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Abstract Introduction Melasma is a common acquired disorder of melanogenesis that predominately affects women and presents as hyperpigmented skin lesions mainly located on the face. The study aims to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and hormonal profiles in melasma patients. Methods One hundred fifty patients were enrolled in this study in a tertiary care hospital. Clinical patterns, pigment depth, disease severity, underlying conditions, and heredity were recorded. Endocrinologic profile and vitamin D levels were assessed. Results On clinical examination, the condition indicated a centrofacial localization in 74% of the patients. Extra facial melasma was noticed in 10 patients who had centrofacial melasma to begin with. Wood's lamp examination showed the dermal type as the most common. A family history of melasma was noted in 38% of the patients. Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score ranged from 0.3 to 10.8, with a mean score of 4.12 ± 2.06. Pregnancy-induced melasma was reported in 36.1% of the patients. In 17.4% of women, melasma was related to using oral contraceptives. In 22% of patients, mild vitamin D deficiency was detected, while 21% had thyroid disorders. Conclusion There is a strong correlation between family history and prevalence of melasma. Sun exposure is a major precipitating factor and should be carefully addressed in Mediterranean countries like Greece. However, other factors such as concomitant medication, multiple pregnancies, use of oral contraceptives, thyroid disorders and vitamin D deficiency might precipitate melasma.

Abstract The expression of tsRNA in white adipose tissue (WAT) of VD deficiency male mice with obesity has not been reported. The healthy male C57BL/6J mice aged 4-6 weeks were divided into 4 groups according to the VD3 and fat energy supplement in daily diets. The qPCR verification further demonstrated that tRF5-20-HisGTG-3 were significantly up-regulated and mt-tRF3a-ProTGG was significantly down-regulated not only in HFVDD vs HFVDS, but aslo in HFVDD vs ConVDS. tRF5-22-CysGCA-27 were significantly up-regulated and mt-5'tiRNA-32-SerTGA, mt-5'tiRNA-33-SerTGA and mt-5'tiRNA-33-AlaTGC was significantly down-regulated only in HFVDD vs ConVDS. Enrichment analysis of the qPCR verified DE tsRNAs showed that the 3 up-regulated tsRNAs seemed to be associated with FoxO signaling pathway, GnRH secretion, 2−Oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, Autophagy-animal, Glucagon and insulin signaling pathway, while 4 down-regulated tsRNA seemed to be associated with cell communication, primary metabolic process, metabolic process, response to stimulus, multicellular organismal process, cellular metabolic process, cellular process and biological regulation. The tsRNAs were differentially expressed in VD deficiency with obesity, especially tRF5-20-HisGTG-3, tRF5-22-CysGCA-27, tRF3a-GlyGCC-1, mt-5'tiRNA-33-AlaTGC, mt-5'tiRNA-33-SerTGA, mt-5'tiRNA-32-SerTGA and mt-tRF3a-ProTGG. These tsRNAs seemed to be associated with FoxO signaling pathway, GnRH secretion, 2−oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, autophagy, glucagon and insulin signaling pathway, metabolic process and biological regulation.

Abstract Background Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted disease that is associated with considerable morbidity and harmful sequelae, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Strategies for prevention and treatment of infertility in women with C. trachomatis infection require further investigation. There is evidence suggesting that vitamin D could be a potential treatment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, chlamydia seropositivity, and the risk of infertility in women. Methods We conducted this cross-sectional study using 2013–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Women aged 18–39 years with complete serum 25(OH)D and chlamydia Pgp3Ab multiplex bead/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay data available were included. The correlation between 25(OH)D level, chlamydia seropositivity, and infertility was evaluated using the weighted chi-squared test and the t-test with multivariate logistic regression and moderation effect models. Results Among the 1424 women who met our eligibility criteria, the weighted chlamydia seropositivity rate was 36.8%. The 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in the seropositive group compared with seronegative control. (P = 0.009). After adjusting for ethnicity, the effect of 25(OH)D was no longer significant (P = 0.693). Further analysis in the chlamydia-seropositive subset revealed that the vitamin D level was lower in the infertile group (P = 0.024). In an interaction model, 25(OH)D was found to antagonizes the positive relationship between chlamydia and infertility (OR = 0.985, 95% CI: 0.971–0.999, P = 0.040). Conclusion The serum vitamin D level may be more related to the prognosis in terms of infertility than to the risk of chlamydia infection. This finding may reveal a possible treatment strategy for chlamydia infection.

Abstract This study aims to repurpose sericin in combating non-small lung cancer cells (A549 and H460) by combining it with dactolisib or vitamin D to reduce the dose of dactolisib and boost the anticancer effectiveness of dactolisib and vitamin D. Therefore, the binding affinities of individual and combined drugs were examined using in silico and protein-protein interaction studies, targeting NF-κB, Cyclin D1, p-AKT, and VEGF1 proteins. The findings manifested remarkable affinities for combinatorial drugs compared to individual compounds. To substantiate these findings, the combined IC50 for each combination (sericin + dactolisib and sericin + vitamin D) were determined, reporting 31.9 and 41.8 µg/ml, respectively, against A549 cells and 47.9 and 55.3 µg/ml, respectively, against H460 cells. Furthermore, combination indices were assessed to lower the doses of each drug. Interestingly, in vitro results exhibited marked diminutions in NF-κB, Cyclin D1, p-AKT, and VEGF1 after treatment with sericin + dactolisib and sericin + vitamin D compared to control lung cancer cells and those treated with a single drug. Moreover, A549 and H460 cells treated with both combinations demonstrated augmented caspase-3 levels, implying substantial apoptotic activity. Altogether, these results accentuated the prospective implementation of sericin in combination with dactolisib and vitamin D at low doses to preclude lung cancer cell proliferation.

Abstract Vitamin D deficiency is common in many societies and causes rickets and non-skeletal disorders in children. There are no published data on vitamin D deficiency in Afghanistan. We, therefore, investigated the prevalence and associated factors of vitamin D deficiency in Afghan school children in Kandahar City, Afghanistan. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from September 2022 to April 2023 in 510 primary school students aged 6–15 years from six randomly selected schools. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression. Of the 510 enrolled children, 54.3% were boys and 91.8% were poor. The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 9.3 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency (

Abstract Background In recent years, the anti-tumor effects of vitamin D have garnered increasing attention. However, previous epidemiological studies on the relationship between vitamin D and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have yielded inconsistent results. This study aims to further explore whether vitamin D helps reduce the risk of NPC through Mendelian randomization (MR) and meta-analysis. Methods Based on the core assumption of MR study, instrumental variables (IVs) for vitamin D, serving as genetic proxies, were obtained from summary data of large genome-wide association study (GWAS). Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was utilized as the primary MR analytical method to explore the causal relationship between vitamin D and NPC. Sensitivity analyses included heterogeneity testing and horizontal pleiotropy testing. To further validate the robustness of the result, meta-analysis was employed to obtain pooled effects from databases of different sources. Results In the discovery cohort, the IVW result suggest that vitamin D is a potential protective factor against NPC (odds ratio (OR) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13–0.89, P = 0.028). The finding was further corroborated by two independent replication cohorts [OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.80, P = 0.018 (ukb-d-30890_irnt); OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13–0.90, P = 0.029(ebi-a-GCST90025967)]. Subsequent meta-analysis indicated that vitamin D markedly reduces the risk of NPC (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19–0.58, P 0.05). Conclusion This study provides robust evidence that vitamin D significantly reduces the risk of NPC. Through MR and meta-analysis, we have demonstrated a protective role of vitamin D in NPC development. These findings suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may be a potential strategy for reducing NPC. Further research is warranted to confirm these results and explore the underlying mechanisms involved.

Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most complex and common reproductive endocrine disease among reproductive age women. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D (Vit.D) in a PCOS mouse model induced by low dose DHEA and high-fat diet. Prepubertal female mice were divided into 4 groups randomly: control, PCOS, PCOS with low dose Vit.D(LDVD), and PCOS with high dose Vit.D(HDVD) groups (n = 10 per group). PCOS mice were administrated with high-fat diet and subcutaneous injection with 6 mg/kg/day dehydroepiandrosterone throughout the study. After the first 30 days, 1,25(OH)2D3 was intend to be administered by intraperitoneal injection for 40 consecutive days, 1.3 µg/kg/week in LDVD group, and 13 µg/kg /week in HDVD group. However, the mice in HDVD group appeared to be fatigue and anorexic after the Vit.D injections, then all died within two weeks. The body weights and testosterone levels in PCOS group were significantly higher than those in the control and LDVD groups (P

Abstract Background Chest wall deformities, though relatively uncommon in childhood and adolescence, significantly affect aesthetic perception and can impact cardiac and respiratory function. This study aims to compare individuals with pectus deformities to a healthy control group, shedding light on the condition’s etiology and prognosis. Method Conducted as a case-control study between 2020 and 2022, the research included a case group of 71 patients with pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum who were followed up at the Pediatric Cardiology outpatient clinic. The control group consisted of 80 children without chronic diseases. Researchers retrospectively reviewed patient files, recording demographic data, echocardiography findings, and serum levels of calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, and alkaline phosphatase. Results Patients with chest wall deformities exhibited significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus compared to those without deformities. Males constituted 77% of the case group, with 15.5% exhibiting abnormal echocardiogram results, with mitral valve anomalies being most prevalent. Conclusion While pectus deformities may lead to cardiac or respiratory issues, patient concerns often center around aesthetics. Unlike typical studies focused on surgical techniques and postoperative patients, our study focused on all diagnosed patients. Findings emphasize the importance of monitoring calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in pectus patients to manage surgical risks and facilitate recovery.

Abstract Background Dysglycemia and insulin resistance increase type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, yet associations with specific glucose-insulin homeostatic biomarkers have been inconsistent. Vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) may improve insulin resistance. We sought to examine the association between baseline levels of insulin, C-peptide, HbA1c, and a novel insulin resistance score (IRS) with incident cardiometabolic diseases, and whether randomized vitamin D or n-3 FA modify these associations. Methods VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (NCT01169259) was a randomized clinical trial testing vitamin D and n-3 FA for the prevention of CVD and cancer over a median of 5.3 years. Incident cases of T2D and CVD (including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization) were matched 1:1 on age, sex, and fasting status to controls. Conditional logistic regressions adjusted for demographic, clinical, and adiposity-related factors were used to assess the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) per-standard deviation (SD) and 95%CI of baseline insulin, C-peptide, HbA1c, and IRS (Insulin×0.0295 + C-peptide×0.00372) with risk of T2D, CVD, and coronary heart disease (CHD). Results We identified 218 T2D case-control pairs and 715 CVD case-control pairs including 423 with incident CHD. Each of the four biomarkers at baseline was separately associated with incident T2D, aOR (95%CI) per SD increment: insulin 1.46 (1.03, 2.06), C-peptide 2.04 (1.35, 3.09), IRS 1.72 (1.28, 2.31) and HbA1c 7.00 (3.76, 13.02), though only HbA1c remained statistically significant with mutual adjustments. For cardiovascular diseases, we only observed significant associations of HbA1c with CVD (1.19 [1.02, 1.39]), and IRS with CHD (1.25 [1.04, 1.50]), which persisted after mutual adjustment. Randomization to vitamin D and/or n-3 FA did not modify the association of these biomarkers with the endpoints. Conclusions Each of insulin, C-peptide, IRS, and HbA1c were associated with incident T2D with the strongest association noted for HbA1c. While HbA1c was significantly associated with CVD risk, a novel IRS appears to be associated with CHD risk. Neither vitamin D nor n-3 FA modified the associations between these biomarkers and cardiometabolic outcomes.

Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is the most common and challenging complication among women with multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite investigations into the impact of taking vitamin D on sexual function (SF), findings have not definitively recommended its use. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on SF and sex hormones among women with MS. Methods: This triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 62 married women with MS and vitamin D deficiency. They were recruited from a specialized clinic for neurology in Tehran City, Iran, between August 2017 and February 2018. The subjects were randomly allocated to experimental or control groups (n=31/each group). Subjects in the experimental and control groups, respectively, received two 2000-IU vitamin D and two placebo tablets daily for 12 consecutive weeks. Serum levels of sex hormones and their SF were evaluated before and after the intervention. The SF assessment was performed using the female SF index. The obtained data were analyzed using an independent samples t-test, paired t-test, Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and the chi-square test in SPSS software, version 22. The significance level was determined at

Background: Insufficiency of omentin-1 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels is associated with obesity, which is known as a threat to health. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of Pilates exercise on the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, omentin-1, and lipid profile in overweight women. Methods: In the present clinical study, 26 young overweight women were divided (block randomization method) into the Pilates exercise (PT, n= 13) and control group (CG, n= 13). The PT group performed Pilates exercises for eight weeks (three 60-min sessions per week). The movements started from simple and then increased in intensity and complexity based on the Borg index. The CG group had no training session for eight weeks. Blood samples were taken before the first training session and 48 hours after the last training session. Analysis of covariance was used for between-group comparisons. Results: Findings showed a significant increase in the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p=0.008, SD= 4.78±0.12 ng/ml, effect size= 0.243) and HDL-C (p=0.04, SD= 6.44±1.05 mg/dl, effect size= 0.168), but a significant decrease in HOMA-IR (p=0.001, SD= 1.54±0.09, effect size=0.199), cholesterol (p=0.001, SD= 16.72±3.24 mg/dl, effect size= 0.326), and triglyceride (p=0.001, SD= 2.46±0.07 mg/dl, effect size= 0.209), and no significant change in omentin-1 (p=0.65, SD= 3.01±0.08 ng/ml) and LDL-C (p=0.58, SD= 2.46±0.07 mg/dl) serum levels in the PT group compared to the CG group. Conclusion: It seems that this type of exercise training may play a critical role in controlling the health parameters and physiological status of the overweight women by having positive effects on serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and lipid profile, which are affected by body composition, weight, and fat.

Background Most studies done on Vitamin D deficiency in migraine focused more on headache frequency than intensity and severity of the condition. This study is aimed at determining the relationship between serum Vitamin D levels and severity of migraine in a Nigerian setting. Materials and Methods Using a cross-sectional analytical study design, adult patients with migraine consecutively attending the neurology clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, were recruited on fulfilling the study criteria. Their age- and sex-matched healthy headache-free controls were also recruited. Demographic information and clinical parameters were obtained with an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Headache severity and pain intensity were documented using incorporated headache disability index (HDI) and numerical rating scale (NRS) tools, respectively. Serum levels of Vitamin D, calcium and albumin were assayed for all study participants. Results The participants comprised 35 migraine and 50 control subjects. The migraine subjects comprised 10 males and 25 females, with mean ages of 29.4 ± 9.3 and 40.0 ± 11.1 years respectively (P = 0.01). The mean serum Vitamin D levels among migraine and control participants were 43.45 ng/ml ± 16.84 and 48.78 ng/ml ± 23.33, respectively (P = 0.31). The mean NRS was 7.3 ± 1.2 while the mean HDI was 44.7 ± 19.1 among migraine patients. There was no significant correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and pain intensity (r = 0.29, P = 0.9), and no correlation with HDI (r = 0.004, P = 0.96). Conclusion The serum Vitamin D levels among migraine and control participants were not significantly different. No significant relationship was found between serum Vitamin D level and headache severity index or pain intensity in migraine patients.

