Parallelism between hypovitaminosis D3 and recently detected myopia in children with amplified screen use in the COVID-19 era—A preliminary study

Purpose: This introductory study aims to analyze the association of serum vitamin D3 levels with recently detected myopia in Indian children following home confinement post?COVID?19 pandemic. Methods: Children aged 5–15 years who had not attended physical school in the past 1 year and visited the ophthalmology department with various ocular symptoms were divided into two groups: the myopic group with recently detected myopia and the non?myopic group with ocular ailments other than myopia. All children underwent basic ophthalmic evaluation and a general physical examination. Blood samples were collected for serum vitamin D3 levels. A pretested questionnaire inquiring about the duration of exposure to a digital screen, outdoor activities, and socioeconomic status was filled out for all children. Results: The mean serum vitamin D3 level in the myopic group was 28.17 ± 15.02 ng/dl in comparison to 45.36 ± 17.56 ng/dl in the non?myopic group (P value < 0.05). Linear regression of the data establishes that myopia is associated with hypovitaminosis D3 (OR? 13.12, 95% CI 2.90–50.32, a P value of 0.001). The correlation between spherical equivalent and vitamin D3 levels was significant (Pearson correlation value: 0.661). In the myopic group, 63.3% of children had screen use >6 hours against 43.3% of children in the non?myopic group. In the myopic group, 33.3% of the children had an outdoor activity duration of <2 hours against 6.6% of children in the non?myopic group. Conclusion: This study proposes hypovitaminosis D3 as a strong factor associated with the development of myopia in children. Although it is a preliminary study, it suggests that the trial for vitamin D3 supplementation in young children to delay or cease the development of myopia is warranted.

Association between vitamin D level and blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).@*METHODS@#We analyzed the data of a total 6163 healthy individuals undergoing routine physical examination in our hospital between October, 2017 and December, 2021, who were divided according to their serum 25(OH)D level into severe vitamin D deficiency group (< 10 ng/mL), deficiency group (< 20 ng/mL), insufficient group (< 30 ng/mL) and normal group (≥30 ng/mL). We also retrospectively collected the data of 67 COPD patients admitted in our department from April and June, 2021, with 67 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination in the same period as the control group. Routine blood test results, body mass index (BMI) and other parameters were obtained from all the subjects, and logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between 25(OH)D levels and eosinophil count.@*RESULTS@#The overall abnormal rate of 25(OH)D level (< 30 ng/mL) in the healthy individuals was 85.31%, and the rate was significantly higher in women (89.29%) than in men. Serum 25(OH)D levels in June, July, and August were significantly higher than those in December, January, and February. In the healthy individuals, blood eosinophil counts were the lowest in severe 25(OH)D deficiency group, followed by the deficiency group and insufficient group, and were the highest in the normal group (P < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis showed that an older age, a higher BMI, and elevated vitamin D levels were all risk factors for elevated blood eosinophils in the healthy individuals. The patients with COPD had lower serum 25(OH)D levels than the healthy individuals (19.66±7.87 vs 26.39±9.28 ng/mL) and a significantly higher abnormal rate of serum 25(OH)D (91% vs 71%; P < 0.05). A reduced serum 25(OH)D level was a risk factor for COPD. Blood eosinophils, sex and BMI were not significantly correlated with serum 25(OH)D level in patients with COPD.@*CONCLUSION@#Vitamin D deficiency is common in both healthy individuals and COPD patients, and the correlations of vitamin D level with sex, BMI and blood eosinophils differ obviously between healthy individuals and COPD patients.

Correlation of pre-operative vitamin D3 levels with post-operative hypocalcemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy

