design flaw in many studies. On the contrary, there is strong evidence that obesity might cause both vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance, leaving open the possibility that vitamin D and diabetes are not related at all. Although it might seem premature to draw firm conclusions on the role of vitamin D supplementation in reducing insulin resistance and preventing type 2 diabetes, this manuscript will review the circumstances leading to vitamin D deficiency and how such a deficiency can eventually independently affect insulin sensitivity. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Implications of vitamin D deficiency in lithiasic patient and in general population.

PubMed

Millán-Rodríguez, F; Gavrilov, P; Gracia-García, S; Angerri-Feu, O; Sánchez-Martín, F M; Villavicencio-Mavrich, H

2015-05-01

Vitamin D deficiency causes problems in mineral metabolism but also overall health. In first place a review of the topic was carried out. Then, in order to contextualize it in lithiasic patient, a study on Vitamin D deficiency and its possible relationship with impaired PTH levels is performed. A review of topics such as metabolism, epidemiology and the relationship of vitamin D deficiency with several pathologies was performed. Besides a multivariate analysis and a correlation study between vitamin D and PTH levels was conducted in 100 lithiasic patients. We present a review of Vitamin D metabolism, receptors and functions, as well as about its valuation methodology and the treatment of its deficiency. Lithiasic patients show a higher vitamin D deficiency than general population. Vitamin D deficiency has been significantly associated with increased PTH levels. In addition, there is enough literature showing a relationship between vitamin D deficiency not only with bone disease, but also with multiple diseases. vitamin D levels should be measured in all lithiasic patients, and those with vitamin D deficiency should be treated. Copyright © 2014 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D Deficiency in India: Prevalence, Causalities and Interventions

PubMed Central

G, Ritu; Gupta, Ajay

2014-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency prevails in epidemic proportions all over the Indian subcontinent, with a prevalence of 70%–100% in the general population. In India, widely consumed food items such as dairy products are rarely fortified with vitamin D. Indian socioreligious and cultural practices do not facilitate adequate sun exposure, thereby negating potential benefits of plentiful sunshine. Consequently, subclinical vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in both urban and rural settings, and across all socioeconomic and geographic strata. Vitamin D deficiency is likely to play an important role in the very high prevalence of rickets, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and infections such as tuberculosis in India. Fortification of staple foods with vitamin D is the most viable population based strategy to achieve vitamin D sufficiency. Unfortunately, even in advanced countries like USA and Canada, food fortification strategies with vitamin D have been only partially effective and have largely failed to attain vitamin D sufficiency. This article reviews the status of vitamin D nutrition in the Indian subcontinent and also the underlying causes for this epidemic. Implementation of population based educational and interventional strategies to combat this scourge require recognition of vitamin D deficiency as a public health problem by the governing bodies so that healthcare funds can be allocated appropriately. PMID:24566435

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among patients with prostate cancer.

PubMed

Trump, Donald L; Chadha, Manpreet K; Sunga, Annette Y; Fakih, Marwan G; Ashraf, Umeer; Silliman, Carrie G; Hollis, Bruce W; Nesline, Mary K; Tian, Lili; Tan, Wei; Johnson, Candace S

2009-10-01

To assess the frequency of vitamin D deficiency among men with prostate cancer, as considerable epidemiological, in vitro, in vivo and clinical data support an association between vitamin D deficiency and prostate cancer outcome. The study included 120 ambulatory men with recurrent prostate cancer and 50 with clinically localized prostate cancer who were evaluated and serum samples assayed for 25-OH vitamin D levels. Then 100 controls (both sexes), matched for age and season of serum sample, were chosen from a prospective serum banking protocol. The relationship between age, body mass index, disease stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, season and previous therapy on vitamin D status were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. The mean 25-OH vitamin D level was 25.9 ng/mL in those with recurrent disease, 27.5 ng/mL in men with clinically localized prostate cancer and 24.5 ng/mL in controls. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and insufficiency (20-31 ng/mL) was 40% and 32% in men with recurrent prostate; 28% had vitamin D levels that were normal (32-100 ng/mL). Among men with localized prostate cancer, 18% were deficient, 50% were insufficient and 32% were normal. Among controls, 31% were deficient, 40% were insufficient and 29% were normal. Metastatic disease (P = 0.005) and season of blood sampling (winter/spring; P = 0.01) were associated with vitamin D deficiency in patients with prostate cancer, while age, race, performance status and body mass index were not. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were common among men with prostate cancer and apparently normal controls in the western New York region.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Survival in Children after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant.

PubMed

Wallace, Gregory; Jodele, Sonata; Howell, Jonathan; Myers, Kasiani C; Teusink, Ashley; Zhao, Xueheng; Setchell, Kenneth; Holtzapfel, Catherine; Lane, Adam; Taggart, Cynthia; Laskin, Benjamin L; Davies, Stella M

2015-09-01

Vitamin D has endocrine function as a key regulator of calcium absorption and bone homeostasis and also has intracrine function as an immunomodulator. Vitamin D deficiency before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been variably associated with higher risks of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and mortality. Children are at particular risk of growth impairment and bony abnormalities in the face of prolonged deficiency. There are few longitudinal studies of vitamin D deficient children receiving HSCT, and the prevalence and consequences of vitamin D deficiency 100 days after transplant has been poorly studied. Serum samples from 134 consecutive HSCT patients prospectively enrolled into an HSCT sample repository were tested for 25-hydroxy (25 OH) vitamin D levels before starting HSCT (baseline) and at 100 days after transplantation. Ninety-four of 134 patients (70%) had a vitamin D level < 30 ng/mL before HSCT, despite supplemental therapy in 16% of subjects. Post-transplant samples were available in 129 patients who survived to day 100 post-transplant. Vitamin D deficiency persisted in 66 of 87 patients (76%) who were already deficient before HSCT. Moreover, 24 patients with normal vitamin D levels before HSCT were vitamin D deficient by day 100. Overall, 68% of patients were vitamin D deficient (<30 ng/mL) at day 100, and one third of these cases had severe vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL). Low vitamin D levels before HSCT were not associated with subsequent acute or chronic GVHD, contrary to some prior reports. However, severe vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) at 100 days post-HSCT was associated with decreased overall survival after transplantation (P = .044, 1-year rate of overall survival: 70% versus 84.1%). We conclude that all pediatric transplant recipients should be screened for vitamin D deficiency before HSCT and at day 100 post-transplant and that aggressive supplementation is needed to maintain sufficient levels. Copyright © 2015 American

Association Between Severe Vitamin D Deficiency, Lung Function and Asthma Control.

PubMed

Beyhan-Sagmen, Seda; Baykan, Ozgur; Balcan, Baran; Ceyhan, Berrin

2017-04-01

To examine the relationship between severe vitamin D deficiency, asthma control, and pulmonary function in Turkish adults with asthma. One hundred six asthmatic patients underwent pulmonary function tests skin prick test, peripheral blood eosinophil counts, IgE, body mass index and vitamin D levels were determined. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to vitamin D levels (vitamin D level<10ng/ml and vitamin D level≥10 ng/ml). Asthma control tests were performed. The mean age of subgroup i (vitamin D level<10) was 37±10 and the mean age of subgroup ii (vitamin D level≥10ng/ml) was 34±8. Sixty-six percent of patients had severe vitamin D deficiency (vitamin D level<10 ng/ml). There was a significant trend towards lower absolute FEV 1 (L) values in patients with lower vitamin D levels (P=.001). Asthma control test scores were significantly low in the severe deficiency group than the other group (P=.02). There were a greater number of patients with uncontrolled asthma (asthma control test scores<20) in the severe vitamin D deficiency group (P=.040). Patients with severe vitamin D deficiency had a higher usage of inhaled corticosteroids than the group without severe vitamin D deficiency (P=.015). There was a significant trend towards lower absolute FEV 1 (L) (P=.005, r=.272) values in patients with lower vitamin D levels. Vitamin D levels were inversely related with body mass index (P=.046). The incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency was high in adult Turkish asthmatics. In addition, lower vitamin D levels were associated with poor asthma control and decreased pulmonary function. Copyright © 2016 SEPAR. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among patients with prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Trump, Donald L.; Chadha, Manpreet K.; Sunga, Annette Y.; Fakih, Marwan G.; Ashraf, Umeer; Silliman, Carrie G.; Hollis, Bruce W.; Nesline, Mary K.; Tian, Lili; Tan, Wei; Johnson, Candace S.

2009-01-01

Objective To assess the frequency of vitamin D deficiency among men with prostate cancer, as considerable epidemiological, in vitro, in vivo and clinical data support an association between vitamin D deficiency and prostate cancer outcome. Patients, subjects and methods The study included 120 ambulatory men with recurrent prostate cancer and 50 with clinically localized prostate cancer who were evaluated and serum samples assayed for 25-OH vitamin D levels. Then 100 controls (both sexes), matched for age and season of serum sample, were chosen from a prospective serum banking protocol. The relationship between age, body mass index, disease stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, season and previous therapy on vitamin D status were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The mean 25-OH vitamin D level was 25.9 ng/mL in those with recurrent disease, 27.5 ng/mL in men with clinically localized prostate cancer and 24.5 ng/mL in controls. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) and insufficiency (20–31 ng/mL) was 40% and 32% in men with recurrent prostate; 28% had vitamin D levels that were normal (32–100 ng/mL). Among men with localized prostate cancer, 18% were deficient, 50% were insufficient and 32% were normal. Among controls, 31% were deficient, 40% were insufficient and 29% were normal. Metastatic disease (P = 0.005) and season of blood sampling (winter/spring; P = 0.01) were associated with vitamin D deficiency in patients with prostate cancer, while age, race, performance status and body mass index were not. Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were common among men with prostate cancer and apparently normal controls in the western New York region. PMID:19426195

Vitamin D deficiency contributes directly to the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

PubMed

Dancer, Rachel C A; Parekh, Dhruv; Lax, Sian; D'Souza, Vijay; Zheng, Shengxing; Bassford, Chris R; Park, Daniel; Bartis, D G; Mahida, Rahul; Turner, Alice M; Sapey, Elizabeth; Wei, Wenbin; Naidu, Babu; Stewart, Paul M; Fraser, William D; Christopher, Kenneth B; Cooper, Mark S; Gao, Fang; Sansom, David M; Martineau, Adrian R; Perkins, Gavin D; Thickett, David R

2015-07-01

Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated as a pathogenic factor in sepsis and intensive therapy unit mortality but has not been assessed as a risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Causality of these associations has never been demonstrated. To determine if ARDS is associated with vitamin D deficiency in a clinical setting and to determine if vitamin D deficiency in experimental models of ARDS influences its severity. Human, murine and in vitro primary alveolar epithelial cell work were included in this study. Vitamin D deficiency (plasma 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L) was ubiquitous in patients with ARDS and present in the vast majority of patients at risk of developing ARDS following oesophagectomy. In a murine model of intratracheal lipopolysaccharide challenge, dietary-induced vitamin D deficiency resulted in exaggerated alveolar inflammation, epithelial damage and hypoxia. In vitro, vitamin D has trophic effects on primary human alveolar epithelial cells affecting >600 genes. In a clinical setting, pharmacological repletion of vitamin D prior to oesophagectomy reduced the observed changes of in vivo measurements of alveolar capillary damage seen in deficient patients. Vitamin D deficiency is common in people who develop ARDS. This deficiency of vitamin D appears to contribute to the development of the condition, and approaches to correct vitamin D deficiency in patients at risk of ARDS should be developed. UKCRN ID 11994. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Vitamin D deficiency in healthy children in a sunny country: associated factors.

PubMed

Bener, Abdulbari; Al-Ali, Mariam; Hoffmann, Georg F

2009-01-01

The objective of the present study was to determine the factors associated with low concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (vitamin D deficiency) in healthy children in Qatar. The survey was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Primary Health Care Clinics over the period from August 2007 to March 2008. Subjects The study was carried out among healthy Qatari nationals, male and female, aged below 16 years. A random sample of 650 healthy subjects who visited the Primary Health Care Centers for any reason other than acute or chronic disease were approached and 458 subjects gave consent; a response rate of 70.5%. Face-to-face interviews were based on a questionnaire that included variables such as socio-demographic information, assessment of non-dietary covariates, assessment of dietary intake, vitamin D intake, type of feeding, clinical manifestations and laboratory investigations. The subjects' health status was assessed by medical conditions, family history, body mass index, past or present clinical manifestations, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, calcium, alkaline phosphates, phosphorus, HbA1C, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), magnesium and creatinine analysis. The study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in Qatari adolescents (11-16 years old; 61.6%), followed by the 5-10 year olds (28.9%) and those below 5 years old (9.5%). Vitamin D deficiency increased with age and there was a significant difference between vitamin D-deficient and normal children in their age groups (P =0.013). The body mass index was significantly lower in vitamin D-deficient children (19.6+/-3.6; P =0.019). A family history of vitamin D deficiency was more frequent in children with vitamin D deficiency (33.7%) than in normal children (24.5%). Most of the vitamin D-deficient children had no physical activity (60.6%) and no exposure to sunlight (57.5%). There was a significant difference between both groups in terms of family history of vitamin D deficiency, physical activity, exposure

Computational model for vitamin D deficiency using hair mineral analysis.

PubMed

Hassanien, Aboul Ella; Tharwat, Alaa; Own, Hala S

2017-10-01

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the Arabian Gulf region, especially among women. Recent studies show that the vitamin D deficiency is associated with a mineral status of a patient. Therefore, it is important to assess the mineral status of the patient to reveal the hidden mineral imbalance associated with vitamin D deficiency. A well-known test such as the red blood cells is fairly expensive, invasive, and less informative. On the other hand, a hair mineral analysis can be considered an accurate, excellent, highly informative tool to measure mineral imbalance associated with vitamin D deficiency. In this study, 118 apparently healthy Kuwaiti women were assessed for their mineral levels and vitamin D status by a hair mineral analysis (HMA). This information was used to build a computerized model that would predict vitamin D deficiency based on its association with the levels and ratios of minerals. The first phase of the proposed model introduces a novel hybrid optimization algorithm, which can be considered as an improvement of Bat Algorithm (BA) to select the most discriminative features. The improvement includes using the mutation process of Genetic Algorithm (GA) to update the positions of bats with the aim of speeding up convergence; thus, making the algorithm more feasible for wider ranges of real-world applications. Due to the imbalanced class distribution in our dataset, in the second phase, different sampling methods such as Random Under-Sampling, Random Over-Sampling, and Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique are used to solve the problem of imbalanced datasets. In the third phase, an AdaBoost ensemble classifier is used to predicting the vitamin D deficiency. The results showed that the proposed model achieved good results to detect the deficiency in vitamin D. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association of vitamin D deficiency with hypertension in uninsured women

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic in the United States. Uninsured women are at high risk due to a lower intake of vitamin D and limited sun exposure. We examined the association between vitamin D deficiency and hypertension in 96 uninsured women at a County Free Medical Clinic in urban Michigan. Q...

[Vitamin D-deficiency rickets: a case report from Burkina Faso].

PubMed

Sagna, Y; Ouédraogo, D-D; Dao, F; Diallo, O; Tiéno, H; Guira, O; Traoré, L O; Yanogo, A R D; Drabo, Y J

2013-01-01

Deficiency rickets results from a deficiency of vitamin D that is responsible for deficient calcium absorption, leading to failure of bone mineralization and cartilage bone growth, especially in children. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who shows signs of rickets. Her family history, which includes similar malformations in several family members, led us to suggest vitamin D-resistant rickets, but all laboratory tests and response to treatment indicated deficiency rickets. Prophylaxis, at least for some very poor people, should be proposed for certain populations at risk, even in tropical zones.

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Pregnant Saudi Women.

PubMed

Al-Faris, Nora A

2016-02-04

Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a public health problem worldwide due to its important role in health and disease. The present work is intended to examine prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant Saudi women and related risk factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 160 pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and maternal characteristics were collected and vitamin D intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. Weight and height were measured using standardized methods. Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) and insufficiency (25(OH)D = 50-74 nmol/L) were reported in 50% and 43.8% of the study sample, respectively. Median serum 25(OH)D concentration was 49.9 nmol/L. Adequate vitamin D intake (≥600 IU/day) was reported among only 8.1% of pregnant women. Age group, educational level, sun exposure frequency and daytime and daily practice of exercise were significantly associated with vitamin D status. Overall, vitamin D deficiency was common among pregnant Saudi women in Riyadh. Steps should be taken to address the current situation, including increased sunlight exposure, consumption of fatty fish, and vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy in a correctional population.

PubMed

Jacobs, Elizabeth T; Mullany, Charles J

2015-05-01

Adequate nutrition among inmates at correctional facilities may prevent a variety of diseases and conditions. Vitamin D is a nutrient of particular interest to incarcerated populations; however, research in this area is sparse. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess vitamin D status among inmates in a prison in southern Arizona, a sun-replete region of the United States. We conducted a cross-sectional study of circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D] among short-term (group 1; <6 wk; n = 29) and long-term (group 2; >1 y; n = 30) inmates at The Fourth Avenue Jail in Maricopa County (Phoenix) Arizona. The long-term inmates in group 2 had statistically significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D (13.9 ± 6.3 ng/mL) compared with group 1 (25.9 ± 12.4; P < 0.0001). Defining vitamin D deficiency as circulating concentrations of 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL, 37.9% of inmates in group 1 and 90% of those in group 2 were deficient. After adjusting for body mass index and age, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for deficiency in group 2 was 18.7 (4.1-84.9) compared with group 1. This study demonstrates the presence of vitamin D deficiency at the Fourth Avenue Jail in Maricopa County, Arizona, particularly among inmates who have been housed at the facility for >1 y. Because marked vitamin D deficiency is associated with a myriad of adverse health outcomes, consideration should be given to providing dietary or supplemental vitamin D to inmates at correctional facilities. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Developmental Vitamin D (DVD) Deficiency Reduces Nurr1 and TH Expression in Post-mitotic Dopamine Neurons in Rat Mesencephalon.

PubMed

Luan, Wei; Hammond, Luke Alexander; Cotter, Edmund; Osborne, Geoffrey William; Alexander, Suzanne Adele; Nink, Virginia; Cui, Xiaoying; Eyles, Darryl Walter

2018-03-01

Developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency has been proposed as an important risk factor for schizophrenia. Our previous study using Sprague Dawley rats found that DVD deficiency disrupted the ontogeny of mesencephalic dopamine neurons by decreasing the mRNA level of a crucial differentiation factor of dopamine cells, the nuclear receptor related 1 protein (Nurr1). However, it remains unknown whether this reflects a reduction in dopamine cell number or in Nurr1 expression. It is also unclear if any particular subset of developing dopamine neurons in the mesencephalon is selectively affected. In this study, we employed state-of-the-art spinning disk confocal microscopy optimized for the imaging of tissue sections and 3D segmentation to assess post-mitotic dopamine cells on a single-cell basis in the rat mesencephalon at embryonic day 15. Our results showed that DVD deficiency did not alter the number, morphology, or positioning of post-mitotic dopamine cells. However, the ratio of Nurr1+TH+ cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) compared with the ventral tegmental area (VTA) was increased in DVD-deficient embryos. In addition, the expression of Nurr1 in immature dopamine cells and mature dopamine neurons in the VTA was decreased in DVD-deficient group. Tyrosine hydroxylase was selectively reduced in SNc of DVD-deficient mesencephalon. We conclude that DVD deficiency induced early alterations in mesencephalic dopamine development may in part explain the abnormal dopamine-related behaviors found in this model. Our findings may have broader implications for how certain environmental risk factors for schizophrenia may shape the ontogeny of dopaminergic systems and by inference increase the risk of schizophrenia.

Vitamin D deficiency among healthy adolescents in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Although vitamin D deficiency has been studied in various adult populations, there are few data on the prevalence of this nutritional deficiency among healthy adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to examine its correlates in adolescents aged 15 to 18 years. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in urban schools. Healthy adolescents (N=315) from a sample of 8 schools were randomly selected from the 142 schools in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate. Outcomes measured included serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD), plasma lipids, blood sugar, blood pressure and anthropometric data, nutrition and lifestyle variables. Results Fourty-one participants (19.7%) were vitamin D deficient (serum 25OHD level ≤15 ng/mL [≤37.5 nmol/L]. Using a cutoff level of 25(OH) D of ≤20 ng/ml [≤50 nmol/l] 143 participants (45.4%) were vitamin D insufficient. Overall 65.1% of study participants were either vitamin D deficient or insufficient. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varied between boys (10%) and girls (28%). In a final multivariate model, serum 25(OH) D concentrations were inversely correlated with female gender, consumption of fast food per week, and body mass index and positively correlated with physical activity scores after adjustment for age. Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent in adolescents, and more common in girls. PMID:23311702

Prevalence of maternal vitamin D deficiency in neonates with delayed hypocalcaemia.

PubMed

Khalesi, Nassrin; Bahaeddini, Seyed Mohsen; Shariat, Mamak

2012-01-01

Maternal vitamin D deficiency is one of the major risk factors for neonatal vitamin D deficiency followed by neonatal hypocalcaemia. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between delayed neonatal hypocalcaemia and maternal vitamin D deficiency. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Target population of this study included all term and preterm neonates with delayed hypocalcaemia (after the first 72 hours of birth) admitted to Ali-Asghar Hospital. The sample size was 100 neonates included in the study. Demographic, clinical and paraclinical data including Ca, P, PTH and level of maternal and neonatal vitamin D were recorded according to patients records. 67 neonates (67%) were term and 33(33%) were preterm neonates. The mean of serum calcium in neonates was 6.49± 0.68mg/dL (in the range of 4.3-7.8 mg/dL). 85% of neonates and 74% of mothers had vitamin D deficiency. 100% of neonates born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency were hypocalcaemia. A statistically significant difference was seen between the mean values of serum Ca (6.67 in term vs. 6.12 in preterm neonates) and vitamin D in term and preterm neonates was 16.34 vs. 20.18 (P= 0.0001 and P=0.01 respectively). Also, a significant correlation was seen between maternal and neonatal level of vitamin D (P=0.0001, r=0.789). With regard to the socio-cultural status in Iran besides women's clothing style and nutritional deficiencies before and during pregnancy, health authorities and policy makers are responsible to focus their serious attention on hypocalcaemia and hypovitaminosis D in neonates.

25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency following pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

PubMed

Duncan, Christine N; Vrooman, Lynda; Apfelbaum, Erin M; Whitley, Katherine; Bechard, Lori; Lehmann, Leslie E

2011-05-01

Children may be at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency following HSCT because of lack of sun exposure, the recommended use of sunscreen, dietary insufficiency, malabsorption, and the use of certain medications. We prospectively assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for 25-hydroxy (25-OH) vitamin D deficiency in 67 patients transplanted at our institution. 25-OH vitamin D levels were checked during 3 separate 4-week periods in the spring, autumn, and winter. Subjects were <2 years following transplant and/or being treated for chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Levels less than 20 ng/mL were considered deficient, and those less than 30 ng/mL were considered insufficient. The mean 25-OH vitamin D level was 22.8 ng/mL (range: 7-46.2). A total of 80.6% (confidence interval [CI] 69.1%-89.3%) of patients had a level less than the lower limit of the institutional normal range. The deficiency rate was 37.3% (CI 25.8%-50%). The mean parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 77.5 (SD = 80.5). There was no correlation between 25-OH vitamin D and PTH levels. We evaluated potential risk factors for 25-OH vitamin D deficiency including age, season of testing, sun exposure, sunscreen use, use of steroid or calcineurin inhibitor, race, and dairy intake. In multivariate logistic regression, only older age was found to be a risk factor for deficiency (P = .004). Patients with deficient levels were treated with 50,000 IU of ergocalciferol once weekly for 6 weeks. A postrepletion 25-OH level was available for 22 patients. The majority of repleted patients had a normal posttreatment level (63.6%). The postsupplementation level corrected into the insufficient range for 31.8% of patients and 4.6% remained deficient. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are common following HSCT. Further investigation into potential risk factors and the appropriate supplementation for these patients is warranted. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnant Women and Their Infants

PubMed Central

Özdemir, Abdurrahman Avar; Ercan Gündemir, Yasemin; Küçük, Mustafa; Yıldıran Sarıcı, Deniz; Elgörmüş, Yusuf; Çağ, Yakup; Bilek, Günal

2018-01-01

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is a serious health problem despite a general improvement in socio-economic status in Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal vitamin D status and its effect on neonatal vitamin D concentrations after a support programme for pregnant women was introduced. A second aim was to identify risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in a district of İstanbul. Methods: A total of 97 pregnant women and 90 infants were included in this study, conducted between January and October 2016. The demographic data, risk factors and daily vitamin intake were recorded. Serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in all subjects were measured. The mothers and newborns were divided into groups based on their vitamin D levels. The relationship between vitamin D levels and risk factors was analyzed. Results: Mean ± standard deviation vitamin D levels for the women and their infants were found to be 14.82±11.45 and 13.16±7.16 ng/mL, respectively. The number of mothers and infants was significantly higher in the deficient group, and their mean vitamin D levels significantly lower (9.02±1.34 and 8.80±1.06 ng/mL, respectively) (p<0.001, p<0.001). Only 14.4% of pregnant women took 1000-1200 IU/day of vitamin D. When the mother groups were evaluated in terms of risk factors, there were significant differences in daily vitamin intake and clothing style (p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and their infants is still a serious health problem in Turkey, although a vitamin D support programme during pregnancy has been launched by the department of health. PMID:28901944

Vitamin D deficiency in first episode psychosis: a case-control study.

PubMed

Crews, Matthieu; Lally, John; Gardner-Sood, Poonam; Howes, Oliver; Bonaccorso, Stefania; Smith, Shubulade; Murray, Robin M; Di Forti, Marta; Gaughran, Fiona

2013-11-01

Vitamin D deficiency is seen in a high proportion of people with established psychotic disorders, but it is not known if this is present at onset of the illness. We set out to examine vitamin D levels in people with their first episode of psychosis (FEP). We conducted a matched case-control study to examine vitamin D levels and rates of vitamin D deficiency in sixty nine patients presenting with their FEP and sixty nine controls matched for age, sex and ethnicity. Differences between groups were tested using student's-t tests, paired t-tests and odds ratios for further analysis. Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in cases than in controls (p<0.001). The odds ratio of being vitamin D deficient was 2.99 in the FEP group relative to the control group. There was no correlation between vitamin D levels and length of hospitalisation in the patient group (r=-0.027, p=0.827). We found higher rates of vitamin D deficiency in people with FEP compared to matched controls. Given that vitamin D is neuroprotective; that developmental vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for psychosis, and that incipient psychosis may affect lifestyle factors and diet, future studies are required to examine this association further. In the meantime, there is a need for more widespread testing of vitamin D levels in FEP and for the development of appropriate management strategies. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D deficiency & childhood obesity: a tale of two epidemics.

PubMed

Peterson, Catherine A; Belenchia, Anthony M

2014-01-01

Obesity and vitamin D deficiency represent two of the most wide-spread health concerns in the United States, especially among children. There is a well-established inverse relationship between vitamin D status and obesity; however, it is unknown as to whether vitamin D deficiency contributes to, or is a consequence of obesity. Based on available research, the positive effects of correcting hypovitaminosis D in obesity seem to be primarily related to its action on glycemic control.

Vitamin D deficiency in chronic idiopathic urticaria.

PubMed

Movahedi, Masoud; Tavakol, Marzieh; Hirbod-Mobarakeh, Armin; Gharagozlou, Mohammad; Aghamohammadi, Asghar; Tavakol, Zahra; Momenzadeh, Kaveh; Nabavi, Mohammad; Dabbaghzade, Abbas; Mosallanejad, Asieh; Rezaei, Nima

2015-04-01

Chronic urticaria is the most common skin diseases, characterized by chronic cutaneous lesions which severely debilitates patients in several aspects of their everyday life. Vitamin D is known to exert several actions in the immune system and to influence function and differentiation of mast cells, central role players in the pathogenesis of chronic idiopathic urticaria. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and susceptibility to chronic idiopathic urticaria. One hundred and fourteen patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria were recruited in this study along with one hundred and eighty seven sex-matched and age-matched healthy volunteers as the control group. For each patient, urticaria activity score was calculated and autologous serum skin test was done. Vitamin D metabolic statue was measured in serum as 25 hydroxyvitamin D using enzyme immunoassay method. Patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria significantly showed lower levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with increased susceptibility to chronic idiopathic urticaria. There was a significant positive correlation between vitamin D levels and urticaria activity score. This study showed that patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria had reduced levels of vitamin D, while vitamin D deficiency could increase susceptibility to chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Developmental vitamin D deficiency and autism: Putative pathogenic mechanisms.

PubMed

Ali, Asad; Cui, Xiaoying; Eyles, Darryl

2018-01-01

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disease that presents in early life. Despite a considerable amount of studies, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying autism remain obscure. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of autism. Vitamin D deficiency is emerging as a consistently reported risk factor in children. One reason for the prominence now being given to this risk factor is that it would appear to interact with several other epidemiological risk factors for autism. Vitamin D is an active neurosteroid and plays crucial neuroprotective roles in the developing brain. It has important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, immunomodulation, regulation of neurotransmission and steroidogenesis. Animal studies have suggested that transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency is associated with altered brain development. Here we review the potential neurobiological mechanisms linking prenatal vitamin D deficiency and autism and also discuss what future research targets must now be addressed. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clinical correlates of vitamin D deficiency in established psychosis.

PubMed

Lally, J; Gardner-Sood, P; Firdosi, M; Iyegbe, C; Stubbs, B; Greenwood, K; Murray, R; Smith, S; Howes, O; Gaughran, F

2016-03-22

Suboptimal vitamin D levels have been identified in populations with psychotic disorders. We sought to explore the relationship between vitamin D deficiency, clinical characteristics and cardiovascular disease risk factors among people with established psychosis. Vitamin D levels were measured in 324 community dwelling individuals in England with established psychotic disorders, along with measures of mental health, cardiovascular risk and lifestyle choices. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels below 10 ng/ml (equivalent to <25 nmol/L) and "sufficient" Vitamin D as above 30 ng/ml (>50 nmol/L). The mean 25-OHD serum level was 12.4 (SD 7.3) ng/ml, (range 4.0-51.7 ng/ml). Forty nine percent (n = 158) were vitamin D deficient, with only 14 % (n = 45) meeting criteria for sufficiency. Accounting for age, gender, ethnicity and season of sampling, serum 25-OHD levels were negatively correlated with waist circumference (r = -0.220, p < 0.002), triglycerides (r = -0.160, p = 0.024), total cholesterol (r = -0.144, p = 0.043), fasting glucose (r = -0.191, p = 0.007), HbA1c (r = -0.183, p = 0.01), and serum CRP levels (r = -0.211, p = 0.003) and were linked to the presence of metabolic syndrome. This is the largest cross sectional study of serum 25-OHD levels in community dwelling individuals with established psychosis, indicating a high level of vitamin D deficiency. Lower vitamin D levels are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk factors and in particular metabolic syndrome. Further research is needed to define appropriate protocols for vitamin D testing and supplementation in practice to see if this can improve cardiovascular disease risk. ISRCTN number is ISRCTN58667926 Date of registration: 23/04/2010.

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency from childhood to adulthood: Insights from a sunny country

PubMed Central

Haimi, Motti; Kremer, Richard

2017-01-01

Vitamin D is known to be a key regulator of bone metabolism and is associated with muscle strength. Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent worldwide. In adults, vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in numerous health conditions including osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Considerable changes have occurred in lifestyles and childhood activities in the past years. Studies have shown that the children population is at high risks of vitamin D deficiency. The objective of this study was to learn about the extent of vitamin D deficiency in children worldwide and especially in sunny country like Israel. In this article we reviewed the extent and severity of vitamin D deficiency worldwide and especially in Israel, through a very comprehensive review of previous reports and research studies done during the last years. We found reports on vitamin D deficiency in children, which was associated with metabolic syndromes and obesity. It was more prevalent in children who spend less time on outdoor activities, in obese children, and in cases when there was imbalance between nutritional intakes and requirements. Vitamin D deficiency is common even in children living in sunny places like Israel. Health professionals should be aware of the fact that although vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the elderly population, it is also common in children, and can be associated with different illnesses. We encourage supplementation of vitamin D to special populations (pregnant and lactating women, infants, and high risk groups). We also encourage implementation of international food fortification programs. PMID:28224090

Probability of Vitamin D Deficiency by Body Weight and Race/Ethnicity.

PubMed

Weishaar, Tom; Rajan, Sonali; Keller, Bryan

2016-01-01

While most physicians recognize that vitamin D status varies by skin color because darker skin requires more light to synthesize vitamin D than lighter skin, the importance of body weight to vitamin D status is a newer, less recognized, finding. The purpose of this study was to use nationally representative US data to determine the probability of vitamin D deficiency by body weight and skin color. Using data for individuals age ≥6 years from the 2001 to 2010 cycles of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we calculated the effect of skin color, body weight, and age on vitamin D status. We determined the probability of deficiency within the normal range of body weight for 3 race/ethnicity groups at 3 target levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Darker skin colors and heavier body weights are independently and significantly associated with poorer vitamin D status. We report graphically the probability of vitamin D deficiency by body weight and skin color at vitamin D targets of 20 and 30 ng/mL. The effects of skin color and body weight on vitamin D status are large both statistically and clinically. Knowledge of these effects may facilitate diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency. © Copyright 2016 by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Adult Outpatients With Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Boerman, Remco; Cohen, Dan; Schulte, Peter F J; Nugter, Annet

2016-12-01

Several studies show an association between schizophrenia and low levels of vitamin D. To date, there are only few studies about the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with bipolar disorder. We hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency is less common among patients with bipolar disorder than among patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. A second hypothesis is that vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent among patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorders than among the general Dutch population.Most studies have been conducted with hospitalized patients; in this study, we only included outpatients. All outpatients of a center for bipolar disorders and all outpatients of 3 flexible assertive community treatment teams were asked to participate in this cross-sectional study. We included 118 patients with bipolar disorder and 202 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Vitamin D levels were deficient in 30.3% (95% confidence interval, 25.5-35.6) of the cases. The type of psychiatric disorder was not a predictor of vitamin D deficiency. The absolute difference in risk of deficiency between the study population and the Dutch Caucasian population was 23.8% (95% confidence interval, 18.3%-29.3%). In this study, vitamin D deficiency was 4.7 times more common among outpatients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder than among the Dutch general population.Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, we believe that outpatients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder should be considered at risk of having low levels of vitamin D. Annual measurement of vitamin D levels in psychiatric outpatients with these disorders seems to be justified to maintain bone health, muscle strength, and to prevent osteoporosis.

Vitamin D Deficiency Prevalence and Predictors in Early Pregnancy among Arab Women

PubMed Central

Al-Musharaf, Sara; Fouda, Mona A.; Turkestani, Iqbal Z.; Al-Ajlan, Abdulrahman; Sabico, Shaun; Alnaami, Abdullah M.; Hussain, Syed Danish; Alraqebah, Buthaynah; Al-Serehi, Amal; Alshingetti, Naemah M.; Al-Daghri, Nasser; McTernan, Philip G; Wimalawansa, Sunil J.

2018-01-01

Data regarding the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency during early pregnancy are limited. This study aims to fill this gap. A total of 578 Saudi women in their 1st trimester of pregnancy were recruited between January 2014 and December 2015 from three tertiary care antenatal clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Information collected includes socio-economic, anthropometric, and biochemical data, including serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, intake of calcium and vitamin D, physical activity, and sun exposure indices. Pregnant women with 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L were considered vitamin D deficient. The majority of participants (n = 468 (81%)) were vitamin D deficient. High levels of indoor activity, whole body clothing, multiparity, total cholesterol/HDL ratio(>3.5), low HDL-cholesterol, and living in West Riyadh were significant independent predictors for vitamin D deficiency, with odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval) of 25.4 (5.5–117.3), 17.8 (2.3–138.5), 4.0 (1.7–9.5), 3.3 (1.4–7.9), 2.8 (1.2–6.4), and 2.0 (1.1–3.5), respectively. Factors like increased physical activity, sun exposure at noon, sunrise or sunset, high educational status, and residence in North Riyadh were protective against vitamin D deficiency with ORs 0.2 (0.1–0.5); 0.2 (0.1–0.6); 0.3 (0.1–0.9); and 0.4 (0.2–0.8), respectively. All ORs were adjusted for age, BMI, sun exposure, parity, summer season, vitamin D intake, multivitamin intake, physical activity, education, employment, living in the north, and coverage with clothing. In conclusion, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Saudi women during early pregnancy was high (81%). Timely detection and appropriate supplementation with adequate amounts of vitamin D should reduce the risks of vitamin D deficiency and its complications during pregnancy. PMID:29662044

Effect of vitamin D deficiency in developed countries.

PubMed

Hassan-Smith, Zaki K; Hewison, Martin; Gittoes, Neil J

2017-06-01

Vitamin D deficiency is common worldwide with adverse effects on skeletal health. In recent years, there has been great interest in non-classical actions of vitamin D. Basic research has uncovered actions in a range of non-skeletal tissues, and observational studies have identified inverse relationships with risk of a number of disease states including sarcopenia, obesity, the metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, cancer and autoimmune diseases. PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Systematic Reviews. Current evidence supports the use of vitamin D supplementation in deficiency to improve skeletal outcomes such as falls/fracture risk and bone mineral density. There is debate reflected in guidelines on optimal thresholds for circulating levels of vitamin D. Further studies are required to refine dosing regimens and treatment target levels of vitamin D. A number of studies have investigated the extra-skeletal effects of vitamin D deficiency but causality in humans has yet to be confirmed. Large-scale randomized controlled trials incorporating data on vitamin D status at baseline and follow up, adverse events, and comparison of dosing regimens are required. It is imperative that studies are carried out with a diverse range of participants (age, gender and ethnicity), and settings to allow for a more individualized approach. In addition, we would advocate incorporating cutting-edge research tools into human studies to advance our understanding of the mechanisms of vitamin D action in extra-skeletal disease. This may involve multi-metabolite analysis of vitamin D metabolites, or unbiased approaches to assess regulation of gene/protein expression in tissues of interest. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Role of vitamin D deficiency in systemic lupus erythematosus incidence and aggravation.

PubMed

Hassanalilou, Tohid; Khalili, Leila; Ghavamzadeh, Saeid; Shokri, Ali; Payahoo, Laleh; Bishak, Yaser Khaje

2017-12-26

Vitamin D is one of the main groups of sterols; playing an important role in phospho-calcic metabolism. The conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to pre- vitamin D3 in the skin, through solar ultraviolet B radiation, is the main source of vitamin D. Since lupus patients are usually photosensitive, the risk of developing vitamin D deficiency in is high in this population. Although evidences showed the connotation between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and vitamin D through which SLE can lead to lower vitamin D levels, it is also important to consider the possibility that vitamin D deficiency may have a causative role in SLE etiology. This paper analyzes existing data from various studies to highlight the role of vitamin D deficiency in SLE occurrence and aggravation and the probable efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on SLE patients. We searched "Science Direct" and "Pub Med" using "Vitamin D" and "SLE" for finding the studies focusing on the association between vitamin D deficiency and SLE incidence and consequences. Evidences show that vitamin D plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of SLE and vitamin D supplementation seems to ameliorate inflammatory and hemostatic markers; so, can improve clinical subsequent.

An update on the association of vitamin D deficiency with common infectious diseases.

PubMed

Watkins, Richard R; Lemonovich, Tracy L; Salata, Robert A

2015-05-01

Vitamin D plays an important role in modulating the immune response to infections. Deficiency of vitamin D is a common condition, affecting both the general population and patients in health care facilities. Over the last decade, an increasing body of evidence has shown an association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk for acquiring several infectious diseases, as well as poorer outcomes in vitamin D deficient patients with infections. This review details recent developments in understanding the role of vitamin D in immunity, the antibacterial actions of vitamin D, the association between vitamin D deficiency and common infections (like sepsis, pneumonia, influenza, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV)), potential therapeutic implications for vitamin D replacement, and future research directions.

Production of Optically Pure D-Lactic Acid by the Combined use of Weissella sp. S26 and Bacillus sp. ADS3.

PubMed

Li, Qingxin; Hudari, Mohammad Sufian Bin; Wu, Jin Chuan

2016-01-01

Optically pure D-lactic acid was produced from glucose, xylose, or starch by the combined use of Weissella sp. S26 and Bacillus sp. ADS3, two native bacterial strains isolated from Singapore environment. Weissella sp. S26 was used to ferment various sugars to lactic acid rich in D-isomer followed by sterilization of the broth and inoculation of Bacillus sp. ADS3 cells to selectively degrade acetic acid (if any) and L-lactic acid. In a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of starch by Weissella sp. S26 in 1 L of modified MRS medium containing 50 g/L starch at 30 °C, lactic acid reached 24.2 g/L (23.6 g/L of D-isomers and 0.6 g/L of L-isomers), and acetic acid was 11.8 g/L at 37 h. The fermentation broth was sterilized at 100 °C for 20 min and cooled down to 30 °C followed by inoculation of Bacillus sp. ADS3 (10 %, v/v), and the mixture was kept at 30 °C for 115 h. Acetic acid was completely removed, and L-lactic acid was largely removed giving an optical purity of D-lactic acid as high as 99.5 %.

Novel 3D metallic boron nitride containing only sp2 bonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hao; Zhang, Wei; Huai, Ping

2017-09-01

As the closest isoelectronic analogue of carbon, boron nitride (BN) shares a similar structure with carbon from 1D nanotubes, 2D nanosheets, and 3D diamond structures. However, most BN structures are insulators, which limits their application. In this work, under the inspiration of the sp2 hybridized carbon honeycomb, we propose a hexagonal phase of BN consisting of only sp2 bonds, which exhibits intriguingly intrinsic metallicity. First-principles calculations confirm that this phase is both thermally and dynamically stable. Moreover, the calculations on the band structure, partial density states and electron localization function suggest that the metallic behavior is attributable to the delocalized B-2p electrons, leading to second-neighbor interaction between the p z states of sp2-bonded B atoms in adjacent layers. Our findings not only enrich the BN allotrope family with 3D structures but also stimulate further experimental interest in applications of metallic BN in electronic devices.

Hip fracture patients in India have vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

PubMed

Dhanwal, D K; Sahoo, S; Gautam, V K; Saha, R

2013-02-01

This study evaluated the parameters of bone mineral homeostasis including 25(OH)D and PTH in 90 Indian patients with hip fracture and 90 controls. Hypovitaminosis D, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and biochemical osteomalacia was present in 77, 69, and 50 % patients, respectively, significantly higher compared to controls. Vitamin D deficiency is an important risk factor for hip fracture. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is not well known in hip fracture patients from India. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the parameters of bone mineral homeostasis including 25(OH)D and intact PTH in hip fracture from North India. Ninety consecutive patients with hip fracture and similar number of age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study. The fasting venous samples were analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphorus. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-OHD of <20 ng/dl. The mean age of hip fracture subjects was 65.9 ± 12.6 which was comparable in men and women. Majority of study subjects were women (70 women and 20 men). The serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels were significantly lower, whereas the intact PTH and ALP levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. There was significant negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D and PTH. In the hip fracture group, 76.7 % of the subjects had vitamin D deficiency, and 68.9 % had secondary hyperparathyroidism. In the control group, vitamin D deficiency and elevated PTH levels were seen in 32.3 and 42.2 %, respectively. About three fourths of hip fracture patients have vitamin D deficiency, and two thirds have secondary hyperparathyroidism. Therefore, the serum 25-OHD level may be a useful index for the assessment of risk of hip fracture in India.

Vitamin D deficiency and its risk factors in Malaysian children with epilepsy.

PubMed

Fong, Choong Yi; Kong, Ann Nie; Poh, Bee Koon; Mohamed, Ahmad Rithauddin; Khoo, Teik Beng; Ng, Rui Lun; Noordin, Mazidah; Nadarajaw, Thiyagar; Ong, Lai Choo

2016-08-01

Long-term use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a significant risk factor for vitamin D deficiency in children with epilepsy. The aims of our study were to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among Malaysian children with epilepsy. Cross-sectional study of ambulant children with epilepsy on long-term AEDs for >1 year seen in three tertiary hospitals in Malaysia from April 2014 to April 2015. Detailed assessment of pubertal status, skin pigmentation, sunshine exposure behavior, physical activity, dietary vitamin D and calcium intake, anthropometric measurements and bone health blood tests (vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels) were obtained on all patients. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels ≤35 nmol/L and insufficiency as 25(OH)D levels of 36-50 nmol/L. A total of 244 children (146 male) participated in the study. Ages ranged between 3.7 and 18.8 years (mean 12.3 years). 25(OH)D levels ranged between 7.5 and 140.9 nmol/L (mean 53.9 nmol/L). Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 55 patients (22.5%), and a further 48 (19.7%) had vitamin D insufficiency. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified polytherapy >1 AED (odds ratio [OR] 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-4.36), age >12 years (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.13-15.30), Indian ethnicity (OR 6.97, 95% CI 2.48-19.55), sun exposure time 30-60 min/day (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.05-5.67), sun exposure time <30 min/day (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.61-9.09), and female (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.31-5.20) as statistically significant (p < 0.05) risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Despite living in the tropics, a high proportion of Malaysian children with epilepsy are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Targeted strategies including vitamin D supplementation and lifestyle advice of healthy sunlight exposure behavior should be implemented among children with epilepsy, particularly for those at high risk of having vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency and associated factors in hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Jean, Guillaume; Charra, Bernard; Chazot, Charles

2008-09-01

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the general elderly population, and is related to an increased risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and cardiovascular calcification. Only limited data and no guidelines are available on vitamin D deficiency in hemodialysis patients. We aimed to assess the frequency of, and factors associated with, 25(OH) vitamin D deficiency in hemodialysis patients in a French dialysis center. In March 2006, we studied all prevalent hemodialysis patients who had not received native vitamin D supplements in the recent past. According to the Kidney Disease Outcomes and Quality Initiative guidelines, patients were assigned to the following 3 groups: group 1, with a sufficient vitamin D serum level (>75 nmol/L); group 2, with an insufficient level (25 to 75 nmol/L); and group 3, with severe deficiency (<25 nmol/L). Patients' characteristics and biochemical findings were compared between patients of groups 1 and 3. Of 253 patients, 11% patients were in group 1; 47% were in group 2; and 42% were in group 3. The proportions of female and diabetes patients were 42% and 34%, respectively. The mean (+/- SD) age of all patients was 66.7 +/- 14 years, and the mean duration of dialysis was 62 +/- 74 months, with a mean schedule of 3 x 6.5 hours and administration of a 1.5 mmol/L calcium dialysate. Concomitant treatment included alfacalcidol (66% of patients) and sevelamer (34% of patients) as a standard phosphate binder. Group 3 patients had a lower dialysis vintage (53 +/- 66 vs. 73 +/- 85 months, P < .05), a higher number of diabetes patients (45% vs. 21%, P < .05), a higher number of female patients (53% vs. 28%, P < .05), and a higher level of intact parathyroid hormone (260 +/- 227 vs. 213 +/- 153 pg/mL, P < .05) than group 1 patients. No relationship was found between vitamin D storage levels and bone markers, serum calcium, phosphorus, albumin, body mass index, normalized protein catabolic rate, radiologic vascular calcification score, and hip bone

[Knowledge and prevention management of vitamin D deficiency in primary care].