This study investigates the relationship between periodontal disease and vitamin D deficiency by correlating clinical periodontal parameters with serum levels of vitamin D; (2) Methods: Data from the literature and the periodontal status of two patients diagnosed with both periodontal disease and vitamin D deficiency were evaluated. Clinical parameters were measured, including plaque index, bleeding on probing, and bone resorption (%). Serum levels of vitamin D were also analyzed. Additionally, the patients underwent initial periodontal treatment to improve the periodontal status; (3) Results: Both patients exhibited advanced periodontal disease with elevated clinical parameters and significant bone resorption. Serum levels of vitamin D were below normal; (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and periodontal disease severity. Low serum levels of vitamin D may exacerbate periodontal tissue destruction and bone resorption. Early detection and management of vitamin D deficiency could play a crucial role in preventing and treating periodontal disease.

Shiya Zeng,1,* Yanyue Tan,1,2,* Zhiwei Cao,3 Yunhao Zheng,1 Tiqian Liu,1 Yifei Deng,1 Xin Xiong1 1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nursing, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xin Xiong, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 15, West Section 3, Second Ring Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 028 85501425, Email drxiongxin@scu.edu.cnObjective: Growing researches explore vitamin D’s role in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), but the link between vitamin D and TMDs remains debated. To clarify the causal relationship, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS).Subjects and Methods: The GWAS dataset of vitamin D (GWAS ID: ukb-d-30890_irnt; sample size: 329247) was obtained from the IEU Open GWAS project. And that of TMDs (GWAS ID: finn-b-TEMPORO; sample size: 134280), initiated on August 25th, 2017 and publicly released on December 18th, 2023, was extracted from the FinnGen dataset, whose cases were diagnosed based on the revised International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) code K07.6. Both datasets were obtained from the European population. According to three assumptions of MR analysis, a bi-directional MR analysis was performed to measure the causal relationship, with Inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method and MR Egger and Weighted median as supplement. Moreover, diverse sensitivity analyses, including Cochran’s Q test, MR Egger intercept, Mendelian randomized polymorphism RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), and leave-one-out analysis, were used to verify the stability of the findings.Results: The MR analysis supported causal effects of vitamin D levels on TMDs risks within the European population using IVW method [odds ratio = 1.316; 95% confidence interval = 1.086 to 1.595; P = 0.005], supported by MR Egger and Weighted median. While there was no indication that TMDs have a direct impact on vitamin D levels [β: − 0.00738, standard error = 0.00665; P = 0.568].Conclusion: The study revealed that within the European population higher levels of vitamin D led to higher risks of developing temporomandibular disorders, but found no obvious evidence that TMDs are causally associated with vitamin D. The conclusion should be cautiously interpreted, given the selection bias of TMDs patients sample.Keywords: Mendelian randomization analysis, temporomandibular joint disorders, vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Abstract Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients are at high risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies show SVD3 and dietary inflammatory index (DII) are associated with NAFLD. It’s unknown if they interact in T2DM patients with NAFLD. We collected data from 110 hospitalized T2DM patients, measured physiological and biochemical indicators, conducted dietary surveys, and converted data into DII and NFS, FIB-4, and BARD indices. We used logistic regression, mediation effect analysis, and moderation effect analysis to explore the relationship between DII and SVD3 with NAFLD and liver fibrosis in T2DM patients. DII was not significant in either NAFLD incidence in T2DM patients or liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. SVD3 was positively correlated with NAFLD incidence in T2DM patients, but this correlation became insignificant as DII increased towards pro-inflammation. SVD3 is positively correlated with NAFLD incidence in T2DM patients, but this correlation becomes less significant as DII increases towards pro-inflammation.

Abstract Objective This study aims to explore the association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and vitamin D status to enhance our understanding of how vitamin D status relates to metabolic health and to provide evidence for the early diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) using the TyG index. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search in various databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Data to gather articles published from the inception of these databases until February 19, 2024. We assessed the quality of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for case-control studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) methodology checklist for cross-sectional studies. Statistical analyses in this study were conducted using conversion methods for non-standard data formats and consolidation techniques for combining multiple groups. The Fisher transformation method was used for correlation coefficients. We used a random-effects model considering the inherent clinical heterogeneity among the studies, and assessed statistical heterogeneity with the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic, complemented by subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis. Results Our meta-analysis selected a total of nine studies. The analysis revealed that patients with vitamin D deficiency (VDD group) exhibited a significantly higher TyG index than those without deficiency (no-VDD group), with a mean difference (MD) of 0.16 (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.23, I2 = 93%). This association was particularly pronounced among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), showing an MD of 0.15 (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.26, I2 = 55%). Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between the TyG index and vitamin D levels, with a correlation coefficient (r) of -0.236 (95% CI: -0.310 to -0.159, I2 = 91%). Excluding each study sequentially in the sensitivity analyses did not significantly alter the outcomes. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a significant association between the TyG index and vitamin D status across diverse populations, including those with T2DM, subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our results reveal a notable disparity in the TyG index between vitamin D deficient and non-deficient groups, suggesting that vitamin D may play a critical role in metabolic health. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of vitamin D in the context of various metabolic disorders.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of high-dose vitamin D3 on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with moderate to severe TBI. Methods: Thirty-five moderate to severe TBI patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group received a single intramuscular (IM) dose of 300,000 IU vitamin D. The primary endpoints were interleukin levels (IL-1β and IL-6), and the secondary endpoints were changes in neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Glasgow Coma scale (GCS), and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) scores compared between intervention and control arms of the study. The linear Generalized Estimating Equations were used for trend analysis and evaluating the association of independent factors to each outcome.Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in IL-1β levels (-2.71±3.02, in the intervention group: P=0.001 vs. -0.14±3.70, in the control group: P=0.876) and IL-6 (-88.05±148.45, in the intervention group: P=0.0001 vs. -35.54±175.79, in the control group: P=0.325) 3 days after the intervention. The improvement in the GCS score (P=0.001), reduction in NLR (P=0.001) and PLR (P=0.002), and improvement in the GOS-E score (P=0.039) was found to be greater in the vitamin D3 arm of the study than the control group.Conclusion: Administration of high-dose vitamin D3 in the acute phase of TBI could be effective in lowering the inflammatory markers and improving the level of consciousness and long-term performance outcomes.Trial registration number: IRCT20180522039777N2.

Abstract This study explored the factors influencing serum 25(OH)D3 levels and the effects of Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and VD supplementation on 25(OH)D3 levels and neuropsychobehavioral development in premature infants, to provide a theoretical basis for improving their prognosis. Physical examination, neuropsychobehavioral development and serum 25(OH)D3 levels were assessed regularly in 158 preterm infants supplemented with VD formulation. 25(OH)D3 levels were analyzed at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after birth. The Gesell neuropsychological development test was conducted at 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after birth to obtain the developmental quotient (DQ). Based on the serum 25(OH)D3 levels at 42 days of age, the infants were divided into VDD and non-VDD groups. Preterm infants in the VDD group were supplemented with more VD until their 25(OH)D3 levels were normal, and were divided into sustained VDD (SVDD) and corrected VDD (CVDD) groups according to serum 25(OH)D3 levels at 3 months of age. Appropriate statistical methods were chosen to compare differences in 25(OH)D3 and DQ between or among different groups, screen for the factors influencing 25(OH)D3 levels in preterm infants at 42 days of age, and analyze the relationship between 25(OH)D3 and DQ. The 25(OH)D3 levels of preterm infants at 42 days of age were positively correlated with VD supplementation during pregnancy, and before 42 days after birth (P

Abstract Type-1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by impaired insulin release by islet β cells. It has been shown that proinflammatory cytokines released during the disease can exacerbate the condition, while anti-inflammatory cytokines offer protection. This study analyzed the clinical role of interleukin (IL)-6, -8, -10, and vitamin D levels in T1D patients compared to healthy controls. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and vitamin D in the participants’ serum samples were analyzed using ELISA. The findings showed that T1D patients had significantly increased levels (p