Background: Total thyroidectomy (TT) is a commonly performed procedure for various  thyroid disorders, with parathyroid insufficiency manifesting as hypocalcaemia being a well-known complication. Albeit, vitamin D is well implicated in calcium homeostasis, the association between hypovitaminosis D and postoperative hypocalcaemia is yet to be concluded. The aim of our study is to evaluate the correlation of preoperative serum vitamin D3 levels  with occurrence of post-operative hypocalcemia in patients undergoing TT.Methods: A prospective  study  was conducted on 50 patients  undergoing TT for benign thyroid diseases from November 2016 to May 2018. Pre-operative vitamin D3 levels were estimated. Serum calcium levels was measured pre‑ and post‑operatively at 24hours, 1st week and 4th week. Serum calcium level ≤8.5 mg/dl was considered as biochemical hypocalcemia. A data of demographic, clinical, biochemical and intraoperative findings were documented and analysed.Results: Statically 14 (28%) patients developed symptomatic hypocalcemia. Out of these, 11 (78.5%) patients had preoperative vitamin D levels of <30 ng/dl (p=0.034). 24 hours postoperative serum calcium level was significantly  lesser in patients with  lower preoperative vitamin D levels (p=0.015), suggesting that postoperative  hypocalcemia (24 hr) is statistically related to pre-operative vitamin D3 levels.Conclusions: It could be concluded from our study that preoperative serum vitamin D3 levels can predict post-operative occurrence of symptomatic and/or biochemical hypocalcemia. Thus, it could be hypothesized that supplementing vitamin D preoperatively could curb the incidence of hypocalcaemia following TT. However, further relevant trials are needed to attest to this.

Sublingual Vitamin D3 Drug Therapy In Vitamin D Deficiency Patients At Pravara Rural Hospital

The present study was aimed to study the effect of Sublingual Vitamin D3on Serum Vitamin D level in Vitamin D deficiency patients. This was a cross-sectional and interventional study. All the Vitamin D deficiency patients of age 18-60years and either gender, willing to participate in the study were included. Patients who had greater than 20 ng/ml were excluded from the study. The total number of participants in our study was 200, out of these 111 males and 89 females, the mean age in our study was 51.07 ± 7.39Yrs. All volunteers were given sublingual vitamin D3 (60,000IU) in six doses every fifteen days of follow up for 3 months. The subject’s serum 25(OH)D levels were estimated before and after treatment of sublingual vitamin D3. There was statistically significant difference in serum vitamin D3 level before 16.61±6.71 ng/ml and after 35.80±7.80 ng/ml after treatment with Sublingual Vitamin D3. Six doses of 60,000IU of Vitamin D3sublingual route having improved role of serum 25(OH)D levels in treatment of Vitamin D3deficiency patients

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cognitive function in Korean older adults living in rural area / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study examined the association between the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and the cognitive functions in Korean elderly. METHODS: The subjects were 393 adults aged 60 years or older who participated in the Yangpyeong cohort between July 2009 and August 2010. The subjects were classified into deficiency, insufficiency, or adequacy groups according to the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration diagnostic criteria suggested by the US Institute of Medicine (IOM). The cognitive function was assessed based on the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-KC). The dietary intake was assessed using the quantitative food frequency questionnaire with 106 food items. RESULTS: The proportions of deficiency, insufficiency, or adequacy in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were 6.6%, 44.5%, and 48.9%, respectively. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was significantly higher in men than in women and in outdoor workers than in other occupations. The adequacy group had higher MMSE-KC scores than the other two groups, but not to a significant degree. The proportion of cognitive impairment tended to decrease with increasing serum vitamin D concentration to deficiency, insufficiency, and adequacy (p for trend = 0.029). The deficiency group had a 2.28 times higher risk of cognitive impairment than the adequacy group, but the difference was not statistically significant (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 0.18 ~ 1.07, p for trend = 0.119). CONCLUSION: The serum vitamin D concentration tended to be associated with the cognitive function in elderly Koreans living in rural areas. To confirm the associations, further longitudinal studies with large samples were required.