PubMed

Senan Sanz, M R; Gilaberte Calzada, Y; Olona Tabueña, N; Magallón Botaya, R

2014-01-01

To determine the knowledge and management of vitamin D (Vit D) in primary care (PC). Observational study. A total of 69 primary care centres, with 57 in Barcelona and 12 in Huesca. All medical and nursing graduates of these centres. A specifically designed questionnaire was used to collect knowledge on the actions of Vit D (on bone metabolism, cardiovascular and immune systems), its deficiency and prevention measures. Of the total of 2100 professionals, 785 completed the survey (37.78%), of whom 79.9% were women. Their mean age was 47 years (SD: 9.7). Only 4.8% knew the overall actions of Vitamin D, although the majority (66%) knew only its effects on bone metabolism. Almost two-thirds (62.4%) were unaware that its deficiency was a common problem, and 54.9% believed that photoprotection was contraindicated. Almost three-quarters of those surveyed (73.6%) never or almost never determined Vit D levels in their patients. A minority (23%) offered advice to maintain an adequate level of Vit D, with the most frequent being sun exposure (16.8%). Pediatricians were more knowledgeable (p<.001) and offered more advice for maintaining adequate levels of Vit D in blood (p<.001). Most of the professionals were unaware of the overall actions of Vit D, or that its deficiency was common, or the factors contributing to this. The advice that was more often offered to avoid its deficiency was not the safest. Paediatricians are more aware of how to prevent Vit D deficiency. Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN). Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Dry eye in vitamin D deficiency: more than an incidental association.

PubMed

Yildirim, Pelin; Garip, Yeşim; Karci, Ayse Aslihan; Guler, Tuba

2016-01-01

The aim of this article is two-fold: (i) to demonstrate the relation between vitamin D deficiency and dry eye and impaired tear function; and (ii) to investigate the possible associations among clinical parameters of hypovitaminosis D with dry eye parameters. Fifty premenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency (serum vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL) and 48 controls were included. Participants were assessed by Schirmer's test, tear break-up time test (TBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and visual analogue scale-pain (VAS-pain). Lower scores in Schirmer's test and TBUT, and higher in OSDI were detected in patients with vitamin D deficiency than in controls (P < 0.05). FSS was negatively correlated with Schirmer's test (r = -0,29; P = 0.038) and TBUT scores (r = -0,43; P = 0.002); VAS-pain was negatively correlated with TBUT scores (r = -0.32; P = 0.023). HAQ scores showed no significant correlation with dry eye parameters (P > 0.05). Vitamin D level was negatively correlated with OSDI (r = -0.49; P < 0.001), and positively with Schirmer's test (r = 0.45; P = 0.001) and TBUT scores (r = 0.30; P = 0.029). Dry eye and impaired tear function in patients with vitamin D deficiency may indicate a protective role of vitamin D in the development of dry eye, probably by enhancing tear film parameters and reducing ocular surface inflammation. Patients with vitamin D deficiency should be evaluated for dry eye syndromes. © 2015 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in HIV-infected patients in the south central United States.

PubMed

Crutchley, Rustin D; Gathe, Joseph; Mayberry, Carl; Trieu, Angel; Abughosh, Susan; Garey, Kevin W

2012-05-01

We evaluated the prevalence of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in HIV-infected patients in the South-Central United States. The study consisted of a cross-sectional assessment of vitamin D levels in HIV-infected patients receiving routine clinical care from a private practice in Houston, Texas (latitude 29°N). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D less than 20 ng/ml (<50 nmol/liter). Two-hundred enrolled patients were surveyed with a vitamin D questionnaire to determine daily supplemental vitamin D intake, dietary vitamin D intake, and average sunlight exposure (minutes/day). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Median 25(OH)D was 15.5 ng/ml (interquartile range 10.9-24.6) for the total population (n=200). Approximately, two-thirds (64%) of patients had vitamin D deficiency and 20.5% had severe vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D <10 ng/ml or <25 nmol/liter]. In univariate analysis, African-American race, current tobacco use, increased body mass index (BMI), lower serum calcium level, no supplemental vitamin D use, and low daily supplemental and total daily vitamin D intake were significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency. In multivariate analysis, African-American race [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.53 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83-6.82)], higher BMI [AOR 1.07 (95% CI 1.002-1.139)], and low daily vitamin D supplemental intake [AOR 0.997 (95% CI 0.996-0.999)] were significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency. No HIV factors including antiretroviral class use were significantly associated with either vitamin D deficiency or severe vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency and severe vitamin D deficiency were highly prevalent in this HIV population. In the HIV population, African-Americans or patients with a high BMI may benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Haemoglobin Drop after Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine Use for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria during Pregnancy in Ghana - A Cohort Study.

PubMed

Owusu, Ruth; Asante, Kwaku Poku; Mahama, Emmanuel; Awini, Elizabeth; Anyorigiya, Thomas; Dosoo, David; Amu, Alberta; Jakpa, Gabriel; Ofei, Emmanuel; Segbaya, Sylvester; Oduro, Abraham Rexford; Gyapong, Margaret; Hodgson, Abraham; Bart-Plange, Constance; Owusu-Agyei, Seth

2015-01-01

Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) is still the only recommended antimalarial for use in intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp) in some malaria endemic countries including Ghana. SP has the potential to cause acute haemolysis in G6PD deficient people resulting in significant haemoglobin (Hb) drop but there is limited data on post SP-IPTp Hb drop. This study determined the difference, if any in proportions of women with significant acute haemoglobin drop between G6PD normal, partial deficient and full deficient women after SP-IPTp. Prospectively, 1518 pregnant women who received SP for IPTp as part of their normal antenatal care were enrolled. Their G6PD status were determined at enrollment followed by assessments on days 3, 7,14 and 28 to document any adverse effects and changes in post-IPTp haemoglobin (Hb) levels. The three groups were comparable at baseline except for their mean Hb (10.3 g/dL for G6PD normal, 10.8 g/dL for G6PD partial deficient and 10.8 g/dL for G6PD full defect women).The prevalence of G6PD full defect was 2.3% and 17.0% for G6PD partial defect. There was no difference in the proportions with fractional Hb drop ≥ 20% as compared to their baseline value post SP-IPTp among the 3 groups on days 3, 7, 14. The G6PD full defect group had the highest median fractional drop at day 7. There was a weak negative correlation between G6PD activity and fractional Hb drop. There was no statistical difference between the three groups in the proportions of those who started the study with Hb ≥ 8g/dl whose Hb level subsequently fell below 8g/dl post-SP IPTp. No study participant required transfusion or hospitalization for severe anaemia. There was no significant difference between G6PD normal and deficient women in proportions with significant acute haemoglobin drop post SP-IPTp and lower G6PD enzyme activity was not strongly associated with significant acute drug-induced haemoglobin drop post SP-IPTp but a larger study is

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adults presenting for bariatric surgery in Lebanon.

PubMed

Aridi, Hanaa Dakour; Alami, Ramzi S; Fouani, Tarek; Shamseddine, Ghassan; Tamim, Hani; Safadi, Bassem

2016-02-01

Vitamin D deficiency is common among obese patients presenting for bariatric surgery in Europe and North America. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this patient population in Lebanon and the Middle East has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of vitamin D deficiency in a cohort of patients presenting for bariatric surgery in Lebanon. American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. Data was extracted from a prospective database of patients presenting for bariatric surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center from July 2011 until June 2014. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was determined using established cut-offs followed by analysis of the relationship between low vitamin D and certain patient characteristics. More than two thirds of all patients (68.9%) were vitamin D deficient (≤19.9 ng/mL), whereas 22.6% had insufficient levels (20-29.9 ng/mL) and only 8.6 % had sufficient levels (≥30 ng/mL). Vitamin D levels were inversely associated with BMI>50 kg/m(2). Low vitamin D levels were also correlated with younger age, male gender, lack of physical exercise, and nonsunny season. No association was shown between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, osteoarticular disease, hypertension, or depression. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among patients with Class II or Class III obesity presenting for bariatric surgery in Lebanon. These findings emphasize the need for careful attention when evaluating patients before bariatric surgery and the importance of providing patients with adequate supplementation. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Developmental vitamin D deficiency alters MK-801-induced behaviours in adult offspring.

PubMed

Kesby, James P; O'Loan, Jonathan C; Alexander, Suzanne; Deng, Chao; Huang, Xu-Feng; McGrath, John J; Eyles, Darryl W; Burne, Thomas H J

2012-04-01

Developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency is a candidate risk factor for developing schizophrenia in humans. In rodents DVD deficiency induces subtle changes in the way the brain develops. This early developmental insult leads to select behavioural changes in the adult, such as an enhanced response to amphetamine-induced locomotion in female DVD-deficient rats but not in male DVD-deficient rats and an enhanced locomotor response to the N-methyl-D: -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, MK-801, in male DVD-deficient rats. However, the response to MK-801-induced locomotion in female DVD-deficient rats is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to further examine this behavioural finding in male and female rats and assess NMDA receptor density. DVD-deficient Sprague Dawley rats were assessed for locomotion, ataxia, acoustic startle response (ASR) and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the ASR to multiple doses of MK-801. The NMDA receptor density in relevant brain regions was assessed in a drug-naive cohort. DVD deficiency increased locomotion in response to MK-801 in both sexes. DVD-deficient rats also showed an enhanced ASR compared with control rats, but PPI was normal. Moreover, DVD deficiency decreased NMDA receptor density in the caudate putamen of both sexes. These results suggest that a transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency has a long-lasting effect on NMDA-mediated signalling in the rodent brain and may be a plausible candidate risk factor for schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Subclinical vitamin D deficiency is increased in adolescent girls who wear concealing clothing.

PubMed

Hatun, Sukru; Islam, Omer; Cizmecioglu, Filiz; Kara, Bulent; Babaoglu, Kadir; Berk, Fatma; Gökalp, Ayse Sevim

2005-02-01

Vitamin D deficiency continues to be a worldwide problem, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate potential risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Girls (n = 89) aged 13 to 17 y were enrolled in the study. Study subjects were stratified into 3 groups: Group I included girls living in a suburban area; Group II girls lived in an urban area, and Group III girls lived in an urban area and wore concealing clothes for religious reasons. At the end of winter (in April) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured and dietary data were collected using questionnaires. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH)D concentration < 25 nmol/L, and insufficiency as a 25(OH)D concentration between 25 and 50 nmol/L. The lumbar and femur neck bone mineral densities (BMD) were measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Overall, 39 girls (43.8%) had vitamin D insufficiency and 19 (21.3%) had vitamin D deficiency. In group III (wearing covered dress) the serum 25(OH)D concentrations (28.13 +/- 12.53 nmol/L) were significantly lower than in the other 2 groups, and within this group, 50% of girls were vitamin D deficient. The lumbar and femur neck BMD of girls with lower 25(OH)D levels did not differ from those with adequate vitamin D levels. We conclude that vitamin D deficiency is an important problem in Turkish adolescent girls, especially in those who follow a religious dress code; therefore, vitamin D supplementation appears to be necessary for adolescent girls.

[Role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency rickets].

PubMed

Wang, Xiao-Yan; Jin, Chun-Hua; Wu, Jian-Xin; Liu, Zhuo; Li, Mei; Li, Na

2012-10-01

To study the role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the early diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency rickets. Concentrations of serum 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were measured in normal control (n=73), suspected rickets (n=45) and confirmed rickets groups (n=65). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum 25(OH)D for rickets. Serum 25(OH)D levels in the suspected and confirmed rickets groups were 83±30 and 72±31 nmol/L respectively, which was lower than in the normal control group (112±37 nmol/L) (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the suspected and confirmed rickets groups (P>0.05). Vitamin D deficiency rates in the suspected and confirmed rickets groups were higher than in the control group (P<0.01). The ROC curve area of serum 25(OH)D for the diagnosis of rickets was 0.760 (95%CI 0.692-0.820, P<0.01), and the optimal operating point was 90.70 nmol/L (sensitivity 68.49%, specificity 72.73%). There was no significant difference in levels of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase between the three groups (P>0.05). Serum 25(OH)D levels in infants with suspected and confirmed rickets are significantly reduced and this may reflect vitamin D deficiency . Therefore, it may be useful to check serum 25(OH)D levels in screening for rickets.

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Bone Tumors.

PubMed

Horas, Konstantin; Maier, Gerrit; Jakob, Franz; Maus, Uwe; Kurth, Andreas; Jakuscheit, Axel; Rudert, Maximilian; Holzapfel, Boris Michael

2017-09-14

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with different types of bone tumors and to elucidate whether or not there are differences in prediagnostic vitamin D levels in patients with malignant compared to benign bone tumors. Prediagnostic serum 25(OH)D levels of 105 consecutive patients that presented with bone tumors and tumor-like lesions to two Orthopedic Level I University Centers in Germany between 2011 and 2016 were measured on admission. We found an alarming and widespread rate of vitamin D deficiency in patients with bone tumors. Specifically, 83% of all patients had low vitamin D levels with a mean 25(OH)D level of 19.82 ng/ml. Notably, patients diagnosed with malignant bone tumors had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to patients with benign bone lesions (p = 0.0008). In conclusion, it is essential to assess vitamin D levels in patients with tumors involving bone. In addition, there might be an association between vitamin D deficiency and the onset or course of primary malignant bone tumors.

Vitamin D deficiency in Malawian adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: risk factors and treatment outcomes.

PubMed

Sloan, D J; Mwandumba, H C; Kamdolozi, M; Shani, D; Chisale, B; Dutton, J; Khoo, S H; Allain, T J; Davies, G R

2015-08-01

Vitamin D deficiency is common in African adults with tuberculosis (TB), and may be exacerbated by the metabolic effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs and antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is unclear whether vitamin D deficiency influences response to anti-tuberculosis treatment. To describe risk factors for baseline vitamin D deficiency in Malawian adults with pulmonary TB, assess the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration and treatment response, and evaluate whether the administration of anti-tuberculosis drugs and ART is deleterious to vitamin D status during treatment. A prospective longitudinal cohort study. The median baseline 25(OH)D concentration of the 169 patients (58% human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infected) recruited was 57 nmol/l; 47 (28%) had vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/l). Baseline 25(OH)D concentrations were lower during the cold season (P < 0.001), with food insecurity (P = 0.034) or in patients who consumed alcohol (P = 0.019). No relationship between vitamin D status and anti-tuberculosis treatment response was found. 25(OH)D concentrations increased during anti-tuberculosis treatment, irrespective of HIV status or use of ART. Vitamin D deficiency is common among TB patients in Malawi, but this does not influence treatment response. Adverse metabolic effects of drug treatment may be compensated by the positive impact of clinical recovery preventing exacerbation of vitamin D deficiency during anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Association between vitamin D deficiency and heart failure risk in the elderly.

PubMed

Porto, Catarina Magalhães; Silva, Vanessa De Lima; da Luz, João Soares Brito; Filho, Brivaldo Markman; da Silveira, Vera Magalhães

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between vitamin D deficiency and risk of heart failure in elderly patients of cardiology outpatient clinics. A cross-sectional study with an analytical approach was employed. Clinical data were collected from the elderly from August 2015 to February 2016. The dependent variable was the risk of heart failure; the independent variable was vitamin D deficiency; and intervening factors were age, gender, education, ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, renal failure, dementia, stroke, dyslipidaemia, depression, smoking, alcoholism, obesity, andropause, and cardiac arrhythmia. To analyse the association between vitamin D deficiency and risk of heart failure, we used the bivariate logistic analysis, followed by analysis through the multivariate logistic regression model. Of the 137 elderly, the study found the following: women (75.9%); overweight (48.2%); obese (30.6%); increase in the index waist/hip (88.3%); dyslipidaemia (94.2%) and hypertension (91.2%); coronary artery disease (35.0%); and 27.7% with cardiac arrhythmia or left ventricular hypertrophy. Sixty-five per cent of the elderly were deficient in vitamin D. The risk of heart failure was significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency [odds ratio (OR): 12.19; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.23-35.16; P = 0.000], male gender (OR: 15.32; 95% CI = 3.39-69.20, P = 0.000), obesity (OR: 4.17; 95% CI = 1.36-12.81; P = 0.012), and cardiac arrhythmia (OR: 3.69; 95% CI = 1.23-11.11; P = 0.020). There was a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly, and the evidence shows a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of heart failure in this population. © 2017 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.

Vitamin D deficiency at birth among military dependants in Hawai'i.

PubMed

Palmer, Eldon G; Ramirez-Enriquez, Emmanuel; Frioux, Sarah M; Tyree, Melissa M

2013-03-01

Vitamin D has long been known to be essential in bone mineralization as well as calcium and phosphate regulation. An increasing body of literature suggests that Vitamin D is also key in many other areas to include immune function, brain development, prevention of autoimmune disease, and prevention of certain types of cancers. Studies also suggest that, with decreased sun exposure due to concern for skin cancer risk, much of the world's population is becoming increasingly deficient in vitamin D. Our hypothesis was that vitamin D deficiency exists, and can be detected, even in sunny climates such as the state of Hawai'i. To test this hypothesis, eighty-six cord blood samples were collected in the process of routine clinical testing. These samples were tested for 25-hydroxy vitamin D via liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy. Percent deficiency (<20ng/mL) and insufficiency (20-31.9ng/mL) were determined by statistical analysis. Forty-six percent (n=37) of cord blood samples tested were deficient in vitamin D; 47 percent (n=38) of samples had insufficient 25-OH vitamin D. Only 7 percent (n=6) of samples showed vitamin D concentrations at the recommended levels. A vast majority of military dependents in Hawai'i have less than optimal vitamin D levels at birth. Further investigation of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is required to optimize vitamin D status at birth. We conclude that a vast majority of military dependents in Hawai'i have less than optimal vitamin D levels at birth supporting the recommendation for supplementation in this population.

Genetic variants of pulmonary SP-D predict disease outcome of COPD in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Ou, Chih-Ying; Chen, Chiung-Zuei; Hsiue, Tzuen-Ren; Lin, Sheng-Hsiang; Wang, Jiu-Yao

2015-02-01

Although surfactant protein-D (SP-D) has been suggested as a biomarker for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the relationship between genetic variants of SP-D and disease outcome of COPD remains unknown. We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms of SP-D are associated with COPD-related phenotypes and disease prognosis. A hospital-based, case-controlled study was conducted prospectively. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms of the SFTPD gene were determined for genetic association analysis. Inflammatory cytokines and SP-D serum level were quantified. Frequency of exacerbation and change of lung function were assessed. All-cause 3-year mortality was registered. We studied 320 smokers (192 with COPD and 128 at-risk for COPD) who were prospectively monitored for at least 3 years. The serum levels of SP-D in COPD patients were significantly associated with the degree of airflow obstruction and frequency of exacerbation. Haplotype association analysis revealed that haplotype G-G-C-C-A was associated with lower risk of COPD (P = 0.03) in our study population. COPD patients with haplotype G-G-C-C-A had lower serum SP-D levels (P < 0.001), higher rates of positive response to bronchodilator treatment (P = 0.01), more improvement of forced expiratory volume in 1 s in yearly follow-up (P = 0.03) and better 3-year survival rate than COPD patients with non G-G-C-C-A haplotype (P = 0.03). Genetic haplotype of SP-D may serve as a valuable prognostic indicator in Chinese patients with COPD. © 2014 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in HIV infection.

PubMed

Szep, Zsofia; Guaraldi, Giovanni; Shah, Samir S; Lo Re, Vincent; Ratcliffe, Sarah J; Orlando, Gabriella; Carli, Federica; Rossi, Rosario; Rochira, Vincenzo; Tebas, Pablo

2011-02-20

Metabolic complications, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, are increasingly recognized among HIV-infected individuals. Low vitamin D levels increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and vitamin D supplementation has been shown to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients without HIV infection. The primary objective was to determine whether vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hyrdoxyvitamin D <20 ng/ml) was associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus among HIV-infected patients. Our secondary objective was to determine whether vitamin D deficiency was associated with metabolic syndrome in HIV. We conducted a cross-sectional study among participants enrolled in the prospective Modena (Italy) HIV Metabolic Clinic Cohort. Clinical and laboratory data, including history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose, components of metabolic syndrome, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, were obtained for all participants. After adjusting for vitamin D supplementation, sex, age, body mass index, and hepatitis C virus co-infection, vitamin D deficiency was associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-3.32; P = 0.038]. The association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome was not significant after adjusting for vitamin D supplementation, sex, age and body mass index (adjusted OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.00-1.75; P = 0.053). Our study demonstrates an association between vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical trials are needed to better characterize the association between vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes mellitus in HIV infection and to evaluate whether vitamin D is able to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Haemoglobin Drop after Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine Use for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria during Pregnancy in Ghana – A Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Owusu, Ruth; Asante, Kwaku Poku; Mahama, Emmanuel; Awini, Elizabeth; Anyorigiya, Thomas; Dosoo, David; Amu, Alberta; Jakpa, Gabriel; Ofei, Emmanuel; Segbaya, Sylvester; Oduro, Abraham Rexford; Gyapong, Margaret; Hodgson, Abraham; Bart-Plange, Constance; Owusu-Agyei, Seth

2015-01-01

Background Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) is still the only recommended antimalarial for use in intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp) in some malaria endemic countries including Ghana. SP has the potential to cause acute haemolysis in G6PD deficient people resulting in significant haemoglobin (Hb) drop but there is limited data on post SP-IPTp Hb drop. This study determined the difference, if any in proportions of women with significant acute haemoglobin drop between G6PD normal, partial deficient and full deficient women after SP-IPTp. Methods and Findings Prospectively, 1518 pregnant women who received SP for IPTp as part of their normal antenatal care were enrolled. Their G6PD status were determined at enrollment followed by assessments on days 3, 7,14 and 28 to document any adverse effects and changes in post-IPTp haemoglobin (Hb) levels. The three groups were comparable at baseline except for their mean Hb (10.3 g/dL for G6PD normal, 10.8 g/dL for G6PD partial deficient and 10.8 g/dL for G6PD full defect women).The prevalence of G6PD full defect was 2.3% and 17.0% for G6PD partial defect. There was no difference in the proportions with fractional Hb drop ≥ 20% as compared to their baseline value post SP-IPTp among the 3 groups on days 3, 7, 14. The G6PD full defect group had the highest median fractional drop at day 7. There was a weak negative correlation between G6PD activity and fractional Hb drop. There was no statistical difference between the three groups in the proportions of those who started the study with Hb ≥ 8g/dl whose Hb level subsequently fell below 8g/dl post-SP IPTp. No study participant required transfusion or hospitalization for severe anaemia. Conclusions There was no significant difference between G6PD normal and deficient women in proportions with significant acute haemoglobin drop post SP-IPTp and lower G6PD enzyme activity was not strongly associated with significant acute drug-induced haemoglobin

Chronic tension-type headache with vitamin D deficiency: casual or causal association?

PubMed

Prakash, Sanjay; Shah, Nilima D

2009-09-01

The prevalence of tension-type headache and vitamin D deficiency are both very high in the general population. The inter-relations between the two have not been explored in the literature. We report 8 patients with chronic tension-type headache and vitamin D deficiency (osteomalacia). All the patients responded poorly to conventional therapy for tension headache. The headache and osteomalacia of each of the 8 patients responded to vitamin D and calcium supplementation. The improvement in the headache was much earlier than the improvements in the symptom complex of osteomalacia. We also speculate on the possible mechanisms for headache in the patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Racial disparity in death from colorectal cancer: does vitamin D deficiency contribute?

PubMed

Fiscella, Kevin; Winters, Paul; Tancredi, Daniel; Hendren, Samantha; Franks, Peter

2011-03-01

The reasons blacks have higher mortality rates from colorectal cancer (CRC) than non-Hispanic whites are not fully understood. Blacks have higher rates of vitamin D deficiency than non-Hispanic whites, and vitamin D deficiency has been associated with CRC. The authors of this report investigated the association of vitamin D deficiency with excess risk for CRC mortality for blacks in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) that was conducted from 1988 to 1994. The association between serum 25(OH)D levels and CRC mortality and its contribution to elevated risk among blacks were studied using baseline data from NHANES III and CRC mortality data through 2006 from the National Death Index. By using survival models, the adjusted risk of death from CRC for African Americans was examined with and without adjusting for vitamin D deficiency, which was defined as an 25(OH)D level <20 ng/dL. Black race (hazard ratio [HR], 2.03; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04-3.95), age (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.09-1.15), not having health insurance (HR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.12-5.36), and a history of CRC (HR, 7.22; 95% CI, 2.12-24.6) predicted CRC mortality. When added to the model, vitamin D deficiency was associated significantly with CRC mortality (HR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.11-4.00), and the effect of race was decreased (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 0.87-2.93); the 40% attenuation was statistically significant (F(1) (,49) = 4.85; P = .03). Similar results were observed when participants who had a history of CRC were excluded from the analysis. The current findings were consistent with the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency contributes to excess African-American mortality from CRC. Cancer 2011. Copyright © 2010 American Cancer Society.

Validity of self-reported vitamin D deficiency among midlife Arab women living in Qatar.

PubMed

Gerber, Linda M; Giambrone, Ashley E; Al-Ali, Hala M; Verjee, Mohamud A

2016-01-01

This study evaluates the level of agreement between self-reported vitamin D deficiency and serum vitamin D measured within the previous calendar year. In a study in which serum 25(OH)D levels were retrieved from electronic health records, 523 women were asked whether they considered themselves to have vitamin D deficiency. Serum vitamin D levels were categorized as vitamin D deficiency if serum 25(OH)D was <20 ng/ml and as insufficiency if <30 ng/ml. The kappa statistic was computed to assess the level of agreement between serum 25(OH)D level and self-report responses. Agreement between self-reported and measured 25(OH)D levels was poor. The kappa statistic was -0.041 when using a cutpoint of <20 ng/ml and -0.008 using the cutpoint of <30 ng/ml. Among women with levels ≥20 ng/ml, 82.4% believed that they were vitamin D deficient, while 13.3% who were below <20 ng/ml did not self-report deficiency. Among women who did not report vitamin D deficiency, 46.3% (37/80) had levels <20 ng/ml while 82.5% (66/80) had levels <30 ng/ml. These findings suggest that, although the prevalence of 25(OH)D <20 and <30 ng/ml was quite high (53.2% and 84.7%, respectively), there was little agreement between measured levels and self-report of vitamin D deficiency. This may be due to belief in this region that low levels of serum vitamin D is widespread. Better communication is needed between healthcare providers and patients regarding transmission of laboratory results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sema4D/CD100 deficiency leads to superior performance in mouse motor behavior.

PubMed

Yukawa, Kazunori; Tanaka, Tetsuji; Takeuchi, Noriko; Iso, Hiroyuki; Li, Li; Kohsaka, Akira; Waki, Hidefumi; Miyajima, Masayasu; Maeda, Masanobu; Kikutani, Hitoshi; Kumanogoh, Atsushi

2009-05-01

Sema4D/CD100 is a type of class 4 semaphorin, exhibiting crucial roles in growth cone guidance in developing neurons. Sema4D is widely expressed throughout the central nervous system in embryonic mouse brain, and is selectively localized to oligodendrocytes and myelin in the postnatal brain. However, direct evidence of the actual involvement of Sema4D in the neuronal network development crucial for neurobehavioral performance is still lacking. The present study therefore examined whether Sema4D deficiency leads to abnormal behavioral development. Both wild-type and Sema4D-deficient mice were subjected to behavioral analyses including open-field, adhesive tape removal, rotarod tests and a water maze task. Open-field tests revealed increased locomotor activity in Sema4D-deficient mice with less percentage of time spent in the center of the field. In both the adhesive tape removal and rotarod tests, which examine motor coordination and balance, Sema4D-deficient mice showed significantly superior performance, suggesting facilitated motor behavior. Both Sema4D-deficient and wild-type mice successfully learnt the water maze task, locating a hidden escape platform, and also showed precise memory for the platform position in probe tests. However, the swimming speed of Sema4D-deficient mice was significantly faster than that of wild-type mice, providing further evidence of their accelerated motor behavior. Our mouse behavioral analyses revealed enhanced motor activity in Sema4D-deficient mice, suggesting the crucial involvement of Sema4D in the neurodevelopmental processes of the central structures mediating motor behavior in mice.

SpEnD: Linked Data SPARQL Endpoints Discovery Using Search Engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yumusak, Semih; Dogdu, Erdogan; Kodaz, Halife; Kamilaris, Andreas; Vandenbussche, Pierre-Yves

In this study, a novel metacrawling method is proposed for discovering and monitoring linked data sources on the Web. We implemented the method in a prototype system, named SPARQL Endpoints Discovery (SpEnD). SpEnD starts with a "search keyword" discovery process for finding relevant keywords for the linked data domain and specifically SPARQL endpoints. Then, these search keywords are utilized to find linked data sources via popular search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo, Yandex). By using this method, most of the currently listed SPARQL endpoints in existing endpoint repositories, as well as a significant number of new SPARQL endpoints, have been discovered. Finally, we have developed a new SPARQL endpoint crawler (SpEC) for crawling and link analysis.

Biologically Inspired Model for Inference of 3D Shape from Texture

PubMed Central

Gomez, Olman; Neumann, Heiko

2016-01-01

A biologically inspired model architecture for inferring 3D shape from texture is proposed. The model is hierarchically organized into modules roughly corresponding to visual cortical areas in the ventral stream. Initial orientation selective filtering decomposes the input into low-level orientation and spatial frequency representations. Grouping of spatially anisotropic orientation responses builds sketch-like representations of surface shape. Gradients in orientation fields and subsequent integration infers local surface geometry and globally consistent 3D depth. From the distributions in orientation responses summed in frequency, an estimate of the tilt and slant of the local surface can be obtained. The model suggests how 3D shape can be inferred from texture patterns and their image appearance in a hierarchically organized processing cascade along the cortical ventral stream. The proposed model integrates oriented texture gradient information that is encoded in distributed maps of orientation-frequency representations. The texture energy gradient information is defined by changes in the grouped summed normalized orientation-frequency response activity extracted from the textured object image. This activity is integrated by directed fields to generate a 3D shape representation of a complex object with depth ordering proportional to the fields output, with higher activity denoting larger distance in relative depth away from the viewer. PMID:27649387

Vitamin D levels and deficiency with different occupations: a systematic review.

PubMed

Sowah, Daniel; Fan, Xiangning; Dennett, Liz; Hagtvedt, Reidar; Straube, Sebastian

2017-06-22

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide, but some groups are at greater risk. We aim to evaluate vitamin D levels in different occupations and identify groups vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency. An electronic search conducted in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL Plus with Full Text generated 2505 hits; 71 peer-reviewed articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Occupations investigated included outdoor and indoor workers, shiftworkers, lead/smelter workers, coalminers, and healthcare professionals. We calculated the pooled average metabolite level as mean ± SD; deficiency/insufficiency status was described as % of the total number of subjects in a given category. Compared to outdoor workers, indoor workers had lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D) levels (40.6 ± 13.3 vs. 66.7 ± 16.7 nmol/L; p < 0.0001). Mean 25-(OH)D levels (in nmol/L) in shiftworkers, lead/smelter workers and coalminers were 33.8 ± 10.0, 77.8 ± 5.4 and 56.6 ± 28.4, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency (25-(OH)D < 50 nmol/L), was high in shiftworkers (80%) and indoor workers (78%) compared to outdoor workers (48%). Among healthcare professionals, medical residents and healthcare students had the lowest levels of mean 25-(OH)D, 44.0 ± 8.3 nmol/L and 45.2 ± 5.5 nmol/L, respectively. The mean 25-(OH)D level of practising physicians, 55.0 ± 5.8 nmol/L, was significantly different from both medical residents (p < 0.0001) and healthcare students (p < 0.0001). Nurses and other healthcare employees had 25-(OH)D levels of 63.4 ± 4.2 nmol/L and 63.0 ± 11.0 nmol/L, respectively, which differed significantly compared to practising physicians (p = 0.01), medical residents (p < 0.0001) and healthcare students (p < 0.0001). Rates of vitamin D deficiency among healthcare professionals were: healthcare students 72%, medical residents 65%, practising physicians 46%, other healthcare employees 44%, and nurses 43

Dietary vitamin D3 deficiency exacerbates sinonasal inflammation and alters local 25(OH)D3 metabolism.

PubMed

Mulligan, Jennifer K; Pasquini, Whitney N; Carroll, William W; Williamson, Tucker; Reaves, Nicholas; Patel, Kunal J; Mappus, Elliott; Schlosser, Rodney J; Atkinson, Carl

2017-01-01

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) have been shown to be vitamin D3 (VD3) deficient, which is associated with more severe disease and increased polyp size. To gain mechanistic insights into these observational studies, we examined the impact of VD3 deficiency on inflammation and VD3 metabolism in an Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) mouse model of chronic rhinosinusitis (Af-CRS). Balb/c mice were fed control or VD3 deficient diet for 4 weeks. Mice were then sensitized with intraperitoneal Af, and one week later given Af intranasally every three days for four weeks while being maintained on control or VD3 deficient diet. Airway function, sinonasal immune cell infiltrate and sinonasal VD3 metabolism profiles were then examined. Mice with VD3 deficiency had increased Penh and sRaw values as compared to controls as well as exacerbated changes in sRaw when coupled with Af-CRS. As compared to controls, VD3 deficient and Af-CRS mice had reduced sinonasal 1α-hydroxylase and the active VD3 metabolite, 1,25(OH)2D3. Differential analysis of nasal lavage samples showed that VD3 deficiency alone and in combination with Af-CRS profoundly upregulated eosinophil, neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers. VD3 deficiency exacerbated increases in monocyte-derived dendritic cell (DC) associated with Af-CRS. Conversely, T-regulatory cells were decreased in both Af-CRS mice and VD3 deficient mice, though coupling VD3 deficiency with Af-CRS did not exacerbate CD4 or T-regulatory cells numbers. Lastly, VD3 deficiency had a modifying or exacerbating impact on nasal lavage levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α, but had no impact on IL-17A. VD3 deficiency causes changes in sinonasal immunity, which in many ways mirrors the changes observed in Af-CRS mice, while selectively exacerbating inflammation. Furthermore, both VD3 deficiency and Af-CRS were associated with altered sinonasal VD3 metabolism causing reductions in local levels of the active VD3 metabolite, 1,25(OH)2D3

Severe Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV-infected Pregnant Women is Associated with Preterm Birth

PubMed Central

Jao, Jennifer; Freimanis, Laura; Mussi-Pinhata, Marisa M.; Cohen, Rachel A.; Monteiro, Jacqueline Pontes; Cruz, Maria Leticia; Branch, Andrea; Sperling, Rhoda S.; Siberry, George K.

2017-01-01

Background Low maternal vitamin D has been associated with preterm birth (PTB). HIV-infected pregnant women are at risk for PTB, but data on maternal vitamin D and PTB in this population is scarce. Methods In a cohort of Latin American HIV-infected pregnant women from the NICHD International Site Development Initiative (NISDI) protocol, we examined the association between maternal vitamin D status and PTB. Vitamin D status was defined as the following 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels: severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL), deficiency (10-20 ng/mL), insufficiency (21–29 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL). PTB was defined as delivery at <37 weeks gestational age (GA). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between maternal vitamin D status and PTB. Results Of 715 HIV-infected pregnant women, 13 (1.8%) were severely vitamin D deficient, 224 (31.3%) deficient, and 233 (32.6%) insufficient. Overall, 23.2% (166/715) of pregnancies resulted in PTB [median GA of PTBs =36 wks (interquartile range: 34-36)]. In multivariate analysis, severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with PTB [Odds Ratio=4.7, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.3-16.8)]. Conclusion Severe maternal vitamin D deficiency is associated with PTB in HIV-infected Latin American pregnant women. Further studies are warranted to determine if vitamin D supplementation in HIV-infected women may impact PTB. PMID:27716863

Vitamin D and iron deficiencies in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Le Roy, C; Barja, S; Sepúlveda, C; Guzmán, M L; Olivarez, M; Figueroa, M J; Alvarez, M

2018-01-13

Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) are at a greater risk of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Two deficiencies that we can study and treat are vitaminD (VD) and iron deficiencies; however, no studies have described these deficiencies in Chile. To describe the status of VD and iron in patients with CP and evaluate the relationship with certain factors associated with deficiencies of these micronutrients. We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional study including 69 patients aged between 2 and 21years, from two public hospitals. Data were obtained on demographic variables, motor function, use of feeding tube, and pharmacological treatment. We performed a nutritional assessment according to patterns of CP and determined 25-hydroxyvitaminD (25[OH]D) ferritin, and albumin levels. Patients' mean age was 11.1±4.9years; 43 (62.3%) were male; and 56 (81.2%) had moderate-to-severe CP. Thirty-five (50.7%) used a nasogastric tube and/or gastrostomy; 15.4% were underweight and 73.8% were eutrophic, all with normal height. Twenty (29%) and 4 patients (6.2%) received VD and iron supplementation, respectively. Albuminaemia was normal in all patients. Mean 25(OH)D level was 24.3±8.8ng/mL; 33 patients (47.8%) had insufficiency and 21 (30.4%) deficiency; 36 patients (52.2%) had low ferritin levels. There was no association between 25(OH)D level and the other variables studied. Low ferritin levels were found to be associated with older age (P=.03), being male (P=.006), and feeding tube use (P=.006). The patients studied mainly had moderate-to-severe CP, with a high frequency of suboptimal VD values and low plasma ferritin; few patients received VD and/or iron supplementation. We suggest monitoring 25(OH)D and ferritin levels due to the high rate of deficiency of these nutrients; public hospitals should be equipped with drugs to treat these deficiencies. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights

Vitamin D deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease: prevalence and predictors in a Norwegian outpatient population.

PubMed

Frigstad, Svein Oskar; Høivik, Marte; Jahnsen, Jørgen; Dahl, Sandra Rinne; Cvancarova, Milada; Grimstad, Tore; Berset, Ingrid Prytz; Huppertz-Hauss, Gert; Hovde, Øistein; Torp, Roald; Bernklev, Tomm; Moum, Bjørn; Jelsness-Jørgensen, Lars-Petter

2017-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to identify clinical and epidemiological variables associated with vitamin D deficiency in an outpatient population with IBD. Participants were recruited from nine hospitals in the southeastern and western regions of Norway as part of an observational, multicentre study from March 2013 to April 2014. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected by interview and from medical records. All analyses of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) were performed in the same laboratory. In total, 49% (200/408) of the patients had a 25-OH-D concentration <50 nmol/L, including 53% (122/230) of the Crohn's disease (CD) patients and 44% (78/178) of the ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In CD patients, disease activity, measured as the HBI, was inversely associated with vitamin D deficiency. No such association was observed with the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) scores in UC, but in UC patients, vitamin D deficiency was associated with elevated faecal calprotectin >100 mg/kg. In patients with CD, there were significantly more relapses during the previous year in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was common, especially in CD, and was associated with increased disease activity, a relapsing disease course and higher inflammatory activity.

Dynamic Changes of IsiA-Containing Complexes during Long-Term Iron Deficiency in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

PubMed

Ma, Fei; Zhang, Xin; Zhu, Xi; Li, Tianpei; Zhan, Jiao; Chen, Hui; He, Chenliu; Wang, Qiang

2017-01-09

Iron stress-induced protein A (IsiA), a major chlorophyll-binding protein in the thylakoid membrane, is significantly induced under iron deficiency conditions. Using immunoblot analysis and 77 K fluorescence spectroscopy combined with sucrose gradient fractionation, we monitored dynamic changes of IsiA-containing complexes in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 during exposure to long-term iron deficiency. Within 3 days of exposure to iron deficiency conditions, the initially induced free IsiA proteins preferentially conjugated to PS I trimer to form IsiA 18 -PS I trimers, which serve as light energy collectors for efficiently transmitting energy to PS I. With prolonged iron deficiency, IsiA proteins assembled either into IsiA aggregates or into two other types of IsiA-PS I supercomplexes, namely IsiA-PS I high fluorescence supercomplex (IHFS) and IsiA-PS I low fluorescence supercomplex (ILFS). Further analysis revealed a role for IsiA as an energy dissipater in the IHFS and as an energy collector in the ILFS. The trimeric structure of PS I mediated by PsaL was found to be indispensable for the formation of IHFS/ILFS. Dynamic changes in IsiA-containing complexes in cyanobacteria during long-term iron deficiency may represent an adaptation to iron limitation stress for flexible light energy distribution, which balances electron transfer between PS I and PS II, thus minimizing photooxidative damage. Copyright © 2017 The Author. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[The clinical study on KL-6 and SP-D in sera of patients with various pulmonary diseases].

PubMed

Sugimoto, H; Okada, E; Hashimoto, N; Suzuki, S; Yoshida, H; Totani, Y; Ameshima, S; Ishizaki, T; Miyamori, I

2000-06-01

It has been reported that serum levels of KL-6 and surfactant protein D(SP-D) can be useful indicators for interstitial pneumonia(IP). In the present study, we evaluated the clinical significance of KL-6 and SP-D by measuring the serum levels of patients with various pulmonary diseases by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of KL-6 in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia(IIP), collagen disease with interstitial pneumonia(CDIP), lung cancer(LC) and LC with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia were significantly higher than of those in healthy controls. Moreover, serum levels of KL-6 were significantly higher in patients with active IP than in those with inactive IP. Serum levels of SP-D in patients with IIP and CDIP were significantly higher than of those in healthy controls. When a cut-off level of KL-6 or SP-D in sera was defined as a value of healthy controls representing the means + 2SD, the serum KL-6 positive diagnostic rate for IP(79.2%) was higher than that of SP-D(66.7%). The SP-D positive diagnostic rate for lung diseases other than IP(11.6%) was lower than that of KL-6(34.9%). The serum concentration of KL-6 in patients with the pulmonary diseases significantly correlated with that of SP-D. These findings suggest that KL-6 may be superior in the sensitivity of IP and can be used to evaluate the disease activity of IP. In addition, SP-D may be more specific for IP than KL-6.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Italian Single-Center Study.

PubMed

Aleksova, Aneta; Belfiore, Rita; Carriere, Cosimo; Kassem, Salam; La Carrubba, Salvatore; Barbati, Giulia; Sinagra, Gianfranco

2015-01-01

Hypovitaminosis D is a vitamin deficiency that has been increasing in developed countries; it was also suggested as an emerging risk factor for developing of atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. The primary source of vitamin D is its cutaneous synthesis under exposure to sunlight. It has been suggested that 30 min of sun exposure twice weekly leads to sufficient vitamin D synthesis. The residents of Trieste (Italy) are well-known for their high exposure to sunlight in all seasons. We aimed to investigate the vitamin D status in subjects with acute myocardial infarction living in this area. Vitamin D status was identified in 478 subjects diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 14.5 [7.8 - 22.7] ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were present in 324 (68 %) and 107 (22 %) subjects, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was less frequent among subjects enrolled in the period from July to the end of September (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis vitamin D deficiency was predicted by older age (p = 0.02), female gender (p = 0.002), higher body mass index (p = 0.05), autumn/winter sampling (p < 0.001), increased parathyroid hormone (p = 0.03) and alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.003). We observed very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among subjects with myocardial infarction in all seasons of enrollment. However, it was lower in the summer when sun exposure is higher. The exposure to sunlight may be a cost-saving therapeutic strategy for the management of vitamin D deficiency.

Prevalence and factors promoting the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly.

PubMed

Wyskida, Magdalena; Wieczorowska-Tobis, Katarzyna; Chudek, Jerzy

2017-03-13

Vitamin D deficiency affects a large part of the population of elderly people, especially women, who live in moderate climate countries due to a reduced amount of vitamin D in the diet (small sea fish consumption) and reduced content of 7-dehydrocholesterol, which causes decreased skin synthesis. The lowest seasonal concentration of 25(OH)D3 is usually observed during winter and spring. Sun exposure influences 25(OH)D3 concentration more strongly in men than in women. Sociodemographic factors that increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly include poor environmental conditions, low economic status, lower educational level, drug exposure (smoking), reduced physical activity, overall poor health and obesity, which causes reduced skin exposure to sunlight. The use of medications or supplements that contain vitamin D and staying in a nursing home that employ such supplementation are factors that prevent deficiency. Significant prevalence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract may contribute to cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol malabsorption or impair their liver transformation. In addition, the high incidence of chronic kidney disease in old age reduces processing hydroxylation of vitamin D and the formation of active metabolites. Vitamin D deficiency can not only cause bone mineralization disorders, but also increase incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, type 2 diabetes and depression. The aim of this study was to summarize current knowledge about the risk factors of vitamin D deficiency development in the elderly population.

Dopamine receptor D3 deficiency results in chronic depression and anxiety.

PubMed

Moraga-Amaro, Rodrigo; Gonzalez, Hugo; Pacheco, Rodrigo; Stehberg, Jimmy

2014-11-01

Over the last decade accumulating evidence suggests that brain dopamine (DA) has a role in depression, particularly given the high comorbidity of depression with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and the antidepressant effects of the DA receptor subtype 3 (D3R) agonist pramipexole. The present study assesses the role of D3R in depression. Here we hypothesized that D3R mediates the antidepressant effects of DA. Thus, genetic deficiency of D3R in D3R knockout (D3RKO) mice would yield animals with chronic depressive symptoms. Whereas D3R deficient mice did not show significant alterations in locomotion when tested in the openfield, these animals showed anxiety-like symptoms measured as a significant increase in thigmotaxis at the openfield and a significantly lower time spent in the lit compartment at the light/dark exploration test. D3RKO animals also showed depressive-like symptoms as measured by increased immobility time in the Porsolt forced swim test and the tail suspension test, as well as anhedonia measured in the non-motor dependent sucrose test. In conclusion, D3R deficiency results in anxiety-like and depressive-like symptoms that cannot be attributed to motor dysfunction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Vitamin D deficiency and morbimortality in critically ill paediatric patients].