Abstract Data in terms of how active vitamin D supplementation affects muscle mass and function in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients has led to inconclusive results. The main goal of this research was to examine the association of active vitamin D supplementation and risk of the deterioration of muscle mass and function among ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Eligible ESRD patients on PD were prospectively included, and followed up at 3-month intervals in the tertiary care center. Based on the medications during the 12-month follow-up period, the patients were divided into two groups (vitamin D users and non-users). The deterioration of muscle mass and function was identified utilizing the criteria set by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia in 2019 (AWGS 2019). Primary outcome was defined as the deterioration of muscle mass and function at the end of the 12-month follow-up. The absolute diffecence and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the incidence of deterioration between vitamin D users and non-users was estimated. The association of vitamin D supplementation with risk of the deterioration of muscle mass and function during the 12-month follow-up period, was examined by employing multivariate logistic regression models. A total of 229 incident PD patients (6 of whom were lost in follow-up) were included. During the entire study period, 54.7% (122/223) of the remaining patients were considered users of oral active vitamin D. The incidence of deterioration in muscle mass and function was 30.5% (68/223) throughout the entire follow-up. In this regard, the rate was 23.0% (28/122) that received oral active vitamin D, while it was 39.6% (40/101) in the group that did not receive it, with an absolute diffecence of -16.6% (95% CI − 4.5, − 28.7) and an estimated relative risk (RR) of 0.784 (95% CI 0.651–0.943). After adjustment for potential confounding factors in logistic regression model, vitamin D users group was still associated with decreased risk of the deterioration of muscle mass and function (OR 0.330, 95% CI 0.159–0.683, P = 0.003). In secondary analysis, the relationship between oral active vitamin D and the deterioration of muscle mass and function remained consistent (≤ 0.25 µg per day vs. non-users; OR 0.300, 95% CI 0.131–0.688, P = 0.004); however, no significant relationship was identified in patients receiving a mean daily dose of > 0.25 µg compared with non-users (OR 0.389, 95% CI 0.146–1.034, P = 0.058). These results indicate that active vitamin D supplementation was significantly associated with a decreased risk of the deterioration of muscle mass and function in incident PD patients with ESRD. However, the amount and type of vitamin D used and the duration of the intervention warrant further randomized controlled trials to confirm the possibility that such medication improves sarcopenia in ESRD patients.

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to poor muscle function, cartilage degeneration, and the development of knee osteoarthritis. However, the impact of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level on quadriceps muscle strength remains inconclusive, largely due to variations in study designs, differences in study populations, and the influence of confounding factors such as co-supplementation with other vitamins. The existing literature presents mixed findings, highlighting the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the available evidence. Purpose This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarise. Study design Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Searches were conducted using Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), which aimed to summarise recent (published after 2000 and before March 1st, 2024) studies reporting the effects of serum 25(OH)D levels on quadriceps strength. Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) for cross-sectional studies and Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) for longitudinal studies. Results from the AXIS and QUIPS tools were used for GRADE quality assessment. The review was carried out using PRIMSA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022313240). Results Four hundred studies were screened and 28 studies with 5752 participants were included. 28 published studies (24 cross-sectional and 4 longitudinal) were identified. Key results supported the significant positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and isokinetic quadriceps strength at 180°/s in elderly and athletic populations with a correlation coefficient of 0.245 (95%CI: 0.078–0.398, p = 0.004). However, no significant correlation was found with isometric quadriceps strength or isokinetic strength at 60°/s (r = 0.190, p = 0.085). There was only a weak negative correlation with MVC. Conclusion This review found a statistically significant positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and isokinetic quadriceps strength. This has important clinical implications, especially in the elderly cohort, with higher 25(OH)D levels being associated with a reduced incidence of falls and fragility fractures.

Abstract Background Endocrine function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) typically differs from those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). However, few epidemiologic studies have explored how these differences impact the association between exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and vitamin D levels. Methods This study included 1,705 subjects aged 18–79 years from the Henan Rural Cohort [887 NGT and 818 T2DM]. Linear regression was applied to evaluate the associations between PCB exposure and vitamin D levels. Quantile g-computation regression (QG) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were applied to evaluate the impact of PCB mixtures on vitamin D levels. Interaction effects of ΣPCBs with HOMA2-%β and HOMA2-IR on vitamin D levels were assessed. Results Plasma ΣPCBs was positively associated with 25(OH)D2 in the NGT group (β = 0.060, 95% CI: 0.028, 0.092). Conversely, in T2DM group, ΣPCBs was negatively associated with 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D (β = -0.049, 95% CI: -0.072, -0.026; β = -0.043, 95% CI: -0.063, -0.023). Similarly, both QG and BKMR analysis revealed a negative association between PCB mixture exposure and vitamin D levels in the T2DM group, contrary to the results observed in the NGT groups. Furthermore, the negative association of ΣPCBs with 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D disappeared or changed to a positive association with the increase of HOMA2-%β levels. Conclusions These findings suggest that decreased β cell function may exacerbate the negative effects of PCB exposure on vitamin D levels. Recognizing T2DM patients’ sensitivity to PCBs is vital for protecting chronic disease health.

Junmei Fan,1,&ast; Jinghui Zhao,2,&ast; Junkun Zhang,3 Yanhua Chen,1 Xingyu Bi,1 Huiping Liu,1 Junfen Liu,1 Jinbao Wang,1 Xueqing Wu1 1Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030013, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Intensive Care Unit, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030000, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xueqing Wu, Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, 13th Xinmin North Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030013, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 351 3360725, Email xueqingw_wu95@163.comBackground: This study aimed to explore the effect of vitamin D supplementation on lymphocyte subsets in infertile women.Methods: The study involved a total of 247 patients who suffered recurrent embryo implantation failure (RIF) or recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) between January and December 2019 in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Children’s Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi. The differences in the vitamin D and lymphocyte subsets of the two diseases, the correlation between the 25-hydroxy vitamin D and lymphocyte subsets, the changes in the lymphocyte subsets after vitamin D supplementation and the impact on pregnancy outcome were analysed.Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 77.33% (191/247). After vitamin D supplementation, there were no significant differences in helper T cells (Th), cytotoxic T cells (Tc), Th/Tc and natural killer cells (NK) (p > 0.05), but there were significant differences in leukocyte differentiation antigens 3+ (CD3+), natural killer T cells (NKT), B lymphocytes and vitamin D (p < 0.05). Before vitamin D supplementation, the difference in the composition ratio of different vitamin D levels between the RIF and RSA groups was not statistically significant. At different vitamin D levels, there were no significant differences in CD3+, Th, Tc, Th/Tc, NK or B lymphocyte (p > 0.05), but there was a significant difference in NKT (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation can reduce the level of NKT in infertile women, which may be of benefit to the pregnancy outcome of couples who experience RIF.Keywords: recurrent embryo implantation failure, infertility, lymphocyte subsets, recurrent spontaneous abortion, vitamin D

Abstract Backgound People with diabetes are much more likely to develop acute kidney injury (AKI) than people without diabetes. Low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations increased the risk of AKI in specific populations. Few studies have explored the relationship between the 25(OH)D level and AKI in patients with diabetes. We conducted this study to investigate the relationship between the plasma level of 25(OH)D and the risk of AKI in patients with diabetes, and to evaluate whether the 25(OH)D level could be a good prognostic marker for AKI progression. Methods A total of 347 patients with diabetes were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was the first event of AKI. The secondary endpoint is need-of-dialysis. AKI patients were further followed up for 6 months with the composite endpoint of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or all-cause death. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used. Results During a median follow-up of 12 weeks (12.3 ± 6.7), 105 incident AKI were identified. The middle and high tertiles of baseline 25(OH)D levels were associated with a significantly decreased risk of AKI and dialysis compared to the low tertile group (HR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.14–0.46; HR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.13–0.44, respectively, for AKI; HR = 0.15; 95% CI 0.05–0.46; HR = 0.12; 95% CI 0.03–0.42, respectively, for dialysis). Sensitivity analysis revealed similar trends after excluding participants without history of CKD. Furthermore, AKI patients with 25(OH)D deficiency were associated with a higher risk for ESRD or all-cause death (HR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.80 to 9.97, P