Correlation of serum vitamin D, adipose tissue vitamin D receptor, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in women with gestational diabetes mellitus / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication during pregnancy. Obesity and overweight are closely related to metabolic diseases and diabetes. However, the role of adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of GDM remains to be studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of vitamin D (VD) levels, VD receptor (VDR), and peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression with GDM in overweight or obese women.@*Methods@#One hundred and forty pregnant women with full-term single-birth cesarean-section were selected as the study subjects and grouped (70 GDM women, including 35 non-overweight/non-obese women [group G1] and 35 women with overweight or obesity [group G2]; 70 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance, including 35 non-overweight/non-obese women [group N1] and 35 overweight/obese women [group N2]). The levels of serum VD, blood biochemistry, and adiponectin were compared in these women. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was isolated from the abdominal wall incision. VDR and PPARγ messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript levels in these adipose tissues were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The differences between the levels of PPARγ protein and phosphorylated PPARγ Ser273 were detected by Western blotting.@*Results@#The serum VD level of GDM women was lower in comparison to that of women with normal glucose tolerance (G1 vs. N1: 20.62 ± 7.87 ng/mL vs. 25.85 ± 7.29 ng/mL, G2 vs. N2: 17.06 ± 6.74 ng/mL vs. 21.62 ± 7.18 ng/mL, P < 0.05), and the lowest in overweight/obese GDM women. VDR and PPARγ mRNA expression was higher in the adipose tissues of GDM women in comparison to that of women with normal glucose tolerance (VDR mRNA: G1 vs. N1: 210.00 [90.58-311.46] vs. 89.34 [63.74-159.92], G2 vs. N2: 298.67 [170.84-451.25] vs. 198.28 [119.46-261.23], PPARγ mRNA: G1 vs. N1: 100.72 [88.61-123.87] vs. 87.52 [66.37-100.04], G2 vs. N2: 117.33 [100.08-149.00] vs. 89.90 [76.95-109.09], P < 0.05), and their expression was the highest in GDM+ overweight/obese women. VDR mRNA levels positively correlated with the pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), pre-delivery BMI, fasting blood glucose (FBG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and PPARγ mRNA while it negatively correlated with the VD and the adiponectin levels (r = 0.395, 0.336, 0.240, 0.190, 0.235, -0.350, -0.294, respectively, P < 0.05). The degree of PPARγ Ser273 phosphorylation increased in obese and GDM pregnant women. PPARγ mRNA levels positively correlated with pre-pregnancy BMI, pre-delivery BMI, FBG, HOMA-IR, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, and VDR mRNA, while it negatively correlated with the VD and adiponectin levels (r = 0.276, 0.199, 0.210, 0.230, 0.182, 0.214, 0.270, 0.235, -0.232, -0.199, respectively, P < 0.05).@*Conclusions@#Both GDM and overweight/obese women had decreased serum VD levels and up-regulated VDR and PPARγ mRNA expression in adipose tissue, which was further higher in the overweight or obese women with GDM. VD may regulate the formation and differentiation of adipocytes through the VDR and PPARγ pathways and participate in the occurrence of GDM.

Vitamina D sérica y su relación con adiposidad y resistencia a la insulina en mujeres posmenopáusicas / Vitamin D in serum and its relationship with adiposity and insulin resistance in postmenopausal womens / Vitamina D sérica e sua relação con adiposidade e resistência a insulina em mujeres posmenopáusicas

La menopausia se asocia con un aumento del peso corporal y una redistribución de la grasa desde la región glúteo-femoral a la región abdominal. Recientemente se ha relacionado el exceso de peso y de tejido adiposo con hipovitaminosis D, que a su vez, se ha vinculado con la resistencia a la insulina. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los niveles de vitamina D sérica y establecer su relación con indicadores de adiposidad y resistencia a la insulina en mujeres posmenopáusicas normopeso, con sobrepeso u obesidad. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de tipo descriptivo-correlacional, de corte transversal y de campo. Participaron 84 mujeres con edad promedio de 56,29±5,64 años. Se midió el peso, la talla, la circunferencia de cintura (CC), la grasa corporal (GC), la glicemia en ayunas, la insulina basal, y la vitamina D sérica. Se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment). El 34,54% de las mujeres eran normopeso, mientras que el 33,33% y 32,14% respectivamente, presentaron sobrepeso u obesidad. Se encontró un 39,29% de insulino resistencia, con un índice HOMA promedio de 2,55; además, los valores de este índice se correlacionaron significativamente con el IMC (r=0,55; p<0,01), la CC (r=0,51; p<0,01), y el %GC (r=0,34; p<0,01). La concentración promedio de vitamina D fue 27,35±8,55 ng/mL, y no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las mujeres normopeso y aquellas con sobrepeso u obesidad. Un 25% de las mujeres presentó deficiencia de vitamina D, mientras que un 36,9% mostró valores insuficientes de la vitamina. No se encontraron asociaciones significativas entre las concentraciones séricas de la vitamina D y el IMC, la CC, el porcentaje de grasa corporal o el HOMA. De acuerdo con estos resultados, la hipovitaminosis D puede ser un problema común en mujeres posmenopáusicas venezolanas. No obstante, las concentraciones séricas de esta vitamina no mostraron relación significativa con la obesidad, ni con la resistencia a la insulina en la muestra evaluada.