PubMed

García-Soler, Patricia; Morales-Martínez, Antonio; Rosa-Camacho, Vanessa; Lillo-Muñoz, Juan Antonio; Milano-Manso, Guillermo

2017-08-01

To determine the prevalence and risks factors of vitamin D deficiency, as well as its relationship with morbidity and mortality in a PICU. An observational prospective study in a tertiary children's University Hospital PICU conducted in two phases: i: cohorts study, and ii: prevalence study. The study included 340 critically ill children with ages comprising 6 months to 16 years old. Chronic kidney disease, known parathyroid disorders, and vitamin D supplementation. Total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured in the first 48hours of admission to a PICU. Parathormone, calcium, phosphate, blood gases, blood count, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were also analysed. A record was also made of demographic features, characteristics of the episode, and complications during the PICU stay. The overall prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency was 43.8%, with a mean of 22.28 (95% CI 21.15-23.41) ng/ml. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were older (61 vs 47 months, P=.039), had parents with a higher level of academic studies (36.5% vs 20%, P=.016), were admitted more often in winter and spring, had a higher PRISM-III (6.8 vs 5.1, P=.037), a longer PICU stay (3 vs 2 days, P=.001), and higher morbidity (61.1% vs 30.4%, P<001) than the patients with sufficient levels of 25(OH)D. Patients who died had lower levels of 25(OH)D (14±8.81ng/ml versus 22.53±10.53ng/ml, P=.012). Adjusted OR for morbidity was 5.44 (95%CI; 2.5-11.6). Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in critically ill children, and it is related to both morbidity and mortality, although it remains unclear whether it is a causal relationship or it is simply a marker of severity in different clinical situations. Copyright © 2016 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy prevents vitamin D deficiency in the newborn: an open-label randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Rodda, C P; Benson, J E; Vincent, A J; Whitehead, C L; Polykov, A; Vollenhoven, B

2015-09-01

To determine whether maternal vitamin D supplementation, in the vitamin D deficient mother, prevents neonatal vitamin D deficiency. Open-label randomized controlled trial. Metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, tertiary hospital routine antenatal outpatient clinic. Seventy-eight women with singleton pregnancies with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency (serum 25-OH Vit D < 75 nmol/l) at their first antenatal appointment at 12-16-week gestation were recruited. Participants were randomized to vitamin D supplementation (2000-4000 IU cholecalciferol) orally daily until delivery or no supplementation. The primary outcome was neonatal serum 25-OH vit D concentration at delivery. The secondary outcome was maternal serum 25-OH vit D concentration at delivery. Baseline mean maternal serum 25-OH vit D concentrations were similar (P = 0·9) between treatment (32 nmol/l, 95% confidence interval 26-39 nmol/l) and control groups (33 nmol/l, 95% CI 26-39 nmol/l). Umbilical cord serum 25-OH vit D concentrations at delivery were higher (P < 0·0001) in neonates of treatment group mothers (81 nmol/l, 95% CI; 70-91 nmol/l) compared with neonates of control group mothers (42 nmol/l, 95% CI; 34-50 nmol/l) with a strongly positive correlation between maternal serum 25-OH Vit D and umbilical cord serum 25-OH vit D concentrations at delivery (Spearman rank correlation coefficient 0·88; P < 0·0001). Mean maternal serum 25-OH Vit D concentrations at delivery were higher (P < 0·0001) in the treatment group (71 nmol/l, 95% CI; 62-81 nmol/l) compared with the control group (36 nmol/l, 95% CI; 29-42 nmol/l). Vitamin D supplementation of vitamin D deficient pregnant women prevents neonatal vitamin D deficiency. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Impact of Three Doses of Vitamin D3 on Serum 25(OH)D Deficiency and Insufficiency in At-Risk Schoolchildren.

PubMed

Sacheck, Jennifer M; Van Rompay, Maria I; Chomitz, Virginia R; Economos, Christina D; Eliasziw, Misha; Goodman, Elizabeth; Gordon, Catherine M; Holick, Michael F

2017-12-01

We investigated the daily dose of vitamin D needed to achieve serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] sufficiency among schoolchildren at risk for deficiency. The Daily D Health Study was a randomized double-blind vitamin D supplementation trial among racially/ethnically diverse schoolchildren (n = 685) in the northeastern United States. Children were supplemented with vitamin D3 at 600, 1000, or 2000 IU/d for 6 months. Measurements included serum 25(OH)D at baseline (October to December), 3 months (January to March), 6 months (April to June), and 12 months (6 months after supplementation). At baseline, mean ± standard deviation serum 25(OH)D level was 22.0 ± 6.8 ng/mL, with 5.5% severely vitamin D deficient (<12 ng/mL), 34.1% deficient (12 to 19 ng/mL), 49.0% insufficient (20 to 29 ng/mL), and 11.4% sufficient (≥30 ng/mL). The lowest levels of serum 25(OH)D were found among black (17.9 ± 6.7 ng/mL) and Asian children (18.9 ± 4.8 ng/mL), with no baseline differences by weight status. Serum 25(OH)D increased over 6 months in all three dose groups. The 2000 IU/d group achieved a higher mean serum 25(OH)D level than the other two dose groups (33.1 vs 26.3 and 27.5 ng/mL; P < 0.001), with 59.9% of this group attaining sufficiency at 3 months and only 5.3% remaining severely deficient/deficient at 6 months. All dose groups demonstrated a fall in 25(OH)D at 12 months. Children at risk for vitamin D deficiency benefited from daily sustained supplementation of 2000 IU/d compared with lower doses closer to the current recommended daily allowance for vitamin D intake. This benefit occurred over the winter months, when serum 25(OH)D level tend to fall. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society

Effect of vitamin D deficiency in Korean patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

PubMed

Park, Sojung; Lee, Min Gi; Hong, Sang-Bum; Lim, Chae-Man; Koh, Younsuck; Huh, Jin Won

2018-06-20

Vitamin D modulates innate and adaptive immune responses, and vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality in hospitalized patients with pneumonia. We evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Korean patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and its effect on the clinical outcomes of ARDS. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 108 patients who had a measured serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) at the time of diagnosis with ARDS. The clinical outcomes were evaluated based on 25(OH)D3 levels of 20 ng/mL and stratified by quartiles of 25(OH)D3 levels. The mean age of patients was 59.4 years old; 77 (71.3%) were male. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 103 patients (95.4%). The mean 25(OH)D3 level was 8.3 ± 7.0 ng/mL. Neither in-hospital mortality (40.0% vs. 68.0%) nor 6-month mortality (40.0% vs. 71.8%) significantly differed between groups. There were no significant differences in 25(OH)D3 level between survivors (8.1 ± 7.6 ng/mL) and non-survivors (8.5 ± 6.8 ng/mL, p = 0.765). There were no trends toward a difference in mortality among quartiles of 25(OH)D3 levels. However, 25(OH)D3 levels were inversely related with length of hospital stay and intensive care unit stay among in-hospital survivors. Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in Korean patients with ARDS. However, levels of vitamin D were not associated with mortality. A large, prospective study is needed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D deficiency on clinical outcomes of ARDS.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin sensitivity and androgen levels in vitamin-D-deficient polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

PubMed

Karadağ, Cihan; Yoldemir, Tevfik; Yavuz, Dilek Gogas

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin sensitivity and androgen levels in vitamin-D-deficient polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Sixty-seven vitamin-D-deficient (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels below 20 ng/mL) PCOS patients and 54 vitamin-D-deficient non-PCOS volunteer subjects matched for age and body mass index were enrolled to this prospective study. All participants were given 50 000 IU/week cholecalciferol orally for 8 weeks and 1500 IU/day for 4 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was calculated with the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI) based on an oral glucose tolerance test. Matsuda ISI, gonadal hormones (estrogen, testosterone, androstenedione), and 25(OH)D levels were studied before and at the end of the 12th week of vitamin D load. After vitamin D supplementation, serum androstenedione levels had decreased significantly (P = 0.007) and Matsuda ISI values had increased significantly (P = 0.001) in the PCOS group but no significant changes were seen in those parameters in controls. We observed positive correlations between 25(OH)D levels and Matsuda ISI (r = 0.307; P < 0.01), and negative correlations between 25(OH)D levels and total testosterone (r = -0.306; P < 0.01) and androstenedione (r = -0.275; P < 0.01) levels in the PCOS group. Vitamin D supplementation increased insulin sensitivity and decreased androgen levels in vitamin-D-deficient women with PCOS but did not have any effect in vitamin-D-deficient non-PCOS women. These results may indicate the possible role of vitamin D in the complex pathogenesis of PCOS. © 2017 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Predictors of vitamin D deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease and health: A Mississippi perspective

PubMed Central

Pallav, Kumar; Riche, Daniel; May, Warren L; Sanchez, Patrick; Gupta, Nitin K

2017-01-01

AIM To identify the predictors of vitamin D deficiency in patients with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) related diagnostic codes who received medical care at University of Mississippi Medical Center between July 2012 and 2015 were identified. After thorough chart review, we identified patients with biopsy proven IBD who had also been tested for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. We compared these patients to a previously studied cohort of healthy controls who also had vitamin D concentration checked. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between vitamin d deficiency and UC, CD, race, age, gender and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS We identified 237 patients with confirmed IBD. Of these, only 211 had a serum 25(OH)D concentrations available in the medical record. The group of healthy controls consisted of 98 individuals with available serum 25(OH)D concentration. 43% of IBD patients were African American (AA). Patients with CD were more likely to have vitamin D concentration checked. Bivariate analysis showed that AA (51% vs 21%, P = 0.00001), subjects with BMI >30 kg/m2 (39% vs 23% P = 0.01) and CD (40% vs 26%, P = 0.04) were more likely to be vitamin D deficient than vitamin D sufficient. Those with Age > 65 were more likely to be vitamin D sufficient (46% vs 15%, P = 0.04). Multiple regression showed that only BMI > 30 kg/m2 and AA race are associated with vitamin D deficiency. CONCLUSION BMI > 30 kg/m2 and AA race are predictive of vitamin D deficiency. Gender, age and diagnosis of IBD are not predictive of vitamin D deficiency. PMID:28216970

Predictors of vitamin D deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease and health: A Mississippi perspective.

PubMed

Pallav, Kumar; Riche, Daniel; May, Warren L; Sanchez, Patrick; Gupta, Nitin K

2017-01-28

To identify the predictors of vitamin D deficiency in patients with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) related diagnostic codes who received medical care at University of Mississippi Medical Center between July 2012 and 2015 were identified. After thorough chart review, we identified patients with biopsy proven IBD who had also been tested for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. We compared these patients to a previously studied cohort of healthy controls who also had vitamin D concentration checked. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between vitamin d deficiency and UC, CD, race, age, gender and body mass index (BMI). We identified 237 patients with confirmed IBD. Of these, only 211 had a serum 25(OH)D concentrations available in the medical record. The group of healthy controls consisted of 98 individuals with available serum 25(OH)D concentration. 43% of IBD patients were African American (AA). Patients with CD were more likely to have vitamin D concentration checked. Bivariate analysis showed that AA (51% vs 21%, P = 0.00001), subjects with BMI >30 kg/m 2 (39% vs 23% P = 0.01) and CD (40% vs 26%, P = 0.04) were more likely to be vitamin D deficient than vitamin D sufficient. Those with Age > 65 were more likely to be vitamin D sufficient (46% vs 15%, P = 0.04). Multiple regression showed that only BMI > 30 kg/m 2 and AA race are associated with vitamin D deficiency. BMI > 30 kg/m 2 and AA race are predictive of vitamin D deficiency. Gender, age and diagnosis of IBD are not predictive of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency in cord plasma from multiethnic subjects living in the tropics.

PubMed

Halm, Brunhild M; Lai, Jennifer F; Pagano, Ian; Cooney, William; Soon, Reni A; Franke, Adrian A

2013-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is commonly reported in high-latitude areas and in dark-pigmented individuals. However, nothing is known about vitamin D in cord blood from multiethnic subjects living in the tropics. Our study objective was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in summer and winter in cord blood from multiethnic individuals in Hawai'i where sufficient sun irradiance occurs year-round for cutaneous vitamin D production. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were quantified by enzyme immunoassay in 100 cord plasma samples from apparently healthy full-term newborns and their mothers. Stratification was performed by birth season and ethnicity. Mean 25(OH)D levels were 24.5 ng/mL (9.1-68.3 ng/mL). Overall, 28% of samples were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL) and 50% were insufficient (20-30 ng/mL). 25(OH)D levels (ng/mL) were highest in Caucasians (30.5, n = 19), followed by Asians (25.1, n = 43), Hispanics (21.5, n = 3), Pacific Islanders (20.0, n = 25), and African Americans (19.6, n = 2). Differences among groups were significant (p = 0.008). Cord plasmas from summer versus winter were higher overall (p = 0.001) and among Asians (p = 0.0003). Seasonal changes were correlated with sun irradiance overall (r = 0.43, p = 0.0001), among Caucasians (r = 0.45, p = 0.05), and among Asians (r = 0.45, p = 0.0001). Our results suggest that prenatal supplement recommendations of 400 IU vitamin D/day do not protect against vitamin D deficiency, even in subjects living in the tropics where ample sun irradiance exists for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency we observed emphasizes the necessity for regular 25(OH)D monitoring, particularly during pregnancy and lactation, in dark-pigmented individuals, and during winter months.

Incidence rate and characteristics of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency in children: a nationwide survey in Japan.

PubMed

Kubota, Takuo; Nakayama, Hirofumi; Kitaoka, Taichi; Nakamura, Yosikazu; Fukumoto, Seiji; Fujiwara, Ikuma; Hasegawa, Yukihiro; Ihara, Kenji; Kitanaka, Sachiko; Koyama, Satomi; Kusuda, Satoshi; Mizuno, Haruo; Nagasaki, Keisuke; Oba, Koji; Sakamoto, Yuko; Takubo, Noriyuki; Shimizu, Toshiaki; Tanahashi, Yusuke; Hasegawa, Kosei; Tsukahara, Hirokazu; Yorifuji, Tohru; Michigami, Toshimi; Ozono, Keiichi

2018-03-10

There is concern that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among children in Japan as well as worldwide. We conducted a nationwide epidemiologic survey of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency to observe its incidence rate among Japanese children. A questionnaire inquiring the number of new patients with vitamin D deficiency rickets and/or hypocalcemia for 3 years was sent to 855 randomly selected hospitals with a pediatrics department in Japan. In this survey, we found that 250 children were diagnosed with symptomatic vitamin D deficiency. The estimated number of patients with symptomatic vitamin D deficiency per year was 183 (95% confidence interval (CI): 145-222). The overall annual incidence rate among children under 15 years of age was 1.1 per 100,000 population (95% CI: 0.9-1.4). The second survey has provided detailed information on 89 patients with symptomatic vitamin D deficiency under 5 years of age in hospitals in the current research group. The nationwide and second surveys estimated the overall annual incidence rate of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency in children under 5 years of age to be 3.5 (2.7-4.2) per 100,000 population. The second survey revealed 83% had bowed legs, 88% had exclusive breastfeeding, 49% had a restricted and/or unbalanced diet and 31% had insufficient sun exposure among the 89 patients. This is the first nationwide survey on definitive clinical vitamin D deficiency in children in Japan. Elucidating the frequency and characteristics of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency among children is useful to develop preventative public health strategies.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among adult asthmatic patients in Karachi.

PubMed

Kamran, Afshan; Alam, Syed Mahboob; Qadir, Farida

2014-11-01

Vitamin D deficiency has assumed pandemic proportions all over the world. It has been documented as a frequent problem in studies of young adults, elderly person and children in other countries, but there is no reliable data on vitamin D status of adult asthmatic patients in Pakistan. To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in adult asthmatic patients with moderate to severe asthma using a cross-sectional study design in Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi.311 adult asthmatic patients with moderate to severe asthma were recruited from JPMC, tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Questionnaires were administered together demographics, height, weight, nutritional and physical activity assessment. Blood samples for vitamin D measurement were also taken. Results show high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency (88.10%) in adult patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was more frequently observed in female than in male patients.67.66% of the female patients had serum vitamin D level less than 20 ng/ml as compare to 56.1% of the male patients (p=0.01).

Rationale and Design of Khuzestan Vitamin D Deficiency Screening Program in Pregnancy: A Stratified Randomized Vitamin D Supplementation Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Rostami, Maryam; Ramezani Tehrani, Fahimeh; Simbar, Masoumeh; Hosseinpanah, Farhad; Alavi Majd, Hamid

2017-04-07

Although there have been marked improvements in our understanding of vitamin D functions in different diseases, gaps on its role during pregnancy remain. Due to the lack of consensus on the most accurate marker of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and the optimal level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D, for its definition, vitamin D deficiency assessment during pregnancy is a complicated process. Besides, the optimal protocol for treatment of hypovitaminosis D and its effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes are still unclear. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester of pregnancy and to compare vitamin D screening strategy with no screening. Also, we intended to compare the effectiveness of various treatment regimens on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Masjed-Soleyman and Shushtar cities of Khuzestan province, Iran. This was a two-phase study. First, a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted; recruiting 1600 and 900 first trimester pregnant women from health centers of Masjed-Soleyman and Shushtar, respectively, using stratified multistage cluster sampling with probability proportional to size (PPS) method. Second, to assess the effect of screening strategy on maternal and neonatal outcomes, Masjed-Soleyman participants were assigned to a screening program versus Shushtar participants who became the nonscreening arm. Within the framework of the screening regimen, an 8-arm blind randomized clinical trial was undertaken to compare the effects of various treatment protocols. A total of 800 pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency were selected using simple random sampling from the 1600 individuals of Masjed-Soleyman as interventional groups. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were classified as: (1) severe deficient (<10ng/ml), (2) moderate deficient (10-20ng/ml), and (3) normal status (>20ng/ml). Those with severe and moderate deficiency were randomly divided into 4 subgroups and received vitamin

Unrecognized vitamin D3 deficiency is common in Parkinson disease

PubMed Central

Ding, Hongliu; Dhima, Kaltra; Lockhart, Kaitlin C.; Locascio, Joseph J.; Hoesing, Ashley N.; Duong, Karen; Trisini-Lipsanopoulos, Ana; Hayes, Michael T.; Sohur, U. Shivraj; Wills, Anne-Marie; Mollenhauer, Brit; Flaherty, Alice W.; Hung, Albert Y.; Mejia, Nicte; Khurana, Vikram; Gomperts, Stephen N.; Selkoe, Dennis J.; Schwarzschild, Michael A.; Schlossmacher, Michael G.; Hyman, Bradley T.; Sudarsky, Lewis R.; Growdon, John H.

2013-01-01

Objective: To conclusively test for a specific association between the biological marker 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, a transcriptionally active hormone produced in human skin and liver, and the prevalence and severity of Parkinson disease (PD). Methods: We used liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to establish an association specifically between deficiency of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and PD in a cross-sectional and longitudinal case-control study of 388 patients (mean Hoehn and Yahr stage of 2.1 ± 0.6) and 283 control subjects free of neurologic disease nested in the Harvard Biomarker Study. Results: Plasma levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 were associated with PD in both univariate and multivariate analyses with p values = 0.0034 and 0.047, respectively. Total 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels, the traditional composite measure of endogenous and exogenous vitamin D, were deficient in 17.6% of patients with PD compared with 9.3% of controls. Low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 as well as total 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels were correlated with higher total Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale scores at baseline and during follow-up. Conclusions: Our study reveals an association between 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and PD and suggests that thousands of patients with PD in North America alone may be vitamin D–deficient. This finding has immediate relevance for individual patients at risk of falls as well as public health, and warrants further investigation into the mechanism underlying this association. PMID:24068787

Developmental vitamin D deficiency alters multiple neurotransmitter systems in the neonatal rat brain.

PubMed

Kesby, James P; Turner, Karly M; Alexander, Suzanne; Eyles, Darryl W; McGrath, John J; Burne, Thomas H J

2017-11-01

Epidemiological evidence suggests that developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency is a risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. DVD deficiency in rats is associated with altered brain structure and adult behaviours indicating alterations in dopamine and glutamate signalling. Developmental alterations in dopamine neurotransmission have also been observed in DVD-deficient rats but a comprehensive assessment of brain neurochemistry has not been undertaken. Thus, the current study determined the regional concentrations of dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, glutamine, glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and associated metabolites, in DVD-deficient neonates. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a vitamin D deficient diet or control diet six weeks prior to mating until birth and housed under UVB-free lighting conditions. Neurotransmitter concentration was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography on post-mortem neonatal brain tissue. Ubiquitous reductions in the levels of glutamine (12-24%) were observed in DVD-deficient neonates compared with control neonates. Similarly, in multiple brain regions DVD-deficient neonates had increased levels of noradrenaline and serine compared with control neonates. In contrast, increased levels of dopamine and decreased levels of serotonin in DVD-deficient neonates were limited to striatal subregions compared with controls. Our results confirm that DVD deficiency leads to changes in multiple neurotransmitter systems in the neonate brain. Importantly, this regionally-based assessment in DVD-deficient neonates identified both widespread neurotransmitter changes (glutamine/noradrenaline) and regionally selective neurotransmitter changes (dopamine/serotonin). Thus, vitamin D may have both general and local actions depending on the neurotransmitter system being investigated. Taken together, these data suggest that DVD deficiency alters neurotransmitter systems relevant to schizophrenia in the developing rat

Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV-Infected Women on Antiretroviral Therapy Living in the Tropics.

PubMed

Conrado, Tereza; Miranda-Filho, Demócrito de Barros; Ximenes, Ricardo Arraes de Alencar; Albuquerque, Maria de Fátima; Lacerda, Heloísa Ramos; Ramos, Regina Coeli F; Araújo, Paulo Sérgio Ramos de; Montarroyos, Ulisses; Bandeira, Francisco

2011-01-01

The effects of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral drugs on vitamin D metabolism are still mostly unknown. This was a cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identify its association with the clinical and metabolic parameters among 214 HIV-positive female patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Brazil. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 30 ng/ml) was 40.65% (87/214). Hypercholesterolemia, high LDL-c, duration of use of current antiretroviral regimen, hypertriglyceridemia, body mass index, age, hypertension, time with AIDS ≥ 10 years and hyperglycemia were selected for multivariate analysis (p < 0.20). After this analysis, hypercholesterolemia and use of current antiretroviral regimen ≥ 3 years remained independently associated with vitamin D deficiency. There was an inverse statistically significant correlation between total cholesterol and serum 25(OH)D levels. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found among HIV-positive women on ART and was independently associated with its prolonged use and with hypercholesterolemia.

Higher visceral fat area increases the risk of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in Chinese adults.

PubMed

Zhang, Meilin; Li, Ping; Zhu, Yufeng; Chang, Hong; Wang, Xuan; Liu, Weiqiao; Zhang, Yuwen; Huang, Guowei

2015-01-01

Visceral fat area (VFA), a novel sex-specific index for visceral fat obesity (VFO) might play a major role in the development of vitamin D deficiency. However, the association between VFA and vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in Chinese population is less clear. The aim of this study was to explore the population-level association between VFA and vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among Chinese men and women. This cross-sectional study involved 1105 adults aged 20-70 years living in Tianjin who were randomly selected and medically examined. All subjects underwent the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method to estimate the VFA. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH) D3) level was assayed by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and defined insufficiency and deficiency following recommended cutoffs. The association between VFA and vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was estimated using binary regression analysis. The total prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH) D3: 20-29 μg/L) and deficiency (25(OH) D3 < 20 μg/L) were 26.60 % and 24.89 %, respectively. Significant negative association was observed for VFA with serum 25(OH) D3 levels in men and pre-menopausal women (P < 0.05), not in post-menopausal women (P > 0.05). Moreover, increased VFA was observed to be associated with higher vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency risk with a positive dose-response trend (P for trend < 0.001). As compared to individuals with the lowest VFA, those who had the highest VFA were at 4.9-fold risk of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency [95 % confidence interval (95 % CI): 1.792-13.365] in men and 1.8-fold risk of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency (95 % CI: 1.051-3.210) in pre-menopausal women, but not in post-menopausal women [odds ratio (OR) (95 % CI): 2.326(0.903-5.991)]. These results suggest that higher VFA increases the risk of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in men and pre-menopausal women, but not in

Getting hip to vitamin D: a hospitalist project for improving the assessment and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture.

PubMed

Stephens, John R; Williams, Christine; Edwards, Eric; Ossman, Paul; DeWalt, Darren A

2014-11-01

Vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly patients with hip fracture, and clinical practice guidelines recommend screening this population. Our hospitalist group cares for all patients admitted with hip fracture, yet lacked a standardized approach to screening for and treating vitamin D deficiency in this population. To standardize and improve the assessment and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture. Quality improvement implementation. Tertiary academic hospital. Adults age >50 years with hip fracture. We implemented a computerized hip fracture order set with preselected orders for 25-OH vitamin D level and initial supplementation with 1000 IU/day of vitamin D. We presented a review of the literature and performance data to our hospitalist group. Percentage of patients with acute hip fracture screened for vitamin D deficiency and percentage of deficient or insufficient patients discharged on recommended dose of vitamin D (50,000 IU/wk if level <20 ng/mL). The percentage of patients screened for vitamin D deficiency improved from 37.2% (n = 196) before implementation to 93.5% (n = 107) after (P < 0.001). The percentage of deficient or insufficient patients discharged on the recommended vitamin D dose improved from 40.9% to 68.0% (P = 0.008). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (25-OH vitamin D level <30 ng/mL) was 50.0%. Simple interventions, consisting of a change in computerized order set and presentation of evidence and data from group practice, led to significant improvement in the assessment and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with hip fracture. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine.

Factors Associated with Vitamin D Testing, Deficiency, Intake, and Supplementation in Patients with Chronic Pain.

PubMed

Gaikwad, Manasi; Vanlint, Simon; Moseley, G Lorimer; Mittinty, Murthy N; Stocks, Nigel

2017-11-02

Vitamin D deficiency is a public health issue, with reports of six- to twenty-five-fold rise in vitamin D testing. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, depression, and chronic pain. Identifying factors associated with risk of deficiency in individuals with chronic pain will help minimize time and cost. This study aims to examine the factors associated with vitamin D testing, intake, and physician-advised supplementation in individuals with chronic pain. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 465 individuals with chronic pain. These data were analyzed using penalized logistic regression with the LASSO technique. Fifty-seven percent reported being tested for vitamin D, about 40% reported being diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency, and of those who had been tested, 60% reported taking vitamin D supplementation. The findings suggest older age (OR 3.12, CI [1.02, 9.50]) and higher mean pain intensity score (OR 2.02, CI [1.13, 3.59]) increased an individual's chance of being vitamin D deficient. Unemployment or on leave due to pain (OR 1.79, [CI 1.03, 3.11]), part-time employment (OR 1.86, CI [1.02, 3.39]), and being a resident of Australia (OR 2.32, CI [1.13, 4.72]) increased chances of being tested for vitamin D. Being diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency (OR 6.67, CI [2.75, 16.19]), unemployed or on leave due to pain (OR 3.71, CI [1.25, 11.00]), and in part-time employment (OR 2.69, CI [0.86, 8.38]) were associated with physician-advised vitamin D supplementation. Our results may have practical implications, as identifying pretest risk factors may assist in identifying who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency, whom to test, and when to treat.

Visual shape perception as Bayesian inference of 3D object-centered shape representations.

PubMed

Erdogan, Goker; Jacobs, Robert A

2017-11-01

Despite decades of research, little is known about how people visually perceive object shape. We hypothesize that a promising approach to shape perception is provided by a "visual perception as Bayesian inference" framework which augments an emphasis on visual representation with an emphasis on the idea that shape perception is a form of statistical inference. Our hypothesis claims that shape perception of unfamiliar objects can be characterized as statistical inference of 3D shape in an object-centered coordinate system. We describe a computational model based on our theoretical framework, and provide evidence for the model along two lines. First, we show that, counterintuitively, the model accounts for viewpoint-dependency of object recognition, traditionally regarded as evidence against people's use of 3D object-centered shape representations. Second, we report the results of an experiment using a shape similarity task, and present an extensive evaluation of existing models' abilities to account for the experimental data. We find that our shape inference model captures subjects' behaviors better than competing models. Taken as a whole, our experimental and computational results illustrate the promise of our approach and suggest that people's shape representations of unfamiliar objects are probabilistic, 3D, and object-centered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Vitamin D-deficient osteomalacia due to excessive self-restrictions for atopic dermatitis

PubMed Central

Shikino, Kiyoshi; Ikusaka, Masatomi; Yamashita, Tomoko

2014-01-01

A 34-year-old Japanese woman presented with a 2-year history of generalised bone pain, muscle weakness and gait disturbance. The patient had been following a restricted diet (without fish or dairy products) and avoiding ultraviolet exposure for 8 years to manage her worsening atopic dermatitis. Physical examination revealed generalised bone tenderness and bilateral symmetric proximal muscle weakness. Vitamin D-deficient osteomalacia was diagnosed based on the laboratory examination findings, which indicated high serum alkaline phosphatase, high intact parathyroid hormone, and low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Her symptoms improved after oral active vitamin D and calcium administration. To the best our knowledge, this case is the first report of vitamin D-deficient osteomalacia in an adult patient due to excessive dietary restriction for managing atopic dermatitis. We emphasise the importance of increasing awareness of vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for the development of osteomalacia, and caution against excessive avoidance of sun exposure and dietary restriction. PMID:25100811

Vitamin D-deficient osteomalacia due to excessive self-restrictions for atopic dermatitis.

PubMed

Shikino, Kiyoshi; Ikusaka, Masatomi; Yamashita, Tomoko

2014-07-04

A 34-year-old Japanese woman presented with a 2-year history of generalised bone pain, muscle weakness and gait disturbance. The patient had been following a restricted diet (without fish or dairy products) and avoiding ultraviolet exposure for 8 years to manage her worsening atopic dermatitis. Physical examination revealed generalised bone tenderness and bilateral symmetric proximal muscle weakness. Vitamin D-deficient osteomalacia was diagnosed based on the laboratory examination findings, which indicated high serum alkaline phosphatase, high intact parathyroid hormone, and low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Her symptoms improved after oral active vitamin D and calcium administration. To the best our knowledge, this case is the first report of vitamin D-deficient osteomalacia in an adult patient due to excessive dietary restriction for managing atopic dermatitis. We emphasise the importance of increasing awareness of vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for the development of osteomalacia, and caution against excessive avoidance of sun exposure and dietary restriction. 2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Supplementation of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors Using Over-the-Counter Vitamin D3 Preparations.

PubMed

Robbins, Helen L; Symington, Megan; Mosterman, Barbara; Goodby, Josie; Davies, Louise; Dimitriadis, Georgios K; Kaltsas, Gregory; Randeva, Harpal S; Weickert, Martin O

2018-05-21

Vitamin D (vit-D) deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET) and has been linked to reduced overall survival. We here assessed the vit-D status in 183 patients with GEP-NET at the time of their first presentation in the ARDEN NET Centre. We further examined the effect of simple advice to increase vit-D intake using over-the-counter vit-D preparations [colecalciferol (Vit-D3), 1,000-2,000 units/day], over a prospective observation period of 24 mo. At baseline, only 33.3% of patients showed vit-D sufficiency (25-OH-vit-D; >50 nmol/L), the remainder was insufficient (31.3%; 25-OH-vit-D; 25-50 nmol/L) or deficient (35.5%; 25-OH-vit-D; <25 nmol/L). Repeated advice to increase vit-D intake at routine 6-monthly follow-up appointments was associated with increased 25-OH-vit-D from 37.8 ± 3.5 nmol/L at baseline to 60.4 ± 5.6 nmol/L (P < 0.0001) and 56.8 ± 7.0 nmol/L (P = 0.039) after 12 and 24 mo. Percentage of vit-D insufficiency decreased from 66.6% at baseline to 44.9% and 46.2% after 12 and 24 months, respectively. Previous abdominal surgery, but not treatment with somatostatin analogues predicted 25-OH-vit-D levels in bootstrapped linear regression analyses (P = 0.037). In summary, simple advice to increase vit-D intake using over-the-counter preparations was associated with significant improvement of vit-D deficiency/insufficiency, although, 15% of GEP-NET patients remained deficient and may benefit from additional measures of vit-D replacement.

Vitamin D-deficient mice have more invasive urinary tract infection.

PubMed

Hertting, Olof; Lüthje, Petra; Sullivan, Devin; Aspenström, Pontus; Brauner, Annelie

2017-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem with consequences not limited to bone and calcium hemostasis. Low levels have also been linked to tuberculosis and other respiratory infections as well as autoimmune diseases. We have previously shown that supplementation with vitamin D can induce the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin during ex vivo infection of human urinary bladder. In rodents, however, cathelicidin expression is not linked to vitamin D and therefore this vitamin D-related effect fighting bacterial invasion is not relevant. To determine if vitamin D had further protective mechanisms during urinary tract infections, we therefore used a mouse model. In vitamin D-deficient mice, we detected more intracellular bacterial communities in the urinary bladder, higher degree of bacterial spread to the upper urinary tract and a skewed cytokine response. Furthermore, we show that the vitamin D receptor was upregulated in the urinary bladder and translocated into the cell nucleus after E. coli infection. This study supports a more general role for vitamin D as a local immune response mediator in the urinary tract.

Vitamin-D deficiency predicts infections in young north Indian children: A secondary data analysis.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Ranadip; Taneja, Sunita; Bhandari, Nita; Sinha, Bireshwar; Upadhyay, Ravi Prakash; Bhan, Maharaj Kishan; Strand, Tor A

2017-01-01

Recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between poor vitamin D status and respiratory infections and diarrhea among young children. Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) and diarrhea are among the two most important causes of death in under-5 children. In this paper, we examined the extent to which vitamin-D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) predicts ALRI, clinical pneumonia and diarrhea among 6 to 30 months old children. We used data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of daily folic acid and/or vitamin B12 supplementation for six months in 6 to 30 months old children conducted in Delhi, India. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to examine the associations between vitamin-D deficiency and episodes of ALRI, clinical pneumonia and diarrhea. Of the 960 subjects who had vitamin-D concentrations measured, 331(34.5%) were vitamin-D deficient. We found, after controlling for relevant potential confounders (age, sex, breastfeeding status, wasting, stunting, underweight, anemia status and season), that the risk of ALRI was significantly higher among vitamin-D deficient (OR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.55) compared to vitamin-D-replete children in the six months follow-up period. Vitamin-D status was not associated with episodes of diarrhea or clinical pneumonia. Vitamin-D deficiency is common in young children in New Delhi and is associated with a higher risk of ALRI. The role of vitamin D in Indian children needs to be elucidated in further studies.

Effects of early vitamin D deficiency rickets on bone and dental health, growth and immunity.

PubMed

Zerofsky, Melissa; Ryder, Mark; Bhatia, Suruchi; Stephensen, Charles B; King, Janet; Fung, Ellen B

2016-10-01

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with adverse health outcomes, including impaired bone growth, gingival inflammation and increased risk for autoimmune disease, but the relationship between vitamin D deficiency rickets in childhood and long-term health has not been studied. In this study, we assessed the effect of early vitamin D deficiency on growth, bone density, dental health and immune function in later childhood to determine if children previously diagnosed with rickets were at greater risk of adverse health outcomes compared with healthy children. We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, parathyroid hormone, bone mineral density, anthropometric measures, dietary habits, dental health, general health history, and markers of inflammation in 14 previously diagnosed rickets case children at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Center. We compared the findings in the rickets cases with 11 healthy children selected from the population of CHO staff families. Fourteen mothers of the rickets cases, five siblings of the rickets cases, and seven mothers of healthy children also participated. Children diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency rickets had a greater risk of fracture, greater prevalence of asthma, and more dental enamel defects compared with healthy children. Given the widespread actions of vitamin D, it is likely that early-life vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of disease later in childhood. Further assessment of the long-term health effects of early deficiency is necessary to make appropriate dietary recommendations for infants at risk of deficiency. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effects of early vitamin D deficiency rickets on bone and dental health, growth and immunity

PubMed Central

Zerofsky, Melissa; Ryder, Mark; Bhatia, Suruchi; Stephensen, Charles B.; King, Janet; Fung, Ellen B.

2015-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with adverse health outcomes, including impaired bone growth, gingival inflammation and increased risk for autoimmune disease, but the relationship between vitamin D deficiency rickets in childhood and long-term health has not been studied. In this study, we assessed the effect of early vitamin D deficiency on growth, bone density, dental health and immune function in later childhood to determine if children previously diagnosed with rickets were at greater risk of adverse health outcomes compared with healthy children. We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, parathyroid hormone, bone mineral density, anthropometric measures, dietary habits, dental health, general health history, and markers of inflammation in 14 previously diagnosed rickets case children at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Center. We compared the findings in the rickets cases with 11 healthy children selected from the population of CHO staff families. Fourteen mothers of the rickets cases, five siblings of the rickets cases, and seven mothers of healthy children also participated. Children diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency rickets had a greater risk of fracture, greater prevalence of asthma, and more dental enamel defects compared with healthy children. Given the widespread actions of vitamin D, it is likely that early-life vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of disease later in childhood. Further assessment of the long-term health effects of early deficiency is necessary to make appropriate dietary recommendations for infants at risk of deficiency. PMID:25850574

Vitamin D Deficiency, Its Role in Health and Disease, and Current Supplementation Recommendations.

PubMed

Pfotenhauer, Kim M; Shubrook, Jay H

2017-05-01

Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a common metabolic/endocrine abnormality. Despite known dietary sources of vitamin D and the role of sunlight in its production, much of the US population may have inadequate levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Deficiency of vitamin D can be caused by a variety of health conditions, but studies on the effects of vitamin D supplements have had mixed results. This evidence-based clinical review discusses what is currently known about vitamin D and what areas need further research to clarify its role in health and disease.

On the Possible Link between Vitamin D Deficiency and Cardiovascular Disease

MedlinePlus

... the Possible Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Cardiovascular Disease Should We D-Lighten Our Lives? Pelle G. ... Individuals with heart failure, hypertension, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) tend to have lower vitamin D levels ...

Myeloperoxidase-dependent Inactivation of Surfactant Protein D in Vitro and in Vivo*

PubMed Central

Crouch, Erika C.; Hirche, Tim O.; Shao, Baohai; Boxio, Rachel; Wartelle, Julien; Benabid, Rym; McDonald, Barbara; Heinecke, Jay; Matalon, Sadis; Belaaouaj, Azzaq

2010-01-01

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) plays diverse and important roles in innate immunity and pulmonary homeostasis. Neutrophils and myeloperoxidase (MPO) colocalized with SP-D in a murine bacterial pneumonia model of acute inflammation, suggesting that MPO-derived reactive species might alter the function of SP-D. Exposure of SP-D to the complete MPO-H2O2-halide system caused loss of SP-D-dependent aggregating activity. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the major oxidant generated by MPO, caused a similar loss of aggregating activity, which was accompanied by the generation of abnormal disulfide-cross-linked oligomers. A full-length SP-D mutant lacking N-terminal cysteine residues and truncation mutants lacking the N-terminal domains were resistant to the oxidant-induced alterations in disulfide bonding. Mass spectroscopy of HOCl-treated human SP-D demonstrated several modifications, but none involved key ligand binding residues. There was detectable oxidation of cysteine 15, but no HOCl-induced cysteine modifications were observed in the C-terminal lectin domain. Together, the findings localize abnormal disulfide cross-links to the N-terminal domain. MPO-deficient mice showed decreased cross-linking of SP-D and increased SP-D-dependent aggregating activity in the pneumonia model. Thus, MPO-derived oxidants can lead to modifications of SP-D structure with associated alterations in its characteristic aggregating activity. PMID:20228064

Temporal stability of parasite distribution and genetic variability values of Contracaecum osculatum sp. D and C. osculatum sp. E (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from fish of the Ross Sea (Antarctica)

PubMed Central

Mattiucci, Simonetta; Cipriani, Paolo; Paoletti, Michela; Nardi, Valentina; Santoro, Mario; Bellisario, Bruno; Nascetti, Giuseppe

2015-01-01

The Ross Sea, Eastern Antarctica, is considered a “pristine ecosystem” and a biodiversity “hotspot” scarcely impacted by humans. The sibling species Contracaecum osculatum sp. D and C. osculatum sp. E are anisakid parasites embedded in the natural Antarctic marine ecosystem. Aims of this study were to: identify the larvae of C. osculatum (s.l.) recovered in fish hosts during the XXVII Italian Expedition to Antarctica (2011–2012); perform a comparative analysis of the contemporary parasitic load and genetic variability estimates of C. osculatum sp. D and C. osculatum sp. E with respect to samples collected during the expedition of 1993–1994; to provide ecological data on these parasites. 200 fish specimens (Chionodraco hamatus, Trematomus bernacchii, Trematomus hansoni, Trematomus newnesi) were analysed for Contracaecum sp. larvae, identified at species level by allozyme diagnostic markers and sequences analysis of the mtDNA cox2 gene. Statistically significant differences were found between the occurrence of C. osculatum sp. D and C. osculatum sp. E in different fish species. C. osculatum sp. E was more prevalent in T. bernacchii; while, a higher percentage of C. osculatum sp. D occurred in Ch. hamatus and T. hansoni. The two species also showed differences in the host infection site: C. osculatum sp. D showed higher percentage of infection in the fish liver. High genetic variability values at both nuclear and mitochondrial level were found in the two species in both sampling periods. The parasitic infection levels by C. osculatum sp. D and sp. E and their estimates of genetic variability showed no statistically significant variation over a temporal scale (2012 versus 1994). This suggests that the low habitat disturbance of the Antarctic region permits the maintenance of stable ecosystem trophic webs, which contributes to the maintenance of a large populations of anisakid nematodes with high genetic variability. PMID:26767164

Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Markers of Metabolic Syndrome Among Overweight and Obese Adults.

PubMed

Kaseb, Fatemeh; Haghighyfard, Kimia; Salami, Maryam-Sadat; Ghadiri-Anari, Akram

2017-06-01

In recent years, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease has had a tremendous elevation growth. Many studies have demonstrated negative correlation between vitamin D deficiency and indexes of metabolic syndrome in obese patients. This study was designed to find the relation between vitamin D deficiency and markers of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese adults referred to obesity center of Shahid Sadoughi hospital in 2014. Eighty-nine overweight and obese adults (79 women and 10 men), who 13 subjects were overweight and 76 subjects were obese were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, plasma glucose and vitamin D were measured. IDF criteria were used for identifying subjects with metabolic syndrome. Demographic questionnaire was completed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0. Fisher exact test, logistic regression, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency was 93.2%. According to IDF criteria, the frequency of metabolic syndrome was 36%. There was no significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome. Among metabolic syndrome indicators, there was a significant direct relationship between vitamin D level with FBS (P=0.013) and SBP (P=0.023). There was no significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome. Due to the lack of relationship between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome, small number of participants in this study and very low case of normal vitamin D level, further studies are needed.

[Epidemic Vitamin D Deficiency in Prisoners Compared to the German Population: An Analysis Based on Laboratory Results].

PubMed

Pürner, Friedrich; Böhmer, Merle M; Wildner, Manfred

2018-04-20

Effects of long-term imprisonment on the vitamin D (vitD) status of prison inmates in Germany have not been systematically assessed so far. Special circumstances in prisons - little sunlight exposure combined with restricted outdoor activities - may lead to vitD deficiency among prisoners. The aim of this study was to assess the vitD status of prisoners and the general population in order to quantify the extent of vitD deficiency in both groups. VitD status (25(OH)D in blood serum samples) was assessed in female inmates of a prison in southern Germany between May 2012-June 2013. Suboptimal vitD status was defined as levels of 10-<20 µg/l, severe deficiency as<10 µg/l. A systematic literature search in PubMed was conducted in order to compare study results with vitD levels in the general population. Blood sera of 84 inmates (median age: 43 years; range: 19-75) were analyzed. Thirty women (36%) showed severe vitD deficiency, 47 (56%) suboptimal vitD levels. The literature search identified 10 studies which reported considerable vitD deficiency in the general population in Germany. VitD deficiency is very common in both prison inmates and the general population. Unlike prison inmates, the population is able to decide whether, when and how long they want to exposure to sunlight. Moreover, they can counteract deficiency via a nutrition rich in vitD. This is not possible for inmates. To prevent long-term effects of vitD deficiency, intake of vitD supplements during duration of imprisonment seems reasonable. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Normocalcemia without hyperparathyroidism in vitamin D-deficient rats.

PubMed

Kollenkirchen, U; Fox, J; Walters, M R

1991-03-01

Despite numerous attempts, no reliable dietary regimen exists to achieve vitamin D deficiency (-D) in rats without attendant changes in plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ca, or phosphate. This represents an important obstacle to proper investigations of the physiologic role(s) of vitamin D metabolites in the function of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] target tissues. This paper describes the successful development of such a diet, which uses a combination of high Ca content, properly controlled Ca/P ratio, and lactose. Normal weanling rats were fed diets containing A, 0.8% Ca, 0.5% P, +D3, or -D diets containing B, 0.8% Ca and 0.5% P; C, 2.0% Ca and 1.25% P; or D, 2.0% Ca, 1.25% P, and 20% lactose. After 6 diet weeks group D rats remained normocalcemic and normophosphatemic, but diet groups B and C became hypocalcemic (6.9 +/- 0.8 and 7.2 +/- 0.4 mg/dl, respectively). Thus high dietary Ca and P was incapable of maintaining normal plasma Ca levels in the absence of dietary lactose. The normocalcemia in group D was not maintained by elevated PTH secretion because N-terminal PTH levels were also normal (14 +/- 3 versus 20 +/- 5 pg/ml). In contrast, PTH levels were markedly elevated in hypocalcemic groups B and C (47 +/- 7 and 48 +/- 10 pg/ml, respectively). Plasma 25-OHD3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 levels were reduced to less than 120 and less than 12 pg/ml, respectively, in all -D groups. Thus the high-Ca diet and the use of normal weanlings did not impede the development of vitamin D deficiency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transfer ribonucleic acid methylases of bone. Studies on vitamin A and D deficiency

PubMed Central

Bradford, David S.; Hacker, Bruce; Clark, Irwin

1972-01-01

Methods were devised for the assay of tRNA methylases of rat bone. The activities of bone tRNA methylases are similar to those from other mammalian tissues. However, unlike reports on liver methylases, no inhibitors were found in the supernatant fraction from pH5 precipitate of bone extracts. The effects of vitamins A and D on the methylation of tRNA by cell-free extracts of rat bone were studied. Deficiency of either vitamin resulted in a decrease in the rate and extent of tRNA methylation, whereas the administration of vitamin A to hypovitaminotic-A rats and vitamin D to hypovitaminotic-D rats increased the rate and extent of tRNA methylation. These effects appear to be apart from changes in ribonuclease activity or in concentrations of calcium or magnesium. No evidence of inhibitors of tRNA methylases was found in bone extracts from vitamin-deficient rats nor of activators in bone extracts from deficient rats given vitamin A or D. The pattern of tRNA methylation under conditions of vitamin A or D deficiency was not changed, suggesting a generalized cellular deficiency. It was of significance to find that the specificity for methylation of specific bases in tRNA was different after the administration of vitamin A as contrasted with the effects of vitamin D. The possible significance of tRNA methylation to the biochemical action of the vitamins on bone is discussed. PMID:5073719

Inhibition of neutral endopeptidase potentiates neutrophil activation during Mg-deficiency in the rat

PubMed Central

Mak, I. T.; Kramer, J. H.; Chmielinska, J. J.; Khalid, M. H.; Landgraf, K. M.; Weglicki, W. B.

2013-01-01

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP), which degrades substance P (SP), may regulate neutrophil activation during Mg-deficiency (MgD). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (180g) were fed MgD (~50 mg Mg/kg) or Mg-sufficient (MgS, 608 mg Mg/kg) diets for 7 days ± NEP inhibitor phosphoramidon (PR, 5 mg/kg/day, s. c.). MgD alone induced a 9-fold (vs. MgS, p <0.01) elevation in plasma SP; MgD+PR enhanced it further to 18-fold (p <0.001). Neutrophils from MgD+PR rats displayed a 3.9-fold higher (p <0.01) basal ·O2- generation, but those from MgD or PR alone were not activated. Plasma PGE2-metabolite levels rose 2.67- (p <0.01) and 1.56- (p <0.05) fold, respectively, in MgD+PR and MgD groups; the corresponding red blood cell glutathione levels were decreased 21 % (p <0.025) and 7 % (NS). MgD+PR significantly reduced neutrophil NEP activity by 48 % (p <0.02); PR or MgD alone only reduced this activity 26 % and 15 %, respectively. We conclude that NEP inhibition potentiates SP-mediated neutrophil ·O2- production and may promote other inflammatory activities during MgD. PMID:18607539

Inhibition of neutral endopeptidase potentiates neutrophil activation during Mg-deficiency in the rat.