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in children with febrile seizures (FS) in Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China, and in particular its association with gender and age. This should inform possible strategies for supplementation with vitamin D, and hence for prevention of FS in the local pediatric population. The Febrile seizures group consisted of 747 children hospitalized with FS at the Southwest Medical University Affiliated Hospital from January 2020 to January 2024. The healthy control group was comprised of 750 children aged from 0 to 8 years who underwent health checkups during this period. The serum 25(OH)D level was analyzed in relation to gender and age to explore its association with FS. The median serum vitamin D level in the FS group (28.8 ng/mL; IQR 21.64, 33.64) was significantly lower than in the healthy control group (37.51 ng/mL; IQR 31.05, 37.51). The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in the FS group was 10.8%, which was significantly higher than in the healthy control group (P

Abstract Background Migraine headache is a major public health problem. Routine medications for migraine treatment are not useful in treating all patients and may have some side effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation on clinical characteristics of migraine, daily functioning, mental health outcomes, and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Methods In this randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, patients aged 18 to 55 years diagnosed with migraine based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3) were randomized to either vitamin D (50,000 IU every 2 weeks) plus probiotic (4.5 × 1011 CFU per day) or placebo for 12 weeks. The Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaires were administered to patients at baseline and after 12 weeks. In addition, the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headaches per month were assessed using a self-administered 30-day headache diary at baseline and the end of the intervention. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and hs-CRP were also examined at first and the end of the study. Results Seventy-two migraine patients with a mean age of 37.46 $$\pm$$ ± 8.32 years were included in this trial. Probiotic and vitamin D co-supplementation compared to placebo resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of vitamin D (+ 12.86 $$\pm$$ ± 1.64 vs. + 1.12 $$\pm$$ ± 0.80 ng/mL, P 0.05). Conclusions This trial showed that probiotic and vitamin D co-supplementation for 12 weeks has beneficial effects on migraine headache characteristics. Further research is needed to confirm this finding.

Abstract Objective Environmental pollution of heavy metals is increasingly a problem and has become of great concern due to the adverse effects it causes worldwide. Heavy metal exposure has been implicated in health problems, including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. We aim to evaluate the rule of chronic heavy metals toxicity on the induction of vitamin D3 (VD) deficiency and parathyroid hormone (PTH) disturbances in an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non-inflammatory disease like fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods This comparative analytical study was conducted on sixty adults (age ≥ 18 years). Participants were divided into three groups. Group I: twenty patients diagnosed with RA according to the specific ACR/EULAR criteria for RA. Group II: twenty patients diagnosed with FMS according to the specific 2010 (ACR) criteria for FMS. Group III: twenty healthy adults. All patients and controls were subjected to routine laboratory tests as well as the measurement of PTH, VD and estimation of serum levels of lead, cadmium, and chromium. Results VD was significantly inversely correlated to PTH, lead, cadmium, chromium, and activity scores in the RA and FMS groups. Lead, Cadmium and Chromium had a significant independent risk on the VD level in RA patients, while lead had a significant independent risk on the VD level in FMS patients. Conclusion Heavy metals may affect VD synthesis, leading to hypovitaminosis D and secondary hyperparathyroidism in RA and FMS patients. Heavy metals play a key role in the pathogenesis of RA, FMS, and their disease activity.

Abstract Background Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome associated with reduced reserves and increased vulnerability to stressors among older adults. Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in frailty, as it is essential for maintaining musculoskeletal functions. The relationship between dynamic changes in vitamin D levels and frailty over time has not been extensively studied. Methods This study utilized data from the UK Biobank. Baseline and longitudinal changes in vitamin D levels were measured. Frailty status was assessed using both the frailty phenotype and frailty index approaches and classified as robust, pre‐frail, or frail. Changes in frailty status were assessed by frailty phenotype at baseline (2006–2010) and the follow‐up (2012–2013). Mixed effect model was performed to examine the association between vitamin D levels and frailty status. Using multistate transition models, we assessed the impact of increasing vitamin D levels on the probabilities of transitioning between robust, pre‐frail, and frail states. Results Based on the frailty phenotype, 287 926 individuals (64.8%) were identified as having various degrees of frailty (median age 58.00 [51.00, 64.00] years, 55.9% females). Using the frailty index approach, 250 566 individuals (56%) were found to have different levels of frailty (median age 59.00 [51.00, 64.00] years, 55.3% females). Baseline vitamin D levels were found to be significantly associated with frailty status (frailty phenotype: ORfrail 0.78, 95% CI [0.76, 0.79], P

Nelly Herfina Dahlan,1,&ast; Irma Bernadette S Sitohang,1,&ast; Wresti Indriatmi,1 Heri Wibowo,2 Liani Elisabeth Enggy3 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia; 2Department of Integrated Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia; 3Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Irma Bernadette S Sitohang, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jalan Salemba Raya No. 6, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia, Email irma_bernadette@yahoo.comBackground: The inflammatory process in acne vulgaris (AV) is characterized by the upregulation of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, within sebocytes and keratinocytes. Sebocytes have been identified as target cells for bioactive vitamin D. Experimental studies on animal models have demonstrated the potent comedolytic effects of topical vitamin D. However, further research is required to specifically evaluate the impact of vitamin D on inflammatory lesions in acne vulgaris (AV).Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical vitamin D in treating acne vulgaris (AV) lesions by investigating its anti-inflammatory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine modulation, specifically assessing the correlation between IL-1β levels in acne lesions and the reduction in AV severity.Materials and Methods: This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a 2-arm design over an 8-week intervention period. Participants were randomly assigned to either the topical vitamin D group (cholecalciferol 50 mcg) or the topical placebo group, with each group comprising 32 subjects. All participants received concomitant treatment with topical adapalene 0.1%. Cytokine levels within acne lesions were assessed using Luminex Polystyrene Screening Assays to detect and quantify IL-1β levels. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by monitoring the reduction in the number of inflammatory lesions, while the safety of topical vitamin D was assessed by documenting and analyzing any reported side effects.Results: The study found a significant correlation between the reduction in IL-1β levels within acne lesions and the decrease in moderate and severe inflammatory lesions in acne vulgaris (p = 0.028). The topical application of vitamin D led to a significant reduction in inflammatory AV lesions (p = 0.045). No significant topical side effects were observed in either the vitamin D or placebo groups.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the topical administration of vitamin D in acne vulgaris (AV) lesions is effective in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels within acne lesions and in decreasing the severity of AV.Trial Registration: NCT05758259. September 5, 2022.Keywords: acne vulgaris, topical vitamin D, IL-1β, Luminex

Summary: SARS-CoV-2 has had a significant worldwide impact, leading to widespread illness and mortality. With the lack of specific antiviral treatments, there is a growing interest in exploring the potential therapeutic effects of various nutritional supplements, including vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an essential role in health, has been implicated in modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation, which may have implications in the prevention and management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients having low level of vitamin D are predisposed to severe consequences. Vitamin D and COVID-19 have shown an inverse relationship. This review is an understanding of the remedial effects of vitamin D in COVID-19, including its potential mechanism of action, evidence from clinical studies, and recommendations for supplementation of vitamin D in patients suffering from COVID-19. Material and Methods: Google scholar, Sci-Hub, pubmed.

Background. Among the heterogeneous types of diabetes, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) attracts the most attention today. Despite the large number of studies on dyslipidemia in diabetes and its relationship with vitamin D deficiency, data on the course of these conditions in patients with LADA are practically absent. The purpose of our study was to determine the characteristics of lipid metabolism in patients with LADA and its phenotypes compared to classical type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) depending on vitamin D status. Materials and methods. We study 56 patients with DM: 34 individuals with LADA and 22 with classical T1DM. They underwent a number of general clinical laboratory tests, study of carbohydrate metabolism, liver function, the blood lipid spectrum, vitamin D status. Results. Analysis of the lipid metabolism indicators in patients with LADA compared to data of patients with classical T1DM showed that dyslipidemia was observed in all experimental groups. In the LADA group, the degree of dyslipidemia according to indicators of lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), atherogenic index) was higher than in T1DM, which indicates a higher frequency of dyslipidemia in this subtype of autoimmune diabetes in particular and, accordingly, the metabolic syndrome in general. These changes, in our opinion, are caused by the heterogeneous nature of LADA with the involvement of mechanisms of insulin resistance in its development and course. Conclusions. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with lipid metabolism disorders, in particular, with an increase in TG and a decrease in HDL-C, as well as with LADA decompensation, which indicates the need for its normalization in this type of diabetes regardless of the phenotype.