Menopause is associated with an increase in body weight and fat redistribution from the gluteal-femoral region to the abdominal region. Recently, excess weight and adipose tissue have been linked to hypovitaminosis D, which in turn, has been linked to insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine serum vitamin D levels and establish their relationship with indicators of adiposity and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women of normal weight, overweight or obese. A descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional and field study was conducted. Eighty-four women with an average age of 56.29±5.64 years participated. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), body fat (BF), fasting glucose, basal insulin and vitamin D levels were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment) were calculated. A total of 34.54% of the women were normal weight, while 33.33% and 32.14%, respectively, were overweight or obese. A 39.29% of insulin resistance was found, with an average rate of 2.55 HOMA; moreover the values of this index were significantly correlated with BMI (r=0.55; p <0.01), WC (r=0.51; p <0.01), and BF (r=0.34, p<0.01).The average concentration of vitamin D was 27.35±8.55 ng/mL, and no significant differences between normal weight women and those overweight or obese were found. A total of 25% of the women had vitamin D deficiency, while 36.9% had insufficient vitamin values. No significant associations between serum concentrations of vitamin D and BMI, WC, the percentage of body fat or HOMA were found. According to these results, vitamin D deficiency may be a common problem in Venezuelan postmenopausal women. However, serum concentrations of this vitamin showed no significant association with obesity or with insulin resistance in the sample evaluated.

A menopausa se associa ao aumento de peso corporal e uma redistribuição da gordura desde a região glúteo-femoral à região abdominal. Recentemente se relacionou o excesso de peso e de tecido adiposo com hipovitaminose D, que por sua vez, foi vinculado com a resistência à insulina. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os níveis de vitamina D sérica e estabelecer sua relação com indicadores de adiposidade e resistência à insulina, em mulheres pós-menopáusicas com peso normal, com sobrepeso ou obesidade. Foi realizado um estudo do tipo descritivo-correlacional, transversal e de campo. Participaram 84 mulheres comida de em médiade 56,29±5,64 anos. Mediu-se o peso, altura, circunferência da cintura (CC), gordura corporal (GC), glicemia em jejum, insulina basal e vitamina D sérica. Foi calculado o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e HOMA (Homeostasis model assessment). 34,54% das mulhereseram peso normal, enquanto que 33,33% e 32,14%, respectivamente, apresentaram sobrepeso ou obesidade. Encontrou-se 39,29% de insulino-resistência, com uma taxa HOMA média de 2,55; além disso, os valores deste índice foram significativamente correlacionados com o IMC (r 0,55; p<0,01), a CC (r=0,51; p<0,01), e a% de GC (r=0,34, p<0,01). A concentração média de vitamina D foi de 27,35±8,55 ng/mL, e não se encontraram diferenças significativas entre mulheres com peso normal e aquelas com sobrepeso ou obesidade. 25% das mulheres resultaram com deficiência de vitamina D, enquanto que 36,9% apresentaram valores insuficientes da vitamina. Não foram encontradas associações significativas entre as concentrações séricas de vitamina D e o IMC, a CC e apercentagem de gordura corporal ouo HOMA. Deacordo com estes resultados, a hipovitaminose D pode ser um problema comum em mulheres pós-menopausicas venezuelanas. Noentanto, as concentrações séricas desta vitamina não mostraram relação significativa com a obesidad enemcoma resistência à insulina na amostra.