PubMed

Mak, I T; Kramer, J H; Chmielinska, J J; Khalid, M H; Landgraf, K M; Weglicki, W B

2008-07-01

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP), which degrades substance P (SP), may regulate neutrophil activation during Mg-deficiency (MgD). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (180g) were fed MgD (approximately 50 mg Mg/kg) or Mg-sufficient (MgS, 608 mg Mg/kg) diets for 7 days +/- NEP inhibitor phosphoramidon (PR, 5 mg/kg/day, s.c.). MgD alone induced a 9-fold (vs. MgS, p <0.01) elevation in plasma SP; MgD+PR enhanced it further to 18-fold (p <0.001). Neutrophils from MgD+PR rats displayed a 3.9-fold higher (p <0.01) basal .O(2-) generation, but those from MgD or PR alone were not activated. Plasma PGE2-metabolite levels rose 2.67- (p <0.01) and 1.56- (p <0.05) fold, respectively, in MgD+PR and MgD groups; the corresponding red blood cell glutathione levels were decreased 21% (p <0.025) and 7% (NS). MgD+PR significantly reduced neutrophil NEP activity by 48% (p <0.02); PR or MgD alone only reduced this activity 26% and 15%, respectively. We conclude that NEP inhibition potentiates SP-mediated neutrophil .O(2-) production and may promote other inflammatory activities during MgD.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with orthostatic hypotension in oldest-old women.

PubMed

Annweiler, C; Schott, A-M; Rolland, Y; Beauchet, O

2014-09-01

Orthostatic hypotension, a condition that mostly affects 'oldest-old' (i.e. ≥80 years) adults, is primarily explained by age-related dysfunction of blood pressure control. Vitamin D may contribute to blood pressure control. The aim of this study was to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with orthostatic hypotension in oldest-old adults. Cross-sectional analysis at baseline of the EPIDOS study. Five French areas. A total of 329 community-dwelling oldest-old women (mean age 83.3 ± 0.2 years). Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a systolic blood pressure drop of ≥20 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure drop of ≥10 mmHg within 3 min of standing. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration ≤10 ng mL(-1) . Covariates included in the models were age, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, supine mean arterial pressure, number of drugs taken per day, use of antihypertensive or psychoactive drugs, cognition, quadriceps strength, current smoking, alcohol consumption, serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone, calcium and creatinine and season of testing. Diastolic orthostatic hypotension was observed more often among women with vitamin D deficiency (19.2%) compared to those without (10.0%; P = 0.03). There was an inverse linear association between 25OHD concentration and change in diastolic blood pressure after 3 min of standing (adjusted β = -0.07, P = 0.046). Similarly, 25OHD deficiency was associated with orthostatic hypotension [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.36, P = 0.004], specifically with diastolic orthostatic hypotension (adjusted OR 3.81, P = 0.003). 25OHD deficiency was associated with orthostatic hypotension in oldest-old women, due to a greater drop in diastolic blood pressure on standing. This finding may lead to better understanding of the pathophysiology of falls in oldest-old adults with vitamin D deficiency. © 2014 The Association for the Publication of the Journal of

[Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome in adult population of the Community of Madrid].

PubMed

Gradillas-García, Antonio; Álvarez, Julia; Rubio, José Antonio; de Abajo, Francisco J

2015-04-01

Previous studies have suggested an association between MS and vitamin D deficiency, but data are not conclusive. This study was intended to find out if metabolic syndrome, according to the 2009 IDF/AHA/NHLBI, is associated to the presence of vitamin D deficiency. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 326 subjects aged 18 years or older, recruited from a health center in Alcalá de Henares. Participants underwent an interview and a standardized clinical examination. In a second visit, blood tests were performed in 255 subjects to quantify serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 OH-VitD) and different laboratory parameters associated to MS. The association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome (and each of its components) was examined. In the study population, MS prevalence was 36.1% and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25 OH-Vit D<20 ng/mL) was 56.3%. MS was more common in the group of patients with vitamin D deficiency (43.4%) than in the group with no deficiency (26.8%, P=.006), with an estimated prevalence ratio of 1.62 (95% CI: 1.13-2.31). Adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index did not change such association. There is a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and MS. Both conditions are highly prevalent in our population. Copyright © 2014 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Community-Dwelling Elderly Is Not Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PubMed

Cougnard-Grégoire, Audrey; Merle, Bénédicte M J; Korobelnik, Jean-Francois; Rougier, Marie-Bénédicte; Delyfer, Marie-Noëlle; Féart, Catherine; Le Goff, Mélanie; Dartigues, Jean-François; Barberger-Gateau, Pascale; Delcourt, Cécile

2015-08-01

Elderly persons are at elevated risk of vitamin D deficiency, which is involved in various health problems. However, its relation with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is debated. We investigated factors associated with plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and the associations between plasma 25(OH)D concentrations and AMD in elderly subjects. Antioxydants, Lipides Essentiels, Nutrition et maladies OculaiRes (ALIENOR) is a population-based study on eye diseases performed in elderly residents of Bordeaux, France. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were assessed from blood samples and categorized as <25 nmol/L (deficiency), 25-49 nmol/L (insufficiency), or ≥50 nmol/L (sufficiency). AMD was classified as: no AMD, early AMD, and late AMD. Associations between baseline characteristics and plasma 25(OH)D status were examined with multinomial logistic regression analysis. Associations between AMD and plasma 25(OH)D status were estimated using generalized estimating equation logistic regressions. Six hundred ninety-seven subjects with complete data were included. The prevalence of plasma 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency were 27.3% and 55.9%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, 25(OH)D deficiency was significantly associated with older age (P = 0.0007), females (P = 0.0007), absence of physical activity (P = 0.01), absence of vitamin D supplementation (P < 0.0001), higher plasma total cholesterol (P = 0.007), use of fibrates (P < 0.0001), lower alcohol consumption (P = 0.02), and season of blood sampling (P < 0.0001). After adjustment for these covariates and dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake, smoking, and body mass index, no significant associations were found between early AMD and 25(OH)D insufficiency or deficiency (OR: 0.71, P = 0.12; OR: 0.73, P = 0.23, respectively) or with late AMD (OR: 1.04, P = 0.93; OR: 0.74, P = 0.59, respectively). These findings underline the very high prevalence of plasma 25(OH)D deficiency in this elderly

Vitamin D levels in children with severe hemophilia A: an underappreciated deficiency.

PubMed

Albayrak, Canan; Albayrak, Davut

2015-04-01

Osteoporosis in hemophilic patients is a significant problem. The causes of osteoporosis in hemophilic patients are lack of adequate exercise, multiple hemorrhage and inflammation, and low vitamin D levels. The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in children with severe hemophilia A. Forty-seven children with severe hemophilia were included in the study. None of the patients had previously received vitamin D supplementation. No patient had clinical or radiologic findings of rickets or seropositivity of hepatitis C virus or HIV. The mean age of the patients was 11.64 ± 5.70 (range, 2-18) years. The mean vitamin D level was 16.35 ± 7.49 ng/ml (range, 3.25-33.80). Vitamin D levels were below 10 ng/ml (severe vitamin D deficiency) in 9 cases (19%), between 10 and 19.99 ng/ml (vitamin D deficiency) in 23 cases (49%), between 20 and 29.99 ng/ml (vitamin D insufficiency) in 13 cases (28%), and above 30 ng/ml (normal vitamin D level) in 2 cases (4%). The mean serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in the children with hemophilia during winter and autumn were significantly lower than that during summer (P = 0.0028 and P = 0.0091, respectively). A majority of our hemophilic patients (96%) had low vitamin D levels. The study showed that the risk of vitamin D deficiency is the most highest during winter and autumn. Normal lifelong vitamin D levels are especially important in hemophilia because of the possible synergistic effect of vitamin D levels on periarticular and general osteoporosis, which is intrinsic to hemophilic conditions. We advise routine checking of vitamin D levels twice a year and vitamin D supplementation to maintain its level between 30 and 100 ng/ml.

Decreased heterotopic osteogenesis in vitamin-D-deficient, but normocalcemic guinea pigs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dziedzic-Goclawska, A.; Toverud, S. U.; Kaminski, A.; Boass, A.; Yamauchi, M.

1992-01-01

The effect of vitamin D deficiency unhampered by hypocalcemia on de novo bone formation was studied in guinea pigs. Heterotopic induction of osteogenesis was evaluated 4 weeks after intramuscular transplantation of allogenic urinary bladder transitional epithelium from vitamin-D-repleted (+D) donors into +D and -D recipients. In -D recipients the frequency of osteogenesis and the amount of induced bone were significantly diminished; induced bone was less mature, scantly cellular woven bone poorly repopulated with bone marrow. No effect of vitamin D deficiency on orthotopic bone growth and on mineralization of orthotopic and heterotopically induced bone was observed. It is proposed that in addition to inducing factors (BMPs, growth factors) which may be responsible for transformation of mesenchymal cells to osteoprogenitor cells, normal concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3 may be required for proliferation and further differentiation of these cells into osteoblasts and for expression of genes engaged in extracellular matrix formation and maturation.

Low parathyroid hormone levels in bedridden geriatric patients with vitamin D deficiency.

PubMed

Björkman, Mikko P; Sorva, Antti J; Risteli, Juha; Tilvis, Reijo S

2009-06-01

To identify the clinical conditions associated with low parathyroid hormone (PTH) in patients with vitamin D deficiency and to evaluate the stability of the blunted PTH response to vitamin D deficiency over 6 months. Secondary analysis of a randomized double-blind controlled vitamin D supplementation trial. Four long-term care hospitals in Helsinki, Finland. Two hundred eighteen chronically bedridden patients. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), intact PTH, amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), activities of daily living (ADLs), and body mass index (BMI) were measured at baseline and at 6 months. Patient records were reviewed for demographic data. PTH was within reference values (8-73 ng/L) despite low 25-OHD level (<50 nmol/L) in 74.8% (n=163) of patients (mean age 84.5+/-7.5). Patients in the lowest PTH quartile (<38 ng/L) were characterized by a history of hip fractures (OR=2.9, P=0.01), low BMI (OR=0.9, P=.02), and high ICTP (OR=1.1, P=.03). PTH remained within reference values even after 6 months in 76.2% of the patients with persistent vitamin D deficiency in the placebo group. The absence of secondary hyperparathyroidism seems to be common and persistent in frail chronically bedridden patients with vitamin D deficiency. Attenuated parathyroid function appears to be associated with immobilization that causes accelerated bone resorption. Further studies addressing the possible adverse effects of low PTH are warranted.

Maternal supplementation for prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in exclusively breastfed infants.

PubMed

Haggerty, Linda L

2011-06-01

Current research links newborn and infant vitamin D deficiency with various clinical outcomes, including rickets, failure to thrive, type 1 diabetes, and other immune-related diseases. Breastfed infants are often at a greater risk of developing deficiency due to their mothers' low vitamin D status. Human milk reflects the vitamin D status of the mother and often contains inadequate levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D for infant nutrition. In 2008 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation of all infants. However, research has indicated low levels of compliance of vitamin D supplementation of breastfed infants and a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency in the United States. Many breastfeeding advocates believe that the AAP's recommendations undermine breastfeeding, implying that human milk is inadequate for infant nutrition. Lactating mothers are also reluctant to add any supplements to their breastmilk. The literature review will examine the effectiveness and safety of maternal vitamin D supplementation for prevention and/or treatment of vitamin D deficiency in breastfed infants and lactating mothers. This method of prevention and intervention provides pediatric providers and certified lactation consultants with an alternative approach for education, counseling, promotion of breastfeeding, and treatment to improve maternal and infant health.

Vitamin D deficiency and pregnancy rates in women undergoing single embryo, blastocyst stage, transfer (SET) for IVF/ICSI.

PubMed

Polyzos, Nikolaos P; Anckaert, Ellen; Guzman, Luis; Schiettecatte, Johan; Van Landuyt, Lisbet; Camus, Michel; Smitz, Johan; Tournaye, Herman

2014-09-01

What is the influence of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy rates among women undergoing IVF/ICSI and Day 5 (blastocyst stage) single embryo transfer (SET)? Vitamin D deficiency results in significantly lower pregnancy rates in women undergoing single blastocyst transfer. Preliminary experiments have identified the presence of vitamin D receptors in the female reproductive system. However, results regarding the effect of vitamin D deficiency on clinical outcomes are conflicting. None of the previous studies adopted a SET strategy. Serum vitamin D concentration was measured retrospectively in patients who underwent SET on Day 5. Overall 368 consecutive infertile women treated within a period of 15 months were included in the study. All patients underwent ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI and Day 5 SET. Serum samples were obtained 7 days prior to embryo transfer and stored frozen at -20°C. Samples were collectively analyzed for their 25-OH vitamin D content. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-OH vitamin D levels <20 ng/ml in accordance with the Institute of Medicine and the Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines. Clinical pregnancy rates were significantly lower in women with vitamin D deficiency compared with those with higher vitamin D values (41 versus 54%, P = 0.015).Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify whether vitamin D deficiency is independently associated with clinical pregnancy rates after controlling for 16 potential confounding factors. According to our results vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with lower clinical pregnancy rates, odds ratios [ORs (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61 (0.39-0.95)] for vitamin D deficiency (deficient versus non-deficient women), P = 0.030. Finally, even when restricting our analysis to women undergoing elective SET (274 patients), vitamin D deficiency was again independently associated with pregnancy rates [OR (95% CI) 0.56 (0.33-0.93), P = 0.024]. Our results refer only to

Vitamin D concentration and deficiency across different ages and genders.

PubMed

Lippi, Giuseppe; Montagnana, Martina; Meschi, Tiziana; Borghi, Loris

2012-10-01

Vitamin D deficiency is a major health problem worldwide, especially in the elderly, so that an accurate assessment of its prevalence is essential for planning reliable healthcare policy throughout the lifespan. The aim of the present study was to assess the concentration as well as the mild and moderate deficiencies of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) across different ages and genders. We searched the database of the local Laboratory Information System to retrieve results of 25OHD tests performed on the whole cohort of presumably healthy Caucasian outpatients aged >12 yrs, who were referred to our laboratory in the North-East of Italy for routine laboratory testing ordered by general practitioners, over a 3-year period (October 2008-October 2011). Cumulative results for 25OHD testing were retrieved for 2327 outpatients (1744 females and 583 males). No significant differences between females and males were observed for 25OHD values (71 [25-140] vs 67 [27-130] nmol/L; p=0.40), as well as a similar prevalence of mild (32.8 vs 33.4%; p=0.89) and moderate (21.7 vs 25.6%; p=0.37) 25OHD deficiency. A non significant variation of 25OHD values was also found by ANOVA analysis throughout four age cohorts (<21, 21-40, 41-60 and >60 yrs), in both genders. In each age group, the values of 25OHD did not significantly differ between genders. The percentage of subjects displaying mild and moderate 25OHD deficiencies in the older subgroup was comparable to that observed in the younger adult population. The results of this large epidemiological investigation show that the prevalence of mild and moderate vitamin D deficiency does not significantly increase with aging and seems lower than that observed in other European and American countries.

Evaluation of longitudinal left ventricular function in patients with coronary artery ectasia and vitamin D deficiency by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography.

PubMed

Aghajani, Hasan; Faal, Mohsen; Hosseinsabet, Ali

2017-03-01

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as the dilation of at least one segment of the coronary arteries that reaches at least 1.5 times the size of a normal neighboring segment. It has been shown that left ventricular (LV) diastolic function is impaired in patients with CAE. Also, it has been shown that LV function is impaired in vitamin D-deficient subjects compared with vitamin D-sufficient subjects and vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in CAE patients. We hypothesized that LV function is impaired in patients with CAE so we evaluated longitudinal LV myocardial function by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in patients with CAE and vitamin D deficiency without significant coronary artery stenosis and compared the results with those of subjects with vitamin D deficiency and near-normal coronary arteries. Our study population comprised 21 consecutive patients with CAE and without significant coronary artery stenosis (<50%) and 31 control subjects with near-normal coronary arteries. All subjects had vitamin D deficiency. All 2DSTE-derived indices of longitudinal LV function, comprised of the absolute values of systolic strain (14.0±2.7% vs 15.4±2.3%, P=.039), systolic strain rate (1.2±0.2/s vs 1.3±0.2/s, P=.015), early diastolic strain rate (1.1±0.3/s vs 1.3±0.3 s -1 , P=.030), and late diastolic strain rate (0.8±0.2/s vs 1±0.2/s , P=.005), were reduced in the patients with CAE and vitamin D deficiency. The systolic and diastolic functions of the LV in the patients with CAE and vitamin D deficiency were impaired as evaluated by 2DSTE. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Can I have some sunshine to cheer me up? vitamin D deficiency and depression in the elderly].

PubMed

Stalpers-Konijnenburg, S C; Marijnissen, R M; Gaasbeek, A B; Oude Voshaar, R C

2011-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in the elderly, and the geriatric patient is probably at even greater risk. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium homeostasis; recent studies point to a possible causal link between vitamin D deficiency and the development and severity of depression. In this article we focus on an 80-year-old patient with depression and severe vitamin D deficiency and give advice on the diagnosis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. To supplement the current multidisciplinary guidelines on depression, we recommend routine testing of serum vitamin D level prior to confirming the diagnosis of depression in the elderly.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Cardiometabolic Risks: A Juxtaposition of Arab Adolescents and Adults.

PubMed

Al-Daghri, Nasser M; Al-Saleh, Yousef; Aljohani, Naji; Alokail, Majed; Al-Attas, Omar; Alnaami, Abdullah M; Sabico, Shaun; Alsulaimani, Maha; Al-Harbi, Mohammed; Alfawaz, Hanan; Chrousos, George P

2015-01-01

The recent exponential surge in vitamin D research reflects the global epidemic of vitamin D deficiency and its potential impact on several chronic diseases in both children and adults. Several subpopulations, including Arab adolescent boys and girls, remain understudied. This study aims to fill this gap. A total of 2225 apparently healthy Saudi adolescents (1187 boys and 1038 girls, aged 13-17 years old) and 830 adults (368 men and 462 women, aged 18-50 years old) were respectively recruited from different public schools and medical practices within Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Anthropometrics were taken and fasting blood samples withdrawn to examine serum glucose and lipid profile by routine analysis and 25-hydroxyvitamin D by ELISA. Almost half of the girls (47.0%) had vitamin D deficiency as compared to only 19.4% of the boys (p<0.001), 36.8% of the adult women and 17.7% of the adult men (p<0.001). Furthermore, in boys there were more significant inverse associations between serum 25(OH)vitamin D levels and cardiometabolic indices than girls, while in contrast women had more significant associations than men. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) [OR 3.47 (CI1.26-5.55); p<0.05] and pre-DM [OR 2.47 (CI 1.48-4.12); p<0.01] in boys. Furthermore, vitamin D insufficiency was significantly associated with abdominal obesity in boys [OR 2.75 (CI 1.1-7.1); p<0.05]. These associations for DMT2 and abdominal obesity were not observed in adult males, girls and adult women. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and hyperglycemia is high among Arab adolescents. Vitamin D deficiency is mostly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescent Arab boys. This indicates a sex- and age-related disadvantage for boys with low vitamin D status and challenges the extra-skeletal protection of vitamin D correction in adolescent females.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and associated factors in women and newborns in the immediate postpartum period

PubMed Central

do Prado, Mara Rúbia Maciel Cardoso; Oliveira, Fabiana de Cássia Carvalho; Assis, Karine Franklin; Ribeiro, Sarah Aparecida Vieira; do Prado, Pedro Paulo; Sant'Ana, Luciana Ferreira da Rocha; Priore, Silvia Eloiza; Franceschini, Sylvia do Carmo Castro

2015-01-01

Abstract Objective: To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors in women and their newborns in the postpartum period. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in 226 women and their newborns in Viçosa (Minas Gerais, BR) between December 2011 and November 2012. Cord blood and venous maternal blood were collected to evaluate the following biochemical parameters: vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone. Poisson regression analysis, with a confidence interval of 95%, was applied to assess vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with 25(OH)D deficiency in the newborns and women from the study. The criteria for variable inclusion in the multiple linear regression model was the association with the dependent variable in the simple linear regression analysis, considering p<0.20. Significance level was α <5%. Results: From 226 women included, 200 (88.5%) were 20-44 years old; the median age was 28 years. Deficient/insufficient levels of vitamin D were found in 192 (85%) women and in 182 (80.5%) neonates. The maternal 25(OH)D and alkaline phosphatase levels were independently associated with vitamin D deficiency in infants. Conclusions: This study identified a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in women and newborns and the association between maternal nutritional status of vitamin D and their infants' vitamin D status. PMID:26100593

Benefits from the correction of vitamin D deficiency in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Mirdamadi, Ahmad; Moshkdar, Pouya

2016-01-01

Vitamin D (Vit D) is linked to various conditions including musculoskeletal, metabolic and cardiopulmonary diseases. However, it is not clear whether correction of vit D deficiency exerts any beneficial effect in patients with pulmonary hypertension. This study was a prospective uncontrolled longitudinal study. Patients with pulmonary hypertension and vit D deficiency were enrolled into this study. All patients in addition to standard treatment for pulmonary hypertension received cholecalciferol at a dose of 50,000 IU weekly plus calcicare (at a dose of 200 mg magnesium + 8 mg zinc + 400 IU vit D) daily for 3 months. Serum level of 25-hydroxy vit D, serum level of pro-brain natriuretic peptide, six minute walk test (6MWT), peak and mean pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular size and function, ejection fraction (EF) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class were measured at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Twenty-two patients with pulmonary hypertension and vit D deficiency were enrolled into the study. At endpoint, the serum vit D level increased significantly to 54.8 ng/ml, the mean of baseline distance of 6MWT increased significantly to 81.6 m and the RV size significantly improved. The mean pulmonary artery pressure also improved after the intervention, but their changes did not reach to statistically significant levels. Vit D replacement therapy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and vit D deficiency results in significant improvement of right ventricular size and 6 MWT. Moreover, mean pulmonary artery pressure improves nonsignificantly. This issue requires further studies with long-term follow-up period.

Vitamin D deficiency and low bone status in adult female garment factory workers in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Islam, Md Zahirul; Shamim, Abu Ahmed; Kemi, Virpi; Nevanlinna, Antti; Akhtaruzzaman, Mohammad; Laaksonen, Marika; Jehan, Atia H; Jahan, Khurshid; Khan, Habib Ullah; Lamberg-Allardt, Christel

2008-06-01

The manufacture of garments is the main industry in Bangladesh and employs 1.6 million female workers. Due to the indoor lifestyle and low dietary intake of calcium, we hypothesised that they are at risk of low vitamin D and bone mineral status. Two hundred female garment workers (aged 18-36 years) were randomly selected. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25OHD), serum intact parathyroid hormone (S-iPTH), serum calcium (S-Ca), serum phosphate (S-P) concentration and serum alkaline phosphatase activity (S-ALP) were measured from fasting samples. Bone indexes of hip and spine were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The mean S-25OHD (36.7 nmol/l) was low compared to that recommended for vitamin D sufficiency. About 16% of the subjects were found to be vitamin D-deficient (S-25OHD 21 ng/l) was associated with progressive reduction in bone mineral density at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. According to the WHO criteria, the mean T-score of the femoral neck and lumbar spine of the subjects were within osteopenic range. We observed that subjects with a bone mineral density T-score < -2.5 had a trend of lower values of BMI, waist-hip circumference, mid-upper-arm circumference, S-25OHD and higher S-iPTH and S-ALP. The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and low bone mineral density among these subjects are indicative of higher risk for osteomalacia or osteoporosis and fracture.

Canine Leishmaniasis Progression is Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Cortes, A; Martori, C; Martinez-Florez, A; Clop, A; Amills, M; Kubejko, J; Llull, J; Nadal, J M; Alberola, J

2017-06-13

The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of suffering from a plethora of health disorders, ranging from autoimmune processes to infectious diseases has been widely described. Nonetheless, the potential role of vitamin D in visceral leishmaniasis remains uncharacterized. In the Mediterranean basin, where the dog is leishmania's main peri-domestic reservoir, control measures against the canine disease have shown beneficial effects on the incidence of human leishmaniasis. In this study, we measured the vitamin D levels in serum samples from a cohort of 68 healthy and disease dogs from a highly endemic area and we have also studied the relationship of these levels with parasitological and immunological parameters. The sick dogs presented significantly lower (P < 0.001) vitamin D levels (19.6 ng/mL) than their non-infected (31.8 ng/mL) and the asymptomatic counterparts (29.6 ng/mL). In addition, vitamin D deficiency correlated with several parameters linked to leishmaniasis progression. However, there was no correlation between vitamin D levels and the Leishmania-specific cellular immune response. Moreover, both the leishmanin skin test and the IFN-γ levels displayed negative correlations with serological, parasitological and clinical signs. Further studies to determine the functional role of vitamin D on the progression and control of canine leishmaniasis are needed.

Incidence of vitamin D deficiency rickets among Australian children: an Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit study.

PubMed

Munns, Craig F; Simm, Peter J; Rodda, Christine P; Garnett, Sarah P; Zacharin, Margaret R; Ward, Leanne M; Geddes, Janet; Cherian, Sarah; Zurynski, Yvonne; Cowell, Christopher T

2012-04-16

To determine the incidence of and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency rickets in Australian children. 18-month questionnaire-based prospective observational study, using Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) data. Australian paediatricians and child health workers, January 2006 - July 2007. Children aged ≤ 15 years with vitamin D deficiency rickets (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD] ≤ 50 nmol/L, and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels [> 229 IU/L] and/or radiological rickets). Incidence of vitamin D deficiency rickets. Description of demographics, clinical presentation, identification and further analysis of overrepresented groups, and treatment regimens compared with best-practice guidelines. We identified 398 children with vitamin D deficiency (55% male; median age, 6.3 years [range, 0.2-15 years]). The overall incidence in children ≤ 15 years of age in Australia was 4.9/100 000/year. All had a low 25OHD level (median, 28 nmol/L [range, 5-50 nmol]) and an elevated alkaline phosphatase level (median, 407 IU/L [range, 229-5443 IU/L]), and 48 (12%) were hypocalcaemic. Ninety-five children had wrist x-rays, of whom 67 (71%) had rachitic changes. Most (98%) had dark or intermediate skin colour and 18% of girls were partially or completely veiled. Most children were born in Africa (252; 63%) and 75% of children were refugees. Duration of exclusive breastfeeding was inversely related to serum vitamin D levels in children < 3 years of age. Empirical vitamin D treatment was given to 4% of children before diagnosis. Vitamin D deficiency rickets is a significant problem in Australia among known high-risk groups. Public health campaigns to prevent, identify and tre@vitamin D deficiency, especially in high-risk groups, are essential.

Association between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vitamin D Deficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Del Pinto, Rita; Pietropaoli, Davide; Chandar, Apoorva Krishna; Ferri, Claudio; Cominelli, Fabio

2015-01-01

Background Vitamin D plays a role in several immune-mediated diseases, but its association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between IBD and vitamin D deficiency. Methods We searched electronic databases from inception to December 2014 for observational studies reporting the presence of vitamin D deficiency (defined as serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D] level of ≤20 ng/ml) in IBD patients and having a control group without IBD. Odds ratios (OR) were combined using a random effects model. Meta-regression was performed using latitude as a moderator. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results Out of 816 citations, 14 eligible studies were identified, comprising 1891 participants (938 IBD cases and 953 controls). Meta-analysis showed that patients with IBD had 64% higher odds of vitamin D deficiency when compared to controls (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.30, 2.08; I2 = 7%; p < 0.0001). UC patients had more than double the odds of vitamin D deficiency when compared to normal controls (OR = 2.28; 1.18, 4.41; I2 = 41%; p=0.01). Latitude did not influence the association between IBD and vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.34). Generalizability of our results might be limited as we summarized unadjusted ORs, due to non-availability of adjusted ORs in individual studies. Conclusions IBD is significantly associated with having higher odds of vitamin D deficiency. Well-designed RCTs and longitudinal studies are needed to further clarify the role of vitamin D in IBD pathogenesis and its therapy. PMID:26348447

Vitamin D status and determinants of deficiency among non-pregnant Jordanian women of reproductive age.

PubMed

Nichols, E K; Khatib, I M D; Aburto, N J; Sullivan, K M; Scanlon, K S; Wirth, J P; Serdula, M K

2012-06-01

Vitamin D deficiency, a risk factor for osteomalacia and osteoporosis, is a re-emerging health problem globally. While sunlight is an important vitamin D source, previous investigations among women whose culture encourages skin covering have been small, not nationally representative, or both. We investigated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D(3)) status and factors associated with deficiency in a nationally representative survey of 2013 Jordanian women of reproductive age in Spring 2010. We measured 25(OH)D(3) concentrations by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and calculated prevalence ratios for deficiency associated with skin covering and other factors. Results showed 60.3% (95% CI: 57.1-63.4%) deficiency (<12 ng/ml) and 95.7% (95% CI: 94.4-96.8%) insufficiency (<20 ng/ml) among women. Prevalence of deficiency was 1.60 times higher for women who covered with a scarf/hijab (95% CI: 1.06-2.40, P = 0.024) and 1.87 times higher for women who wore full cover, or a niqab (95% CI: 1.20-2.93, P = 0.006), compared with the women who did not wear a scarf/hijab or niqab. Compared with rural women completing at least secondary education, prevalence of deficiency was 1.30 times higher for urban women of the same education level (95% CI: 1.08-1.57, P = 0.006), 1.18 times higher for urban women completing less than secondary education (95% CI: 0.98-1.43, P = 0.09), and 0.66 times lower for rural women completing less than secondary education (95% CI: 0.52-0.84, P = 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency pose significant public health problems in Jordanian women. Prevalence of deficiency is significantly higher among urban women and among women who cover with a scarf/hijab or niqab.

Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With the Severity of Radiation-Induced Proctitis in Cancer Patients

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghorbanzadeh-Moghaddam, Amir; Gholamrezaei, Ali, E-mail: Gholamrezaei@med.mui.ac.ir; Poursina Hakim Research Institution, Isfahan

Purpose: Radiation-induced injury to normal tissues is a common complication of radiation therapy in cancer patients. Considering the role of vitamin D in mucosal barrier hemostasis and inflammatory responses, we investigated whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with the severity of radiation-induced acute proctitis in cancer patients. Methods and Materials: This prospective observational study was conducted in cancer patients referred for pelvic radiation therapy. Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured before radiation therapy. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of <35 nmol/L and <40 nmol/L in male and female patients, respectively, based on available normative data.more » Acute proctitis was assessed after 5 weeks of radiation therapy (total received radiation dose of 50 Gy) and graded from 0 to 4 using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. Results: Ninety-eight patients (57.1% male) with a mean age of 62.8 ± 9.1 years were studied. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 57 patients (58.1%). Symptoms of acute proctitis occurred in 72 patients (73.4%) after radiation therapy. RTOG grade was significantly higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency than in normal cases (median [interquartile range] of 2 [0.5-3] vs 1 [0-2], P=.037). Vitamin D deficiency was associated with RTOG grade of ≥2, independent of possible confounding factors; odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 3.07 (1.27-7.50), P=.013. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased severity of radiation-induced acute proctitis. Investigating the underlying mechanisms of this association and evaluating the effectiveness of vitamin D therapy in preventing radiation-induced acute proctitis is warranted.« less

Protean manifestations of vitamin D deficiency, part 3: association with cardiovascular disease and disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

PubMed

Bell, David S H

2011-05-01

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the risk factors of inflammation, insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction, and left ventricular hypertrophy. As a result there is an increase in cardiovascular events (CVEs) associated with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency itself or secondary hyperparathyroidism or both may be responsible for the increase in CVEs. Correction of vitamin D deficiency may decrease the incidence of CVEs. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with Alzheimer disease, schizophrenia, depression, and chronic pain and muscle weakness. Vitamin D deficiency is early treated with oral vitamin D supplements which may improve the manifestations of the diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency.

[Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and associated factors in women and newborns in the immediate postpartum period].

PubMed

do Prado, Mara Rúbia Maciel Cardoso; Oliveira, Fabiana de Cássia Carvalho; Assis, Karine Franklin; Ribeiro, Sarah Aparecida Vieira; do Prado Junior, Pedro Paulo; Sant'Ana, Luciana Ferreira da Rocha; Priore, Silvia Eloiza; Franceschini, Sylvia do Carmo Castro

2015-01-01

To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors in women and their newborns in the postpartum period. This cross-sectional study evaluated vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in 226 women and their newborns in Viçosa (Minas Gerais, BR) between December 2011 and November 2012. Cord blood and venous maternal blood were collected to evaluate the following biochemical parameters: vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone. Poisson regression analysis, with a confidence interval of 95% was applied to assess vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with 25(OH)D deficiency in the newborns and women from the study. The criteria for variable inclusion in the multiple linear regression model was the association with the dependent variable in the simple linear regression analysis, considering p<0.20. Significance level was α<5%. From 226 women included, 200 (88.5%) were 20 to 44 years old; the median age was 28 years. Deficient/insufficient levels of vitamin D were found in 192 (85%) women and in 182 (80.5%) neonates. The maternal 25(OH)D and alkaline phosphatase levels were independently associated with vitamin D deficiency in infants. This study identified a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in women and newborns and the association between maternal nutritional status of vitamin D and their infants' vitamin D status. Copyright © 2015 Sociedade de Pediatria de São Paulo. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Impact of air pollution on vitamin D deficiency and bone health in adolescents.

PubMed

Feizabad, Elham; Hossein-Nezhad, Arash; Maghbooli, Zhila; Ramezani, Majid; Hashemian, Roxana; Moattari, Syamak

2017-12-01

The association between air pollution and bone health was evaluated in adolescents in the city of Tehran. This study is essentially ecological. Vitamin D deficiency among adolescents has been reported at higher rates in polluted areas than in non-polluted areas. Additionally, residence in polluted areas is associated with lower levels of bone alkaline phosphatase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between ambient air pollution and bone turnover in adolescents and to compare the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency between polluted and non-polluted areas of Tehran. This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted on 325 middle- and high-school students (both girls and boys) in Tehran in the winter. During the study period, detailed daily data on air pollution were obtained from archived data collected by Tehran Air Quality Control Company (AQCC). Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, 25(OH) vitamin D, osteocalcin, cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX), total protein, albumin, and creatinine were obtained from the study group. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in polluted areas than in non-polluted areas. After adjustment for age and sex, residence in the polluted area showed a statistically significant positive association with vitamin D deficiency and a statistically significant negative association with bone turnover. Interestingly, high calcium intake (>5000 mg/week) protects against the effects of air pollution on bone turnover. Air pollution is a chief factor determining the amount of solar UVB that reaches the earth's surface. Thus, atmospheric pollution may play a significant independent role in the development of vitamin D deficiency.

The effect of vitamin D on primary dysmenorrhea with vitamin D deficiency: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Moini, Ashraf; Ebrahimi, Tabandeh; Shirzad, Nooshin; Hosseini, Reihaneh; Radfar, Mania; Bandarian, Fatemeh; Jafari-Adli, Shahrzad; Qorbani, Mostafa; Hemmatabadi, Mahboobeh

2016-06-01

Dysmenorrhea is common among women of reproductive age. This study aim was to investigate the effect of vitamin D (vit D) supplementation in treatment of primary dysmenorrhea with vit D deficiency. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 women with primary dysmenorrhea and vit D deficiency referred to our clinic at Arash Women's Hospital from September 2013 to December 2014. Eligible women were randomly assigned into treatment and control groups (30 in each group). Individuals in the treatment group received 50 000 IU oral vit D and the control group received placebo weekly for eight weeks. After two months of treatment, there was a significant difference in serum vit D concentration between the two groups (p < 0.001). Pain severity decreased significantly in treatment group after eight weeks of treatment. There was a significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups after eight weeks of treatment and one month after the end of treatment (p < 0.001 for both). A weekly high dose (50 000 IU) oral vit D supplementation for eight weeks in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and vit D deficiency could improve pain intensity.

Developmental vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia: the role of animal models

PubMed Central

Schoenrock, S. A.; Tarantino, L. M.

2016-01-01

Schizophrenia is a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder that affects 1% of the US population. Based on twin and genome-wide association studies, it is clear that both genetics and environmental factors increase the risk for developing schizophrenia. Moreover, there is evidence that conditions in utero, either alone or in concert with genetic factors, may alter neurodevelopment and lead to an increased risk for schizophrenia. There has been progress in identifying genetic loci and environmental exposures that increase risk, but there are still considerable gaps in our knowledge. Furthermore, very little is known about the specific neurodevelopmental mechanisms upon which genetics and the environment act to increase disposition to developing schizophrenia in adulthood. Vitamin D deficiency during the perinatal period has been hypothesized to increase risk for schizophrenia in humans. The developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency hypothesis of schizophrenia arises from the observation that disease risk is increased in individuals who are born in winter or spring, live further from the equator or live in urban vs. rural settings. These environments result in less exposure to sunlight, thereby reducing the initial steps in the production of vitamin D. Rodent models have been developed to characterize the behavioral and developmental effects of DVD deficiency. This review focuses on these animal models and discusses the current knowledge of the role of DVD deficiency in altering behavior and neurobiology relevant to schizophrenia. PMID:26560996

Peripubertal Vitamin D3 Deficiency Delays Puberty and Disrupts the Estrous Cycle in Adult Female Mice1

PubMed Central

Dicken, Cary L.; Israel, Davelene D.; Davis, Joe B.; Sun, Yan; Shu, Jun; Hardin, John; Neal-Perry, Genevieve

2012-01-01

ABSTRACT The mechanism(s) by which vitamin D3 regulates female reproduction is minimally understood. We tested the hypothesis that peripubertal vitamin D3 deficiency disrupts hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian physiology. To test this hypothesis, we used wild-type mice and Cyp27b1 (the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) null mice to study the effect of vitamin D3 deficiency on puberty and reproductive physiology. At the time of weaning, mice were randomized to a vitamin D3-replete or -deficient diet supplemented with calcium. We assessed the age of vaginal opening and first estrus (puberty markers), gonadotropin levels, ovarian histology, ovarian responsiveness to exogenous gonadotropins, and estrous cyclicity. Peripubertal vitamin D3 deficiency significantly delayed vaginal opening without affecting the number of GnRH-immunopositive neurons or estradiol-negative feedback on gonadotropin levels during diestrus. Young adult females maintained on a vitamin D3-deficient diet after puberty had arrested follicular development and prolonged estrous cycles characterized by extended periods of diestrus. Ovaries of vitamin D3-deficient Cyp27b1 null mice responded to exogenous gonadotropins and deposited significantly more oocytes into the oviducts than mice maintained on a vitamin D3-replete diet. Estrous cycles were restored when vitamin D3-deficient Cyp27b1 null young adult females were transferred to a vitamin D3-replete diet. This study is the first to demonstrate that peripubertal vitamin D3 sufficiency is important for an appropriately timed pubertal transition and maintenance of normal female reproductive physiology. These data suggest vitamin D3 is a key regulator of neuroendocrine and ovarian physiology. PMID:22572998

Chronic Latent Magnesium Deficiency in Obesity Decreases Positive Effects of Vitamin D on Cardiometabolic Risk Indicators.

PubMed

Stokic, Edita; Romani, Andrea; Ilincic, Branislava; Kupusinac, Aleksandar; Stosic, Zoran; Isenovic, Esma R

2017-08-21

Obesity and micronutrient deficiencies contribute to the risk of cardiometabolic diseases such are type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the frequency of concomitant deficit of magnesium (Mg) and vitamin D in obese patients and evaluated the connection of these combined deficiencies with indicators of cardiometabolic risk in non-diabetic subjects. Non-diabetic middle aged adults (n = 80; mean age 36 ± 4 years, 52% women) were recruited based on weight/adiposity parameters [i.e. body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (FAT%)]. Cardiometabolic risk indicators [insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)) and CVD risk (Framingham risk score for predicting 10-year CVD)], Mg status [i.e. total serum Mg concentration (TMg), chronic latent Mg deficiency (CLMD) - 0.75-0.85 mmol/L], vitamin D status [i.e. serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), vitamin D deficiency <50 nmol/l] were assessed. Among obese subjects 36% presented a combination of vitamin D deficiency and CLMD. In all studied patients, 25(OH)D and TMg levels both, individually and combined, showed a negative linear correlation with HOMA-IR and CVD risk. In subjects with CLMD (TMg ˂0.85 mmol/L), a negative linear coefficient was found between 25(OH)D and, HOMA-IR and CVD risk, compared with subjects with normal TMg status (TMg ≥0.85 mmol/L). CLMD and vitamin D deficiency may commonly be present in obese non-diabetic subjects. Individually and combined, both deficiencies predispose non-diabetic patients to increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Maintaining normal Mg status may improve the beneficial effects of vitamin D on cardiometabolic risk indicators. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Vitamin D deficiency may be an independent risk factor for arterial disease.

PubMed

van de Luijtgaarden, K M; Voûte, M T; Hoeks, S E; Bakker, E J; Chonchol, M; Stolker, R J; Rouwet, E V; Verhagen, H J M

2012-09-01

The aim of this study was to assess the vitamin D status in patients with occlusive or aneurysmatic arterial disease in relation to clinical cardiovascular risk profiles and markers of atherosclerotic disease. We included 490 patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD, n = 254) or aortic aneurysm (n = 236). Cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), ankle-brachial index (ABI), serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and vitamin D were assessed. Patients were categorised into severely (≤25 nmol l(-1)) or moderately (26-50 nmol l(-1)) vitamin D deficient, vitamin D insufficient (51-75 nmol l(-1)) or vitamin D sufficient (>75 nmol l(-1)). Overall, 45% of patients suffered from moderate or severe vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was similar in patients with PAD and those with an aortic aneurysm. Low levels of vitamin D were associated with congestive heart failure and cerebrovascular disease. Adjusting for clinical cardiovascular risk factors, multivariable regression analyses showed that low vitamin D status was associated with higher CIMT (P = 0.001), lower ABI (P < 0.001) and higher hs-CRP (P = 0.022). The current study shows a strong association between low vitamin D status and arterial disease, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and irrespective of the type of vascular disease, that is, occlusive or aneurysmatic disease. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Severe Vitamin D Deficiency in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Pregnant Women is Associated with Preterm Birth.

PubMed

Jao, Jennifer; Freimanis, Laura; Mussi-Pinhata, Marisa M; Cohen, Rachel A; Monteiro, Jacqueline Pontes; Cruz, Maria Leticia; Branch, Andrea; Sperling, Rhoda S; Siberry, George K

2017-04-01

Background  Low maternal vitamin D has been associated with preterm birth (PTB). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women are at risk for PTB, but data on maternal vitamin D and PTB in this population are scarce. Methods  In a cohort of Latin American HIV-infected pregnant women from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative protocol, we examined the association between maternal vitamin D status and PTB. Vitamin D status was defined as the following 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels: severe deficiency (< 10 ng/mL), deficiency (10-20 ng/mL), insufficiency (21-29 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL). PTB was defined as delivery at < 37 weeks' gestational age (GA). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between maternal vitamin D status and PTB. Results  Of 715 HIV-infected pregnant women, 13 (1.8%) were severely vitamin D deficient, 224 (31.3%) were deficient, and 233 were (32.6%) insufficient. Overall, 23.2% (166/715) of pregnancies resulted in PTB (median GA of PTBs = 36 weeks [interquartile range: 34-36]). In multivariate analysis, severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with PTB (odds ratio = 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-16.8]). Conclusion  Severe maternal vitamin D deficiency is associated with PTB in HIV-infected Latin American pregnant women. Further studies are warranted to determine if vitamin D supplementation in HIV-infected women may impact PTB. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Surfactant protein A (SP-A)-mediated clearance of Staphylococcus aureus involves binding of SP-A to the staphylococcal adhesin eap and the macrophage receptors SP-A receptor 210 and scavenger receptor class A.

PubMed

Sever-Chroneos, Zvjezdana; Krupa, Agnieszka; Davis, Jeremy; Hasan, Misbah; Yang, Ching-Hui; Szeliga, Jacek; Herrmann, Mathias; Hussain, Muzafar; Geisbrecht, Brian V; Kobzik, Lester; Chroneos, Zissis C

2011-02-11

Staphylococcus aureus causes life-threatening pneumonia in hospitals and deadly superinfection during viral influenza. The current study investigated the role of surfactant protein A (SP-A) in opsonization and clearance of S. aureus. Previous studies showed that SP-A mediates phagocytosis via the SP-A receptor 210 (SP-R210). Here, we show that SP-R210 mediates binding and control of SP-A-opsonized S. aureus by macrophages. We determined that SP-A binds S. aureus through the extracellular adhesin Eap. Consequently, SP-A enhanced macrophage uptake of Eap-expressing (Eap(+)) but not Eap-deficient (Eap(-)) S. aureus. In a reciprocal fashion, SP-A failed to enhance uptake of Eap(+) S. aureus in peritoneal Raw264.7 macrophages with a dominant negative mutation (SP-R210(DN)) blocking surface expression of SP-R210. Accordingly, WT mice cleared infection with Eap(+) but succumbed to sublethal infection with Eap- S. aureus. However, SP-R210(DN) cells compensated by increasing non-opsonic phagocytosis of Eap(+) S. aureus via the scavenger receptor scavenger receptor class A (SR-A), while non-opsonic uptake of Eap(-) S. aureus was impaired. Macrophages express two isoforms: SP-R210(L) and SP-R210(S). The results show that WT alveolar macrophages are distinguished by expression of SP-R210(L), whereas SR-A(-/-) alveolar macrophages are deficient in SP-R210(L) expressing only SP-R210(S). Accordingly, SR-A(-/-) mice were highly susceptible to both Eap(+) and Eap(-) S. aureus. The lungs of susceptible mice generated abnormal inflammatory responses that were associated with impaired killing and persistence of S. aureus infection in the lung. In conclusion, alveolar macrophage SP-R210(L) mediates recognition and killing of SP-A-opsonized S. aureus in vivo, coordinating inflammatory responses and resolution of S. aureus pneumonia through interaction with SR-A.

Surfactant Protein A (SP-A)-mediated Clearance of Staphylococcus aureus Involves Binding of SP-A to the Staphylococcal Adhesin Eap and the Macrophage Receptors SP-A Receptor 210 and Scavenger Receptor Class A*

PubMed Central

Sever-Chroneos, Zvjezdana; Krupa, Agnieszka; Davis, Jeremy; Hasan, Misbah; Yang, Ching-Hui; Szeliga, Jacek; Herrmann, Mathias; Hussain, Muzafar; Geisbrecht, Brian V.; Kobzik, Lester; Chroneos, Zissis C.