Introduction: There is a notable association between hypothyroidism and reduced muscle function as well as compromised neuromuscular coordination. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential link between Vitamin D and handgrip strength (HGS) in patients with hypothyroidism. Methods: The study involved 40 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism while excluding individuals with hypothyroid medications, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, neurological, reproductive disorders, hand anomalies, Parkinson’s disease, and Vitamin D supplementation. They were evaluated for T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, HGS, and serum Vitamin D levels; triceps fold was measured using a Lange caliper, and a correlation between these variables was assessed. Results: The mean age of the study group was 39.95 ± 6.41 years, with the majority falling in the age group of 41–50 years. A female preponderance (70%) was observed among the study group. The mean value for Vitamin D and HGS was 14.69 ± 6.12 ng/ml and 19.65 ± 5.38 kg, respectively. The mean values for T3, T4, and TSH were 47.23 ± 14.56 ng/dl, 5.86 ± 2.12 μg/dl, and 18.28 ± 7.64 mIU/ml, respectively. A robust, significant positive correlation was found between HGS and Vitamin D (r = 0.42, P < 0.01). The correlation between body mass index (BMI) and Vitamin D was moderately positive but was not statistically significant (r = 0.26, P > 0.01). No significant correlation was observed between Vitamin D and T4, TSH, and triceps fold. A moderate negative correlation was observed for TSH and BMI but was insignificant (r = −0.27, P > 0.05). Conclusion: A strong, significant positive correlation was found between HGS and Vitamin D, while BMI showed moderate positive correlations. No significant correlation was found between Vitamin D, T4, TSH, or triceps fold.

Abstract Background The textile industry is the second risk factor for bladder cancer, after smoking. Previous studies focused on the impact of exposure to high concentrations of bladder carcinogenic chemicals in the textile dyeing industry on the elevation of bladder cancer biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate bladder carcinogenic air pollutants in a textile dyeing factory and investigate its role and the role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vit. D) on cancer bladder biomarkers in exposed workers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Particulate and vapor forms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were monitored in the printing, dyeing, and preparing sections of a textile factory. Bladder tumor antigen (BTA), nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP-22), and 25-OH vit. D were estimated in all the exposed workers (147 exposed workers) and in workers not occupationally exposed to chemicals (130 unexposed workers). Results Aromatic bladder carcinogenic compounds were either in low concentrations or not detected in the air samples of working areas. BTA and NMP-22 of exposed workers were not significantly different from the unexposed. However, 25-OH vit. D was significantly lower in the exposed than unexposed workers. There was a significant inverse correlation between 25-OH vit. D and duration of exposure in exposed workers. Conclusion The mean levels of PAHs and VOCs were within the safe standard levels in the working areas. The non-significant difference in BTA and NMP-22 between the exposed and unexposed groups suggests the presence of occupational exposures to safe levels of bladder carcinogenic aromatics, while the significantly lower 25-OH vit. D levels among the exposed than the unexposed groups could suggest the potential association of 25-OH vit. D with occupational exposures to low levels of PAHs and VOCs, and this association was found to be inversely correlated with the duration of exposures. Accordingly, more specific predictor tests must be applied for early diagnosis of bladder cancer among the exposed workers.

Abstract The association between vitamin D concentrations and the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remains a topic of ongoing debate. In order to provide a comprehensive and updated review, we conducted this meta‐analysis to further investigate the relationship between vitamin D concentrations and DFUs occurrence. The following databases, including Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG DATA and VIP Database, were systematically searched for studies published up to Dec. 20th, 2023. The combined estimation was calculated using both fixed-effects and random‐effects models. The overall effect size was reported as a weighted mean difference (WMD) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Data analysis was performed utilizing Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 14. The Protocol has been registered in PROSPERO CRD42024503468. This updated meta-analysis, incorporating thirty-six studies encompassing 11,298 individuals with or without DFUs, demonstrated a significant association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and an elevated risk of DFUs occurrence ( 50 years, P 10 years, P 9%, P

Abstract Background The rate of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in critically ill children worldwide has been estimated at 50%. These children are at risk of multiple organ dysfunction, chronic morbidity, and decreased health related quality of life (HRQL). Pediatric and adult ICU clinical trials suggest that VDD is associated with worse clinical outcomes, although data from supplementation trials are limited and inconclusive. Our group’s phase II multicenter dose evaluation pilot study established the efficacy and safety of an enteral weight-based cholecalciferol loading dose to rapidly restore vitamin D levels in critically ill children. Methods Our aim is to evaluate the impact of this dosing regimen on clinical outcomes. VITdALIZE-KIDS is a pragmatic, phase III, multicenter, double-blind RCT aiming to randomize 766 critically ill children from Canadian PICUs. Participants are randomized using a 1:1 scheme to receive a single dose at enrollment of enteral cholecalciferol (10,000 IU/kg, max 400,000 IU) or placebo. Eligibility criteria include critically ill children aged newborn (> 37 weeks corrected gestational age) to

Abstract Background The incidence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women remains high and is associated with vitamin D deficiency in infants. In normally breastfed infants, Bifidobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae are known to help in maintaining immunotolerance and prevent infection. Vitamin D in the gastrointestinal tract plays a role in determining the composition and function of intestinal bacteria. Preterm infants are vulnerable to intestinal dysbiosis and sepsis due to bacterial translocation. This study aimed to determine the association between vitamin D levels and intestinal dysbiosis. Methods It was a cohort study conducted in the Neonatal Unit, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Tertiary hospital in Indonesia, from November 2019 to January 2021. The inclusion criteria in this study were preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks or a birth weight of less than 1500 g. Total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were collected from the umbilical cords of very preterm or very low birth weight infants. A fecal examination was performed on the seventh day of life to assess intestinal bacteria using real-time PCR for four bacterial genera: Bifidobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Clostridiaceae. Results A total of 43 infants were included in this study. Among the subjects, 53.4% had vitamin D deficiency. There was no association identified between vitamin D deficiency and intestinal dysbiosis (RR 0.67; 95% CI (0.15–2.82), p-value = 0.531). However, the ratio of Lactobacillacecae to Enterobacteriaceae was lower in those with vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency was not associated with dysbiosis in preterm infants. However, this study found that the ratio of Lactobacillaceae to Enterobacteriaceae in those with vitamin D deficiency was lower than in those without vitamin D deficiency. Further research is warranted to confirm this finding.

Abstract Background Osteo-sarcopenia (OS) has become a global public health problem and a frontier research problem, as a combination of sarcopenia (SP) and osteoporosis (OP) diseases. The clinical performances include muscle weakness, systemic bone pain, standing difficulty, even falls and fractures, etc., which seriously affect the patient’s life and work. The pathological mechanism of the OS may be the abnormal metabolism which disrupts the equilibrium stability of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, this study combined vitamin D (Vit. D) and whole-body vibration training (WBVT) to intervene in subjects of OS, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the diagnosis and treatment protocol and to explore the efficacy mechanism. Methods We propose a multicenter, parallel-group clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vit. D combined with WBVT intervention in OS. Subjects who met the inclusion or exclusion criteria and signed the informed consent form would be randomly assigned to the WBVT group, Vit. D group, or WBVT+ Vit. D group. All subjects will be treated for 1 month and followed up after 3 and 6 months. The primary outcomes are lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and handgrip strength measured by grip strength meter. Secondary outcomes include serum markers of myostatin (MSTN), irisin and bone turnover markers (BTM), SARC-CalF questionnaire, 1-min test question of osteoporosis risk, patient health status (evaluated by the SF-36 health survey), physical performance measurement that includes 5-time chair stand test, 6-m walk, and the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Discussion If Vit. D combined with WBVT can well relieve OS symptoms without adverse effects, this protocol may be a new treatment strategy for OS. After therapeutic intervention, if the serum marker MSTN/irisin is significant, both have the potential to become sensitive indicators for screening OS effective drugs and treatments, which also indicates that WBVT combined with Vit. D plays a role in improving OS by regulating MSTN/irisin. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400082269 . Registered on March 26, 2024.