The relationship between serum vitamin D levels and sleep quality in fixed day indoor field workers in the electronics manufacturing industry in Korea

BACKGROUND: Although recent studies have investigated the influence of vitamin D on sleep patterns, there is a lack of research on the relationship between vitamin D and sleep patterns in Korean workers. This study focused on the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and sleep in fixed day indoor field workers in the electronics manufacturing industry in Korea. METHODS: The 1472 subjects who were included in this study were selected from fixed day workers in the electronics manufacturing industry who had received a worker’s special health examination at a hospital in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province between January 2015 and December 2015. Nighttime workers and those who showed symptoms of depression were excluded from this study. The sociodemographic and lifestyle variables of the participants were investigated, including age, sex, marital status, level of education, body mass index, smoking habits, alcohol consumption habits, and regular exercise. Work-related factors were evaluated, such as employee tenure and occupational stress. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured as an indicator of vitamin D levels, and quality of sleep was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) translated into Korean. RESULTS: The subjects had a mean serum vitamin D level of 13.70 ± 5.93 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency, defined as a serum vitamin D level of <10 ng/mL, was found in 24.8% of males and significantly more frequently in females (47.6%). Poor sleep quality was reported by 19.8% of participants with serum vitamin D levels ≥10 ng/mL and by 21.7% of those with serum vitamin D levels <10 ng/mL, which was a significant difference (P = .007). Multiple logistic regression analysis adjusting for significant variables found that poor sleep quality was more likely in those with vitamin D deficiency than those with higher serum vitamin D levels (odds ratio = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01–1.82). A comparison of serum vitamin D levels and PSQI components showed that the mean scores for subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep duration were significantly higher in the vitamin D-deficient participants, indicating that the vitamin D-deficient participants had poorer sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated serum vitamin D levels in fixed day indoor field workers in the manufacturing industry in Korea and analyzed the relationship of vitamin D deficiency with sleep quality. A significant correlation was found between serum vitamin D deficiency and poor sleep quality. Based on the results of this study, sleep disorder management for workers can be improved by providing regular examinations checking their serum vitamin D levels and supplying vitamin D to workers with serum vitamin D deficiency to enhance their quality of sleep.

Levels of vitamin D and the effect of added treatment on Multiple Sclerosis / 实用医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the serum 25?hydroxy vitamin D3 level in patients with multiple sclerosis(MS)and normal healthy population,as well as the correlation between addition of oral 1,25?hydroxy vitamin D3 and the prevention of MS relapse and progression. Methods There were 60 cases in the relapsing?remitting MS(RRMS)group and 68 cases in the healthy group,respectively;and the differences in the sex,age, serum 25?hydroxy vitamin D3 level of the two groups were counted and evaluated. In addition ,the 60 cases of patients were divided randomly into the hormone therapy group and the addition treatment group ,with 30 cases in each group;the addition treatment group was added oral calcitriol soft capsules on the basis of the hormone therapy group;EDSS score evaluation was conducted on the two groups 6,12 and 24 months after treatment,the relapse frequency was counted after 24 months,and the relapse interval was calculated. Results The serum 25?hydroxy vitamin D3 levels in the patient group and the healthy group were(18.75 ± 8.35)nmol/L and(23.28 ± 9.31)nmol/L, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the relapse frequency (P < 0.01),the relapse interval(P < 0.05),and EDSS score(after 24 months)(P < 0.05)between the hormone therapy group and the addition treatment group after treatment;while the differences in the EDSS score (after 6 months)(P = 0.457) and the EDSS score(after 12 months)(P = 0.118)between the two groups showed no statistically significance. Conclusion The serum 25?hydroxy vitamin D3 level in MS patients was markedly lower than that in normal healthy population. Addition of 1,25?hydroxy vitamin D3 contributes to preventing the relapse rate of MS and extending the relapse interval;in addition,maintaining long?term of oral 1,25?hydroxy vitamin D3 facilitates to delaying the progression of disabled disease.