2011-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus causes life-threatening pneumonia in hospitals and deadly superinfection during viral influenza. The current study investigated the role of surfactant protein A (SP-A) in opsonization and clearance of S. aureus. Previous studies showed that SP-A mediates phagocytosis via the SP-A receptor 210 (SP-R210). Here, we show that SP-R210 mediates binding and control of SP-A-opsonized S. aureus by macrophages. We determined that SP-A binds S. aureus through the extracellular adhesin Eap. Consequently, SP-A enhanced macrophage uptake of Eap-expressing (Eap+) but not Eap-deficient (Eap−) S. aureus. In a reciprocal fashion, SP-A failed to enhance uptake of Eap+ S. aureus in peritoneal Raw264.7 macrophages with a dominant negative mutation (SP-R210(DN)) blocking surface expression of SP-R210. Accordingly, WT mice cleared infection with Eap+ but succumbed to sublethal infection with Eap- S. aureus. However, SP-R210(DN) cells compensated by increasing non-opsonic phagocytosis of Eap+ S. aureus via the scavenger receptor scavenger receptor class A (SR-A), while non-opsonic uptake of Eap− S. aureus was impaired. Macrophages express two isoforms: SP-R210L and SP-R210S. The results show that WT alveolar macrophages are distinguished by expression of SP-R210L, whereas SR-A−/− alveolar macrophages are deficient in SP-R210L expressing only SP-R210S. Accordingly, SR-A−/− mice were highly susceptible to both Eap+ and Eap− S. aureus. The lungs of susceptible mice generated abnormal inflammatory responses that were associated with impaired killing and persistence of S. aureus infection in the lung. In conclusion, alveolar macrophage SP-R210L mediates recognition and killing of SP-A-opsonized S. aureus in vivo, coordinating inflammatory responses and resolution of S. aureus pneumonia through interaction with SR-A. PMID:21123169

Immunoglobulin D (IgD)-deficient mice reveal an auxiliary receptor function for IgD in antigen-mediated recruitment of B cells

PubMed Central

1993-01-01

To assess the role of immunoglobulin D (IgD) in vivo we generated IgD- deficient mice by gene targeting and studied B cell development and function in the absence of IgD expression. In the mutant animals, conventional and CD5-positive (B1) B cells are present in normal numbers, and the expression of the surface markers CD22 and CD23 in the compartment of conventional B cells indicates acquisition of a mature phenotype. As in wild-type animals, most of the peripheral B cells are resting cells. The IgD-deficient mice respond well to T cell- independent and -dependent antigens. However, in heterozygous mutant animals, B cells expressing the wild type IgH locus are overrepresented in the peripheral B cell pool, and T cell-dependent IgG1 responses are further dominated by B cells expressing the wild-type allele. Similarly, in homozygous mutant (IgD-deficient) animals, affinity maturation is delayed in the early primary response compared to control animals, although the mutants are capable of generating high affinity B cell memory. Thus, rather than being involved in major regulatory processes as had been suggested, IgD seems to function as an antigen receptor optimized for efficient recruitment of B cells into antigen- driven responses. The IgD-mediated acceleration of affinity maturation in the early phase of the T cell-dependent primary response may confer to the animal a critical advantage in the defense against pathogens. PMID:8418208

Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and Adolescents in Bağcılar, İstanbul

PubMed Central

Erol, Meltem; Yiğit, Özgül; Küçük, Suat Hayri; Bostan Gayret, Özlem

2015-01-01

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of seasonal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and insufficiency in children and adolescents living in Bağcılar, district of İstanbul city. Methods: Serum vitamin D levels of 280 children aged 3-17 years old were measured at the end of winter and at the end of summer. Of the total group, vitamin D levels were re-measured in 198 subjects. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH)D level less than 15 ng/mL and insufficiency-as levels between 15 and 20 ng/mL. Patients whose vitamin D levels were less than 15 ng/mL at the end of winter were treated with 2000 units/day of vitamin D for 3 months. Results: In the “end of winter” samples, 25(OH)D deficiency was present in 80.36% of the subjects and insufficiency in 11.79%. In the “end of summer” samples, vitamin D deficiency was detected in 3.44% and insufficiency in 27.75%. Vitamin D levels in the “end of winter” samples were not significantly different between boys and girls, while “end of summer” levels were significantly lower in girls (p=0.015). Sunlight exposure was significantly higher in boys (p=0.011). The group with sufficient dairy product consumption had significantly higher vitamin D levels in both “end of summer” and “end of winter” samples. Limb pain was frequently reported in children with low vitamin D levels in the “end of winter” samples (p=0.001). Negative correlations were observed between vitamin D levels and season and also between vitamin D levels and age. Conclusion: It is essential to provide supplemental vitamin D to children and adolescents to overcome the deficiency seen especially at the end of winter. PMID:26316436

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

PubMed

Hoogenboom, S A; Lekkerkerker, S J; Fockens, P; Boermeester, M A; van Hooft, J E

2016-01-01

Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are at risk of malnutrition due to malabsorption, pain and/or alcohol consumption. This can cause vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, which is associated with osteoporosis and increased risks of fractures. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in CP patients. Furthermore, we compared these results with healthy controls. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the literature by searching PubMed and EMBASE (January 2000-December 2015) on CP and vitamin D. Primary outcome was prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<75 nmoL/L) and deficiency (<50 nmoL/L) in CP patients. When available, data of CP patients were compared with healthy controls. Nine studies were included in our meta-analysis, reporting on the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency in 465 patients (mean age 41 years (range 18-60), 81% male) and in 378 controls (mean age 40 years (range 18-67), 76% male). Pooled prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in CP patients was 83% and 65%, respectively. Calculated odds ratio (OR) of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency between CP patients and controls was 1.34 (0.54-3.29) and 1.14 (0.70-1.85), respectively (p > 0.05). There is a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in CP patients. Nevertheless, there is no significant difference in prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency compared to healthy controls. Further research should indicate the clinical relevance and consequences of these findings for clinical practice. Copyright © 2016 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D Deficiency is Prevalent in Females with Rett Syndrome

PubMed Central

Motil, Kathleen J.; Barrish, Judy O.; Lane, Jane; Geerts, Suzanne P.; Annese, Fran; McNair, Lauren; Percy, Alan K.; Skinner, Steven A; Neul, Jeffrey L.; Glaze, Daniel G.

2013-01-01

Objectives To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identify the relation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and the consumption of dietary sources of vitamin D or exposure to anticonvulsants in females with Rett syndrome (RTT). Study design Retrospective review of the medical records of 284 females with RTT to determine serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone levels, nutritional status, dietary sources of vitamin D, exposure to anticonvulsants, degree of mobility, and MECP2 status. Results Twenty percent of females who were tested (n=157) had 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L. Multivitamin supplements, vitamin D fortified milk, and commercial formulas were consumed by 40%, 52%, and 54%. Anticonvulsants were used by 57% and 39% ambulated independently. Median 25(OH)D levels were lower in individuals who did not receive multivitamin supplements (p<0.05) or commercial formulas (p<0.001) than in those who did. Median 25(OH)D levels differed (p<0.01) among racial and ethnic groups, but the number in some groups was small. Nutritional status, use of anticonvulsants, degree of mobility, and MECP2 status did not influence 25(OH)D levels. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in females with RTT. The use of multivitamin supplements or commercial formulas is associated with improved vitamin D levels. Attention to vitamin D may enhance bone mineral deposition and reduce the frequency of bone fractures in these individuals. PMID:21637127

Serum vitamin D concentration and potential risk factors for its deficiency in HIV positive individuals.

PubMed

Etminani-Esfahani, Maryam; Khalili, Hossein; Soleimani, Nahid; Jafari, Sirous; Abdollahi, Alireza; Khazaeipour, Zahra; Gholami, Kheirollah

2012-03-01

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals are prone to malnutrition, and deficiencies of some minerals and vitamins. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of vitamin D deficiency and determine the possible risk factors associated with this problem in HIV-infected individuals. This cross-sectional study was performed on 98 adult patients referred to the Emam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran. The patients' serum vitamin D concentration was determined using radioimmunoassay method. The possible correlations between demographic and clinical data with the level of vitamin D were evaluated. Vitamin D levels less than 35 nmol/l were considered as deficient in this study. Eighty-five (86.7%) of the patients had serum vitamin D deficiency (concentrations less than 35 nmol/l) in this study. Coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) was present in 54 (55.1%) of the patients. Only daily intake of vitamin D (r = 0.304, p = 0.002), duration of sun exposure (r = 0.268, p = 0.009), the level of PTH (r = -0.459, p < 0.001), daily intake of calcium (r = 0.239, p = 0.018) and GFR of more than 90 ml/min (OR = 1.208, CI 95% = 1.080-1.350, p = 0.033) had a correlation with serum vitamin D concentration. Being female (OR = 7.224, CI 95% = 3.640-14.335, p < 0.001), unemployed (OR = 1.627, CI 95%= 1.209-2.190, p < 0.001) and infected with HCV (OR = 1.811, CI 95% = 1.331-2.465, p < 0.001) were related to the severe serum vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in Iranian HIV-infected patients and with concern of this vitamin's important role in health issues, early evaluation of its status and providing appropriate nutritional support seems to be important.

Risk Factors for Vitamin D, Zinc, and Selenium Deficiencies in Korean Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PubMed

Han, Yoo Min; Yoon, Hyuk; Lim, Soo; Sung, Mi-Kyung; Shin, Cheol Min; Park, Young Soo; Kim, Nayoung; Lee, Dong Ho; Kim, Joo Sung

2017-05-15

Studies on the micronutrient status of Asian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are scarce. We evaluated the prevalence of micronutrient deficiency and verified the risk factors for micronutrient deficiency in Korean patients with IBD. We measured the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25-(OH)D], zinc, and selenium to analyze the clinical risk factors for micronutrient levels below the reference values. In addition, we compared the 25-(OH)D levels of patients with IBD to those of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Among the 83 patients, 74 (89.2%) had suboptimal serum 25-(OH)D levels. The mean plasma 25-(OH)D level in patients with IBD was significantly reduced compared to that of the healthy controls (12.3±6.2 ng/mL vs 20.0±6.7 ng/mL; p<0.001). The proportions of patients with lower serum zinc and selenium levels were 39.0% and 30.9%, respectively. Female sex (p=0.012) and Crohn's disease (p=0.012) were associated with vitamin D deficiency. Patients younger than 40 years were at increased risk for zinc deficiency (p=0.045). Female sex (p=0.015) and low serum albumin level (<3.3 g/dL) (p=0.047) were risk factors for selenium deficiency. Many Korean patients with IBD have vitamin D, zinc, and selenium deficiencies, suggesting the necessity for monitoring levels of these micronutrients.

The burden of vitamin D deficiency in a mediterranean country without a policy of food fortification.

PubMed

Lippi, Giuseppe; Nouvenne, Antonio; Ticinesi, Andrea; Bonelli, Patrizia; Salvagno, Gian Luca; Cervellin, Gianfranco; Guidi, Gian Cesare

2015-04-27

Vitamin D deficiency is a public healthcare issue and its correction is increasingly regarded as a cornerstone of preventive medicine. We designed a retrospective observational study to clearly define the burden of total vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) deficiency in a supposedly healthy population of outpatients residing in two regions (Emilia Romagna and Veneto) of Northern Italy. 25-hydroxyvitamin D results were available for a total number of 5,096 outpatients in the two centers. The median value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 60 nmol/L, and was higher in women than in men (62 nmol/L versus 56 nmol/L; p<0.001). The rate of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was 36%, and was marginally but significantly higher in men than in women (40% versus 35%; p=0.003). A significant variation in the rate of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was found throughout different age ranges, exhibiting a significant increase in the elderly. The results of this large observational study show that the burden of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in two regions of a Mediterranean country without a policy of food fortification is as high as 36%, and this evidence represents a background for healthcare preventive measures aimed at reducing the prevalence of this condition in the general population. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Is vitamin D deficiency a major global public health problem?

PubMed

Palacios, Cristina; Gonzalez, Lilliana

2014-10-01

Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem worldwide in all age groups, even in those residing in countries with low latitude, where it was generally assumed that UV radiation was adequate enough to prevent this deficiency, and in industrialized countries, where vitamin D fortification has been implemented now for years. However, most countries are still lacking data, particularly population representative data, with very limited information in infants, children, adolescents and pregnant women. Since the number of recent publications is escalating, with a broadening of the geographic diversity, the objective of the present report was to conduct a more recent systematic review of global vitamin D status, with particular emphasis in at risk groups. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed/Medline in April-June 2013 to identify articles on vitamin D status worldwide published in the last 10 years in apparently healthy individuals. Only studies with vitamin D status prevalence were included. If available, the first source selected was population-based or representative samples studies. Clinical trials, case-control studies, case reports or series, reviews, validation studies, letters, editorials, or qualitative studies were excluded. A total of 103 articles were eligible and included in the present report. Maps were created for each age group, providing an updated overview of global vitamin D status. In areas with available data, the prevalence of low vitamin D status is a global problem in all age groups, in particular in girls and women from the Middle East. These maps also evidenced the regions with missing data for each specific population groups. There is striking lack of data in infants, children and adolescents worldwide, and in most countries of South America and Africa. In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem in all age groups, particularly in those from the Middle East. This article is part of a Special Issue

Vitamin D across growth hormone (GH) disorders: From GH deficiency to GH excess.

PubMed

Ciresi, A; Giordano, C

2017-04-01

The interplay between vitamin D and the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I system is very complex and to date it is not fully understood. GH directly regulates renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase activity, although the action of GH in modulating vitamin D metabolism may also be IGF-I mediated. On the other hand, vitamin D increases circulating IGF-I and the vitamin D deficiency should be normalized before measurement of IGF-I concentrations to obtain reliable and unbiased IGF-I values. Indeed, linear growth after treatment of nutritional vitamin D deficiency seems to be mediated through activation of the GH/IGF-I axis and it suggests an important role of vitamin D as a link between the proliferating cartilage cells of the growth plate and GH/IGF-I secretion. Vitamin D levels are commonly lower in patients with GH deficiency (GHD) than in controls, with a variable prevalence of insufficiency or deficiency, and this condition may worsen the already known cardiovascular and metabolic risk of GHD, although this finding is not common to all studies. In addition, data on the impact of GH treatment on vitamin D levels in GHD patients are quite conflicting. Conversely, in active acromegaly, a condition characterized by a chronic GH excess, both increased and decreased vitamin D levels have been highlighted, and the interplay between vitamin D and the GH/IGF-I axis becomes even more complicated when we consider the acromegaly treatment, both medical and surgical. The current review summarizes the available data on vitamin D in the main disorders of the GH/IGF-I axis, providing an overview of the current state of the art. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The influence of puberty on vitamin D status in obese children and the possible relation between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance.

PubMed

Gutiérrez Medina, Sonsoles; Gavela-Pérez, Teresa; Domínguez-Garrido, María Nieves; Gutiérrez-Moreno, Elisa; Rovira, Adela; Garcés, Carmen; Soriano-Guillén, Leandro

2015-01-01

Puberty can affect vitamin D levels. The goal of this study was to analyze the relation between vitamin D deficiency and puberty in obese Spanish children, along with the possible interrelation between vitamin D status and degree of insulin resistance. A cross-sectional study was carried out, in which clinical and biochemical data were gathered from 120 obese and 50 normal weight children between January 2011 and January 2013. Mean vitamin D levels were 19.5 and 31.6 ng/mL in obese pubertal and obese prepubertal children, respectively. About 75% of the obese pubertal subjects and 46% of the obese prepubertal subjects had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in pubescent subjects compared with pre-pubescent subjects in summer, fall, and winter. There was no apparent relation between vitamin D levels and homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistence (expressed in standard deviation score for sex and Tanner stage) in either puberty or pre-puberty. Puberty may be a risk factor for the vitamin D deficiency commonly found in the obese child population. This deficiency is not associated with higher insulin resistance in obese pubertal children compared with obese prepubertal children.

Subclinical hypothyroidism in combination with vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of impaired left ventricular diastolic function.

PubMed

Yilmaz, H; Cakmak, M; Darcin, T; Inan, O; Gurel, O M; Bilgic, M A; Bavbek, N; Akcay, A

2015-04-01

Subclinical hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency are common. The diastolic function of patients with both subclinical hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate diastolic dysfunction in patients with both subclinical hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency. This study included 254 patients. All patients underwent standard Doppler echocardiography. Patients who had risk factors for diastolic dysfunction or had used L-thyroxine and vitamin D within the previous 3 months were excluded. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25-OH-vitamin D level lower than 20 ng/ml, and vitamin D sufficiency was defined as a 25-OH-vitamin D level ≥ 30 ng/ml. Subclinical hypothyroidism was defined as a TSH level of 4.5-10 mU/l when the free T4 concentration was normal. The patients were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 (n=71) included patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency; Group 2 (n=66) included patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and vitamin D sufficiency; Group 3 (n=65) included euthyroid patients with vitamin D deficiency; and Group 4 (n=52) included euthyroid patients with vitamin D sufficiency. LAVI (31.3 ± 3.2, 28.7 ± 3.0, 28.4 ± 3.4, and 27.9 ± 3.9; p<0.001) and E/E' values (11.2 ± 2.7, 8.9 ± 2.7, 9.1 ± 2.9, 8.8 ± 2.5; p<0.001) were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Groups 2, 3 and 4. E' values were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Groups 2, 3 and 4. The coexistence of subclinical hypothyroidism with vitamin D deficiency can lead to further deterioration in the LV diastolic function via the regulation of intracellular calcium and induction of inflammatory activity. Therefore, close follow-up of the diastolic functions of these patients could be beneficial.

Vitamin D deficiency remains prevalent despite increased laboratory testing in New South Wales, Australia

PubMed Central

Quaggiotto, Paul; Tran, Huy; Bhanugopan, Marie

2014-01-01

INTRODUCTION The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and toxicity, the frequency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) testing, and 25(OH)D variations with respect to patient gender, patient age and season in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS A retrospective analysis of pathology records was performed to ascertain patient age, patient gender, sample collection date, plasma or serum 25(OH)D levels, calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and test numbers between 2001 and 2010. Linear regression with Bonferroni correction was used to calculate and compare age- adjusted mean 25(OH)D levels. Relationships of 25(OH)D with PTH and calcium were tested using Spearman’s rank correlation. RESULTS 25(OH)D testing increased by 730% over the ten-year study period. In 2010, many men (33%) and women (40%) were, to some degree, vitamin D deficient (≤ 50 nmol/L). Vitamin D toxicity was rare, with only one instance noted. 25(OH)D levels correlated positively with calcium and negatively with PTH levels. 25(OH)D levels decreased with age. In 2010, 25(OH)D levels were highest in February and lowest in September/October. Cyclical variation was observed for 25(OH)D levels between 2006 and 2010. CONCLUSION We found that vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in both men and women, with a higher prevalence in the latter, despite the substantial increased demand for 25(OH)D testing in our population over the decade. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with elevated PTH levels. Vitamin D toxicity was rare and only observed once during our study period. 25(OH)D levels decreased with age and varied with season, with the highest levels observed in late summer and the lowest in early spring. PMID:24862752

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors among Employed Women in a Sunny Industrial City.

PubMed

Hassannia, Tahereh; GhaznaviRad, Ehsan; Vakili, Rosita; Taheri, Sohaila; Rezaee, Seyed Abdolrahim

2015-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern associated with the pathogenesis of several chronic disorders, particularly in women. To evaluate serum vitamin D levels and its deficiency and risk factors among employed women in a sunny industrial city. In this cross-sectional study, serum vitamin D levels, biochemical and hematological factors were assessed in 382 healthy employed women. Demographic information was collected using a standard questionnaire and data was analyzed by SPSS software. The mean vitamin D serum level was 22 ± 19.8 ng/ml. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 62 % and 12.94 %, respectively. Deficiency was more common among younger subjects (< 29 years old). 23.5 % of subjects had normal and 1.35 % had toxic levels of vitamin D. Maximum serum level was observed in part-time job employees (33 ng/ml), and the lowest in Media and Culture Organizations (15 ng/ml).Vitamin D deficiency was associated with the lack of sunlight exposure at home, and taking anti-hypertensive medications. The common symptoms in deficiency condition were history of hyperlipidemia, depression, weakness, fatigue, finger tingling, leg cramps, and body and muscle pain. Moreover, LDL-cholesterol serum levels were significantly higher in the vitamin D deficiency group, with a prevalence of 40 %. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency including depression, weakness, fatigue, tingling, leg cramps and body and muscle pain have been observed in more than 90 % after recruitment and treatment. Therefore, for improving the health and productivity of employees, a routine monitoring system for vitamin D and the other factors should be put in place.

A rare large mutation involving two exons of the SP-B gene in an infant with severe respiratory distress.

PubMed

Takcı, Şahin; Anuk-İnce, Deniz; Louha, Malek; Couderc, Remy; Çakar, Nursen; Köseoğlu, Reşit Doğan; Ateş, Ömer

2017-01-01

Takcı Ş, Anuk-İnce D, Louha M, Couderc R, Çakar N, Köseoğlu RD, Ateş Ö. A rare large mutation involving two exons of the SP-B gene in an infant with severe respiratory distress. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 483-486. Hereditary surfactant protein-B (SP-B) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disease of newborn infants causing severe respiratory failure and death within the first year of life. The most common cause of SP-B deficiency is a frameshift mutation in exon 4 (121ins2) in the gene encoding SP-B. We report a term infant with unremitting respiratory distress who was unresponsive to all treatment modalities. The parents were consanguineous and a term sibling of the infant had died due to respiratory failure without a certain diagnosis. In the first step of the diagnostic work-up, common genetic mutations for SP-B, surfactant protein C and ATP-binding cassette s3 were absent, however sequencing of SP-B gene revealed a large homozygous genomic deletion covering exon 8 and 9. In this case report, we aimed to emphasize further genetic evaluation in all cases suggestive of surfactant dysfunction, even if common mutations are absent.

Genomic, Proteomic, and Metabolite Characterization of Gemfibrozil-Degrading Organism Bacillus sp. GeD10.

PubMed

Kjeldal, Henrik; Zhou, Nicolette A; Wissenbach, Dirk K; von Bergen, Martin; Gough, Heidi L; Nielsen, Jeppe L

2016-01-19

Gemfibrozil is a widely used hypolipidemic and triglyceride lowering drug. Excess of the drug is excreted and discharged into the environment primarily via wastewater treatment plant effluents. Bacillus sp. GeD10, a gemfibrozil-degrader, was previously isolated from activated sludge. It is the first identified bacterium capable of degrading gemfibrozil. Gemfibrozil degradation by Bacillus sp. GeD10 was here studied through genome sequencing, quantitative proteomics and metabolite analysis. From the bacterial proteome of Bacillus sp. GeD10 1974 proteins were quantified, of which 284 proteins were found to be overabundant by more than 2-fold (FDR corrected p-value ≤0.032, fold change (log2) ≥ 1) in response to gemfibrozil exposure. Metabolomic analysis identified two hydroxylated intermediates as well as a glucuronidated hydroxyl-metabolite of gemfibrozil. Overall, gemfibrozil exposure in Bacillus sp. GeD10 increased the abundance of several enzymes potentially involved in gemfibrozil degradation as well as resulted in the production of several gemfibrozil metabolites. The potential catabolic pathway/modification included ring-hydroxylation preparing the substrate for subsequent ring cleavage by a meta-cleaving enzyme. The identified genes may allow for monitoring of potential gemfibrozil-degrading organisms in situ and increase the understanding of microbial processing of trace level contaminants. This study represents the first omics study on a gemfibrozil-degrading bacterium.

Three novel species of d-xylose-assimilating yeasts, Barnettozyma xylosiphila sp. nov., Barnettozyma xylosica sp. nov. and Wickerhamomyces xylosivorus f.a., sp. nov.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Ryuichi; Kanti, Atit; Kawasaki, Hiroko

2017-10-01

This study describes three novel xylose-assimilating yeasts, which were isolated from decayed wood collected from Bung Hatta Botanical Garden in West Sumatra and Cibodas Botanic Garden in West Java, or from litter from Eka Karya Bali Botanic Garden in Bali, Indonesia. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large ribosomal subunit (LSU), the small ribosomal subunit (SSU), the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and elongation factor-1α (EF-1α), and the three strains were found to represent three novel species belonging to genera Barnettozyma or Wickerhamomyces. The morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics indicated that the strains were distinct from other closely related species. Strains 13Y206 T and 14Y196 T belonging to the Barnettozyma clade are described as the type strains of Barnettozyma xylosiphila sp. nov. (type strain 13Y206 T =NBRC 110202 T =InaCC Y726 T ; MycoBank MB808598) and Barnettozyma xylosica sp. nov. (type strain 14Y196 T =NBRC 111558 T =InaCC Y1030 T ; MycoBank MB819485). Strain 14Y125 T belonging to the Wickerhamomyces clade is described as the type strain of Wickerhamomyces xylosivorus f.a., sp. nov. (type strain 14Y125 T =NBRC 111553 T =InaCC Y1026 T ; MycoBank MB819484).

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Iranian Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Tabrizi, Reza; Moosazadeh, Mahmood; Akbari, Maryam; Dabbaghmanesh, Mohammad Hossein; Mohamadkhani, Minoo; Asemi, Zatollah; Heydari, Seyed Taghi; Akbari, Mojtaba; Lankarani, Kamran B

2018-01-01

Background The prevention and correction of vitamin D deficiency requires a precise depiction of the current situation and identification of risk factors in each region. The present study attempted to determine these entities using a systematic review and meta-analysis in Iran. Methods Articles published online in Persian and English between 2000 and November 1, 2016, were reviewed. This was carried out using national databases such as SID, IranMedex, Magiran, and IranDoc and international databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The heterogeneity index among the studies was determined using the Cochran (Q) and I2 test. Based on the heterogeneity results, the random-effect model was applied to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. In addition, meta-regression analysis was used to determine heterogeneity-suspected factors, and the Egger test was applied to identify publication bias. Results The meta-analysis of 48 studies identified 18531 individuals with vitamin D deficiency. According to the random-effect model, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among male, female, and pregnant women was estimated to be 45.64% (95% CI: 29.63 to 61.65), 61.90% (95% CI: 48.85 to 74.96), and 60.45% (95% CI: 23.73 to 97.16), respectively. The results of the meta-regression analysis indicated that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly different in various geographical regions (β=4.4; P=0.023). Conclusion The results obtained showed a significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the Iranian population, a condition to be addressed by appropriate planning. PMID:29749981

Developmental vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia: the role of animal models.

PubMed

Schoenrock, S A; Tarantino, L M

2016-01-01

Schizophrenia is a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder that affects 1% of the US population. Based on twin and genome-wide association studies, it is clear that both genetics and environmental factors increase the risk for developing schizophrenia. Moreover, there is evidence that conditions in utero, either alone or in concert with genetic factors, may alter neurodevelopment and lead to an increased risk for schizophrenia. There has been progress in identifying genetic loci and environmental exposures that increase risk, but there are still considerable gaps in our knowledge. Furthermore, very little is known about the specific neurodevelopmental mechanisms upon which genetics and the environment act to increase disposition to developing schizophrenia in adulthood. Vitamin D deficiency during the perinatal period has been hypothesized to increase risk for schizophrenia in humans. The developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency hypothesis of schizophrenia arises from the observation that disease risk is increased in individuals who are born in winter or spring, live further from the equator or live in urban vs. rural settings. These environments result in less exposure to sunlight, thereby reducing the initial steps in the production of vitamin D. Rodent models have been developed to characterize the behavioral and developmental effects of DVD deficiency. This review focuses on these animal models and discusses the current knowledge of the role of DVD deficiency in altering behavior and neurobiology relevant to schizophrenia. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency and Hyperparathyroidism in HIV-Infected Patients Treated in Barcelona.

PubMed

Lerma, Elisabet; Molas, M Ema; Montero, M Milagro; Guelar, Ana; González, Alicia; Villar, Judith; Diez, Adolf; Knobel, Hernando

2012-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is an important problem in patients with chronic conditions including those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency and hyperparathyroidism in HIV patients attended in Barcelona. Cholecalciferol (25OH vitamin D3) and PTH levels were measured. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as 25(OH) D < 20 ng/mL and deficiency as <12 ng/mL. Hyperparathyroidism was defined as PTH levels >65 pg/mL. Cases with chronic kidney failure, liver disease, treatments or conditions potentially affecting bone metabolism were excluded. Among the 566 patients included, 56.4% were exposed to tenofovir. Vitamin D insufficiency was found in 71.2% and 39.6% of those had deficiency. PTH was measured in 228 subjects, and 86 of them (37.7%) showed high levels. Adjusted predictors of vitamin D deficiency were nonwhite race and psychiatric comorbidity, while lipoatrophy was a protective factor. Independent risk factors of hyperparathyroidism were vitamin D < 12 ng/mL (OR: 2.14, CI 95%: 1.19-3.82, P: 0.01) and tenofovir exposure (OR: 3.55, CI 95%: 1.62-7.7, P: 0.002). High prevalence of vitamin deficiency and hyperparathyroidism was found in an area with high annual solar exposure.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency and Hyperparathyroidism in HIV-Infected Patients Treated in Barcelona

PubMed Central

Lerma, Elisabet; Molas, M. Ema; Montero, M. Milagro; Guelar, Ana; González, Alicia; Villar, Judith; Diez, Adolf; Knobel, Hernando

2012-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is an important problem in patients with chronic conditions including those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency and hyperparathyroidism in HIV patients attended in Barcelona. Cholecalciferol (25OH vitamin D3) and PTH levels were measured. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as 25(OH) D < 20 ng/mL and deficiency as <12 ng/mL. Hyperparathyroidism was defined as PTH levels >65 pg/mL. Cases with chronic kidney failure, liver disease, treatments or conditions potentially affecting bone metabolism were excluded. Among the 566 patients included, 56.4% were exposed to tenofovir. Vitamin D insufficiency was found in 71.2% and 39.6% of those had deficiency. PTH was measured in 228 subjects, and 86 of them (37.7%) showed high levels. Adjusted predictors of vitamin D deficiency were nonwhite race and psychiatric comorbidity, while lipoatrophy was a protective factor. Independent risk factors of hyperparathyroidism were vitamin D < 12 ng/mL (OR: 2.14, CI 95%: 1.19–3.82, P: 0.01) and tenofovir exposure (OR: 3.55, CI 95%: 1.62–7.7, P: 0.002). High prevalence of vitamin deficiency and hyperparathyroidism was found in an area with high annual solar exposure. PMID:24052874

Suicidal patients are deficient in vitamin D, associated with a pro-inflammatory status in the blood.

PubMed

Grudet, Cécile; Malm, Johan; Westrin, Asa; Brundin, Lena

2014-12-01

Low levels of vitamin D may play a role in psychiatric disorders, as cross-sectional studies show an association between vitamin D deficiency and depression, schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms. The underlying mechanisms are not well understood, although vitamin D is known to influence the immune system to promote a T helper (Th)-2 phenotype. At the same time, increased inflammation might be of importance in the pathophysiology of depression and suicide. We therefore hypothesized that suicidal patients would be deficient in vitamin D, which could be responsible for the inflammatory changes observed in these patients. We compared vitamin D levels in suicide attempters (n=59), non-suicidal depressed patients (n=17) and healthy controls (n=14). Subjects were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, and went through a structured interview by a specialist in psychiatry. 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 were measured in plasma using liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry (LC-MS). We further explored vitamin D's association with plasma IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Suicide attempters had significantly lower mean levels of vitamin D than depressed non-suicidal patients and healthy controls. 58 percent of the suicide attempters were vitamin D deficient according to clinical standard. Moreover, there was a significant negative association between vitamin D and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the psychiatric patients. Low vitamin D levels were associated with higher levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β in the blood. The suicide attempters in our study were deficient in vitamin D. Our data also suggest that vitamin D deficiency could be a contributing factor to the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines previously reported in suicidal patients. We propose that routine clinical testing of vitamin D levels could be beneficial in patients with suicidal symptoms, with subsequent supplementation in patients found to be deficient

Can Stoss Therapy Be Used in Children with Vitamin D Deficiency or Insufficiency without Rickets?

PubMed

Koçyiğit, Cemil; Çatlı, Gönül; İnce, Gülberat; Özkan, Elif Büşra; Dündar, Bumin Nuri

2017-06-01

Stoss vitamin D treatment has been recommended for its non-skeletal benefits in adults, but there is a lack of data on the optimal dose of vitamin D stoss therapy in children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency without rickets. This study aimed to compare efficiency/side effects of two different stoss therapy regimens (10 000 IU/kg and 300 000 IU vitamin D3) administered in children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency without rickets. Sixty-four children who had vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency were studied. A serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25-OH-D) level of 15-20 ng/mL was considered as vitamin D insufficient and <15 ng/mL was considered as vitamin D deficient. The patients were divided into two groups according to the stoss therapy doses they received. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25-OH-D, parathyroid hormone levels, and spot urine calcium/creatinine ratios before/after treatment were recorded. Wrist radiography and renal ultrasonography were performed. The mean age of the subjects was 10.6±4.4 years. Thirty-two children were treated with a single vitamin D3 dose of 10 000 IU/kg and 32 patients received 300 000 IU. No difference was found in 25-OH-D levels between the two groups at presentation. The mean level of 25-OH-D was higher in the 10 000 IU/kg group at the second week of therapy. There was no difference between the groups at post-treatment weeks 4 and 12. The 25-OH-D was found to be below optimal levels (≥30 ng/mL) in 66.5% and <20 ng/mL in 21.8% of patients at the third month in both groups. None developed hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria. Nephrolithiasis was not detected in any patient. This study showed that both doses of stoss therapy used in the treatment of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency are effective and safe. However, an optimal level of 25-OH-D cannot be maintained for more than three months.

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in girls and women with rett syndrome

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identify the relation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D) levels and the consumption of dietary sources of vitamin D or exposure to anticonvulsants in girls and women with Rett syndrome (RTT). Retrospective review of...

Risk factors for vitamin A and D deficiencies among children under-five in the state of Palestine.

PubMed

Chaudhry, Aeysha Bushra; Hajat, Shakoor; Rizkallah, Najwa; Abu-Rub, Ala'a

2018-01-01

Vitamin A and D are essential for the proper growth and development of a child. Due to the complex political circumstances in the state of Palestine, research on micronutrient deficiency is scarce. The Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) and UNICEF conducted a national cross-sectional survey in 2013 after the implementation of various micronutrient supplementation and fortification programs. Risk factors for levels of vitamin A ( n  = 1054) and vitamin D ( n  = 150) were assessed among children aged 6 to 59 months using chi-square tests and logistic regression with each of the outcome variables, vitamin A and D deficiencies. A child was considered to be deficient in vitamin A and D if he/she had a serum level < 1.05 μmol/L and < 50 nmol/L respectively. Multiple logistic regression models were developed to identify independent risk factors for vitamin deficiencies. The prevalence of vitamin A and D deficiency was 73.1% and 60.7% respectively. Children in Gaza were 1.34 (95%CI 0.78-2.31) and 1.96 times (95%CI 0.67-5.71) more likely to be deficient in vitamin A and D respectively compared to children in the West Bank. Anaemic children were 1.5 times more likely to be deficient in vitamin A (95%CI 1.08-2.10). Older children (> 1 year-old) were more likely to be deficient in vitamin D, and females were 2.72 times more likely to be deficient than males (95%CI 1.21-6.01). Results suggest no association between maternal education levels, feeding practices such as breastfeeding and complementary feeding and vitamin A and D deficiency. Although not reaching conventional levels of statistical significance, it was observed that children who received their vitamin drops from the MOH were more likely to have vitamin A and D deficiencies than those children receiving the supplements from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Using these results, the MOH may consider specifically targeting at risk children to increase

Vitamin D deficiency in childhood obesity is associated with high levels of circulating inflammatory mediators, and low insulin sensitivity.

PubMed

Reyman, M; Verrijn Stuart, A A; van Summeren, M; Rakhshandehroo, M; Nuboer, R; de Boer, F K; van den Ham, H J; Kalkhoven, E; Prakken, B; Schipper, H S

2014-01-01

Childhood obesity is accompanied by low-grade systemic inflammation, which contributes to the development of insulin resistance and cardiovascular complications later in life. As vitamin D exhibits profound immunomodulatory functions and vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in childhood obesity, we hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency in childhood obesity coincides with enhanced systemic inflammation and reduced insulin sensitivity. In a cross-sectional study of 64 obese and 32 healthy children aged 6-16 years, comprehensive profiling of 32 circulating inflammatory mediators was performed, together with assessment of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and measures for insulin sensitivity. Severe vitamin D insufficiency, which is further referred to as vitamin D deficiency, was defined as a 25(OH)D level ≤37.5 nmol l(-1), and was highly prevalent in obese (56%) versus healthy control children (16%). Throughout the study, 25(OH)D-deficient children were compared with the other children, including 25(OH)D insufficient (37.5-50 nmol l(-1)) and 25(OH)D sufficient children (≥50 nmol l(-1)). First, 25(OH)D-deficient obese children showed a lower insulin sensitivity than other obese children, as measured by a lower quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. Second, the association between 25(OH)D deficiency and insulin resistance in childhood obesity was confirmed with multiple regression analysis. Third, 25(OH)D-deficient obese children showed higher levels of the inflammatory mediators cathepsin S, chemerin and soluble vascular adhesion molecule (sVCAM), compared with the other obese children. Finally, hierarchical cluster analysis revealed an over-representation of 25(OH)D deficiency in obese children expressing inflammatory mediator clusters with high levels of cathepsin S, sVCAM and chemerin. 25(OH)D deficiency in childhood obesity was associated with enhanced systemic inflammation and reduced insulin sensitivity. The high cathepsin S and sVCAM levels

Peripheral kynurenine-3-monooxygenase deficiency as a potential risk factor for metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia patients.

PubMed

Oxenkrug, Gregory; van der Hart, Marieke; Roeser, Julien; Summergrad, Paul

2017-01-01

Increased predisposition of schizophrenia patients (SP) to development of obesity and insulin resistance suggested common signaling pathway between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and schizophrenia. Deficiency of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO), enzyme catalyzing formation of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) from kynurenine (Kyn), a tryptophan (Trp) metabolite, might contribute to development of MetS as suggested by non-expression of KMO genes in human fat tissue and elevated serum concentrations of Kyn and its metabolites, kynurenic (KYNA) and anthranilic (ANA) acids, in diabetic patients and Zucker fatty rats (ZFR). Markers of KMO deficiency: decreased 3-HK and elevated Kyn, KYNA and ANA, were observed in brains and spinal fluids of SP, and in brains and serum of experimental animals with genetically- or pharmacologically-induced KMO deficiency. However, elevated concentrations of ANA and decreased 3-HK were reported in serum of SP without concurrent increase of Kyn and KYNA. Present study aimed to re-assess serum Kyn metabolites (HPLC-MS) in a sub-group of SP with elevated KYNA. We found increased Kyn concentrations (by 30%) and Kyn:Trp ratio (by 20%) in serum of SP with elevated KYNA concentrations (by 40%). Obtained results and our previous data suggest that peripheral KMO deficiency might be manifested by, at least, two different patterns: elevated ANA with decreased 3-HK; and elevated KYNA and KYN. The latter pattern was previously described in type 2 diabetes patients and might underline increased predisposition of SP to development of MetS. Assessment of peripheral KMO deficiency might identify SP predisposed to MetS. Attenuation of the consequences of peripheral KMO deficiency might be a new target for prevention/treatment of obesity and diabetes in SP.

Severe vitamin D deficiency: a significant predictor of early hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

PubMed

Al-Khatib, Talal; Althubaiti, Abdulrahman M; Althubaiti, Alaa; Mosli, Hala H; Alwasiah, Reem O; Badawood, Lojain M

2015-03-01

To assess the role of preoperative serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D as predictor of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Retrospective cohort study. University teaching hospital. All consecutively performed total and completion thyroidectomies from February 2007 to December 2013 were reviewed through a hospital database and patient charts. The relationship between postthyroidectomy laboratory hypocalcemia (serum calcium≤2 mmol/L), clinical hypocalcemia, and preoperative serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D level was evaluated. Two hundred thirteen patients were analyzed. The incidence of postoperative laboratory and clinical hypocalcemia was 19.7% and 17.8%, respectively. The incidence of laboratory and clinical hypocalcemia among severely deficient (<25 nmol/L), deficient (<50 nmol/L), insufficient (<75 nmol/L), and sufficient (≥75 nmol/L) serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels was 54% versus 33.9%, 10% versus 18%, 2.9% versus 11.6%, and 3.1% versus 0%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed preoperative severe vitamin D deficiency as a significant independent predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia (odds ratio [OR], 7.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-22.9; P=.001). Parathyroid hormone level was also found to be an independent predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.8; P=.002). Postoperative clinical and laboratory hypocalcemia is significantly associated with low levels of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D. Our findings identify severe vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) as an independent predictor of postoperative laboratory hypocalcemia. Early identification and management of patients at risk may reduce morbidity and costs. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2014.

Vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabians: A reality or simply hype: A meta-analysis (2008-2015).

PubMed

Al-Alyani, Haneen; Al-Turki, Haifa A; Al-Essa, Omar N; Alani, Fawaz M; Sadat-Ali, Mir

2018-01-01

The objective of this systematic review was to determine from published data the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the Saudi population. An extensive and meticulous search was conducted for studies published in MEDLINE, EMBASE the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2008-2015), and the Science Citation Index published data from the Annals of Saudi Medicine and Saudi Medical Journal with the key words: Vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and Saudi Arabians. The inclusion criterion was studies published during 2008 to 2015, and studies involving healthy individuals between the age of 18 and 80 years. Binary random- effect model was used to estimate pooled Vitamin D deficiency. Prevalence rates along with overall estimate were presented by forest plot. Heterogeneity test was used to assess the significance of heterogeneity among studies. The authors identified 26 potentially relevant articles, 16 of which met the inclusion criteria. A total of 20,787 patients were analyzed. Sixty-two percent (12,959) were females, and the rest were males. The overall Vitamin D deficiency was 63.5% (95% CI: 53.3, 73.7). The currently available literature on the Saudi Arabian population suggests that the Vitamin D deficiency is around 60% and not 100% as indicated in some studies. The relatively small number of studies on the population and the different modes of diagnostic methodology used make the issue of correct figures of Vitamin D deficiency contentious.

Deficiencies Under Plenty of Sun: Vitamin D Status among Adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2013.

PubMed

Tuffaha, Marwa; El Bcheraoui, Charbel; Daoud, Farah; Al Hussaini, Hessah Abdulla; Alamri, Fahad; Al Saeedi, Mohammad; Basulaiman, Mohammed; Memish, Ziad A; AlMazroa, Mohammad A; Al Rabeeah, Abdullah A; Mokdad, Ali H

2015-10-01

Vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with several diseases and injuries including diabetes, osteoporosis, fractures, and falls. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), current data on vitamin D status are lacking. To inform Saudi public health authorities on the current status of blood levels vitamin D deficiency, we analyzed data from the Saudi Health Interview Survey. The Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) is a cross-sectional national multistage survey of individuals aged 15 years and above on sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco consumption, diet, physical activity, health care utilization, different health-related behaviors, and self-reported chronic conditions. A total of 10,735 participants completed a health questionnaire and were invited to the local health clinics for biomedical exams. 62.65% of female Saudis and 40.6% of male Saudis aged 15 years and above are deficient in vitamin D. Out of them, less than 1% males and less than 2% females consume vitamin D supplements. Women who have never married and obese individuals are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D, compared to men who were currently married and nonobese individuals. Those consuming vitamin D supplements are less likely to be deficient in vitamin D. Our study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Saudi men and women, and the results call for an increased awareness to ensure adequate levels of vitamin D for better health in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, our findings are certainly relevant for other countries in the Gulf region or countries with similar cultures, clothing, and religions.

Identification of genes differentially regulated by vitamin D deficiency that alter lung pathophysiology and inflammation in allergic airways disease.

PubMed

Foong, Rachel E; Bosco, Anthony; Troy, Niamh M; Gorman, Shelley; Hart, Prue H; Kicic, Anthony; Zosky, Graeme R

2016-09-01

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with asthma risk. Vitamin D deficiency may enhance the inflammatory response, and we have previously shown that airway remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness is increased in vitamin D-deficient mice. In this study, we hypothesize that vitamin D deficiency would exacerbate house dust mite (HDM)-induced inflammation and alterations in lung structure and function. A BALB/c mouse model of vitamin D deficiency was established by dietary manipulation. Responsiveness to methacholine, airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass, mucus cell metaplasia, lung and airway inflammation, and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were assessed. Gene expression patterns in mouse lung samples were profiled by RNA-Seq. HDM exposure increased inflammation and inflammatory cytokines in BAL, baseline airway resistance, tissue elastance, and ASM mass. Vitamin D deficiency enhanced the HDM-induced influx of lymphocytes into BAL, ameliorated the HDM-induced increase in ASM mass, and protected against the HDM-induced increase in baseline airway resistance. RNA-Seq identified nine genes that were differentially regulated by vitamin D deficiency in the lungs of HDM-treated mice. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that protein expression of midline 1 (MID1) and adrenomedullin was differentially regulated such that they promoted inflammation, while hypoxia-inducible lipid droplet-associated, which is associated with ASM remodeling, was downregulated. Protein expression studies in human bronchial epithelial cells also showed that addition of vitamin D decreased MID1 expression. Differential regulation of these genes by vitamin D deficiency could determine lung inflammation and pathophysiology and suggest that the effect of vitamin D deficiency on HDM-induced allergic airways disease is complex. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Association With Metabolic Disease in Korean Orthopedic Patients.

PubMed

Kim, Ki-Tack; Kang, Kyung-Chung; Shin, Dong-Eun; Lee, Sang-Hoon; Lee, Jung-Hee; Kwon, Tae-Yoon

2015-10-01

Vitamin D is considered essential for bone and muscle health, and some studies have demonstrated the positive effects of vitamin D on metabolic diseases and cancer. Nevertheless, a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been reported in various populations, regardless of country or race. However, no studies regarding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Korean orthopedic patients currently exist. This cross-sectional study included 272 male and 937 female patients aged 50 years and older who were consecutively admitted to the authors' orthopedic department. Vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D), bone turnover markers (osteocalcin, c-telopeptide), and bone mineral density were measured. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with other factors were evaluated. Mean patient age was 67.2 ± 8.9 years, and mean level of vitamin D was 16.1 ± 9.1 ng/mL. Overall, 91.2% of patients had deficient (<20 ng/mL; 70.6%) or insufficient (20-30 ng/mL; 20.6%) levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D level did not vary by age group or sex. The level of vitamin D was significantly associated with osteocalcin, c-telopeptide, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose (P<.01). Vitamin D level in Korean orthopedic patients of this region was extremely low, regardless of sex and age. Although vitamin D was not directly associated with bone mineral density, there were significant associations between vitamin D and other factors related to bone health and metabolic diseases. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

The Role of Magnesium Deficiency in Cardiovascular and Intestinal Inflammation

PubMed Central

Weglicki, William B.; Mak, Iu Tong; Chmielinska, Joanna J.; Tejero-Taldo, Maria Isabel; Komarov, Andrei; Kramer, Jay H.

2013-01-01

Hypomagnesemia continues to cause difficult clinical problems, such as significant cardiac arrhythmias where intravenous magnesium therapy can be lifesaving. Nutritional deficiency of magnesium may present with some subtle symptoms such as leg cramps and occasional palpitation. We have investigated dietary-induced magnesium deficiency in rodent models to assess the pathobiology associated with prolonged hypomagnesemia. We found that neuronal sources of the neuropeptide, substance P (SP), contributed to very early prooxidant/proinflammatory changes during Mg deficiency. This neurogenic inflammation is systemic in nature, affecting blood cells, cardiovascular, intestinal, and other tissues, leading to impaired cardiac contractility similar to that seen in patients with heart failure. We have used drugs that block the release of SP from neurons and SP-receptor blockers to prevent some of these pathobiological changes; whereas, blocking SP catabolism enhances inflammation. Our findings emphasize the essential role of this cation in preventing cardiomyopathic changes and intestinal inflammation in a well-studied animal model, and also implicate the need for more appreciation of the potential clinical relevance of optimal magnesium nutrition and therapy. PMID:20971697

Enhancing the Production of D-Mannitol by an Artificial Mutant of Penicillium sp. T2-M10.