The most common cause of non-inflammatory recurrent musculoskeletal pain in children is growing pains. History and physical examination are often sufficient to diagnose these patients. Since the exact etiology is not known, different treatments can be applied. The effect of vitamin D levels on children with growing pains was investigated. Clinical and laboratory findings of 138 pediatric patients with growing pain and 30 healthy control subjects were examined and then the changes in pain scores of children and their families with follow-up and treatment were evaluated. The pain was most commonly seen in the form of lower extremity pain at night and in girls. Although growing pains can be treated with nonpharmacological methods, there were also patients who required pharmacological treatment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in children with growing pain. Vitamin D treatment was given to 46 patients with vitamin D deficiency. Pain scores made by both themselves and their families decreased in 91.4% of the patients who came for control. After the use of vitamin D in children with growing pains, the mean pain score reported by the children decreased from 7.26±1.757 to 2.46±2.38. The mean pain score reported by families about their children decreased from 7.56±1.97 to 2.51±2.53 after vitamin D supplementation. Although most of the time growing pain is a self-limiting clinical picture, vitamin D supplementation may be necessary after a differential diagnosis was made because of the high level of anxiety in the families of children who do not respond to non-pharmacological approaches.

The review describes the state of the vitamin D system and bone metabolism in celiac disease, the mechanisms of the influence of vitamin D on the state of the intestinal mucosa, and risk factors that contribute to pathological changes in bones in celiac disease. Studies are presented that evaluate bone mineral density, bone metabolism, and vitamin D status in patients with celiac disease. The results of a discussion on the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplements on the course of celiac disease and the condition of bone tissue in this disease are presented.

Abstract Vitamin D deficiency is an emerging public health problem globally, with devastating health consequences. Some studies suggest that exogenous sex hormones, found in hormonal contraceptives, may enhance vitamin D levels. However, the reasons for this association are not fully understood, as women using hormonal contraception may have different lifestyle habits affecting their vitamin D status. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and vitamin D levels. A Facility based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar town from February to April 2023, involving a total of 162 women using three types of hormonal contraceptives (Norplant, DMPA, and COC) and 162 age and BMI-matched non-users as controls in a 1:1 ratio. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collected data regarding the socio-demographic, economic, obstetric, lifestyle, and clinical information. 5 milliliters of blood samples were collected from each participant for Laboratory analysis of serum vitamin D, calcium, and alkaline phosphates using a Beckman Coulter chemistry analyzer. Independent t-tests, ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni test was used to compare statistics between the two groups, and logistic regression models to identify factors associated with Vitamin D deficiency. The mean serum Vitamin D levels of Norplant, DMPA, and COC users were 24.08 (± 5.17), 24.83 (± 5.52), and 31.90 (± 6.94) respectively; whereas control group has mean Vitamin D level of 22.00 (± 7.97). On the current study the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (

Abstract Background Numerous studies indicate an association between vitamin D status and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with asthma, but findings are inconsistent. This review aims to summarize the relationship between serum vitamin D status, assessed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level, and inflammatory biomarkers in children and adults with asthma. Methods A literature search of interventional and observational studies on 25(OH)D up to November 2022 was conducted across six electronic databases. Outcomes of interest included a range of inflammatory biomarkers classified in four categories: T helper 2 (Th2) pro-inflammatory, non-Th2 pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and non-specific biomarkers. Study characteristics were extracted and risk of bias was evaluated using the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics tool. Meta-analysis was conducted on studies with a low risk of bias, while narrative reporting was used to present the direction of associations (positive, no association, or negative) for each biomarker, overall and within the low-risk studies. Results We included 71 studies (3 interventional, 68 observational) involving asthma patients. These studies investigated the association between serum 25(OH)D and Th2 pro-inflammatory biomarkers (N = 58), non-Th2 pro-inflammatory biomarkers (N = 18), anti-inflammatory biomarkers (N = 16), and non-specific biomarkers (N = 10). Thirteen (18.3%) studies, 50 (70.4%), and 8 (11.3%) were at high, moderate, and low risk of bias, respectively. In all studies, irrespective of risk of bias, the most frequently reported finding was no significant association, followed by a negative association between 25(OH)D and pro-inflammatory biomarkers and a positive association with anti-inflammatory biomarkers. In low-risk studies, one biomarker could be meta-analysed. The pooled estimate for 25(OH)D and serum IgE showed a negative association (β (95% CI)= − 0.33 (–0.65 to − 0.01); I2 = 88%; N = 4 studies). A negative association between 25(OH)D and blood eosinophils was also observed in the largest of three studies, as well as with cathelicidin (LL-37) in the only study reporting it. For other biomarkers, most low-risk studies revealed no significant association with 25(OH)D. Conclusion Serum 25(OH)D is negatively associated with serum IgE and possibly with blood eosinophils and LL-37, supporting an in vivo immunomodulatory effect of 25(OH)D. Future research should employ rigorous methodologies and standardized reporting for meta-analysis aggregation to further elucidate these associations.

Shin-Kai Chou,1 Song-Seng Loke,2 Chieh Lan,1 Chong-Fong Sun,1 Yun-Hwa Huang,3 Chih-Fang Huang3,4 1Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 2Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 3Departments of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Feng Shan Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 4Department of Long Term Care and Management, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, TaiwanCorrespondence: Song-Seng Loke, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 123, Dapi Road, Niaosong District, Kaohsiung, 833, Taiwan, Tel +886-7-7317123, Fax +886-7-738762, Email loke@cgmh.org.twPurpose: Previous studies revealed an inconclusive association between dyslipidemia and decreased vitamin D levels. This study aims to investigate the association between dyslipidemia parameters and decreased serum vitamin D levels among the southern Taiwanese population during a health examination.Patients and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2020, enrolling 2430 subjects in a southern Taiwanese medical center. We performed logistic regression to examine the association between lipid profiles and vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.Results: The prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency was higher in males (65.9%). Compared to individuals with total cholesterol (TC)

Abstract Aims Observational research has identified links between micronutrient levels and chronic liver disease. However, the lack of randomized controlled experiments has impeded the ability to establish a cause‐and‐effect connection regarding micronutrients and cirrhosis of the liver. This Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis aimed to examine the causal impact of micronutrients on liver cirrhosis. Methods We selected genetic instrumental variables related to 12 micronutrients from genome‐wide studies on individuals of European descent, covering an array of over 9,851,867 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 460,351 participants. Data from patients with cirrhosis in the FinnGen database (https://www.finngen.fi/fi) were used. A two‐sample MR approach was employed to establish genetically causal estimates. Primary analyses used random effects and inverse variance weighted (IVW) methods, with additional sensitivity analyses for validation. MR–Egger intercept analysis and Cochran's Q test assessed horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Furthermore, multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) was conducted to address potential confounding variables. Results IVW and weighted median methods showed that most micronutrients included were not significantly associated with a genetic susceptibility to liver cirrhosis. However, MR analysis demonstrated a significant association between circulating vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of liver cirrhosis (odds ratio IVW = 0.53, p