Hypovitaminosis D in patients with Crohn's disease / Hipovitaminose D em pacientes portadores da doença de Crohn

Objective: Vitamin D has been widely studied as a mediator of the immune response, becoming evident the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with Crohn's disease. This work aims at evaluating the serum levels of vitamin D in patients suffering from Crohn's disease in a southeast region of Brazil. Methods: It is a prospective study, with statistical analysis of the values of serum vitamin D measured between April 2014 and April 2015 in patients with Crohn's disease. Individuals with mild anal complaints, without any colorectal involvement, comprised the control group. Results: One hundred and four patients whose average age was 40.6 years were evaluated, being 56 (53.8%) female and 48 (46.2%) male. The average serum vitamin D level was 21.6 ng/mL, with standard deviation 13.85. The control group was comprised by 66 individuals, whose average age was 48.9 years. With 38 (57.6%) female and 28 (42.4%) male. In this group the average serum vitamin D level was 40.9 ng/mL. Statistical significance was demonstrated with p<0.0001. Conclusion: There was high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with Chron's disease, when compared to the control group. Hypovitaminosis D was not evidenced in patients in the latter group.

Objetivo: A vitamina D tem sido amplamente estudada como mediadora da resposta imune, tornando-se evidente a prevalência de hipovitaminose D em pacientes com doença de Crohn. Este trabalho objetiva avaliar os níveis séricos de vitamina D nos pacientes com portadores de doença de Crohn em uma região do sudeste do Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo prospectivo, com análise estatística dos valores da vitamina D sérica dosados entre Abril de 2014 e Abril de 2015 em pacientes com doença de Crohn. Indivíduos com queixas anais leves, sem qualquer acometimento colorretal, compuseram o grupo controle. Resultados: Foram avaliados 104 pacientes, cuja média de idade foi de 40,6 anos, sendo 56 (53,8%) mulheres e 48 (46,2%) homens. O nível sérico de vitamina D médio foi 21,6 ng/mL, com desvio-padrão de 13,85. O grupo controle foi composto por 66 indivíduos, cuja média de idade foi 48,9 anos, com 38 (57,6%) mulheres e 28 (42,4%) homens. Neste grupo o nível sérico médio de vitamina D foi 40,9 ng/mL. Foi demonstrada significância estatística com p<0,0001. Conclusão: Houve elevada prevalência de hipovitaminose D em pacientes com doença de Crohn, quando comparados ao grupo controle. Não foi evidenciada hipovitaminose D entre os pacientes deste último grupo.

Skin Color and Self-reported Sun Exposure Scores are Associated with Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in a Multi-ethnic Population Living in South Florida.

Aims: The aim was to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], skin color and sun exposure score. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Miami, Florida from July 2012 to October 2012. Methodology: Seventy six adults, ages 18-36 years living in South Florida participated in the study. Skin color was quantified by a IMS Smart Probe 400 scanner and 25(OH)D was measured by ELISA. A sun exposure questionnaire was used to record the weekly sun exposure scores. A food frequency questionnaire was used to record daily vitamin D intake. Results: Multiple-linear regression analysis indicated that sun exposure, forearm skin color and vitamin D intake were significant predictors of 25(OH)D (P=.004, P=.003 and P=.021 respectively). This association held after controlling for covariates (B=.371, P=.027 for forearm, B=.031, P=.005 for total sun exposure and B=.689, P=.003 for vitamin D intake). Conclusion: Skin color, sun exposure along with vitamin D intake may be used as an indirect non-invasive tools to estimate 25(OH)D levels in healthy individuals in South Florida.

Sugar Sweetened Beverages Consumption in Preadolescent Children: 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and Bone Mineral Density Affection.