PubMed

Duan, Rongting; Li, Hongtao; Li, Hongyu; Tang, Linhuan; Zhou, Hao; Yang, Xueqiong; Yang, Yabin; Ding, Zhongtao

2018-05-26

D-Mannitol belongs to a linear polyol with six-carbon and has indispensable usage in medicine and industry. In order to obtain more efficient D-mannitol producer, this study has screened out a stable mutant Penicillium sp. T2-M10 that was isolated from the initial D-mannitol-produced strain Penicillium sp.T2-8 via UV irradiation as well as nitrosoguanidine (NTG) induction. The mutant had a considerable enhancement in yield of D-mannitol based on optimizing fermentation. The production condition was optimized as the PDB medium with 24 g/L glucose for 9 days. The results showed that the production of D-mannitol from the mutant strain T2-M10 increased 125% in contrast with the parental strain. Meanwhile, the fact that D-mannitol is the main product in the mutant simplified the process of purification. Our finding revealed the potential value of the mutant strain Penicillium sp. T2-M10 to be a D-mannitol-producing strain.

Vitamin D deficiency in patients with either rheumatic diseases or inflammatory bowel diseases on biologic therapy.

PubMed

Bruzzese, Vincenzo; Zullo, Angelo; Picchianti Diamanti, Andrea; Ridola, Lorenzo; Lorenzetti, Roberto; Marrese, Cinzia; Scolieri, Palma; De Francesco, Vincenzo; Hassan, Cesare; Migliore, Alberto; Laganà, Bruno

2016-09-01

Vitamin D deficiency has been reported in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatic and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We evaluated the role of biologic therapy on vitamin D, calcium and parathormone (PTH) levels. This cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive patients with either rheumatic diseases or IBD who underwent an ambulatory visit. Patients receiving vitamin D/calcium supplementation were excluded. Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was diagnosed when values were <20 ng/mL and 21-29 ng/ml, respectively. Patients were sub-grouped according to biologic therapy. A multivariate analysis was performed. Two-hundred patients, including 136 with a rheumatic disease (M/F 37/99; mean age 60.7 ± 12.9 years) and 64 with IBD (M/F 41/23; Mean age 49.6 ± 13.1 years) were enrolled. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was detected in as many as 63.5 % patients, being 61.8 and 67.2 % in patients with either rheumatic diseases or IBD, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was higher in those receiving biologics than other therapies (78.3 vs 43.2 %; p < 0.0001), in either rheumatic diseases (78.7 vs 41 %; p < 0.0001) or IBD (75 vs 50 %; p = 0.03) group. At multivariate analysis, only biologic therapy was independently associated with vitamin D deficit (OR 4.61; p = 0.001). Patients with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency had hypocalcemia more frequently than controls (22.8 vs 10.9 %; p = 0.03), while PTH values did not differ significantly. This study finds that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was very high in patients with either rheumatic diseases or IBD receiving a biologic therapy.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and rickets in children with cholestasis in Iran.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Bahram; Najafi, Mehri; Farahmand, Fateme; Motamed, Farzaneh; Ghajarzadeh, Mahsa; Mohammadi, Jamshid; Eshagh Roze, Mohammad

2012-01-01

This study was aimed to determine prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and rickets in children with cholestatic liver diseases. Forty eight children with established cholestatic liver disease who referred to gastrointestinal clinic of Children Medical Center (Tehran, Iran) between April 2010 and March 2011 were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Laboratory analysis including calcium, phosphate, albumin, total and direct bilirubin, aminotransferases, alkalinephosphatase (ALP), prothrombin time (PT), parathyroid hormone (PTH), total protein determined by routine laboratory techniques. Mean age of participants was 299.1 ± 676.8 days (range 2-3600 days) whereas twenty one were female (43.8%) and 27 (56.3%) were male. Twenty two (45.8%) had evidences of rickets in X-ray evaluation. Three children with rickets and two with normal X-ray had vitamin D deficiency while ten in rickets group and 16 in normal group had vitamin D insufficiency. The main underlying diseases were anatomical biliary atresia in cases with rickets and idiopathic in other group. Rickets and vitamin D deficiency should be considered in chronic cholestatic children.

Effect of diet-induced vitamin D deficiency on rotator cuff healing in a rat model.

PubMed

Angeline, Michael E; Ma, Richard; Pascual-Garrido, Cecilia; Voigt, Clifford; Deng, Xiang Hua; Warren, Russell F; Rodeo, Scott A

2014-01-01

Few studies have considered hormonal influences, particularly vitamin D, on healing. Vitamin D deficiency would have a negative effect on the structure of the healing tendon-bone interface in a rat model and would result in decreased tendon attachment strength. Controlled laboratory study. Vitamin D deficiency was induced in 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats using a specialized vitamin D-deficient diet and ultraviolet light restriction. Serum levels of vitamin D were measured after 6 weeks. These vitamin D-deficient animals (experimental group) plus 32 rats with normal vitamin D levels (controls) underwent unilateral detachment of the right supraspinatus tendon from the greater tuberosity of the humerus, followed by immediate repair using bone tunnel suture fixation. The animals were sacrificed at 2- and 4-week intervals after surgery for biomechanical analysis. A paired t test was used to compare serum vitamin D levels at day 0 and at 6 weeks. A nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare load-to-failure and stiffness values between the experimental group and controls. Bone density and new bone formation at the tendon insertion site on the greater tuberosity were assessed with micro-computed tomography (CT). The organization of collagen tissue, new bone formation, vascularity at the tendon-bone interface, fibrocartilage at the tendon-bone interface, and collagen fiber continuity between the tendon and bone tissue were evaluated with safranin O and picrosirius red staining. Blood draws confirmed vitamin D deficiency at 6 weeks compared with time zero/baseline for rats in the experimental group (10.9 ng/mL vs 6.5 ng/mL, respectively; P < .001). Biomechanical testing demonstrated a significant decrease in load to failure in the experimental group compared with controls at 2 weeks (5.8 ± 2.0 N vs 10.5 ± 4.4 N, respectively; P < .006). There was no difference in stiffness at 2 weeks between the control and experimental groups. At 4 weeks, there was no significant

Is vitamin D deficiency a public health concern for low middle income countries? A systematic literature review.

PubMed

Cashman, Kevin D; Sheehy, Tony; O'Neill, Colette M

2018-01-17

Vitamin D deficiency has been receiving increasing attention as a potential public health concern in low and lower-middle income countries (LMICs), of which there are currently 83. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) of available data on vitamin D status and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in all 83 LMICs. We followed the general methodology for SLRs in the area of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Highest priority was placed on identifying relevant population-based studies, followed by cross-sectional studies, and to a lesser extent case-control studies. We adopted the public health convention that a prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 25/30 nmol/L) at > 20% in the entire population and/or at-risk population subgroups (infants, children, women of child-bearing age, pregnancy) constitutes a public health issue that may warrant intervention. Our SLR revealed that of the 83 LMICs, 65% (n = 54 countries) had no published studies with vitamin D data suitable for inclusion. Using data from the remaining third, a number of LMICs had evidence of excess burden of vitamin D deficiency in one or more population subgroup(s) using the above convention (Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Tunisia and Mongolia) as well as possibly other LMICs, albeit with much more limited data. Several LMICs had no evidence of excess burden. Vitamin D deficiency is a public health issue in some, but certainly not all, LMICs. There is a clear need for targeting public health strategies for prevention of vitamin D deficiency in those LMICs with excess burden.

Five novel Wickerhamomyces- and Metschnikowia-related yeast species, Wickerhamomyces chaumierensis sp. nov., Candida pseudoflosculorum sp. nov., Candida danieliae sp. nov., Candida robnettiae sp. nov. and Candida eppingiae sp. nov., isolated from plants.

PubMed

Groenewald, Marizeth; Robert, Vincent; Smith, Maudy Th

2011-08-01

On the basis of nucleotide divergences in the D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) domain of the rRNA gene, five novel yeast species, Wickerhamomyces chaumierensis sp. nov. (CBS 8565(T)  = JCM 17246(T)), Candida pseudoflosculorum sp. nov. (CBS 8584(T)  = JCM 17242(T)), Candida danieliae sp. nov. (CBS 8533(T)  = JCM 17247(T)), Candida robnettiae sp. nov. (CBS 8580(T)  = JCM 17243(T)) and Candida eppingiae sp. nov. (CBS 8586(T)  = JCM 17241(T)), isolated from plants in Thailand and Guyana, are proposed in this study.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic in South Auckland.

PubMed

Bartley, Jim; Reid, David; Morton, Randall P

2009-05-01

We performed a prospective observational study to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic in South Auckland, New Zealand. From July 21,2008, to August 7, 2008, all new patients presenting to otolaryngology clinics at which one of the authors (D.R.) was present had their vitamin D status assessed by measurement of their plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level. Of 48 patients, 2% had 25(OH)D levels of 17.5 nmol/L or less (a level associated with osteomalacia), 58% had 25(OH)D levels of 50 nmol/L or less (a level associated with vitamin D deficiency), and 100% had 25(OH)D levels of 80 nmol/L or less. Most of the patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic in South Auckland are vitamin D-deficient. It is unclear whether low vitamin D levels are associated more directly with otolaryngological disorders or skin type, because the small size of this study and the broad range of conditions seen precluded a meaningful statistical analysis. Further research into the relationship of vitamin D to specific otolaryngological presentations is required.

Ecological Physiology of Synechococcus sp. Strain SH-94-5, a Naturally Occurring Cyanobacterium Deficient in Nitrate Assimilation

PubMed Central

Miller, Scott R.; Castenholz, Richard W.

2001-01-01

Synechococcus sp. strain SH-94-5 is a nitrate assimilation-deficient cyanobacterium which was isolated from an ammonium-replete hot spring in central Oregon. While this clone could grow on ammonium and some forms of organic nitrogen as sole nitrogen sources, it could not grow on either nitrate or nitrite, even under conditions favoring passive diffusion. It was determined that this clone does not express functional nitrate reductase or nitrite reductase and that the lack of activity of either enzyme is not due to inactivation of the cyanobacterial nitrogen control protein NtcA. A few other naturally occurring cyanobacterial strains are also nitrate assimilation deficient, and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the ability to utilize nitrate has been independently lost at least four times during the evolutionary history of the cyanobacteria. This phenotype is associated with the presence of environmental ammonium, a negative regulator of nitrate assimilation gene expression, which may indicate that natural selection to maintain functional copies of nitrate assimilation genes has been relaxed in these habitats. These results suggest how the evolutionary fates of conditionally expressed genes might differ between environments and thereby effect ecological divergence and biogeographical structure in the microbial world. PMID:11425713

Ecological physiology of Synechococcus sp. strain SH-94-5, a naturally occurring cyanobacterium deficient in nitrate assimilation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, S. R.; Castenholz, R. W.

2001-01-01

Synechococcus sp. strain SH-94-5 is a nitrate assimilation-deficient cyanobacterium which was isolated from an ammonium-replete hot spring in central Oregon. While this clone could grow on ammonium and some forms of organic nitrogen as sole nitrogen sources, it could not grow on either nitrate or nitrite, even under conditions favoring passive diffusion. It was determined that this clone does not express functional nitrate reductase or nitrite reductase and that the lack of activity of either enzyme is not due to inactivation of the cyanobacterial nitrogen control protein NtcA. A few other naturally occurring cyanobacterial strains are also nitrate assimilation deficient, and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the ability to utilize nitrate has been independently lost at least four times during the evolutionary history of the cyanobacteria. This phenotype is associated with the presence of environmental ammonium, a negative regulator of nitrate assimilation gene expression, which may indicate that natural selection to maintain functional copies of nitrate assimilation genes has been relaxed in these habitats. These results suggest how the evolutionary fates of conditionally expressed genes might differ between environments and thereby effect ecological divergence and biogeographical structure in the microbial world.

Vitamin D deficiency decreases adiposity in rats and causes altered expression of uncoupling proteins and steroid receptor coactivator3.

PubMed

Bhat, Mehrajuddin; Noolu, Bindu; Qadri, Syed S Y H; Ismail, Ayesha

2014-10-01

The vitamin D endocrine system is functional in the adipose tissue, as demonstrated in vitro, in cultured adipocytes, and in vivo in mutant mice that developed altered lipid metabolism and fat storage in the absence of either 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] or the vitamin D receptor. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of vitamin D and calcium on body adiposity in a diet-induced vitamin D deficient rat model. Vitamin D-deficient rats gained less weight and had lower amounts of visceral fat. Consistent with reduced adipose tissue mass, the vitamin D-deficient rats had low circulating levels of leptin, which reflects body fat stores. Expression of vitamin D and calcium sensing receptors, and that of genes involved in adipogenesis such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, fatty acid synthase and leptin were significantly reduced in white adipose tissue of deficient rats compared to vitamin D-sufficient rats. Furthermore, the expression of uncoupling proteins (Ucp1 and Ucp2) was elevated in the white adipose tissue of the deficient rat indicative of higher energy expenditure, thereby leading to a lean phenotype. Expression of the p160 steroid receptor coactivator3 (SRC3), a key regulator of adipogenesis in white adipose tissue was decreased in vitamin D-deficient state. Interestingly, most of the changes observed in vitamin D deficient rats were corrected by calcium supplementation alone. Our data demonstrates that dietary vitamin D and calcium regulate adipose tissue function and metabolism. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency with thyroid artery Doppler ultrasonography in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis.

PubMed

Nalbant, Ahmet; Aydin, Ayhan; Karacan, Alper; Onmez, Attila; Tamer, Ali; Cinemre, Hakan

2017-01-01

During the course of the autoimmune thyroid diseases, ultrasonography change parallel to histopathology. Vitamin D is associated with autoimmune diseases and thus can affect thyroid blood flow. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency and thyroid hemodynamic indices in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis. A total of 93 patients who presented to Sakarya University Endocrinology outpatient clinic from April to September 2016 and diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis were included in this study. Clinical and serologic data, thyroid antibodies and 25(OH)D3 were evaluated. Mean peak systolic velocity(mPSV), mean end-diastolic velocity (EDV), mean resistive index (RI) flows of superior and inferior thyroid arteries were measured with B-mode Doppler ultrasonography. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency was detected in 59 (63.4%). TPO Ab and TgAb levels were found higher in patients with vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. In the normal vitamin D group, superior thyroid artery mPSV (32.21±6.73cm/s) and EDV(13.27±2.80 cm/s) were higher than in the low vitamin D group [mPSV (28.32±8.99cm/s) and EDV(10.67±3.68 cm/s)] (P=0.034, P=0.001, respectively). Inferior thyroid artery EDV value was higher in the normal compared to the low vitamin D group (0.032). RI measured in all arteries were higher in the vitamin D insufficient/deficient group compared to the Vitamin D normal group (p=0.001). Vitamin-D insufficiency/deficiency has led to reduced parenchymal blood supply and increased micro-vascular resistance in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients.

Unrecognized vitamin D3 deficiency is common in Parkinson disease: Harvard Biomarker Study.

PubMed

Ding, Hongliu; Dhima, Kaltra; Lockhart, Kaitlin C; Locascio, Joseph J; Hoesing, Ashley N; Duong, Karen; Trisini-Lipsanopoulos, Ana; Hayes, Michael T; Sohur, U Shivraj; Wills, Anne-Marie; Mollenhauer, Brit; Flaherty, Alice W; Hung, Albert Y; Mejia, Nicte; Khurana, Vikram; Gomperts, Stephen N; Selkoe, Dennis J; Schwarzschild, Michael A; Schlossmacher, Michael G; Hyman, Bradley T; Sudarsky, Lewis R; Growdon, John H; Scherzer, Clemens R

2013-10-22

To conclusively test for a specific association between the biological marker 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, a transcriptionally active hormone produced in human skin and liver, and the prevalence and severity of Parkinson disease (PD). We used liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to establish an association specifically between deficiency of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and PD in a cross-sectional and longitudinal case-control study of 388 patients (mean Hoehn and Yahr stage of 2.1 ± 0.6) and 283 control subjects free of neurologic disease nested in the Harvard Biomarker Study. Plasma levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 were associated with PD in both univariate and multivariate analyses with p values = 0.0034 and 0.047, respectively. Total 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels, the traditional composite measure of endogenous and exogenous vitamin D, were deficient in 17.6% of patients with PD compared with 9.3% of controls. Low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 as well as total 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels were correlated with higher total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores at baseline and during follow-up. Our study reveals an association between 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and PD and suggests that thousands of patients with PD in North America alone may be vitamin D-deficient. This finding has immediate relevance for individual patients at risk of falls as well as public health, and warrants further investigation into the mechanism underlying this association.

CYP2R1 mutations causing vitamin D-deficiency rickets.

PubMed

Thacher, Tom D; Levine, Michael A

2017-10-01

CYP2R1 is the principal hepatic 25-hydroxylase responsible for the hydroxylation of parent vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D reflect vitamin D status, because 25(OH)D is the major circulating metabolite of vitamin D. The 1α-hydroxylation of 25(OH)D in the kidney by CYP27B1 generates the fully active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH) 2 D). The human CYP2R1 gene, located at 11p15.2, has five exons, coding for an enzyme with 501 amino acids. In Cyp2r1-/- knockout mice, serum 25(OH)D levels were reduced by more than 50% compared wild-type mice. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2R1 account for some of the individual variability of circulating 25(OH)D values in the population. We review the evidence that inactivating mutations in CYP2R1 can lead to a novel form of vitamin D-deficiency rickets resulting from impaired 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D. We sequenced the promoter, exons and intron-exon flanking regions of the CYP2R1 gene in members of 12 Nigerian families with rickets in more than one family member. We found missense mutations (L99P and K242N) in affected members of 2 of 12 families. The L99P mutation had previously been reported as a homozygous defect in an unrelated child of Nigerian origin with rickets. In silico analyses predicted impaired CYP2R1 folding or reduced interaction with substrate vitamin D by L99P and K242N mutations, respectively. In vitro studies of the mutant CYP2R1 proteins in HEK293 cells confirmed normal expression levels but completely absent or markedly reduced 25-hydroxylase activity by the L99P and K242N mutations, respectively. Heterozygous subjects had more moderate biochemical and clinical features of vitamin D deficiency than homozygous subjects. After an oral bolus dose of 50,000 IU of vitamin D 2 or vitamin D 3 , heterozygous subjects had lower increases in serum 25(OH)D than control subjects, and homozygous subjects had minimal increases, supporting a semidominant

Vitamin D deficiency in refugees in Italy.

PubMed

De Filippis, L G; Trombetta, I; Novella, T; Alampi, M

2017-09-21

The objective of the research is to determine 25[OH]D serum levels in refugees in Italy. In the following research we have taken into consideration the results of the monitoring of Vitamin D levels in 46 refugees of the Italian Service for protection of refugees and asylum seekers (SPRAR) system. The indicator of overall vitamin D status used was the circulating serum level of 25(OH)D. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. In the refugees tested, the mean level of 25(OH)D resulted 9.18 ng/mL. The standard deviation was 4.8, with a minimal level of 4.3 and a maximum of 27.4. This figure indicates a clear condition of hypovitaminosis in refugees. While it is general assumption that migratory phenomena may induce the spread of tropical or infectious diseases, widely attested literature demonstrates how chronic pathologies and diseases related to altered lifestyles are the most relevant for Italian case records. Indeed, among the aforementioned diseases, Vitamin D deficiency so far lacks acknowledgement at a national level. Considering the results of lower-than-desirable vitamin D levels found in refugees in Italy, it is necessary to take this parameter into consideration when analyzing individuals who have faced migratory phenomena in order to mitigate the effects of hypovitaminosis D.

Herbimycins D-F, ansamycin analogues from Streptomyces sp. RM-7-15.

PubMed

Shaaban, Khaled A; Wang, Xiachang; Elshahawi, Sherif I; Ponomareva, Larissa V; Sunkara, Manjula; Copley, Gregory C; Hower, James C; Morris, Andrew J; Kharel, Madan K; Thorson, Jon S

2013-09-27

Bacterial strains belonging to the class actinomycetes were isolated from the soil near a thermal vent of the Ruth Mullins coal fire (Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky). High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and ultraviolet absorption profiles of metabolites from one of the isolates (Streptomyces sp. RM-7-15) revealed the presence of a unique set of metabolites ultimately determined to be herbimycins D-F (1-3). In addition, herbimycin A (4), dihydroherbimycin A (TAN 420E) (7), and the structurally distinct antibiotic bicycylomycin were isolated from the crude extract of Streptomyces sp. RM-7-15. Herbimycins A and D-F (1-3) displayed comparable binding affinities to the Hsp90α. While the new analogues were found to be inactive in cancer cell cytotoxicity and antimicrobial assays, they may offer new insights in the context of nontoxic ansamycin-based Hsp90 inhibitors for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.

VitaminA, E, and D deficiencies in tunisian very low birth weight neonates: prevalence and risk factors.

PubMed

Fares, Samira; Sethom, Mohamed Marouane; Khouaja-Mokrani, Chahnez; Jabnoun, Sami; Feki, Moncef; Kaabachi, Naziha

2014-06-01

Preterm neonates are at high risk of vitamin deficiencies, which may expose them to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for vitamin A, E, and D deficiencies in Tunisian very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. A total of 607 VLBW and 300 term neonates were included in the study. Plasma vitamins A and E were assessed by high performance liquid chromatography and vitamin D was assessed by radioimmunoassay. Prevalence of vitamin A, E, and D deficiencies were dramatically elevated in VLBW neonates and were significantly higher than term neonates (75.9% vs. 63.3%; 71.3% vs. 55.5%; and 65.2% vs. 40.4%, respectively). In VLBW neonates, the prevalence of vitamin deficiencies was significantly higher in lower classes of gestational age and birth weight. Vitamin E deficiency was associated with pre-eclampsia [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval, 95% CI), 1.56 (1.01-2.44); p < 0.01] and gestational diabetes [4.01 (1.05-17.0); p < 0.01]. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with twin pregnancy [OR (95% CI), 2.66 (1.33-5.35); p < 0.01] and pre-eclampsia [2.89 (1.36-6.40); p < 0.01]. Vitamin A, E, and D deficiencies are very common in Tunisian VLBW neonates and are associated with pre-eclampsia. Improved nutritional and health support for pregnant women and high dose vitamins A, E, and D supplementation in VLBW neonates are strongly required in Tunisia. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Performance assessment of KORAT-3D on the ANL IBM-SP computer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alexeyev, A.V.; Zvenigorodskaya, O.A.; Shagaliev, R.M.

1999-09-01

The TENAR code is currently being developed at the Russian Federal Nuclear Center (VNIIEF) as a coupled dynamics code for the simulation of transients in VVER and RBMK systems and other nuclear systems. The neutronic module in this code system is KORAT-3D. This module is also one of the most computationally intensive components of the code system. A parallel version of KORAT-3D has been implemented to achieve the goal of obtaining transient solutions in reasonable computational time, particularly for RBMK calculations that involve the application of >100,000 nodes. An evaluation of the KORAT-3D code performance was recently undertaken on themore » Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) IBM ScalablePower (SP) parallel computer located in the Mathematics and Computer Science Division of ANL. At the time of the study, the ANL IBM-SP computer had 80 processors. This study was conducted under the auspices of a technical staff exchange program sponsored by the International Nuclear Safety Center (INSC).« less

Vitamin D deficiency: knowledge and practices among the adult population in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Salmanpour, Vida A; Ibrahim, Hassan S; Salameh, Ahmad G; Yahya, Amel M; Debal, Basel K

2016-01-01

Research demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with bone diseases (e.g., osteoporosis), muscle cramps, back pain, heart diseases, diabetes mellitus, etc. The lack of knowledge and poor practice of study subjects regarding vitamin D deficiency became evident in this study. Vitamin D is vital for the growth and development of the body throughout the life span. The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge and the practices related to vitamin D deficiency among the adult population in Sharjah, UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 20-40 years in Sharjah, UAE. Participants were selected from public places using convenience sampling method. They were subjected to a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20 software. All knowledge-related questions were summed up, where a correct answer was given 1 point and incorrect one a 0, yielding a score out of 43. Subjects' scores were then transformed to a percentage. A total of 503 adults were included in the study. They had a mean age of 30 years (±5.47) with a relatively homogenous gender distribution (51 % females). The mean knowledge score on vitamin D deficiency was 16.7 out of 43 (39 %). Less than half of the respondents (43 %) knew that sunlight is the main source of vitamin D. The mean score for participants' practice was 2.34 out of 6 (39 %); 77 % of them reported that they tried to avoid sun exposure, and 97 % had not tested vitamin D levels in their blood before. The majority of the adults demonstrated significant lack of knowledge and poor practices towards vitamin D and its deficiency. Therefore, attempts to increase the awareness about this issue are required through establishing educational campaigns targeting the general public in Sharjah, UAE.

Vitamin D deficiency in elderly people in Swedish nursing homes is associated with increased mortality.

PubMed

Samefors, Maria; Östgren, Carl Johan; Mölstad, Sigvard; Lannering, Christina; Midlöv, Patrik; Tengblad, Anders

2014-05-01

Institutionalised elderly people at northern latitudes may be at elevated risk for vitamin D deficiency. In addition to osteoporosis-related disorders, vitamin D deficiency may influence several medical conditions conferring an increased mortality risk. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with mortality. The Study of Health and Drugs in the Elderly (SHADES) is a prospective cohort study among elderly people (>65 years) in 11 nursing homes in Sweden. We analysed the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃) at baseline. Vital status of the subjects was ascertained and hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality according to 25(OH)D₃ quartiles were calculated. We examined 333 study participants with a mean follow-up of 3 years. A total of 147 (44%) patients died within this period. Compared with the subjects in Q4 (25(OH)D₃ >48  nmol/l), HR (with 95% CI) for mortality was 2.02 (1.31-3.12) in Q1 (25(OH)D₃ <29  nmol/l) (P<0.05); 2.03 (1.32-3.14) in Q2 (25(OH)D₃ 30-37  nmol/l) (P<0.05) and 1.6 (1.03-2.48) in Q3 (25(OH)D₃ 38-47  nmol/l) (P<0.05). The mean 25(OH)D₃ concentration was 40.2  nmol/l (S.D. 16.0) and 80% had 25(OH)D₃ below 50  nmol/l. The vitamin D levels decreased from baseline to the second and third measurements. Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent and associated with increased mortality among the elderly in Swedish nursing homes. Strategies are needed to prevent, and maybe treat, vitamin D deficiency in the elderly in nursing homes and the benefit of vitamin D supplementation should be evaluated in randomised clinical trials.

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for infections in patients affected by HCV-related liver cirrhosis.

PubMed

Buonomo, Antonio Riccardo; Zappulo, Emanuela; Scotto, Riccardo; Pinchera, Biagio; Perruolo, Giuseppe; Formisano, Pietro; Borgia, Guglielmo; Gentile, Ivan

2017-10-01

To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its impact on infections in HCV-related liver cirrhosis. We enrolled 291 patients affected by HCV-related liver cirrhosis. Serum vitamin D levels were dosed at enrolment. The presence of infection was assessed at baseline and during follow-up based on physical examination and laboratory analyses. Vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/mL) was diagnosed in 68.3% of patients, and a total of 102 infections were detected. Urinary tract infections were the most common infections diagnosed (41.2%). Vitamin D deficiency rates were higher in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B vs A p=0.008, and Child-Pugh C vs A p=0.024). Infection was significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency (p<0.001), MELD score >15 (p=0.003), Child-Pugh class B/C vs A (p<0.001), and active hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (p<0.001). At multivariate analysis, vitamin D deficiency (p<0.01), HCC (p<0.05), hospitalization (p<0.001) and exposure to immunosuppressant agents (p<0.05) were independent risk factors for infection at baseline. Vitamin D may play a role in the development of infections in patients affected by liver cirrhosis, and preventive strategies with vitamin D supplementation are to be evaluated in randomized controlled trials. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

The impact of adult vitamin D deficiency on behaviour and brain function in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

PubMed

Byrne, Jacqueline H; Voogt, Meggie; Turner, Karly M; Eyles, Darryl W; McGrath, John J; Burne, Thomas H J

2013-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the adult population, and this has been linked to depression and cognitive outcomes in clinical populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adult vitamin D (AVD) deficiency on behavioural tasks of relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Ten-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a control or vitamin D deficient diet for 6 weeks prior to, and during behavioural testing. We first examined a range of behavioural domains including locomotion, exploration, anxiety, social behaviour, learned helplessness, sensorimotor gating, and nociception. We then assessed locomotor response to the psychomimetic drugs, amphetamine and MK-801. Attention and vigilance were assessed using the 5 choice serial reaction time task (5C-SRT) and the 5 choice continuous performance task (5C-CPT) and, in a separate cohort, working memory was assessed using the delay match to sample (DMTS) task. We also examined excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in prefrontal cortex and striatum. AVD-deficient rats were deficient in vitamin D3 (<10 nM) and had normal calcium and phosphate levels after 8-10 weeks on the diet. Overall, AVD deficiency was not associated with an altered phenotype across the range of behavioural domains tested. On the 5C-SRT AVD-deficient rats made more premature responses and more head entries during longer inter-trial intervals (ITI) than control rats. On the 5C-CPT AVD-deficient rats took longer to make false alarm (FA) responses than control rats. AVD-deficient rats had increases in baseline GABA levels and the ratio of DOPAC/HVA within the striatum. AVD-deficient rats exhibited no major impairments in any of the behavioural domains tested. Impairments in premature responses in AVD-deficient rats may indicate that these animals have specific alterations in striatal systems governing compulsive or reward-seeking behaviour.

Vitamin D deficiency, coronary artery disease, and endothelial dysfunction: observations from a coronary angiographic study in Indian patients.

PubMed

Syal, Sanjeev Kumar; Kapoor, Aditya; Bhatia, Eesh; Sinha, Archana; Kumar, Sudeep; Tewari, Satyendra; Garg, Naveen; Goel, Pravin K

2012-08-01

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular (CV) death. Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in pathogenesis of CAD and vitamin D deficiency is postulated to promote endothelial dysfunction. Despite rising trends of CAD in Asians, only limited data are available on the relationship between vitamin D, CAD, and endothelial dysfunction. In a study of 100 patients undergoing coronary angiography, mean 25(OH)D level was 14.8 ± 9.1 ng/mL; vitamin D deficiency was present in 80% and only 7% had optimal 25(OH)D levels. Nearly one-third (36%) were severely deficient, with 25(OH)D levels <10 ng/mL. Those with vitamin D deficiency had significantly higher prevalence of double- or triple-vessel CAD (53% vs 38%), diffuse CAD (56% vs 34%), and higher number of coronary vessels involved as compared to those with higher 25(OH)D levels. Those with lower 25(OH)D levels had significantly lower brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD; 4.57% vs 10.68%: P<.001) and significantly higher prevalence of impaired FMD (values <4.5%; 50.6% vs 7%; P<.002). A graded relationship between 25(OH)D levels and FMD was observed; impaired FMD was noted in 62.2%, 38.6%, and 13.3% in those with 25(OH)D levels <10 ng/mL, 10-20 ng/mL, and >20 ng/mL, respectively. Indian patients with angiographically documented CAD frequently have vitamin D deficiency. Patients with lower 25(OH)D levels had higher prevalence of double- or triple-vessel CAD and diffuse CAD. Endothelial dysfunction as assessed by brachial artery FMD was also more frequently observed in those with low 25(OH)D levels.

Vitamin D deficiency in patients admitted to the general ward with breast, lung, and colorectal cancer in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

PubMed

Aguirre, Marina; Manzano, Natalia; Salas, Yésica; Angel, Martín; Díaz-Couselo, Fernando A; Zylberman, Marcelo

2016-01-01

A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D has been reported in cancer patients. Low levels of 25-(OH)-vitamin D were found in 158 of 162 (97.5%) inpatients with breast, lung, and colorectal cancer under active treatment, with severe deficiency (<20 ng/ml) in 77.2% and mild deficiency (20-30 ng/ml) in 20.4%. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been reported in cancer patients. Nevertheless, vitamin D serum levels have been checked in few patients. Information about the frequency of hypovitaminosis D in cancer patients in Argentina is unknown. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. A prospective observational study was designed for cancer patients admitted to the general ward in 2014. The patients included had breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. All of them were under active treatment. The serum level of 25-(OH)-vitamin D [25-(OH)-D] was measured and categorized as sufficiency (>30 ng/ml), mild deficiency (20-30 ng/ml), and severe deficiency (<20 ng/ml). A total of 162 patients were included, 98.2% were in stages III-IV. Median level of 25-(OH)-D was 15.3 ng/ml (range 4.1-103.6 ng/ml). Serum levels <30 ng/ml were found in 158 (97.5%) patients, severe deficiency in 125 cases (77.2%) and mild deficiency in 33 cases (20.4%). In patients under chemo/hormone therapy, the median level was 15.3 ng/ml (range 4.1-103.6 ng/ml) and in those under concurrent therapy was 17.1 ng/ml (range 7.4-58.5 ng/ml); p = 0.1944. There were no statistical differences in severe or mild deficiency of vitamin D among breast, lung, and colorectal cancer patients. The study found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in hospitalized cancer patients under active treatment. Many authors have recommended dosing vitamin D levels in this population; normalizing serum levels is difficult.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Prakash, Sanjay; Rathore, Chaturbhuj; Makwana, Prayag; Dave, Ankit; Joshi, Hemant; Parekh, Haresh

2017-07-01

To see the interrelation between chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) and serum vitamin D levels. Several studies have suggested an association between chronic pain and vitamin D deficiency. Anecdotal evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with tension-type headache and migraine. This case-control study was carried out to examine the association between CTTH and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin (25(OH) D) levels. One hundred consecutive adult (>18 years) patients with CTTH and 100 matched healthy controls were enrolled. The serum 25(OH) D levels were significantly lower in CTTH patients than in the controls (14.7 vs 27.4 ng/mL). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25 (OH) D < 20 ng/mL) was greater in patients with CTTH (71% vs 25%). CTTH patients had a significantly high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (79% vs 57%), muscle weakness (29%vs 10%), muscle tenderness score (7.5 vs 1.9), and bone tenderness score (3.0 vs 0.8) in comparison to controls. CTTH patients with vitamin D deficient group (<20 ng/mL) had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (58% vs 31%), muscle weakness (38%vs 7%), muscle and bone tenderness score, associated fatigue (44% vs 17%) and more prolonged course (15.5 months vs 11.2 months). A strong positive correlation was noted between serum vitamin D levels and total muscle tenderness score (R 2  = 0. 7365) and total bone tenderness score (R 2  = 0. 6293). Decreased serum 25(OHD) concentration was associated with CTTH. Intervention studies are required to find out if supplementation of vitamin D is effective in patients with CTTH. © 2017 American Headache Society.

Sun Exposure Behavior, Seasonal Vitamin D Deficiency, and Relationship to Bone Health in Adolescents.

PubMed

Farrar, Mark D; Mughal, M Zulf; Adams, Judith E; Wilkinson, Jack; Berry, Jacqueline L; Edwards, Lisa; Kift, Richard; Marjanovic, Elizabeth; Vail, Andy; Webb, Ann R; Rhodes, Lesley E

2016-08-01

Vitamin D is essential for bone health in adolescence, when there is rapid bone mineral content accrual. Because cutaneous sun exposure provides vitamin D, there is no recommended oral intake for UK adolescents. Our objective was to assess seasonal vitamin D status and its contributors in white Caucasian adolescents and examine bone health in those found deficient. Prospective cohort study was undertaken. Six schools in Greater Manchester, UK, were included. Participants were 131 adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age. Seasonal assessment of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), personal sun exposure, and dietary vitamin D. Adolescents deficient (25OHD <10 ng/ml/25 nmol/liter) in at least one season underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (lumbar spine, femoral neck), with bone mineral apparent density correction for size, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (distal radius) for volumetric bone mineral density (BMD). Serum 25OHD and BMD measurements. Mean 25OHD was highest in September: 24.1 (SD, 6.9) ng/ml and lowest in January: 15.5 (5.9) ng/ml. Over the year, 16% were deficient in ≥ one season and 79% insufficient (25OHD <20 ng/ml/50 nmol/liter) including 28% in September. Dietary vitamin D was low year-round, whereas personal sun exposure was seasonal and predominantly across the school week. Holidays accounted for 17% variation in peak 25OHD (P < .001). Nineteen adolescents underwent bone assessment, which showed low femoral neck bone mineral apparent density vs matched reference data (P = .0002), three with Z less than or equal to -2.0 distal radius trabecular volumetric BMD. Sun exposure levels failed to provide adequate vitamin D, with approximately one-quarter of adolescents insufficient even at summer peak. Seasonal vitamin D deficiency was prevalent and those affected had low BMD. Recommendations on vitamin D acquisition are indicated in this age-group.

Vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies are common in patients with midgut carcinoid (SI-NET).

PubMed

Lind, A; Wängberg, B; Ellegård, L

2016-09-01

Patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours (SI-NET) often have diarrhoea from hormonal overproduction, surgery and medical treatment, leading to malabsorption of bile salts, fats, vitamin B12 and fat-souble vitamins. This could lead to malnutrition. We assessed nutritional status in 50 consecutive out patients with disseminated SI-NET, 25 patients in each cohort. The first cohort was descriptive and the second cohort supplemented with vitamin D, B12 and calcium. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as <50 nmol/l. All patients were assessed by clinical chemistry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and interviewed about weight changes, appetite, gastrointestinal disorders, sunhabits and the use of supplements. In the first cohort, 29% of the patients were severely and 17% moderately vitamin D deficient. In patients without prior substitution, 32% had subnormal vitamin B12 levels. Seventy-six percent had low bone density. In the second cohort with vitamin and mineral supplementation, none had severe vitamin D deficiency, but 28% had moderate deficiency. No patient had subnormal vitamin B12 levels. Sixty percent had low bone density. The serum levels of vitamin D and B12 were higher and parathyroid hormone (PTH) lower in the second cohort compared with the first cohort (P⩽0,022). Vitamin D and PTH were negatively correlated, r=-30, P=⩽0.036. Low serum levels of vitamin D and vitamin B12, and low bone density are common in patients with disseminated SI-NET. Supplementation of vitamin D, B12 and calcium resulted in higher serum levels of vitamins, lower PTH levels and diminished severe vitamin D deficiency and is thus recommended as standard care.

Isolation and identification of a novel Candida sp. H2 producing D-arabitol and optimization of D-arabitol production.

PubMed

Song, Weibin; Lin, Yanqing; Hu, Haiyan; Xie, Zhipeng; Zhang, Jianguo

2011-03-01

To isolate a new osmophilic yeast for producing D-arabitol and research its optimal fermentation conditions for highest yield of D-arabitol from glucose. The isolated strain was characterized by electron microscopy, Biolog (GN) test, G + C content measurement and 26S rDNA D1/D2 domain sequences analysis. The purified fermentation product was identified by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS and optical rotation analysis. Then the fermentation conditions for D-arabitol production were optimized. A new osmophilic yeast was isolated and identified as Candida sp. H2. Through the single factor experiment,the optimum conditions of 250 g/L glucose,10 g/L yeast extract, initial pH 6.0, 35 degrees C of culture temperature, 200 r/min of agitation, 200 mL medium in a 1000 mL flask of broth content, 1% (v/v) of inoculum size, 96 h of fermentation time were achieved. Based on the conditions above,weight yield of 35% (86.55 g D-arabitol from 250 g glucose) was obtained and 10% higher than the conditions not optimized. Candida sp. H2 was a novel strain for producing D-arabitol and valuable for further study.

A Practical Approach to Vitamin D Deficiency and Rickets.

PubMed

Allgrove, Jeremy; Shaw, Nick J

2015-01-01

Rickets is a condition in which there is failure of the normal mineralisation (osteomalacia) of growing bone. Whilst osteomalacia may be present in adults, rickets cannot occur. It is generally caused by a lack of mineral supply, which can either occur as a result of the deficiency of calcium (calciopaenic rickets, now known as parathyroid hormone-dependent rickets) or of phosphate (phosphopaenic rickets, now called FGF23-dependent rickets). Renal disorders may also interfere with the process of mineralisation and cause rickets. Only parathyroid hormone-dependent rickets and distal renal tubular disorders will be discussed in this chapter. The most common cause of rickets is still vitamin D deficiency, which is also responsible for other problems. Disorders of vitamin D metabolism or responsiveness may also cause similar issues. Distal renal tubular acidosis may also be caused by a variety of metabolic errors similar to those of osteoclasts. One form of distal renal tubular acidosis also causes a type of osteopetrosis. This chapter describes these conditions in detail and sets out a logical approach for treatment. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Molecular characterization of FXI deficiency.

PubMed

Berber, Ergul

2011-02-01

Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is a rare autosomal bleeding disease associated with genetic defects in the FXI gene. It is a heterogeneous disorder with variable tendency in bleeding and variable causative FXI gene mutations. It is characterized as a cross-reacting material-negative (CRM-) FXI deficiency due to decreased FXI levels or cross-reacting material-positive (CRM+) FXI deficiency due to impaired FXI function. Increasing number of mutations has been reported in FXI mutation database, and most of the mutations are affecting serine protease (SP) domain of the protein. Functional characterization for the mutations helps to better understand the molecular basis of FXI deficiency. Prevalence of the disease is higher in certain populations such as Ashkenazi Jews. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of the molecular basis of congenital FXI deficiency.

A Quantitative Point-of-Need Assay for the Assessment of Vitamin D3 Deficiency.

PubMed

Vemulapati, S; Rey, E; O'Dell, D; Mehta, S; Erickson, D

2017-10-26

Vitamin D is necessary for the healthy growth and development of bone and muscle. Vitamin D deficiency, which is present in 42% of the US population, is often undiagnosed as symptoms may not manifest for several years and long-term deficiency has been linked to osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer. Currently the majority of vitamin D testing is performed in large-scale commercial laboratories which have high operational costs and long times-to-result. Development of a low-cost point-of-need assay could be transformative to deficiency analysis in limited-resource settings. The best biomarker of vitamin D status, 25hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25(OH)D 3 ), however, is particularly challenging to measure in such a format due to complexities involved in sample preparation, including the need to separate the marker from its binding protein. Here we present a rapid diagnostic test for the accurate, quantitative assessment of 25(OH)D 3 in finger-stick blood. The assay is accompanied by a smartphone-assisted portable imaging device that can autonomously perform the necessary image processing. To achieve accurate quantification of 25(OH)D 3 , we also demonstrate a novel elution buffer that separates 25(OH)D 3 from its binding protein in situ, eliminating the need for sample preparation. In human trials, the accuracy of our platform is 90.5%.

Assembly of D-alanyl-lipoteichoic acid in Lactobacillus casei: mutants deficient in the D-alanyl ester content of this amphiphile

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ntamere, A.S.; Taron, D.J.; Neuhaus, F.C.

D-Alanyl-lipoteichoic acid (D-alanyl-LTA) from Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469 contains a poly(glycerophosphate) moiety that is acylated with D-alanyl ester residues. The physiological function of these residues is not well understood. Five mutant strains of this organism that are deficient in the esters of this amphiphile were isolated and characterized. When compared with the parent, strains AN-1 and AN-4 incorporated less than 10% of D-(/sup 14/C)alanine into LTA, whereas AN-2, AN-3, and AN-5 incorporated 50%. The synthesis of D-(/sup 14/C)alanyl-lipophilic LTA was virtually absent in the first group and was approximately 30% in the second group. The mutant strains synthesized and selectedmore » the glycolipid anchor for LTA assembly. In addition, all of the strains synthesized the poly(glycerophosphate) moiety of LTA to the same extent as did the parent or to a greater extent. It was concluded that the membranes from the mutant strains AN-1 and AN-4 are defective for D-alanylation of LTA even though acceptor LTA is present. Mutant strains AN-2 and AN-3 appear to be partially deficient in the amount of the D-alanine-activating enzyme. Aberrant morphology and defective cell separation appear to result from this deficiency in D-alanyl ester content.« less

Leptin Increases Striatal Dopamine D2 Receptor Binding in Leptin-Deficient Obese (ob/ob) Mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pfaffly, J.; Michaelides, M.; Wang, G-J.

2010-06-01

Peripheral and central leptin administration have been shown to mediate central dopamine (DA) signaling. Leptin-receptor deficient rodents show decreased DA D2 receptor (D2R) binding in striatum and unique DA profiles compared to controls. Leptin-deficient mice show increased DA activity in reward-related brain regions. The objective of this study was to examine whether basal D2R-binding differences contribute to the phenotypic behaviors of leptin-deficient ob/ob mice, and whether D2R binding is altered in response to peripheral leptin treatment in these mice. Leptin decreased body weight, food intake, and plasma insulin concentration in ob/ob mice but not in wild-type mice. Basal striatal D2Rmore » binding (measured with autoradiography [{sup 3}H] spiperone) did not differ between ob/ob and wild-type mice but the response to leptin did. In wild-type mice, leptin decreased striatal D2R binding, whereas, in ob/ob mice, leptin increased D2R binding. Our findings provide further evidence that leptin modulates D2R expression in striatum and that these effects are genotype/phenotype dependent.« less

Vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PubMed

Campos, Denise Johnsson; Biagini, Gleyne Lopes Kujew; Funke, Vaneuza Araujo Moreira; Bonfim, Carmem Maria Sales; Boguszewski, César Luiz; Borba, Victória Zeghbi Cochenski

2014-03-01

Sub-optimal levels of vitamin D have been found to be highly prevalent in all age groups, with epidemiologic studies demonstrating a link between vitamin D deficiency and disease susceptibility, such as infection and cancer, and mortality rates. In adult transplant patients, it has been suggested that the immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D may have an important role in the prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease. The objective of this study was to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of children and adolescents submitted to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of 66 patients, aged 4-20 years, were assessed at three stages: before hospitalization for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and at 30 and 180 days after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The control group consisted of 25 healthy children. At the pre-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation stage, patients had lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D compared to controls (25.7 ± 12.3 ng/mL vs. 31.9 ± 9.9 ng/mL; p-value = 0.01), and a higher prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency (32% vs. 8%; p-value = 0.01). Prevalence increased significantly after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (p-value = 0.01) with half of the patients having vitamin D deficiency at 180 days after transplantation. At this stage, mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were 20.9 ± 10.9 ng/mL, a significant decline in relation to baseline (p-value = 0.01). No correlation was found between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and vitamin D intake, graft-versus-host disease, corticoid use or survival rates. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were detected even before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and were significantly lower at 180 days after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, thus recommending vitamin D supplementation for children and adolescents submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with severity of liver disease in HIV/HCV coinfected patients.