Background Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway induces uncontrolled cell proliferation in response to inflammatory stimuli. Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy (ADRN) in rats triggers MAPK activation and pro-inflammatory mechanisms by increasing cytokine secretion, similar to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a crucial role in suppressing the expression of inflammatory markers in the kidney and may contribute to reducing cellular proliferation. This study evaluated the effect of pre-treatment with paricalcitol on ADRN in renal inflammation mechanisms. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with an osmotic minipump containing activated vitamin D (paricalcitol, Zemplar, 6 ng/day) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%). Two days after implantation, ADR (Fauldoxo, 3.5 mg/kg) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%) was injected. The rats were divided into four experimental groups: control, n = 6; paricalcitol, n = 6; ADR, n = 7 and, ADR + paricalcitol, n = 7. Results VDR activation was demonstrated by increased CYP24A1 in renal tissue. Paricalcitol prevented macrophage infiltration in the glomeruli, cortex, and outer medulla, prevented secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β, increased arginase I and decreased arginase II tissue expressions, effects associated with attenuation of MAPK pathways, increased zonula occludens-1, and reduced cell proliferation associated with proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression. Paricalcitol treatment decreased the stromal cell-derived factor 1α/chemokine C-X-C receptor type 4/β-catenin pathway. Conclusions Paricalcitol plays a renoprotective role by modulating renal inflammation and cell proliferation. These results highlight potential targets for treating CKD.

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin D and/or synbiotics on the response to treatment, cytokines profile and hormonal biomarkers in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. A total of 76 patients were recruited and completed the course of the intervention between 2019 and 2021 in Kerman, Iran. breast cancer patients were randomly enrolled in this study. Patients divided into four groups to receive one of the following regimens: placebo, vitamin D, synbiotics and a combination of vitamin D and synbiotics. clinicopathologic parameters, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers and hormonal levels were measured at the baseline and four months after intervention. The study results found no clear link between the interventions and achieving pathological complete response (pCR), and a similar trend was observed in Ki-67 index examination. After neoadjuvant therapy, TNF-α concentrations decreased, with vitamin D supplementation moderating this decline. Vitamin D supplemented groups showed a significant increase in serum IL-6 levels. While IL-10 levels decreased in the placebo group, all intervention groups were protected from this decline. Moreover, there was a notable increase in the anti-inflammatory index, particularly in the group receiving both vitamin D and synbiotic supplementation, suggesting potential synergistic anti-inflammatory effects from their combined administration. The outcomes suggest a potential anti-inflammatory function of this combination. Consequently, more extensive studies with prolonged follow-up periods and substantial sample sizes are warranted to thoroughly evaluate their potential benefits for breast cancer patients.

Objective: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is highly prevalent and can result from hypovitaminosis D. Besides the role of vitamin D in normal bone development, studies showed it could reduce oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. This prospective study aims to evaluate the relationship between serum vitamin D, testosterone, and oxidative stress levels in women with FSD. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 40 women with FSD (age range: 18–45 years) were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control. In the intervention group, patients received vitamin D 300,000 IU intramuscularly (IM) and then 50,000 IU orally once a week for four weeks. We measured the serum vitamin D, testosterone, and oxidative stress levels, as well as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at baseline and monthly for three months. Results: Serum testosterone levels significantly increased in the intervention group at the end of the third month (P = 0.014). Also, FSFI scores significantly improved (P

Background: Millions of children worldwide suffer from chronic asthma, a serious respiratory disease that has a major influence on everyday living and health outcomes. There are significant public health concerns regarding the estimated 10-15% frequency of asthma in children in India. Vitamin D, which is recognized for its immunomodulatory qualities, according to recent studies reduces the severity. In this study, children aged 6 to 12 years old's vitamin D levels and the severity of their asthma were examined. Materials and Methods: At a tertiary care teaching hospital, 100 children between the ages of 6 and 12 who were presenting with acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma were the subjects of a prospective cohort study from August 2021 to August 2022. ELISA was used to evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, and the GINA recommendations were used to determine the severity of asthma. Based on their levels of vitamin D, the kids were divided into three groups: sufficient (>30 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), and deficient (

Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease with unknown etiology. Poor dietary intake with nutritional deficiency and overweight have been described to increase the risk of IBS. The aim of the present study was to compare weight and circulating levels of micronutrients in IBS compared with healthy controls. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Patients diagnosed with IBS and healthy volunteers were recruited. Participants had to complete a dietary diary book and the questionnaires Rome IV, IBS-severity scoring system (IBS-SSS), and visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS). Weight and height were measured, and blood samples were drawn. C-reactive protein (CRP), cobalamin, folate, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and 25-hydroxy (25-OH) vitamin D were analyzed. Differences were calculated between groups and generalized linear model for regressions was adjusted for false discovery rate (FDR). Results IBS patients (n = 260) were elder than controls (n = 50) (44.00 (33.25-56.00) vs. 37.85 (30.18–45.48) years; p = 0.012). After adjustment for age, both weight (β: 5.880; 95% CI: 1.433–10.327; p = 0.010, FDR = 0.020) and body mass index (BMI) (β: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.68–3.36; p = 0.003, FDR = 0.012) were higher in patients. Among IBS participants, 48.1% were overweight/obese compared with 26.0% in controls (p = 0.007). Diarrhea-predominated IBS had highest weight (p

Abstract Objective The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and bone metabolism disorders increase with age. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most serious microvascular complications of T2DM, and bone metabolism disorders are closely linked to the occurrence of DKD. The relationship between bone turnover markers(BTMs) and the kidney disease in elderly patients with T2DM remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between common BTMs and DKD in a large sample of elderly patients. The goal is to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk individuals for DKD among elderly T2DM patients from a bone metabolism perspective. Methods In this cross-sectional study, BTMs were collected from a cohort of 2,051 hospitalized Chinese patients. The relationships between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D), β-CrossLaps (β-CTX), osteocalcin (OSTEOC), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and total type I collagen N-terminal propeptide (TP1NP), and DKD, as well as urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed using regression analysis and restrictive cubic spline (RCS) curves. Results Higher 25-OH-D levels were independently linked to a lower incidence of DKD and decreased UACR. The RCS curves showed a linear association of 25-OH-D and DKD, approaching the L-shape. β-CTX was independently and positively correlated with UACR. There is an independent positive correlation between OSTEOC and UACR and a negative correlation with eGFR. iPTH is independently and positively correlated with DKD incidence and UACR, and negatively correlated with eGFR. Additionally, the RCS curves showed a non-linear association of OSTEOC and iPTH and DKD, approaching the J-shape, and the point of inflection is 10.875 ng/L and 34.15 pg/mL respectively. There is an independent positive correlation between TP1NP and UACR incidence, and a negative correlation with eGFR. Risk estimates significantly increase with higher TP1NP levels in the RCS model. Conclusion BTMs are closely associated with kidney disease in elderly patients with T2DM. These discoveries potentially assist clinicians in establishing more preventive measures and targeted treatment strategies for elderly patients with T2DM.

Abstract Mendelian randomization (MR) is a powerful epidemiological method for causal inference. However, its recent surge in popularity has brought two concerning trends. First, the public availability of summary results from genome-wide association studies has led to an explosion of low-quality two-sample mendelian randomization (2SMR) studies. These studies add minimal – if any – value and overwhelm reviewers and journals. Second, the availability of large datasets with individual-level genotype data, like UK Biobank, has spurred the development and use of novel MR methods. However, some methods are being applied without proper testing, leading to misleading results, as exemplified by recent spurious findings that are being retracted and/or corrected relating to vitamin D. What can editors and peer reviewers do to handle the deluge of 2SMR studies and the premature application of highly complex MR methods? We advise editors to simply reject papers that only report 2SMR findings, with no additional supporting evidence. For reviewers receiving such papers, we provide a template for rejection. In addition, reviewers should demand rigorous testing of novel methods, including through the use of positive and negative controls before they are applied. Rejecting non-contributory 2SMR papers and imposing intensive scrutiny to novel methods is crucial if the scientific community is to reclaim MR.