Objective: To study the effect of heavy consumption of sugar sweetened beverages on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) level and bone mineral density (BMD) in preadolescents. Study Design: Case-control. Place and Duration of Study: Outpatient clinic in Children`s hospital, Ain Shams University, between September, 2009 and July, 2010. Methods: A questionnaire to define the frequency of beverage consumption was filled by one thousand children within the age range of 8-12 years. Fifty children were selected from the heavy sugar sweetened beverages consumers and were compared to 50 clinically healthy age and sex matched children who gave no history of more than average sugar sweetened beverages intake. Each enrolled case filled a questionnaire that assesses duration of beverage intake, frequency and type as well as milk consumption. Questions concerning symptoms of pain, limitation of movement and fractures were also included. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Serum calcium and phosphorus were measured as well as the circulating 25OHD and dual-emission xray absorptiometry scan assessed their BMD Z-score. Results: Children who heavily consumed the sugar sweetened beverages had significantly lower 25 (OH) vitamin D, and BMD Z-score as compared to the controls (t= 4.05, P<0.001 and t= 3.73, P<0.001, respectively). There was significant negative correlations between duration of beverage intake and both BMD Z-score and 25OHD among heavy sugar sweetened beverage consumers(r=0.38, P=0.01 and r=0.4, P<0.001, respectively). A significant negative correlation was detected between duration of beverage intake and serum calcium among heavy sugar sweetened beverage consumers (r = -0.46 and P<0.001) and significant positive correlation between BMD Zscore and 25OHD among them (r = 0.69 and P<0.001). Conclusion: Sugar sweetened beverages intake is associated with a decrease in 25OHD which contributes to low bone mineralization in preadolescents and the duration of intake is the most determinant factor for this association. Consumption of carbonated beverages had more hazardous effect on 25OHD and BMD than packed fruit juice while milk intake showed an opposite effect. We recommend more awareness programs for preadolescents and their parents whether at school or as a part of national campaigns to boost healthy trends in beverage consumption.

Measurement of vitamin D and cathelicidin (LL-37) levels in patients of psoriasis with co-morbidities.

Background: During the last decade, a lot of co-morbidities (diabetes, obesity, heart disease, etc.) have been described to be associated with psoriasis, but the exact link at the molecular level is not well-known. Researchers have shown molecular level changes in vitamin D pathway and its relationship to cathelicidin. Aims: To estimate the levels of cathelicidin (LL-37), and vitamin D in psoriasis patients with co-morbidities, and compare them with matched healthy controls. Methods: One hundred consecutive patients with stable plaque psoriasis (psoriasis area and severity index ≥10) with no systemic treatment in the past 3 months were investigated for the serum levels of vitamin D and LL-37, and compared with equal number of matched healthy volunteers. Results: The serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients. Furthermore, the levels of serum LL-37were significantly high. Conclusion: Our study showed that the low serum levels of vitamin D, and higher blood levels of cathelicidin could form a molecular level clue in the pathogenesis of psoriasis patients, who are more likely to develop co-morbidities.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Our objective was to evaluate the concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathormone (PTH) in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to associate them with disease duration and activity, bone mineral density and use of medications. In a cross-sectional and controlled study, 30 patients with polyarticular JIA were evaluated and compared to 30 healthy individuals matched for age and gender. Clinical status, anthropometry, laboratory markers in both patients and controls, and bone mineral density, only in the patients, were measured. Of the 30 patients included in the study, 23 (76.7%) were female and 16 (53.3%) non-Caucasian; mean age was 14 years (range = 4 to 20 years). Mean disease duration was 5 years (range = 1 to 12 years). The mean concentrations of serum albumin-corrected calcium (9.04 ± 0.41 mg/dL) and alkaline phosphatase (153.3 ± 100.1 IU) were significantly lower in patients with JIA than in controls (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.001, respectively). No differences in 25(OH)D, PTH or serum phosphorus were observed between JIA and control subjects. Regarding 25(OH)D concentration, 8 patients (26.7%) and 5 controls (16.7%) had 25(OH)D concentrations compatible with deficiency (lower than 20 ng/mL) and 14 patients (46.7%) and 18 controls (60%) had concentrations compatible with insufficiency (20-32 ng/mL). These values were not associated with disease activity, use of medications or bone mineral density. We observed a high frequency of 25(OH)D insufficiency and deficiency in the study sample. The compromised bone metabolism emphasizes the importance of follow-up of JIA patients.

Effects of calcium intake, milk and dairy product intake, and blood vitamin D level on osteoporosis risk in Korean adults: analysis of the 2008 and 2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

This study was performed to determine the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) intake, milk and dairy product intake, and serum vitamin D level on bone mineral density. The survey data from the 2008-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for adults (3,819 males, 5,625 females) aged > 20 years were examined; osteoporosis was defined according to the standards for Asian populations (T-score 1 portion per day, compared with those who had zero intake. The risk for osteoporosis significantly decreased as the serum 25(OH) vitamin D level increased. From these results, we advocate an increase in Ca, milk, and dairy product intake, and that serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels be maintained within the normal range, for the maintenance of bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis in adults.