PubMed

Guzmán-Fulgencio, María; García-Álvarez, Mónica; Berenguer, Juan; Jiménez-Sousa, M Ángeles; Cosín, Jaime; Pineda-Tenor, Daniel; Carrero, Ana; Aldámiz, Teresa; Alvarez, Emilio; López, Juan Carlos; Resino, Salvador

2014-02-01

To study the association of plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in HIV/HCV coinfected patients with severity of liver disease and virological response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy with pegylated-interferon-alpha plus ribavirin (pegIFNα/RBV). A cross-sectional study in 174 HIV/HCV coinfected patients that underwent a liver biopsy previously to start HCV therapy and a retrospective study of 125 of them. Plasma 25(OH)D levels were quantified by enzyme immunoassay. Liver biopsies were evaluated by METAVIR score. A sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as an undetectable serum HCV viral load (<10 IU/mL) up through 24 weeks after the end of HCV treatment. The median of plasma 25(OH)D level was 48 nmol/L (p25th: 32.5; p75th: 56.1) and 27 (15.5%) had 25(OH)D deficiency (<25 nmol/L). The percentage of 25(OH)D deficiency was higher in patients with significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) (92.6% vs. 57.1%; p = 0.010) and moderate necroinflammatory activity grade (A ≥ 2) (85.2% vs. 60%; p = 0.043). However, adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that 25(OH)D deficiency was only associated with severity of liver disease [F ≥ 2 (OR = 8.47 (95% of confidence interval (CI) = 1.88; 38.3); p = 0.005) and A ≥ 2 (OR = 3.25 (95%CI = 1.06; 10.1); p = 0.040)]. Moreover, any significant relationship was found between 25(OH)D deficiency and SVR after HCV therapy. Plasma 25(OH)D deficiency was associated with liver disease severity in HIV/HCV coinfected patients, but it was not associated with HCV treatment failure. Copyright © 2013 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with inflammatory cytokine concentrations in patients with diabetic foot infection.

PubMed

Tiwari, Shalbha; Pratyush, Daliparthy Devi; Gupta, Sanjeev Kumar; Singh, Surya Kumar

2014-12-28

Vitamin D has been recognised as a potent immunomodulator and its deficiency is common in different population groups including patients with diabetic foot infection. Diabetic foot infection reflects the altered immune status of the host. As cytokine regulation plays a significant role in infection and wound-healing processes, the present study aimed to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and inflammatory cytokine profiles in patients with diabetic foot infection. The serum concentrations of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D), IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured in 112 diabetic foot infection cases and 109 diabetic controls. Severe vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration < 25 nmol/l) was more common in cases than in controls (48.2 v. 20.5%). Although age, duration of diabetes, HbA1C (glycosylated Hb) concentration and BMI were similar, cases had significantly higher concentrations of IL-6 (P≤ 0.001), IL-1β (P≤ 0.02) and TNF-α (P≤ 0.006) than controls. A significant negative correlation was also observed between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and circulating concentrations of IL-1β (r -0.323; P≤ 0.001) as well as IL-6 (r -0.154; P≤ 0.04), but not between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and TNF-α and IFN-γ concentrations. Furthermore, a significant difference in IL-1β (P≤ 0.007) and IL-6 (P≤ 0.02) concentrations was observed in patients with severe 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency compared with patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration ≥ 25 nmol/l, and this difference was remarkable for TNF-α. In conclusion, severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with elevated inflammatory cytokine concentrations in diabetic patients, particularly in those with foot infection. A 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration value < 25 nmol/l is suggested as the 'cut-off' for such immunological alterations in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Adult vitamin D deficiency exacerbates impairments caused by social stress in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice.

PubMed

Groves, Natalie J; Zhou, Mei; Jhaveri, Dhanisha J; McGrath, John J; Burne, Thomas H J

2017-12-01

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in adults throughout the world. Epidemiological studies have shown significant associations between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. However, studies based on observational epidemiology cannot address questions of causality; they cannot determine if vitamin D deficiency is a causal factor leading to the adverse health outcome. The main aim of this study was to determine if AVD deficiency would exacerbate the effects of a secondary exposure, in this case social stress, in BALB/c mice and in the more resilient C57BL/6 mice. Ten-week old male BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were fed a control or vitamin D deficient diet for 10 weeks, and the mice were further separated into one of two groups for social treatment, either Separated (SEP) or Social Defeat (DEF). SEP mice were placed two per cage with a perforated Plexiglas divider, whereas the DEF mice underwent 10days of social defeat prior to behavioural testing. We found that AVD-deficient mice were more vulnerable to the effects of social stress using a social avoidance test, and this was dependent on strain. These results support the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate behavioural outcomes in mice vulnerable to stress, a finding that can help guide future studies. Importantly, these discoveries support the epidemiological link between vitamin D deficiency and neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders; and has provided clues that can guide future studies related to unravelling the mechanisms of action linking adult vitamin D deficiency and adverse brain related outcomes. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parental vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with increased blood pressure in offspring via Panx1 hypermethylation.

PubMed

Meems, Laura M G; Mahmud, Hasan; Buikema, Hendrik; Tost, Jörg; Michel, Sven; Takens, Janny; Verkaik-Schakel, Rikst N; Vreeswijk-Baudoin, Inge; Mateo-Leach, Irene V; van der Harst, Pim; Plösch, Torsten; de Boer, Rudolf A

2016-12-01

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Maternal vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to hypertension in offspring, but the reasons for this remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if parental vitamin D deficiency leads to altered DNA methylation in offspring that may relate to hypertension. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a standard or vitamin D-depleted diet. After 10 wk, nonsibling rats were mated. The conceived pups received standard chow. We observed an increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the offspring from depleted parents (F1-depl). Genome-wide methylation analyses in offspring identified hypermethylation of the promoter region of the Pannexin-1 (Panx1) gene in F1-depl rats. Panx1 encodes a hemichannel known to be involved in endothelial-dependent relaxation, and we demonstrated that in F1-depl rats the increase in blood pressure was associated with impaired endothelial relaxation of the large vessels, suggesting an underlying biological mechanism of increased blood pressure in children from parents with vitamin deficiency. Parental vitamin D deficiency is associated with epigenetic changes and increased blood pressure levels in offspring. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and vitamin D deficiency in an Asian resident population.

PubMed

Quraishi, Mohammed K; Badsha, Humeira

2016-04-01

We aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity in a UAE population. Forty-five consecutive subjects were prospectively recruited during the early summer with their clinical examination and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) being recorded at a clinic appointment, along with their blood sample being taken for the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) total test. Thirty-five (76%) patients claimed to be exposed to sunlight for < 30 min daily. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL) and deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was 36% and 29%, respectively. RA patients who exposed their hands and feet (29 ng/mL) or more (34 ng/mL) to the sunlight had serum vitamin D levels higher than those who exposed their hands alone (18 ng/mL) or less (19 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). The variations in vitamin D levels due to skin color did not reach significance. No significant correlation was seen between serum vitamin D levels and Disease Activity Score (DAS28) or HAQ scores. A direct relationship was observed between HAQ scores and DAS28 scores (P < 0.05). We highlight the importance of skin exposure to sunlight in a conservative dressing culture. No association was observed between vitamin D and disease activity. However, the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency may negatively impact on bone health of these patients in the future. © 2013 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D as a Biomarker of Vitamin D Status and Its Modeling to Inform Strategies for Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency within the Population.

PubMed

Cashman, Kevin D; van den Heuvel, Ellen Ghm; Schoemaker, Ruud Jw; Prévéraud, Damien P; Macdonald, Helen M; Arcot, Jayashree

2017-11-01

There is substantial evidence that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is unacceptably high in the population, and this requires action from a public health perspective. Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is a robust and reliable marker of vitamin D status and has been used by numerous agencies in the establishment of vitamin D dietary requirements and for population surveillance of vitamin D deficiency or inadequacy. In a wider context, modeling of serum 25(OH)D data and its contributory sources, namely dietary vitamin D supply and UVB availability, can inform our understanding of population vitamin D status. The aim of this review is to provide the current status of knowledge in relation to modeling of such vitamin D-relevant data. We begin by highlighting the importance of the measurement of 25(OH)D and its standardization, both of which have led to new key data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy in North America and Europe. We then overview how state-of-the-art modeling can be used to inform our understanding of the potential effect of ergocalciferol and 25(OH)D on vitamin D intake estimates and how meteorological data on UVB availability, when coupled with other key data, can help predict population serum 25(OH)D concentration, even accounting for seasonal fluctuations, and lastly, how these in silico approaches can help inform policymakers on strategic options on addressing low vitamin D status through food-based approaches and supplementation. The potential of exemplar food-based solutions will be highlighted, as will the possibility of synergies between vitamin D and other dairy food-based micronutrients, in relation to vitamin D status and bone health. Lastly, we will briefly consider the interactions between season and vitamin D supplements on vitamin D status and health. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

Biodegradation of 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid by novel identified co-metabolizing degrader Achromobacter sp. f1.

PubMed

Wu, Zhi-Guo; Wang, Fang; Ning, Li-Qun; Stedtfeld, Robert D; Yang, Zong-Zheng; Cao, Jing-Guo; Sheng, Hong-Jie; Jiang, Xin

2017-06-01

Several bacteria have been isolated to degrade 4-chloronitrobenzene. Degradation of 4-chloronitrobenzene by Cupriavidus sp. D4 produces 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid as a dead-end by-product, a potential pollutant. To date, no bacterium that degrades 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid has been reported. Strain f1, isolated from a soil polluted by 4-chloronitrobenzene, was able to co-metabolize 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid in the presence of ethanol or other appropriate carbon sources. The strain was identified as Achromobacter sp. based on its physiological, biochemical characteristics, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The organism completely degraded 50, 100 and 200 mg L -1 of 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid within 48, 60, and 72 h, respectively. During the degradation of 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid, Cl - was released. The initial metabolic product of 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid was identified as 6-hydroxy-5-chloro-2-picolinic acid by LC-MS and NMR. Using a mixed culture of Achromobacter sp. f1 and Cupriavidus sp. D4 for degradation of 4-chloronitrobenzen, 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid did not accumulate. Results infer that Achromobacter sp. f1 can be used for complete biodegradation of 4-chloronitrobenzene in remedial applications.

Severe vitamin D deficiency in Arab-American women living in Dearborn, Michigan.

PubMed

Hobbs, Raymond D; Habib, Zeina; Alromaihi, Dalal; Idi, Leila; Parikh, Nayana; Blocki, Frank; Rao, D Sudhaker

2009-01-01

To determine the prevalence and degree of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in a group of Arab-American women in the largest, most-concentrated Arab-American settlement in the United States and to search for correlations with dress, diet, and use of vitamin D-fortified foods and vitamin supplements. In this cross-sectional study, Arab-American women, 18 years and older, who attended an ethnic market on April 7 or 14, 2007, were recruited. Participants were interviewed by bilingual English- and Arabic-speaking investigators using a semi-structured interview to assess dress; demographic variables; medical history; medication use; clinical symptoms associated with vitamin D deficiency (eg, joint or bone pain, muscle weakness); and dietary intake of vitamin D from fortified orange juice, milk, and vitamin supplementation. Blood samples were drawn to measure concentrations of serum calcium, creatinine, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Participants were initially divided into 2 groups based on whether the woman was veiled and further subdivided into 3 groups on the basis of vitamin D intake from supplemented food sources (milk or vitamin D-fortified orange juice) and vitamin pills: unveiled, veiled and taking supplements, and veiled and taking no supplements. Eighty-seven women participated. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were uniformly low, with the highest levels in the unveiled group (median [interquartile range]) (8.5 ng/mL [5.75-13.5 ng/mL]) followed by the veiled, supplemented group (7 ng/mL [4-11.5 ng/mL]) and the veiled, unsupplemented group (4 ng/mL [2-6.8 ng/mL]). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels were lower in women with less experience in the United States and in those with less education. Vitamin D-fortified orange juice consumption had a greater positive predictive effect on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels than either milk or vitamin pills and may possibly serve as a surrogate marker for vitamin D awareness. Vitamin D

Incidence and characteristics of vitamin D deficiency rickets in New Zealand children: a New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit study.

PubMed

Wheeler, Benjamin J; Dickson, Nigel P; Houghton, Lisa A; Ward, Leanne M; Taylor, Barry J

2015-08-01

To investigate the incidence and characteristics of vitamin D deficiency rickets in New Zealand (NZ). Prospective surveillance among paediatricians of Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets was conducted by the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit (NZPSU) for 36 months, from July 2010 to June 2013, inclusive. Inclusion criteria were: children and adolescents <15 years of age with vitamin D deficiency rickets (defined by low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, and/or radiological rickets). Fifty-eight children with confirmed vitamin D deficiency rickets were identified. Median age was 1.4 (range 0.3-11) years, 47% were male, and 95% of the children were born in NZ; however, the majority of the mothers (68%) were born outside NZ. Overall annual incidence of rickets in children aged <15 years was 2.2/100,000 (95%CI 1.4-3.5); with incidence in those <3 years being 10.5/100,000 (95%CI 6.7-16.6). Skeletal abnormalities, poor growth and motor delay were the most common presenting features, with hypocalcaemic convulsion in 16% of children. Key risk factors identified were: darker skin pigment, Indian and African ethnicity, age <3 years, exclusive breast feeding, and southern latitude, particularly when combined with season (winter/spring). Of the patients reported, none had received appropriate vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D deficiency rickets remains a problem for NZ children. Key risk factors remain similar to those identified in the international literature. Preventative targeted vitamin D supplementation, as per existing national guidelines, was lacking in all cases reported. Vitamin D deficiency rickets is the most significant manifestation of vitamin D deficiency in growing children. To reduce the incidence of this disease among those at high risk, increasing awareness and implementation of current public health policies for targeted maternal, infant and child supplementation are required. © 2015 Public Health Association of Australia.

Congenital rickets due to vitamin D deficiency in the mothers.

PubMed

Paterson, Colin R; Ayoub, David

2015-10-01

We wished to review all published reports of congenital rickets to identify the causes and characteristics. 25 cases were identified in 19 published reports in which there was radiological and/or histological evidence of rickets in the first two weeks after birth. Cases of rickets associated with maternal renal failure were excluded as were infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation. There was evidence of maternal deficiency in 24 of these cases. In 16 cases the diagnosis of the rickets led to the identification of symptomatic osteomalacia in the mothers. Of the 12 mothers who had assays for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) 11 had values less than 10 ng/mL. Presentations in the infants included craniotabes, wide skull sutures, rachitic rosaries, enlargement of the wrists, tetany and convulsions. In two cases rickets had been suspected from antenatal X-rays. In five cases fractures were found at the time of initial presentation. Of the 16 infants with serum calcium assays 15 had values lower than 8.8 mg/dL. Of 13 infants who had serum alkaline phosphatase assays 12 had abnormally high levels. Of the seven infants in whom serum 25OHD was measured before treatment, all had values less than 10 ng/mL. These reports provide strong support for the view that maternal deficiency leads to overt bone disease from before birth. Maternal deficiency probably also leads to impairment of bone quality in postnatal life. The importance of ensuring adequate vitamin D nutrition in pregnancy is emphasised. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with functional decline and falls in frail elderly women despite supplementation.

PubMed

Kotlarczyk, M P; Perera, S; Ferchak, M A; Nace, D A; Resnick, N M; Greenspan, S L

2017-04-01

We examined the impact of daily supplementation on vitamin D deficiency, function, and falls in female long-term care residents. Initial vitamin D deficiency was associated with greater functional decline and increased fall risk despite guideline-recommended supplementation, highlighting the importance of preventing vitamin D deficiency in frail elderly. Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines recommend 800 IU vitamin D daily for older adults and maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] above 20 ng/ml for optimal skeletal health. The adequacy of IOM guidelines for sustaining function and reducing falls in frail elderly is unknown. Female long-term care residents aged ≥65 enrolled in an osteoporosis clinical trial were included in this analysis (n = 137). Participants were classified based on baseline 25(OH) D levels as deficient (<20 ng/ml, n = 26), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml, n = 40), or sufficient (>30 ng/ml, n = 71). Deficient women were provided initial vitamin D repletion (50,000 IU D 3 weekly for 8 weeks). All were supplemented with 800 IU vitamin D 3 daily for 24 months. Annual functional assessments included Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental ADL (IADL), physical performance test (PPT), gait speed, cognition (SPMSQ), and mental health (PHQ-9). We used linear mixed models for analysis of functional measures and logistic regression for falls. Daily supplementation maintained 25(OH) D levels above 20 ng/ml in 95% of participants. All groups demonstrated functional decline. Women initially deficient had a greater decline in physical function at 12 (IADL -2.0 ± 0.4, PPT -3.1 ± 0.7, both p < 0.01) and 24 months (IADL -2.5 ± 0.6, ADL -2.5 ± 0.6, both p < 0.01), a larger increase in cognitive deficits at 12 months (1.7 ± 0.4: p = 0.01) and more fallers (88.5%, p = 0.04) compared to those sufficient at baseline, despite supplementation to sufficient levels. IOM guidelines may not be adequate for frail

Heterogeneity in serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D response to cholecalciferol in elderly women with secondary hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency.

PubMed

Giusti, Andrea; Barone, Antonella; Pioli, Giulio; Girasole, Giuseppe; Razzano, Monica; Pizzonia, Monica; Pedrazzoni, Mario; Palummeri, Ernesto; Bianchi, Gerolamo

2010-08-01

To compare the effects on parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) of two dosing regimens of cholecalciferol in women with secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPTH) and hypovitaminosis D and to investigate variables affecting 25(OH)D response to cholecalciferol. Randomized-controlled trial with 6-month follow-up. Two osteoporosis centers in northern Italy. Sixty community-dwelling women aged 65 and older with sHPTH and hypovitaminosis D, creatinine clearance greater than 65 mL/min and without diseases or drugs known to influence bone and vitamin D metabolism. Cholecalciferol 300,000 IU every 3 months, once at baseline and once at 3 months (intermittent D(3) group) or cholecalciferol 1,000 IU/day (daily D(3) group). Serum PTH, 25(OH)D, calcium, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, β-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, phosphate, 24-hour urinary calcium excretion. The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. All participants had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D<20 ng/mL)], and 36 subjects (60%) had severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL), with no difference between the groups (severe deficiency: intermittent D(3) group, n=18; daily D(3) group, n=18). After 3 and 6 months, both groups had a significant increase in 25(OH)D and a reduction in PTH. Mean absolute increase ± standard deviation of 25(OH)D at 6 months was higher in the intermittent D(3) group (22.7±11.8 ng/mL) than in the daily D(3) group (13.7±6.7 ng/mL, P<.001), with a higher proportion of participants in the intermittent D(3) group reaching desirable serum concentration of 25(OH)D≥30 ng/mL (55% in the intermittent D(3) group vs 20% in the daily D(3) group, P<.001). Mean percentage decrease of PTH in the two groups was comparable, and at 6 months, a similar proportion of participants reached normal PTH values. 25(OH)D response to cholecalciferol showed a wide variability. In a logistic regression analysis, body mass index and type of treatment appeared to be significantly associated

Clinical outcomes of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation in cancer patients.

PubMed

Teleni, Laisa; Baker, Jacqueline; Koczwara, Bogda; Kimlin, Michael G; Walpole, Euan; Tsai, Kathy; Isenring, Elizabeth A

2013-09-01

Results of recent studies suggest that circulating levels of vitamin D may play an important role in cancer-specific outcomes. The present systematic review was undertaken to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) and insufficiency (25-50 nmol/L) in cancer patients and to evaluate the association between circulating calcidiol (the indicator of vitamin D status) and clinical outcomes. A systematic search of original, peer-reviewed studies on calcidiol at cancer diagnosis, and throughout treatment and survival, was conducted yielding 4,706 studies. A total of 37 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Reported mean blood calcidiol levels ranged from 24.7 to 87.4 nmol/L, with up to 31% of patients identified as deficient and 67% as insufficient. The efficacy of cholecalciferol supplementation for raising the concentration of circulating calcidiol is unclear; standard supplement regimens of <1,000 IU D₃ /day may not be sufficient to maintain adequate concentrations or prevent decreasing calcidiol. Dose-response studies linking vitamin D status to musculoskeletal and survival outcomes in cancer patients are lacking. © 2013 International Life Sciences Institute.

Vitamin D deficiency and its relationship with cardiac iron and function in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia at Chiang Mai University Hospital.

PubMed

Dejkhamron, Prapai; Wejaphikul, Karn; Mahatumarat, Tuanjit; Silvilairat, Suchaya; Charoenkwan, Pimlak; Saekho, Suwit; Unachak, Kevalee

2018-02-01

Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with thalassemia. Vitamin D deficiency could be related to cardiac dysfunction. Increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) is also known to be associated with heart failure. To determine the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and to explore the impact of Vitamin D deficiency on cardiac iron and function in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. A cross-sectional study in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia was conducted. Patients with liver disease, renal disease, type 1 diabetes, malabsorption, hypercortisolism, malignancy, and contraindication for MRI were excluded. Calcium, phosphate, PTH, vitamin D-25OH were measured. CardiacT2 * and liver iron concentration (LIC) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined. Results Sixty-one (33M/28F) patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia were enrolled. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was 50.8%. Patients with cardiac siderosis had tendency for lower D-25OH than those without siderosis (15.9 (11.7-20.0) vs. 20.2 (15.85-22.3) ng/mL); p = 0.06). Serum calcium, phosphate, PTH, LIC, cardiac T2 * , and LVEF were not different between the groups with or without Vitamin D deficiency. Patients with Vitamin D deficiency had significantly lower hemoglobin levels compared to those without Vitamin D deficiency (7.5 (6.93-8.33) vs. 8.1 (7.30-8.50) g/dL; p = 0.04). The median hemoglobin in the last 12 months was significantly correlated with D-25OH. Cardiac T2 * had significant correlation with PTH. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Vitamin D level is correlated with hemoglobin level. Vitamin D status should be routinely assessed in these patients. Low PTH is correlated with increased cardiac iron. This study did not demonstrate an association between Vitamin D deficiency and cardiac iron or function in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia.

Vitamin D deficiency in patients with neuromuscular diseases with chronic respiratory failure.

PubMed

Badireddi, Sridhar; Bercher, Anita J; Holder, Jason B; Mireles-Cabodevila, Eduardo

2014-07-01

The prevalence and clinical implications of vitamin D deficiency have never been studied in patients with underlying neuromuscular diseases complicated with chronic respiratory failure. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, its relationship with other bone markers, and mode of nutrition. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels along with calcium, serum albumin, and phosphorus levels were obtained from 57 patients with chronic respiratory failure due to underlying neuromuscular diseases. These levels were obtained during their first visit to a chronic respiratory diseases clinic. Data with regard to nutrition, respiratory muscle function, and level of mobility were also obtained at the same time. Seventy-five percent of patients had serum 25(OH)D levels ≤ 30 ng/mL. There is a negative correlation between parathyroid hormone and 25(OH)D levels (P = .006) and corrected calcium levels (P = .066). Serum 25(OH)D levels varied with the mode of nutrition. Patients on enteral nutrition had the highest serum levels of 25(OH)D, whereas combined oral and tube feeds had the lowest 25(OH)D levels (P = .006). Low serum 25(OH)D levels are highly prevalent in patients with neuromuscular disease and chronic respiratory failure. The route of nutrition has an impact on these levels. © 2013 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Relationship with Child-Pugh Class in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

PubMed Central

Jamil, Zubia; Arif, Sharmin; Khan, Anum; Durrani, Asghar Aurangzeb; Yaqoob, Nayyar

2018-01-01

Abstract Background and Aims: Skeletal manifestation in liver diseases represents the minimally scrutinized part of the disease spectrum. Vitamin D deficiency has a central role in developing hepatic osteodystrophy in patients with chronic liver disease. This study aimed to investigate vitamin D levels and their relationship with disease advancement in these patients. Methods: Vitamin D levels were checked in 125 chronic liver disease patients. The patients were classified in three stages according to Child-Pugh score: A, B and C. The relationship of vitamin D levels with Child-Pugh score and other variables in the study was assessed by the contingency coefficient. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were also carried out to find additional predictors of low vitamin D levels. Results: Among the patients, 88% had either insufficient or deficient stores of vitamin D, while only 12% had sufficient vitamin D levels (p >0.05). Vitamin D levels were notably related to Child-Pugh class (contingency coefficient = 0.5, p <0.05). On univariate and multinomial regression analyses, age, female sex, MELD and Child-Pugh class were predictors of low vitamin D levels. Age, model of end-stage liver disease score and Child-Pugh score were negatively correlated to vitamin D levels (p <0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is notably related to age, female sex and model of end-stage liver disease score, in addition to Child-Pugh class of liver cirrhosis. Vitamin D levels should be routinely checked in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class B and C) and this deficiency must be addressed in a timely manner to improve general well-being of cirrhotic patients.

Vitamin D Deficiency in an Inpatient Forensic Intellectual Disability Service

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chester, Verity; Simmons, Hayley; Henriksen, Marie; Alexander, Regi T.

2017-01-01

No research has examined vitamin D deficiency among inpatients within forensic intellectual disability services, despite their potentially increased risk. Tests of serum 25(OHD) concentration in blood are routinely offered to patients within the service as part of the admission and annual physical health check. Results were classified as deficient…

A statistical approach for inferring the 3D structure of the genome.

PubMed

Varoquaux, Nelle; Ay, Ferhat; Noble, William Stafford; Vert, Jean-Philippe

2014-06-15

Recent technological advances allow the measurement, in a single Hi-C experiment, of the frequencies of physical contacts among pairs of genomic loci at a genome-wide scale. The next challenge is to infer, from the resulting DNA-DNA contact maps, accurate 3D models of how chromosomes fold and fit into the nucleus. Many existing inference methods rely on multidimensional scaling (MDS), in which the pairwise distances of the inferred model are optimized to resemble pairwise distances derived directly from the contact counts. These approaches, however, often optimize a heuristic objective function and require strong assumptions about the biophysics of DNA to transform interaction frequencies to spatial distance, and thereby may lead to incorrect structure reconstruction. We propose a novel approach to infer a consensus 3D structure of a genome from Hi-C data. The method incorporates a statistical model of the contact counts, assuming that the counts between two loci follow a Poisson distribution whose intensity decreases with the physical distances between the loci. The method can automatically adjust the transfer function relating the spatial distance to the Poisson intensity and infer a genome structure that best explains the observed data. We compare two variants of our Poisson method, with or without optimization of the transfer function, to four different MDS-based algorithms-two metric MDS methods using different stress functions, a non-metric version of MDS and ChromSDE, a recently described, advanced MDS method-on a wide range of simulated datasets. We demonstrate that the Poisson models reconstruct better structures than all MDS-based methods, particularly at low coverage and high resolution, and we highlight the importance of optimizing the transfer function. On publicly available Hi-C data from mouse embryonic stem cells, we show that the Poisson methods lead to more reproducible structures than MDS-based methods when we use data generated using different

Vitamin D deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients with hypogonadism.

PubMed

Bellastella, Giuseppe; Maiorino, Maria Ida; Olita, Laura; Capuano, Annalisa; Rafaniello, Concetta; Giugliano, Dario; Esposito, Katherine

2014-02-01

Both type 2 diabetes and secondary hypogonadism may be associated with low vitamin D levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in type 2 diabetic males with and without hypogonadism. We performed a case-control study among 122 male adults with type 2 diabetes, 51 with associated hypogonadism (Group 1) and 71 with normal gonadal function (Group 2). One hundred age-matched nondiabetic males with normal gonadal function served as a control group. Levels of 25(OH)D were assessed by a chemiluminescent immunoassay in all patients. Morning testosterone, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid hormones, fasting glucose, and hemoglobin A1c were also evaluated. The overall diabetic population showed a mean 25(OH)D concentration (22.3 ± 6.09 ng/mL) significantly lower than the control group (34.3 ± 7.2, P < 0.001), with 81% of diabetic patients presenting 25(OH)D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) or insufficiency (20-29.9 ng/mL). The lowest 25(OH)D concentration was found in Group 1 (20.1 ± 6.58 ng/mL). Concentration of 25(OH)D was significantly lower in the 42 patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as compared with the 9 patients with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (19.4 ± 7.06 vs. 23.8 ± 6.11 ng/mL, P < 0.001). No difference in erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence between Group 1 and Group 2 was found, nor was there a correlation between the severity of ED and vitamin D levels (r = -0.10, P = 0.39). These results show that type 2 diabetic patients with hypogonadism present lower 25(OH)D concentration and higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, compared with patients without hypogonadism. The finding that 25(OH)D concentrations were similar between type 2 diabetic patients with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and those with normal gonadal function deserves further study. © 2013 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Brown tumours of the tibia and second metacarpal bone in a woman with severe vitamin D deficiency.

PubMed

Al-Sharafi, Butheinah A; Al-Imad, Shafiq A; Shamshair, Amani M; Al-Faqeeh, Derhim H

2015-08-03

Brown tumours caused by vitamin D deficiency are rare. Most cases are caused by primary hyperparathyroidism, and are rarely caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism in cases of renal failure. We present a case of Brown tumours of the tibia and second metacarpal bone in a 50-year-old woman who had a low dietary intake of vitamin D and had worn a veil for most of her adult life. The Brown tumours were caused by vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The patient improved on treatment with vitamin D3 and calcium supplements. This is a rare case and the first, to our knowledge, with a Brown tumour of the tibia caused by vitamin D deficiency due to decreased dietary intake and decreased exposure to sunlight. The course of treatment and investigations of the patient are described. 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Vitamin D deficiency rickets in an adolescent with severe atopic dermatitis.

PubMed

Borzutzky, Arturo; Grob, Francisca; Camargo, Carlos A; Martinez-Aguayo, Alejandro

2014-02-01

Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects 10% to 20% of children worldwide. Its severity may be inversely correlated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels. Although low levels of vitamin D (VD) can cause rickets in infants, VD deficiency rickets is an unusual presentation in teenagers. We report the case of a 14-year-old girl with severe AD and fish allergy since early childhood. She lived at high latitude (with less sun exposure) and, because of her atopic disorders, avoided sunlight and fish. Laboratory studies showed elevated alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone levels and low serum calcium; her serum 25OHD level was <12 nmol/L. A radiograph of the wrist showed a radiolucent band in the distal metaphysis of the radius with marginal sclerosis. She was diagnosed as having hypocalcemic rickets due to VD deficiency. Treatment with VD increased her 25OHD level to 44 nmol/L, with normalization of alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and calcium. Moreover, we observed a dramatic improvement in her AD severity with VD treatment. This case demonstrates the complex interaction between VD deficiency, AD, and food allergy. We advise a high index of suspicion of VD deficiency rickets in children of all ages with AD, particularly during accelerated growth periods and in the presence of other risk factors such as darker skin, living at high latitude, sun avoidance, and low intake of VD-rich foods. The concomitant improvement in bone-related parameters and AD severity may reflect a double benefit of VD treatment, a possibility that warrants research on VD as potential treatment for AD.

Current Scenario of Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Ostensibly Healthy Indian Population: A Hospital Based Retrospective Study.

PubMed

Shukla, Kirtikar; Sharma, Shikha; Gupta, Aditi; Raizada, Arun; Vinayak, Kamini

2016-10-01

25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) vit D] deficiency is a serious public health problem, particularly in the Indian sub-continent. The objective of the present study was to study the prevalence of 25(OH) vit D in different age groups. The data of 25(OH) vit D assay of 26,346 ostensibly healthy individuals, enrolled under executive health checkup at Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, over a period of 3 years, were extracted from the hospital information system and reviewed extensively. 25(OH) vit D deficiency (VDD) was defined as 25(OH) vit D < 20 ng/ml, insufficiency (VDI) as 25(OH) vit D between 20 and 40 ng/ml and 25(OH) vit D sufficiency (VDS) as 25(OH) D > 40 ng/mL. 25(OH) vit D deficiency (VDD + VDI) was observed in 93 % of the subject population. Maximum number of the subjects belonged to the age group of 41-60 years. 59 % had frank 25(OH) vit D deficiency when cut off level was <20 ng/mL. Mean value of 25(OH) vit D in our subjects was 21.4 ± 14.4 ng/mL. Significant difference in 25(OH) vit D level was observed in between male and female subjects. Simultaneously 25(OH) vit D levels were significantly lower in the patient visited hospital in winter-spring season than the summer-autumn season (p > 0.001). Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of 25(OH) vit D deficiency in an ostensibly healthy Indian population. There is a need for redefining our reference ranges according to our population and extensively improving the status of vitamin D.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors in three regions of Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Kaddam, Ibrahim M.; Al-Shaikh, Adnan M.; Abaalkhail, Bahaa A.; Asseri, Khalid S.; Al-Saleh, Yousef M.; Al-Qarni, Ali A.; Al-Shuaibi, Ahmed M.; Tamimi, Waleed G.; Mukhtar, Abdelmoneim M.

2017-01-01

Objectives: To measure prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia, unveil the life style, nutritional habits and status, as well as identify the potential risk factors. Method: A school-based survey targeting Saudi school students and employees was conducted during the period from 2013 to 2014 using multistage cluster random sample in Central, Western and Eastern regions. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and difference between various population subgroups were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of potential risk factors. Results: Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 49.5% in students and 44% in employees. Life style was not adequate to protect against vitamin D depletion. Unhealthy nutritional habits were widespread, some manifested in childhood while others manifested later in life. Living in the Eastern region, females, 16-19 years of age, low economic class, obese and lack of omega 3 supplements were risk factors in students. Employees living in the Eastern region, females, middle-income class, carbonated soft drink consumers, and lack of multivitamin supplements were at higher risk. Conclusion: There is a need for a health awareness program using evidence-based recommendations. Screening for early detection and correction of the condition should be proposed to be part of the national health strategy. There is need for identifying the burden of vitamin D deficiency on other diseases to control and improve the prognosis of these conditions. PMID:28397944

Descriptions of Deladenus albizicus n. sp. and D. processus n. sp. (Nematoda: Hexatylina) from Haryana, India.

PubMed

Tomar, V V S; Somvanshi, Vishal S; Bajaj, Harish K

2015-03-01

Two different nematodes were isolated from the bark of Albizia lebbeck trees; one from insect infested and another from noninfested, healthy tree. Based on the biological, morphological, and molecular evidences, the nematodes are described as Deladenus albizicus n. sp. and D. processus n. sp. (Nematoda: Hexatylina). Deladenus albizicus n. sp., isolated from insect-infested tree, multiplied on the fungus Nigrospora oryzae. Myceliophagous females of this nematode reproduced by parthenogenesis and spermathecae were indistinct. Infective females, readily produced in the cultures, are dorsally curved. Only one type of males containing small-sized sperms in their genital tracts were produced in the culture. Myceliophagous females: L = 0.75 to 1.71 mm, a = 32.3 to 50.8, b = 9.3 to 11.2, b' = 5.2 to 7.3, c = 27.2 to 35.6, V = 91.0 to 93.3, c' = 2.0 to 2.9, stylet = 11 to 12 µm, excretory pore in the region of median pharyngeal bulb, 43 to 47 µm anterior to hemizonid. Deladenus processus n. sp., isolated from bark of healthy A. lebbeck tree, was cultured on Alternaria alternata. Myceliophagous females reproduced by amphimixis and their spermathecae contained rounded sperms. Infective females were never produced, even in old cultures. Myceliophagous females: L = 0.76 to 0.99 mm, a = 34 to 49, b = 13.3 to 17.7, b' = 3.8 to 5.8, c = 19.6 to 22.8, V = 92.2 to 93.5, c' = 2.7 to 3.5, stylet = 6 to 7 µm, excretory pore in the proximity of hemizonid, tail conoid, tapering from both sides to a long pointed central process. It is proposed to classify Deladenus species in three groups: durus, siricidicola, and laricis groups based on female and spermatogonia dimorphism, mode of reproduction, and insect parasitism.

Descriptions of Deladenus albizicus n. sp. and D. processus n. sp. (Nematoda: Hexatylina) from Haryana, India

PubMed Central

Tomar, V. V. S.; Somvanshi, Vishal S.; Bajaj, Harish K.

2015-01-01

Two different nematodes were isolated from the bark of Albizia lebbeck trees; one from insect infested and another from noninfested, healthy tree. Based on the biological, morphological, and molecular evidences, the nematodes are described as Deladenus albizicus n. sp. and D. processus n. sp. (Nematoda: Hexatylina). Deladenus albizicus n. sp., isolated from insect-infested tree, multiplied on the fungus Nigrospora oryzae. Myceliophagous females of this nematode reproduced by parthenogenesis and spermathecae were indistinct. Infective females, readily produced in the cultures, are dorsally curved. Only one type of males containing small-sized sperms in their genital tracts were produced in the culture. Myceliophagous females: L = 0.75 to 1.71 mm, a = 32.3 to 50.8, b = 9.3 to 11.2, b’ = 5.2 to 7.3, c = 27.2 to 35.6, V = 91.0 to 93.3, c’ = 2.0 to 2.9, stylet = 11 to 12 µm, excretory pore in the region of median pharyngeal bulb, 43 to 47 µm anterior to hemizonid. Deladenus processus n. sp., isolated from bark of healthy A. lebbeck tree, was cultured on Alternaria alternata. Myceliophagous females reproduced by amphimixis and their spermathecae contained rounded sperms. Infective females were never produced, even in old cultures. Myceliophagous females: L = 0.76 to 0.99 mm, a = 34 to 49, b = 13.3 to 17.7, b’ = 3.8 to 5.8, c = 19.6 to 22.8, V = 92.2 to 93.5, c’ = 2.7 to 3.5, stylet = 6 to 7 µm, excretory pore in the proximity of hemizonid, tail conoid, tapering from both sides to a long pointed central process. It is proposed to classify Deladenus species in three groups: durus, siricidicola, and laricis groups based on female and spermatogonia dimorphism, mode of reproduction, and insect parasitism. PMID:25861116

Excessive vitamin D content of a standard iron-deficient diet for rats.

PubMed

Triggs, S M; Bailey-Wood, R

1976-03-01

1. The observation that thyroid C cell hyperplasia occurred in rats given the iron-deficient diet described by McCall, Newman, O'Brien, Valberg & Witts (1962) prompted a closer study of the preparation and constituents of this diet. 2. It became apparent that there was a discrepancy between the amounts of fat-soluble vitamins in the dietary formulation reported and the supposed final content of the diet. A diet prepared as described by McCall et al. (1962) contains 1000 mug (40 000 i.u.) ergocalciferol and 10 mug (14 500 i.u.) retinyl palmitate/kg. 3. An experiment was designed to study the effect of Fe-deficient and Fe-supplemented, high-vitamin-D diets, and an Fe-supplemented, normal-vitamin-D diet, on thyroid C cell volume and serum calcium concentration. 4. Thyroid C cell volumes and serum Ca concentrations were significantly higher in both groups given excess vitamin D than in the group given the Fe-supplemented, normal-vitamin-D diet. It is evident therefore, that hypervitaminosis D was the cause of the morphological and biochemical changes found in rats given the McCall et al. (1962) diet.

Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of peripheral neuropathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

He, Rui; Hu, Yanyun; Zeng, Hui; Zhao, Jun; Zhao, Jungong; Chai, Yimin; Lu, Fengdi; Liu, Fang; Jia, Weiping

2017-02-01

Vitamin D deficiency was reported to be associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. But the association in Chinese population and the screening value of vitamin D deficiency for diabetic peripheral neuropathy were unknown. A total of 861 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D) level < 20 ng/mL. Peripheral neuropathy was evaluated by neurological symptoms, neurological signs, neurothesiometer and electromyogram. The patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D concentration (15.59 ± 7.68 ng/mL) and higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (80%) than patients with signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (17.66 ± 7.50 ng/mL; 64.5%) and non-DPN patients (18.35 ± 6.60; 61.7%) (all p < 0.01). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that serum circulating 25(OH)D level was closely associated with DPN (r = 0.121) and signs of DPN (r = 0.111) (both p < 0.01). After adjusting for all potential confounders, VDD was still linked with increased risk of DPN [odds ratio 2.59 (1.48-4.53)] (p < 0.01). Logistical regression analysis further revealed that VDD was an independent risk factor for DPN (β = 0.88) (p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that serum 25(OH)D < 17.22 ng/mL hinted the signs of DPN and serum 25(OH)D < 16.01 ng/mL predicted the occurrence of DPN (both p < 0.01). Vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and may be a potential biomarker for peripheral neuropathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Complete genome sequence of Terriglobus saanensis type strain SP1PR4T, an Acidobacteria from tundra soil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rawat, Suman R.; Mannisto, Minna; Starovoytov, Valentin

2012-01-01

Terriglobus saanensis SP1PR4T is a novel species of the genus Terriglobus. T. saanensis is of ecological interest because it is a representative of the phylum Acidobacteria, which are dominant members of bacterial soil microbiota in Arctic ecosystems. T. saanensis is a cold-adapted acidophile and a versatile heterotroph utilizing a suite of simple sugars and complex polysaccharides. The genome contained an abundance of genes assigned to metabolism and transport of carbohydrates including gene modules encoding for carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) family involved in breakdown, utilization and biosynthesis of diverse structural and storage polysaccharides. T. saanensis SP1PR4T represents the first member of genusmore » Terriglobus with a completed genome sequence, consisting of a single replicon of 5,095,226 base pairs (bp), 54 RNA genes and 4,279 protein-coding genes. We infer that the physiology and metabolic potential of T. saanensis is adapted to allow for resilience to the nutrient-deficient conditions and fluctuating temperatures of Arctic tundra soils.« less

Children with cystic fibrosis demonstrate no respiratory immunological, infective or physiological, consequences of vitamin D deficiency.

PubMed

Thursfield, Rebecca M; Naderi, Khayam; Leaver, Neil; Rosenthal, Mark; Alton, Eric W F W; Bush, Andrew; Davies, Jane C

2018-04-06

Vitamin D has health benefits in many respiratory diseases but the evidence in CF is unclear. Induction of the antimicrobial peptides cathelicidin (LL37) and human-beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2) may be the mechanism of any benefit. We hypothesised that antimicrobial peptide levels would be decreased, and airway infection and inflammation greater, in CF children with vitamin D deficiency. The objective of the study was to explore relationships between vitamin D, LL37 and HBD-2, and airway infection, inflammation and physiology in children with CF. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF) and blood were obtained from children undergoing fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Serum vitamin D, BALF HBD-2 and LL37, cultured bacteria and inflammatory markers were measured. Clinical parameters were recorded. 113 patients with CF, 23 with non-CF chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) and 6 healthy controls were included. We found no relationship between serum vitamin D and BALF HBD-2 or LL-37. There were no differences in infective or inflammatory markers between vitamin D sufficient and deficient groups. Vitamin D deficient patients (<50 nmol/L) did not have a worse FEV 1 (CF: 66 (58-71)% vs. 71.5 (61-76)%, ns; non-CF CSLD: 69 (36-88)% vs. 70 (62-95)%, ns). In the first bronchoscopic study exploring this question, we demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency is not associated with immunological, infective or clinical markers of disease severity in patients with CF or CSLD. Copyright © 2018 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New chrodrimanin congeners, chrodrimanins D-H, from YO-2 of Talaromyces sp.

PubMed

Hayashi, Hideo; Oka, Yuki; Kai, Kenji; Akiyama, Kohki

2012-01-01

Four new meroterpenoids, named chrodrimanins D-G (4-7), and one known compound, renamed chrodrimanin H (8), were isolated from okara (the insoluble residue of whole soybean) that had been fermented with the YO-2 strain of Talaromyces sp. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Chrodrimanins D (4), E (5), and F (6) showed insecticidal activity against silkworms with respective LD(50) values of 20, 10, and 50 µg/g of diet.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with nutrition, travelling and clothing habits in an immigrant population in Northern Sweden.

PubMed

Granlund, L; Ramnemark, A; Andersson, C; Lindkvist, M; Fhärm, E; Norberg, M

2016-03-01

To study prevalence and determinants of vitamin D deficiency in immigrants from Africa and the Middle East living in Umeå, Sweden. Cross-sectional population based. Umeå, Sweden (63° N). Immigrants aged 25-65 years from nine countries in Africa or the Middle East (n=1306) were invited. A total of 111 men and 106 women (16.5%) completed the study. S-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was measured with HPLC. Anthropometry, medical, socioeconomic and lifestyle data were registered. Vitamin D status was insufficient or deficient in 73% of the participants. Specifically, 12% had vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D3<25 nmol/l), and only 3.7% had optimal vitamin D status (25(OH)D3 75-125 nmol/l). Mean 25(OH)D3 level was 41.0 nmol/l (± 16.6) with no difference between sexes. Levels of 25(OH)D3 were lower (P=0.030) and vitamin D deficiency was twice as common in immigrants from Africa compared with those from the Middle East. In the multiple regression analysis, vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with low fatty fish intake (OR 4.31, 95% CI 1.61-11.55), not travelling abroad (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.18-11.96) and wearing long-sleeved clothes in summer (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.09-9.12). The majority of immigrants from Africa and the Middle East who live in northern Sweden have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Our results are consistent with sun exposure and a diet with high intake of fatty fish being most important in avoiding vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency in UK South Asian Women of childbearing age: a comparative longitudinal investigation with UK Caucasian women.

PubMed

Darling, A L; Hart, K H; Macdonald, H M; Horton, K; Kang'ombe, A R; Berry, J L; Lanham-New, S A

2013-02-01

This is the first 1-year longitudinal study which assesses vitamin D deficiency in young UK-dwelling South Asian women. The findings are that vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in this group of women and that it persists all year around, representing a significant public health concern. There is a lack of longitudinal data assessing seasonal variation in vitamin D status in young South Asian women living in northern latitudes. Studies of postmenopausal South Asian women suggest a lack of seasonal change in 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], although it is unclear whether this is prevalent among premenopausal South Asians. We aimed to evaluate, longitudinally, seasonal changes in 25(OH)D and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in young UK-dwelling South Asian women as compared with Caucasians. We also aimed to establish the relative contributions of dietary vitamin D and sun exposure in explaining serum 25(OH)D. This is a 1-year prospective cohort study assessing South Asian (n = 35) and Caucasian (n = 105) premenopausal women living in Surrey, UK (51° N), aged 20-55 years. The main outcome measured was serum 25(OH)D concentration. Secondary outcomes were serum parathyroid hormone, self-reported dietary vitamin D intake and UVB exposure by personal dosimetry. Serum 25(OH)D <25 nmol/L was highly prevalent in South Asians in the winter (81 %) and autumn (79.2 %). Deficient status (below 50 nmol/L) was common in Caucasian women. Multi-level modelling suggested that, in comparison to sun exposure (1.59, 95 %CI = 0.83-2.35), dietary intake of vitamin D had no impact on 25(OH)D levels (-0.08, 95 %CI = -1.39 to 1.23). Year-round vitamin D deficiency was extremely common in South Asian women. These findings pose great health threats regarding the adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and warrant urgent vitamin D public health policy and action.

Association between Vitamin D level and/or deficiency, and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Bae, Sang-Cheol; Lee, Young Ho

2018-01-31

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We searched the PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases and performed a meta-analysis examining the vitamin D level and/or deficiency in patients with SLE, compared with that in healthy controls. In total, 18 studies consisting of 1,083 patients with SLE and 1,273 controls were included. Vitamin D level was significantly lower in the SLE group than in the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.938, 95% CI = -1.352 to -0.524, p = 9.0 × 10-6). Stratification by ethnicity showed a significantly decreased vitamin D level in the SLE group in the European and Arab populations (SMD = -1.485, 95% CI = -2.427 to -0.543, p = 0.002; SMD = -1.067, 95% CI = -1.251 to -0.883, p < 1.0 × 10-8), and an association tendency between decreased vitamin D level and SLE in the Asian population (SMD = -0.874, 95% CI = -2.073 to -0.324, p = 0.153). Subgroup analysis by sample size showed a significantly lower vitamin D level in the SLE group in small- (n ≤ 100) and large-sample (n > 100) populations (SMD = -1.008, 95% CI = -1.672 to -0.344, p = 0.003; SMD = -0.863, 95% CI = -1.444 to -0.293, p = 0.003). Meta-analysis revealed a significant association between SLE and vitamin D deficiency (RR = 2.321, 95% CI = 1.361-3.960, p = 0.002). Stratification by ethnicity showed a significant association between SLE and vitamin D deficiency in European and Arab populations (RR = 2.182, 95% CI = 1.024-4.648, p = 0.043; RR = 4.550, 95% CI = 3.471-5.965, p < 1.0 × 10-8). Our meta-analysis demonstrates that compared with controls, patients with SLE show significantly low serum levels of vitamin D, and that a deficiency of vitamin D is associated with SLE.

Myalgias or non-specific muscle pain in Arab or Indo-Pakistani patients may indicate vitamin D deficiency.

PubMed

Badsha, Humeira; Daher, Mirna; Ooi Kong, Kok

2009-08-01

The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/dl) among patients with fibromyalgia or muscle pain in a musculoskeletal clinic in the United Arab Emirates. Consecutive patients who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia and/or non-specific musculoskeletal pain (ICD-9 729.1) were screened for vitamin D deficiency. Patients were seen at follow-up after treatment with vitamin D was given. Improvement was assessed by a simple questionnaire. Patients (139) with muscle pain were seen in 2007. Average age was 40 +/- year; 95% were female; 69 (49%) were Arab, of whom 92% were veiled; 43 (30%) Indian of whom 11% were veiled; 23 (16%) were Caucasian; and four were East Asian (3%) and all wore western clothes. One hundred three (74%) of these patients had a low vitamin D level. Vitamin D deficiency was most common among Arab patients (86%) and Indo-Pakistani (87%) and least common among the Caucasians (8%) and was equally prevalent among veiled and non-veiled patients. Treatment resulted in clinical improvement in 90% of patients. Non-specific muscle pains among Arab and Indian-Pakistani populations may indicate vitamin D deficiency, and prompt treatment can result in resolution of symptoms.

Prevalence of classic signs and symptoms of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in Mongolian children and women.

PubMed

Uush, Tserendolgor

2013-07-01

In order to assess the current nutrition status of Mongolian population, including rickets and vitamin D deficiency of children and women, the Fourth National Nutrition Cross-Sectional Survey was conducted in 21 aimags (provinces) of 4 economic regions of the country and capital city Ulaanbaatar in 2010. Children of age under five years, and non-pregnant women of reproductive age were used as subjects for assessing rickets and vitamin D deficiency. A total of 400 households were randomly selected from each of 4 economic regions and Ulaanbaatar city. Clinical examinations were performed on 706 children of age under five years. Interviews were used to assess vitamin D supplement use. The serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured in 524 children aged 6-59 months and in 867 women of reproductive age. This survey found that 21.8% of children had vitamin D deficiency, 20.6% had low vitamin D reserve, and 30.0% of women had vitamin D deficiency and 22.2% had low vitamin D reserve. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children (35.0%, 95% CI, 24.7-47.0) and women (54.9%, 95% CI 45.5-64.0) in the Eastern Region was (35.0%, 95% CI, 24.7-47.0) significantly higher than in the Western, Khangai, Central Regions, and Ulaanbaatar. Further it was found that 27.4% of children under-two years had received vitamin D supplementation. The proportion of children, who did not receive vitamin D supplementation had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than that of the children of the Eastern Region. None of the women who were involved in this survey had received vitamin D supplementation; 10.2% of them had delivered in the past 12 months, and 22.5% were breastfeeding. The prevalence of classic signs and symptoms of rickets were commonly reported among children of age under five, and skeletal abnormalities more commonly reported in children aged 12-47 months. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of classic signs and symptoms of rickets in children of age under five

Arterial stiffness parameters associated with vitamin D deficiency and supplementation in patients with normal cardiac functions.

PubMed

Sünbül, Murat; Çinçin, Altuğ; Bozbay, Mehmet; Mammadov, Ceyhun; Ataş, Halil; Özşenel, Ekmel Burak; Sarı, İbrahim; Başaran, Yelda

2016-06-01

Arterial stiffness parameters including pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A close relationship has been demonstrated between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on arterial stiffness parameters in patients with normal cardiac functions. Study population consisted of 45 patients with vitamin D deficiency and normal cardiac functions. Median age (interquartile range) was 45.0 (12.00) years, and 33 patients were female. Patients were treated with oral administration of vitamin D3. Arterial stiffness parameters were evaluated using Mobil-O-Graph arteriograph system, which detected signals from the brachial artery before and after treatment. Vitamin D levels significantly increased after treatment (9.0 [6.00] nmol/L vs 29.0 [11.50] nmol/L, p<0.001). No significant difference was observed among conventional echocardiographic parameters before or after treatment. Post-treatment PVW and AIx were significantly lower than baseline measurements (6.8 [1.55] m/s vs 6.4 [1.30] m/s, p<0.001 and 23.0 [22.00]% vs 31.0 [14.50]%, p<0.001, respectively). Baseline vitamin D levels significantly correlated with PWV (r=-0.352, p=0.018). Post-treatment vitamin D levels also significantly correlated with post-treatment PWV (r=-0.442, p=0.002) and AIx (r=-0.419, p=0.004). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed no independent predictor of baseline log-transformed PWV. Vitamin D supplementation has beneficial effects on arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness parameters may aid in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

YKL-40, CCL18 and SP-D predict mortality in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Spoorenberg, Simone M C; Vestjens, Stefan M T; Rijkers, Ger T; Meek, Bob; van Moorsel, Coline H M; Grutters, Jan C; Bos, Willem Jan W

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of four biomarkers, YKL-40, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18), surfactant protein-D (SP-D) and CA 15-3, in patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). These markers have been studied extensively in chronic pulmonary disease, but in acute pulmonary disease their prognostic value is unknown. A total of 289 adult patients who were hospitalized with CAP and participated in a randomized controlled trial were enrolled. Biomarker levels were measured on the day of admission. Intensive care unit admission, 30-day, 1-year and long-term mortality (median follow-up of 5.4 years, interquartile range (IQR): 4.7-6.1) were recorded as outcomes. Median YKL-40 and CCL18 levels were significantly higher and levels of SP-D were significantly lower in CAP patients compared to healthy controls. Significantly higher YKL-40, CCL18 and SP-D levels were found in patients classified in pneumonia severity index classes 4-5 and with a CURB-65 score ≥2 compared to patients with less severe pneumonia. Furthermore, these three markers were significant predictors for long-term mortality in multivariate analysis and compared with C-reactive protein and procalcitonin level on admission, area under the curves were higher for 30-day, 1-year and long-term mortality. CA 15-3 levels were less predictive. YKL-40, CCL18 and SP-D levels were higher in patients with more severe pneumonia, possibly reflecting the extent of pulmonary inflammation. Of these, YKL-40 most significantly predicts mortality for CAP. © 2016 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Pestalpolyols A-D, Cytotoxic Polyketides from Pestalotiopsis sp. cr013.

PubMed

Li, Jing; Xie, Jin; Yang, Yin-He; Li, Xiao-Lian; Zeng, Ying; Zhao, Pei-Ji

2015-09-01

Four novel polyketides, named pestalpolyols A (1), B (2), C (3), and D (4), were isolated from solid fermentation products of Pestalotiopsis sp. cr013. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry experiments, and the absolute configuration was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using the anomalous scattering of Cu Kα radiation. The inhibitory activities of compounds 1, 2, and 4 against five human tumor lines were tested in vitro, and showed IC50 values 2.3-31.2 µM. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

[Vitamin D deficiency in chronic liver disease, clinical-epidemiological analysis and report after vitamin d supplementation].

PubMed

Fernández Fernández, Nereida; Linares Torres, Pedro; Joáo Matias, Diana; Jorquera Plaza, Francisco; Olcoz Goñi, Jose Luis

2016-05-01

Vitamin D (VD) is known to have multiple extra-skeletal health functions. There is emerging interest in exploring the relationship between vitamin D and chronic liver disease (CLD). To determine the prevalence of VD deficiency in patients with CLD in our setting and to assess whether VD supplementation influences plasma levels and is associated with improved liver function. We conducted a study in 2 phases. First, we analysed clinical and epidemiological characteristics in 94 patients with CLD; second, different doses of calcifediol (25-OH-VD) were administered to patients with VD deficiency (<20ng/mL) and insufficiency (20-30ng/mL). Plasma concentrations and liver function (Child-Pugh and MELD) at the end of treatment were compared with baseline data. Deficient or insufficient VD levels were found in 87% of the patients, with an average concentration of 18.8ng/mL. Levels were lower in patients with cirrhosis (15.9ng/mL) (P=.002) and in alcoholic liver disease. VD levels were inversely proportional to the degree of liver function: Child A (16.52ng/mL) vs C (7.75ng/mL). After VD supplementation, optimal serum levels were achieved in 94% of patients and significant improvements were observed in platelet count, albumin levels (P<.05) and functional status assessed by the Child-Pugh scale (P<.05). Given the high prevalence of VD deficiency or insufficiency, the need for screening should be considered in the population with CLD. VD supplementation could be safe and effective. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and AEEH y AEG. All rights reserved.

The ABC of vitamin D: a qualitative study of the knowledge and attitudes regarding vitamin D deficiency amongst selected population groups.

PubMed

Bonevski, Billie; Bryant, Jamie; Lambert, Sylvie; Brozek, Irena; Rock, Vanessa

2013-03-15

In Australia, vitamin D supply in food is limited, and sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D. However skin cancer risk is high, and the need to gain some sun exposure for adequate vitamin D is challenging public health messages to use protection in the sun. The complex vitamin D public health message may be confusing the public and, in particular, those at highest risk for vitamin D deficiency. This study explored vitamin D and sun exposure attitudes, knowledge and practices of some groups considered at risk of vitamin D deficiency and those delivering healthy sun exposure messages to children. 52 adults participated in six focus groups. Results corroborated with previous research showing low levels of vitamin D knowledge. Individual and environmental barriers to receiving adequate sun exposure were also identified. The message advocating balanced sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D needs to be made clearer and be more effectively communicated. Findings provide insights to aid development of appropriate public health messages for safe sun exposure and vitamin D, especially for vulnerable groups.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with urinary tract infection in children

PubMed Central

Handoka, Nesrein Mosad; Amin, Rasha Emad

2016-01-01

Introduction In humans, vitamin D has been shown to play a role in infectious diseases, but its association with acquisition and a complicated course of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) levels and the risk of first time febrile UTI in children. Material and methods This prospective case-control study included 50 children with first febrile UTI, with no risk factors for UTI, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy siblings as controls. White blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathormone were measured in all studied children. Vitamin D status was determined by measuring plasma 25(OH)D3 level. Deficiency was defined as a plasma 25(OH)D3 level ≤ 25 nmol/l. Results Children with UTI had significantly lower mean serum levels of 25(OH)D3 (10.5 ±2.7 nmol/l) than those of controls (25.9 ±5.6 nmol/l) (p < 0.05). Patients with lower UTI had significantly higher serum levels of 25(OH)D3 compared to those with acute pyelonephritis (12.4 ±2.59 vs. 8.2 ±3.2 nmol/l; p < 0.001). Mean serum levels of 25(OH)D3 were significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the female patients compared with males, and this difference was not found within the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that a serum 25(OH)D3 level of ≤ 25 nmol/l is associated with UTI (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.61–2.82; p = 0.04). Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency (≤ 25 nmol/l) was an independent risk factor for UTI in children. PMID:29379541

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with urinary tract infection in children.

PubMed

Shalaby, Sherein Abdelhamid; Handoka, Nesrein Mosad; Amin, Rasha Emad

2018-01-01

In humans, vitamin D has been shown to play a role in infectious diseases, but its association with acquisition and a complicated course of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D 3 ) levels and the risk of first time febrile UTI in children. This prospective case-control study included 50 children with first febrile UTI, with no risk factors for UTI, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy siblings as controls. White blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathormone were measured in all studied children. Vitamin D status was determined by measuring plasma 25(OH)D 3 level. Deficiency was defined as a plasma 25(OH)D 3 level ≤ 25 nmol/l. Children with UTI had significantly lower mean serum levels of 25(OH)D 3 (10.5 ±2.7 nmol/l) than those of controls (25.9 ±5.6 nmol/l) ( p < 0.05). Patients with lower UTI had significantly higher serum levels of 25(OH)D 3 compared to those with acute pyelonephritis (12.4 ±2.59 vs. 8.2 ±3.2 nmol/l; p < 0.001). Mean serum levels of 25(OH)D 3 were significantly lower ( p = 0.001) in the female patients compared with males, and this difference was not found within the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that a serum 25(OH)D 3 level of ≤ 25 nmol/l is associated with UTI (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.61-2.82; p = 0.04). Vitamin D deficiency (≤ 25 nmol/l) was an independent risk factor for UTI in children.

Effects of seasonal vitamin D deficiency and respiratory acidosis on bone metabolism markers in submarine crewmembers during prolonged patrols.

PubMed

Holy, Xavier; Collombet, Jean-Marc; Labarthe, Frédéric; Granger-Veyron, Nicolas; Bégot, Laurent

2012-02-01

The aim of the study was to determine the seasonal influence of vitamin D status on bone metabolism in French submariners over a 2-mo patrol. Blood samples were collected as follows: prepatrol and patrol days 20, 41, and 58 on crewmembers from both a winter (WP; n = 20) and a summer patrol (SP; n = 20), respectively. Vitamin D status was evaluated for WP and SP. Moreover, extended parameters for acid-base balance (Pco(2), pH, and bicarbonate), bone metabolism (bone alkaline phosphatase and COOH-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen), and mineral homeostasis (parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium and phosphorus) were scrutinized. As expected, SP vitamin D status was higher than WP vitamin D status, regardless of the considered experimental time. A mild chronic respiratory acidosis (CRA) was identified in both SP and WP submariners, up to patrol day 41. Such an occurrence paired up with an altered bone remodeling coupling (decreased bone alkaline phosphatase-to-COOH-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen ratio). At the end of the patrol (day 58), a partial compensation of CRA episode, combined with a recovered normal bone remodeling coupling, was observed in SP, not, however, in WP submariners. The mild CRA episode displayed over the initial 41-day submersion period was mainly induced by a hypercapnia resulting from the submarine-enriched CO(2) level. The correlated impaired bone remodeling may imply a physiological attempt to compensate this acidosis via bone buffering. On patrol day 58, the discrepancy observed in terms of CRA compensation between SP and WP may result from the seasonal influence on vitamin D status.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure parameters in patients with vitamin D deficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Shu, Liqin; Huang, Kun

2018-07-01

Evidence suggests that supplementation of vitamin D cannot decrease blood pressure in normal populations. However, in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with vitamin D deficient participants (defined as baseline serum 25[OH]D levels <30 ng/mL or 50 nmol/L), this effect is inconsistent and under debate. Thus, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation could affect blood pressure parameters in vitamin D-deficient subjects. The PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane library databases were searched. Extracted data were pooled as weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the effects. Subgroup analysis was further conducted according to the characteristics of included studies. Seven RCTs that contained 560 participants were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled weighted mean difference of peripheral diastolic blood pressure was -1.65 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: -3.05 to -0.25, I 2  = 30.3%). No significant effect of vitamin D supplementation was found on other parameters. Subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in peripheral systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in Asia, 8 weeks of intervention, and more than 5000 IU of daily vitamin D supplementation subgroups. For vitamin D-deficient patients, there is a small but significant fall in peripheral blood pressure but no significant fall in other blood pressure parameters with vitamin D supplementation. Further RCTs with large numbers of participants is still warranted to confirm these effects. Copyright © 2018 American Heart Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pseudovitamin D deficiency rickets—a report from the Indian subcontinent

PubMed Central

Zargar, A. H.; Mithal, A.; Wani, A. I.; Laway, B. A.; Masoodi, S. R.; Bashir, M. I.; Ganie, M. A.

2000-01-01

Pseudovitamin D deficiency rickets (also called vitamin D dependent rickets type I) is one of the types of inherited rickets and is caused by a deficit in renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1α-hydroxylase. This form of rickets has not been reported from the Indian subcontinent. Three patients with this disorder are presented. These patients were all females aged 3-20 years and presented with growth failure and skeletal deformities. All had florid clinical and radiological rickets. The biochemical abnormalities seen included hypocalcaemia, hypophosphataemia, and hyperphosphatasia. All patients had grossly raised 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and markedly low to undetectable concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. A disturbing feature of this study was the late referral of the patients.


Keywords: 1α-hydroxylase; calcitriol; inherited rickets; vitamin D dependent rickets PMID:10824056

Dental caries and vitamin D3 in children with growth hormone deficiency

PubMed Central

Wójcik, Dorota; Krzewska, Aleksandra; Szalewski, Leszek; Pietryka-Michałowska, Elżbieta; Szalewska, Magdalena; Krzewski, Szymon; Pels, Elżbieta; Beń-Skowronek, Iwona

2018-01-01

Abstract Vitamin D may prevent dental caries. To date, no attempts have been made to examine the correlation between the incidence of caries and the concentrations of vitamin D in children with pituitary growth hormone deficiency. The study observed patients of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology of the University Paediatric Hospital of the Medical University of Lublin treated with human recombinant growth hormone for pituitary growth hormone deficiency (GHD). The study was conducted between October 2014 and June 2015. The study group consisted of 121 children and adolescents (6–17 years old), including 56 children from rural areas and 65 children from urban areas. The study group was stratified by area of residence. In our study, the increase in vitamin D3 [25(OH)D] levels reduced the D component by 0.66 per each 10 ng/mL of vitamin D3 concentration. The percentage of children with active caries in rural areas is 91.07% (n = 51), which is significantly higher than the percentage of children with active caries in urban areas (81.54%, n = 53). To date, information regarding the potential possibility of reducing the incidence of dental caries by means of increasing the levels of vitamin D was sidelined by paediatricians and dentists alike. Therefore, this aspect of caries prevention should be highlighted. PMID:29465564

Vitamin D deficiency and depression among women from an urban community in a tropical country.

PubMed

Moy, Foong Ming; Hoe, Victor Cw; Hairi, Noran Naqiah; Vethakkan, Shireene Ratna; Bulgiba, Awang

2017-07-01

To determine the association of vitamin D status with depression and health-related quality of life among women. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity status, perceived depression and health-related quality of life were assessed via a self-administered questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were taken for the analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, fasting blood glucose and full lipid profile. Complex samples multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Public secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Seven hundred and seventy female teachers were included. The mean age of participants was 41·15 (95 % CI 40·51, 41·78) years and the majority were ethnic Malays. Over 70 % of them had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml or <50 nmol/l) and two-thirds were at risk for depression. In the multivariate analysis, ethnic Malays (adjusted OR (aOR)=14·72; 95 % CI 2·12, 102·21) and Indians (aOR=14·02; 95 % CI 2·27, 86·59), those at risk for depression (aOR=1·88, 95 % CI 1·27, 2·79) and those with higher parathyroid hormone level (aOR=1·13; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·26) were associated with vitamin D deficiency, while vitamin D deficiency was negatively associated with mental health-related quality of life (Mental Component Summary) scores (aOR=0·98; 95 % CI 0·97, 0·99). Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with depression and mental health-related quality of life among women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Vitamin D deficiency, oxidative stress and antioxidant status: only weak association seen in the absence of advanced age, obesity or pre-existing disease.

PubMed

Wang, Erica W; Siu, Parco M; Pang, Marco Y; Woo, Jean; Collins, Andrew R; Benzie, Iris F F

2017-07-01

Vitamin D deficiency (plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D)70 % of participants were vitamin D deficient. No significant correlations and no biomarker differences across 25(OH)D quartiles or groups were seen except for total antioxidant status. A weak direct association (r 0·252, P<0·05) was observed between 25(OH)D and FRAP, and those in the lowest 25(OH)D quartile and group had significantly lower FRAP values. Results did not reveal a clear link between vitamin D status and oxidative stress biomarkers in the absence of advanced age, obesity and disease, though some evidence of depleted antioxidant status in those with vitamin D deficiency was seen. Poor antioxidant status may pre-date increased oxidative stress. Study of effects of correction of deficiency on antioxidant status and oxidative stress in vitamin D-deficient but otherwise healthy subjects is needed.

Antagonists of substance P. Further modifications of substance P antagonists obtained by replacing either positions 7, 9 or 7, 8 and 11 of SP with D-amino acid residues.

PubMed

Dutta, A S; Gormley, J J; Graham, A S; Briggs, I; Growcott, J W; Jamieson, A

1986-07-01

Antagonists of SP and the C-terminal (6-11)-hexapeptide have been obtained by multiple D-amino acid substitutions in various positions of SP and by protecting the N alpha-Arg1 and N epsilon Lys3 amino groups with benzyloxycarbonyl groups. On the guinea pig ileum a number of these antagonized both SP and the hexapeptide. Except [N alpha-Z-Arg1,D-Pro2,N epsilon-Z-Lys3,Asn5,Arg6,D-Phe7,D-Trp9]-SP-OMe (4) and the corresponding amide 7, which were more potent antagonists of SP than the hexapeptide, all the others, e.g., [N alpha-Z-Arg1,D-Pro2,4,N epsilon-Z-Lys3,D-Phe7,8,Sar9,D-Met11]-SP-OMe (9), [N alpha-Z-Arg1,D-Pro2,4,N epsilon-Z-Lys3,D-Phe7,8,Sar9,MeLeu10,D-Met11]-SP -OMe (11), were more potent antagonists of the hexapeptide. On the rat spinal cord preparation, most of the antagonists were only active against the hexapeptide. A few antagonized SP, but these also reduced carbachol or both carbachol and glutamate responses. Two of the antagonists, [D-Pro2,Asn5,Lys6,D-Phe7,D-Trp9]-SP-OMe (2) and [Boc-D-Pro4,D-Phe7,8,Sar9,D-Met11]-SP(4-11)-OMe (10), were inactive on the ileum but still antagonized the hexapeptide on the spinal cord. The smallest peptides to antagonize SP and the hexapeptide were two heptapeptides, 6 and 21, [Z-Asn5,Arg6,D-Phe7,8,Gly9 psi (CH2S)D-Leu10,D-Met11]-SP(5-11)-OMe (21) being more potent than 6. None of the antagonists showed significant analgesic activity without side effects. Some of the antagonists were shown to release histamine from isolated rat peritoneal cells.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased autoimmune response in healthy individuals and in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

PubMed Central

Ritterhouse, Lauren L; Crowe, Sherry R; Niewold, Timothy B; Kamen, Diane L; Macwana, Susan R; Roberts, Virginia C; Dedeke, Amy B; Harley, John B; Scofield, R Hal; Guthridge, Joel M; James, Judith A

2011-01-01

Objectives Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and has been associated with many chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders. A study was undertaken to explore the impact of low vitamin D levels on autoantibody production in healthy individuals, as well as B cell hyperactivity and interferon α (IFNα) activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Serum samples from 32 European American female patients with SLE and 32 matched controls were tested for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, lupus-associated autoantibodies and serum IFNα activity. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were tested for intracellular phospho-ERK 1/2 as a measure of B cell activation status. Results Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <20 ng/ml) was significantly more frequent among patients with SLE (n=32, 69%) and antinuclear antibody (ANA)-positive controls (n=14, 71%) compared with ANA-negative controls (n=18, 22%) (OR 7.7, 95% CI 2.0 to 29.4, p=0.003 and OR 8.8, 95% CI 1.8 to 43.6, p=0.011, respectively). Patients with high B cell activation had lower mean (SD) 25(OH)D levels than patients with low B cell activation (17.2 (5.1) vs 24.2 (3.9) ng/ml; p=0.009). Patients with vitamin D deficiency also had higher mean (SD) serum IFNα activity than patients without vitamin D deficiency (3.5 (6.6) vs 0.3 (0.3); p=0.02). Conclusions The observation that ANA-positive healthy controls are significantly more likely to be deficient in vitamin D than ANA-negative healthy controls, together with the finding that vitamin D deficiency is associated with certain immune abnormalities in SLE, suggests that vitamin D plays an important role in autoantibody production and SLE pathogenesis. PMID:21586442

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Phasmarhabditis huizhouensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae), a New Rhabditid Nematode from South China

PubMed Central

Huang, Ren-E; Ye, Weimin; Ren, Xiaoliang; Zhao, Zhongying

2015-01-01

The genus Phasmarhabditis is an economically important group of rhabditid nematodes, to which the well-known slug-parasite P. hermaphrodita belongs. Despite the commercial use of Phasmarhabditis species as an attractive and promising approach for pest control, the taxonomy and systematics of this group of rhabditids are poorly understood, largely because of the lack of diagnostic morphological features and DNA sequences for distinguishing species or inferring phylogenetic relationship. During a nematode sampling effort for identifying free-living relatives of Caenorhabditis elegans in Huizhou City, Guangdong, China, a novel species belonging to the genus Phasmarhabditis was isolated from rotting leaves. Detailed morphology of the gonochoristic P. huizhouensis sp. nov. was described and illustrated. The adult female has a robust body, a relatively short and wide buccal capsule conjoined by a rhabditiform pharynx. Females are characterized by a short cupola-shaped tail end bearing a slender pointed tip, with the junction flanked by a pair of ‘rod-like’ phasmids. Males have an open peloderan bursa that is supported by 9 pairs of genital papillae and 1 terminal pair of phasmids. P. huizhouensis sp. nov. is morphologically very similar to the type species Phasmarhabditis papillosa but is distinguishable by its male caudal traits. The new species is readily differentiated from other taxa in the genus by its female tail shape. Molecular phylogenetic inferences based on small subunit (SSU) and the D2-D3 domain of large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA genes reveal that P. huizhouensis sp. nov. forms a unique branch in both phylogenies which is genetically related to P. hermaphrodita and other parasites such as Angiostoma spp. The host associations of P. huizhouensis sp. nov. and its ability to parasitize slugs are unknown. PMID:26674768

Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Predictors in a Country with Thirteen Months of Sunshine: The Case of School Children in Central Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Wakayo, Tolassa; Belachew, Tefera; Vatanparast, Hassan; Whiting, Susan J.

2015-01-01

Studies examining vitamin D status among children living in sunny climates indicated that children did not receive adequate vitamin D, however, this has not been looked at among children living in Ethiopia. In this study, we determined vitamin D deficiency and its predictors among school children aged 11–18 years, examining circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D]. The school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in schools in Adama Town (n = 89) and in rural Adama (n = 85) for a total sample of 174. Students were randomly selected using multi-stage stratified sampling method from both settings. Socioeconomic status of parents and demographic, anthropometric, sun exposure status and blood 25(OH)D levels were obtained. Vitamin D deficiency, defined as circulating levels of 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L, was found in 42% of the entire study participants. Prevalence of deficiency was significantly higher among students in urban setting compared to rural (61.8% vs 21.2%, respectively, p<0.001). After controlling for potential confounders using multivariable logistic regression model, duration of exposure to sunlight, amount of body part exposed to sunlight, place of residence, maternal education, body fatness, having TV/computer at home and socioeconomic status were significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency. The findings suggest that Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in healthy school children living both in urban and rural areas of a country with abundant year round sunshine providing UVB, with the prevalence of deficiency being significantly higher among urban school children who were less exposed to sunlight. Behaviour change communication to enhance exposure to ultraviolet light is critical to prevent vitamin D deficiency in tropical country like Ethiopia. Further study is required to assess the deleterious effect of its deficiency on bone mineral homeostasis of growing children in Ethiopia during their most critical period of bone development. PMID:25822900

Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and visually evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

López-Méndez, P; Sosa-Henríquez, M; Ruiz-Pérez, Á

2016-05-01

To evaluate the possible relationship between serum 25-OH vitamin D levels and visually evoked potentials (VEP) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), residents in the south zone of Gran Canaria. The study included 49 patients with MS, on whom 25-OH-vitamin D was determined, along with VEP, and a neurological examination to determine incapacity. Clinical variables, such as a history of optic neuritis were recorded. The mean value of 25-OH-vitamin D of the patients was 28.1±9.5ng/ml. The VEP latency was 119.1±23.2ms and the amplitude, 8.5±4.4 μV. Patients with a higher 25-OH-vitamin D had a greater number of outbreaks in the year prior to the study (P=.049), and those with vitamin D deficiency and previous optic neuritis showed no reduction in the amplitude of the VEP (P=.006). Patients with vitamin D deficiency have lower clinical activity of the MS and show no axonal involvement in VEP after having suffered optic neuritis. These relationships, although statistically significant, do not seem clinically plausible, thus new studies are needed to try and confirm this possible relationship. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Epidemiology of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in a population in a sunny country: Geospatial meta-analysis in Brazil.

PubMed

Pereira-Santos, Marcos; Santos, José Yure Gomes Dos; Carvalho, Gisele Queiroz; Santos, Djanilson Barbosa Dos; Oliveira, Ana Marlúcia

2018-02-08

Studies conducted among populations of tropical countries have reported high prevalences of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Information resulting from meta-analyses on the spatial distribution of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in tropical countries is still rare. The aim of this review was investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among the Brazilian population. Observational studies were searched in eight electronically databases. Additionally, theses and dissertations and abstracts were screened. Details on study design, methods, population, mean and data on serum concentrations of vitamin D in different age groups in Brazil were extracted. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and choropleth maps were created based on the geopolitical regions of the country. 72 published paper met the inclusion criteria. The mean vitamin D concentration among the Brazilian population between 2000 and 2017 of 67.65 nmol/L (95% CI: 65.91, 69.38 nmol/L).The prevalences of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 28.16% (95% CI: 23.90, 32.40) and 45.26% (95% CI: 35.82, 54.71), respectively, for the Brazilian population. The highest prevalence of deficiency were observed in the southern and southeastern regions and the highest occurrence of vitamin D insufficiency was among the populations of the southeastern and northeastern regions. Finally, there are high prevalence of inadequate vitamin D concentrations among the population, regardless of age group in Brazil. The development of vitamin D food fortification policies in needs to be cautious and carefully planned.

MyD88 Deficiency Markedly Worsens Tissue Inflammation and Bacterial Clearance in Mice Infected with Treponema pallidum, the Agent of Syphilis

PubMed Central

Silver, Adam C.; Dunne, Dana W.; Zeiss, Caroline J.; Bockenstedt, Linda K.; Radolf, Justin D.; Salazar, Juan C.; Fikrig, Erol

2013-01-01

Research on syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the non-cultivatable spirochete Treponema pallidum, has been hampered by the lack of an inbred animal model. We hypothesized that Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent responses are essential for clearance of T. pallidum and, consequently, compared infection in wild-type (WT) mice and animals lacking MyD88, the adaptor molecule required for signaling by most TLRs. MyD88-deficient mice had significantly higher pathogen burdens and more extensive inflammation than control animals. Whereas tissue infiltrates in WT mice consisted of mixed mononuclear and plasma cells, infiltrates in MyD88-deficient animals were predominantly neutrophilic. Although both WT and MyD88-deficient mice produced antibodies that promoted uptake of treponemes by WT macrophages, MyD88-deficient macrophages were deficient in opsonophagocytosis of treponemes. Our results demonstrate that TLR-mediated responses are major contributors to the resistance of mice to syphilitic disease and that MyD88 signaling and FcR-mediated opsonophagocytosis are linked to the macrophage-mediated clearance of treponemes. PMID:23940747

Vitamin D deficiency: infertility and neurodevelopmental diseases (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and schizophrenia).

PubMed

Berridge, Michael J

2018-02-01

The process of development depends on a number of signaling systems that regulates the progressive sequence of developmental events. Infertility and neurodevelopmental diseases, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia, are caused by specific alterations in these signaling processes. Calcium signaling plays a prominent role throughout development beginning at fertilization and continuing through early development, implantation, and organ differentiation such as heart and brain development. Vitamin D plays a major role in regulating these signaling processes that control development. There is an increase in infertility and an onset of neurodevelopmental diseases when vitamin D is deficient. The way in which vitamin D deficiency acts to alter development is a major feature of this review. One of the primary functions of vitamin D is to maintain the phenotypic stability of both the Ca 2+ and redox signaling pathways that play such a key role throughout development.

Endosulfan induced alteration in bacterial protein profile and RNA yield of Klebsiella sp. M3, Achromobacter sp. M6, and Rhodococcus sp. M2.

PubMed

Singh, Madhu; Singh, Dileep Kumar

2014-01-30

Three bacterial strains identified as Klebsiella sp. M3, Achromobacter sp. M6 and Rhodococcus sp. M2 were isolated by soil enrichment with endosulfan followed by shake flask enrichment technique. They were efficiently degrading endosulfan in the NSM (non sulfur medium) broth. Degradation of endosulfan was faster with the cell free extract of bacterial cells grown in the sulfur deficient medium (NSM) supplemented with endosulfan than that of nutrient rich medium (Luria Bertani). In the cell free extract of NSM supplemented with endosulfan as sole sulfur source, a unique band was visualized on SDS-PAGE but not with magnesium sulfate as the sole sulfur source in NSM and LB with endosulfan. Expression of a unique polypeptide band was speculated to be induced by endosulfan under sulfur starved condition. These unique polypeptide bands were identified as OmpK35 protein, sulfate binding protein and outer membrane porin protein, respectively, in Klebsiella sp. M3, Achromobacter sp. M6 and Rhodococcus sp. M2. Endosulfan showed dose dependent negative effect on total RNA yield of bacterial strains in nutrient rich medium. Absence of plasmid DNA indicated the presence of endosulfan metabolizing gene on genomic DNA. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Associations with Skin Color in Pregnant Women in the First Trimester in a Sample from Switzerland.

PubMed

Richard, Aline; Rohrmann, Sabine; Quack Lötscher, Katharina C

2017-03-10

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy has negative clinical consequences, such as associations with glucose intolerance, and has been shown to be distributed differently in certain ethnic groups. In some countries, a difference in the rate of vitamin D deficiency was detected in pregnant women depending on their skin color. We examined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) in women in early pregnancy in Switzerland and evaluated the association of skin color with vitamin D deficiency. In a single-center cohort study, the validated Fitzpatrick scale and objective melanin index were used to determine skin color. Of the 204 pregnant women included, 63% were vitamin D deficient. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 26.1 ng/mL (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.8-27.4) in vitamin D-sufficient women and 10.5 ng/mL (95% CI 9.7-11.5) in women with deficiency. In the most parsimonious model, women with dark skin color were statistically significantly more often vitamin D deficient compared to women with light skin color (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.08-6.22; adjusted for age, season, vitamin D supplement use, body mass index, smoking, parity). This calls for more intense counseling as one policy option to improve vitamin D status during pregnancy, i.e., use of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy, in particular for women with darker skin color.

The ABC of Vitamin D: A Qualitative Study of the Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Vitamin D Deficiency amongst Selected Population Groups

PubMed Central

Bonevski, Billie; Bryant, Jamie; Lambert, Sylvie; Brozek, Irena; Rock, Vanessa

2013-01-01

Objective: In Australia, vitamin D supply in food is limited, and sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D. However skin cancer risk is high, and the need to gain some sun exposure for adequate vitamin D is challenging public health messages to use protection in the sun. The complex vitamin D public health message may be confusing the public and, in particular, those at highest risk for vitamin D deficiency. This study explored vitamin D and sun exposure attitudes, knowledge and practices of some groups considered at risk of vitamin D deficiency and those delivering healthy sun exposure messages to children. Method: 52 adults participated in six focus groups. Results: Results corroborated with previous research showing low levels of vitamin D knowledge. Individual and environmental barriers to receiving adequate sun exposure were also identified. Conclusions and Implications: The message advocating balanced sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D needs to be made clearer and be more effectively communicated. Findings provide insights to aid development of appropriate public health messages for safe sun exposure and vitamin D, especially for vulnerable groups. PMID:23503169

Vitamin D Decreases Serum VEGF Correlating with Clinical Improvement in Vitamin D-Deficient Women with PCOS: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Irani, Mohamad; Seifer, David B; Grazi, Richard V; Irani, Sara; Rosenwaks, Zev; Tal, Reshef

2017-03-28

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and may contribute to increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in affected individuals. Vitamin D (VitD) supplementation improves multiple clinical parameters in VitD-deficient women with PCOS and decreases VEGF levels in several other pathologic conditions. Unveiling the basic mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of vitamin D on PCOS may enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome. It may also suggest a new treatment for PCOS that can improve it through the same mechanism as vitamin D and can be given regardless of vitamin D levels. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of VitD supplementation on serum VEGF levels and assess whether changes in VEGF correlate with an improvement in characteristic clinical abnormalities of PCOS. This is a randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted between October 2013 and March 2015. Sixty-eight VitD-deficient women with PCOS were recruited. Women received either 50,000 IU of oral VitD3 or placebo once weekly for 8 weeks. There was a significant decrease in serum VEGF levels (1106.4 ± 36.5 to 965.3 ± 42.7 pg·mL -1 ; p < 0.001) in the VitD group. Previously reported findings of this trial demonstrated a significant decrease in the intermenstrual intervals, Ferriman-Gallwey hirsutism score, and triglycerides following VitD supplementation. Interestingly, ∆VEGF was positively correlated with ∆triglycerides ( R ² = 0.22; p = 0.02) following VitD supplementation. In conclusion, VitD replacement significantly decreases serum VEGF levels correlating with a decrease in triglycerides in women with PCOS. This is a novel molecular explanation for the beneficial effects of VitD treatment. It also suggests the need to investigate a potential role of VitD treatment in reducing the incidence or severity of OHSS in VitD-deficient women with PCOS.

Receiver function deconvolution using transdimensional hierarchical Bayesian inference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolb, J. M.; Lekić, V.

2014-06-01

Teleseismic waves can convert from shear to compressional (Sp) or compressional to shear (Ps) across impedance contrasts in the subsurface. Deconvolving the parent waveforms (P for Ps or S for Sp) from the daughter waveforms (S for Ps or P for Sp) generates receiver functions which can be used to analyse velocity structure beneath the receiver. Though a variety of deconvolution techniques have been developed, they are all adversely affected by background and signal-generated noise. In order to take into account the unknown noise characteristics, we propose a method based on transdimensional hierarchical Bayesian inference in which both the noise magnitude and noise spectral character are parameters in calculating the likelihood probability distribution. We use a reversible-jump implementation of a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to find an ensemble of receiver functions whose relative fits to the data have been calculated while simultaneously inferring the values of the noise parameters. Our noise parametrization is determined from pre-event noise so that it approximates observed noise characteristics. We test the algorithm on synthetic waveforms contaminated with noise generated from a covariance matrix obtained from observed noise. We show that the method retrieves easily interpretable receiver functions even in the presence of high noise levels. We also show that we can obtain useful estimates of noise amplitude and frequency content. Analysis of the ensemble solutions produced by our method can be used to quantify the uncertainties associated with individual receiver functions as well as with individual features within them, providing an objective way for deciding which features warrant geological interpretation. This method should make possible more robust inferences on subsurface structure using receiver function analysis, especially in areas of poor data coverage or under noisy station conditions.

Vitamin D deficiency is common among adults in Wallonia (Belgium, 51°30' North): findings from the Nutrition, Environment and Cardio-Vascular Health study.

PubMed

Hoge, Axelle; Donneau, Anne-Françoise; Streel, Sylvie; Kolh, Philippe; Chapelle, Jean-Paul; Albert, Adelin; Cavalier, Etienne; Guillaume, Michèle

2015-08-01

Data on the vitamin D status of the population of Wallonia (Belgium, 51°30' North) are scarce. This study was carried out to estimate vitamin D deficiency, identify potential determinants, and analyze their relationship with vitamin D supplementation. We tested the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency is common in the general population, particularly among subjects without supplementation. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration less than 50nmol/L. Data were analyzed from 915 participants of the Nutrition, Environment and Cardio-Vascular Health cross-sectional survey. The median (interquartile range) 25(OH)D level was 53.1 (37.8-69.9) nmol/L, and 44.7% of the subjects were vitamin D deficient. Subjects without vitamin D supplementation were more concerned by vitamin D deficiency than those with supplementation (odds ratio [OR], 3.35; P < .0001). From a multivariate standpoint, the potential determinants of vitamin D deficiency among subjects without vitamin D supplementation were season, specifically spring and winter (OR, 7.36 and 6.44, respectively), obesity (OR, 2.19), low household income (OR, 1.73), and lack of solarium use (OR, 1.79). For subjects with supplementation, the only determinant observed for vitamin D deficiency was obesity (OR, 5.00). This work evidenced the high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in the general population, especially among nonsupplemented subjects with obesity, low household income, and/or lack of light. Vitamin D supplementation looks effective in our population, especially via a stabilization of vitamin D coverage throughout the seasons. The best dietary strategy to achieve optimal 25(OH)D concentrations all year round in the general population requires more research. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the North-West region of Russia: A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Karonova, T; Andreeva, A; Nikitina, I; Belyaeva, O; Mokhova, E; Galkina, O; Vasilyeva, E; Grineva, E

2016-11-01

Russia is a country with geographic and economic preconditions for development of vitamin D deficiency. We analyzed serum 25(OH)D level in residents from North-West region (59-61° North latitude) of Russia to study the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency and its associations with gender, age, obesity and diet. The study population included 1664 residents (1544 adults 18-75 y.o. and 120 children/adolescents of 3-17 y.o.). Serum 25(OH)D was determined in 1226 participants by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. We used a questionnaire to check the frequency of dairy and fish products intake as well as the use of vitamin supplements. The serum 25(OH)D level was 9.8-147.5nmol/L, mean level in adults population was 54.8±0.7nMol/L, in children/adolescents-46.8±1.6 nmol/L. We revealed that 16.8% of the study population had a 25(OH)D level more than 75nMol/L, 37.5% had insufficiency and 45.7% had vitamin D deficiency. Serum 25(OH)D level in women was lower than in men (53.9±0.8 and 67.2±2.2nmol/L; p<0.01). We did not find association between vitamin D status and age. Patients with normal BMI had higher 25(OH)D level than those with overweight and obesity (52.5±2.8 and 44.8±2.0 nmol/L, p<0.05). Negative correlations between 25(OH)D and BMI (r=-0.17, p=0.03) and WC (r=-0.15, p=0.02) were found. Questionnaire analyses showed that regular fish intake (minimum once per week) was associated with higher 25(OH)D level, while dairy products and vitamin supplements intake did not seem to have any effect on vitamin D status. This study showed high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in adults and adolescent population from North-West region of Russia, and an association of low serum 25(OH)D level with female gender, obesity and low fish products diet. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Candida dajiaensis sp. nov., Candida yuanshanicus sp. nov., Candida jianshihensis sp. nov., and Candida sanyiensis sp. nov., four anamorphic, ascomycetous yeast species isolated from soil in Taiwan.

PubMed

Liu, Chun-Hao; Young, Shuh-Sen; Chang, Tsung-Chain; Lee, Ching-Fu

2008-08-01

Nine anamorphic, ascomycetous yeast strains belonging to the Pichia anomala clade were recovered from forest soil in 2006 in Taiwan. The nine yeast strains represent four novel yeast species based on the sequences of their D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and their physiological characteristics. The scientific names of Candida dajiaensis sp. nov., Candida yuanshanicus sp. nov., Candida jianshihensis sp. nov., and Candida sanyiensis sp. nov. are proposed for these novel yeast species. The type strains are C. dajiaensis SM11S03(T) (=CBS 10590(T)=BCRC 23099(T)), C. yuanshanicus SY3S02(T) (=CBS 10589(T)=BCRC 23100(T)), C. jianshihensis SM8S04(T) (=CBS 10591(T)=BCRC 23096(T)), and C. sanyiensis SA1S06(T) (=CBS 10592(T)=BCRC 23094(T)). Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 of the LSU rRNA gene revealed that the three species, C. dajiaensis, C. yuanshanicus and Pichia onychis, shared a separate branch in the phylogenetic tree, C. jianshihensis is phylogenetically related to Candida ulmi and Pichia alni, and the phylogenetically closest relative of C. sanyiensis is Pichia populi.

Vit D deficiency is a possible risk factor in ARS.

PubMed

Elbistanlı, Mustafa Suphi; Koçak, Hasan Emre; Güneş, Selçuk; Acıpayam, Harun; Şimşek, Baver Maşallah; Canpolat, Sinan; Kayhan, Fatma Tülin

2017-09-01

Vitamin D deficiency is effective in the development of acute rhinosinusitis and prolongation of inflammation by increasing inflammation in the sinonasal epithelium. Vitamin D deficiency is important in the development of bone barriers that prevent the complication of acute rhinosinusitis. Although Vitamin D levels may be a variable risk factor for various respiratory tract disorders, there are limited data on the role in sinonasal infections. Our aim was to investigate the association of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) levels with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and preseptal cellulitis complications. The type of the study is prospective case-control study. Fifteen patients in the pediatric age group with ARS-induced preseptal cellulitis complication were identified as Group 1, fifteen patients with ARS and without complication were identified as Group 2, and fifteen healthy volunteers were identified as Group 3. Serum 25OHD levels (nmol/l) were measured in addition to routine blood tests at the first admission of patients participating in the study. Statistical analysis was performed between groups. The ages of the cases ranged from 1 to 14 years with a mean of 5.62 ± 3.42 years. 55.6% of the cases (n = 25) were male; 44.4% (n = 20) were female children. As a result of classification in which vitamin D levels were compared with normal values, there was a statistically significant difference according to the presence of ARS (Group-1 and Group 2) and absence of ARS (Group-3) (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found between Group 1 and Group-3 (p < 0.05). Statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 suggests that lack of vitamin D predisposes to the complication of preseptal cellulitis. Comparison of Group 1 and 2 with Group 3 (normal subjects) suggests that Vit D has a protective effect against developing sinusitis.

Short alleles revealed by PCR demonstrate no heterozygote deficiency at minisatellite loci D1S7, D7S21, and D12S11

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alonso, S.; Castro, A.; Fernandez-Fernandez, I.

1997-02-01

Short VNTR alleles that go undetected after conventional Southern blot hybridization may constitute an alternative explanation for the heterozygosity deficiency observed at some minisatellite loci. To examine this hypothesis, we have employed a screening procedure based on PCR amplification of those individuals classified as homozygotes in our databases for the loci D1S7, D7S21, and D12S11. The results obtained indicate that the frequency of these short alleles is related to the heterozygosity deficiency observed. For the most polymorphic locus, D1S7, {approximately}60% of those individuals previously classified as homozygotes were in fact heterozygotes for a short allele. After the inclusion of thesemore » new alleles, the agreement between observed and expected heterozygosity, along with other statistical tests employed, provide additional evidence for lack of population substructuring. Comparisons of allele frequency distributions reveal greater differences between racial groups than between closely related populations. 45 refs., 3 figs., 6 tabs.« less

Disease-specific definitions of vitamin D deficiency need to be established in autoimmune and non-autoimmune chronic diseases: a retrospective comparison of three chronic diseases.