[Therapeutic effect of vitamin D supplementation in mexican patients with allergic rhinitis]. / Efecto de la suplementación con vitamina D en pacientes mexicanos con rinitis alérgica.

OBJETIVES: To evaluate the impact of cholecalciferol (D3) supplementation using clinical and paraclinical variables in patients with RA and vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included patients from 5 to 40 years with a diagnosis of RA and vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. They were supplemented for 8 weeks with 4000 or 5000 IU, depending on age. Total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) was measured monthly and 25(OH)D3 levels at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were included, with a mean age of 18.19 years. In the active group, there was a significant improvement in symptomatology with respect to the TNSS score and an increase in serum vitamin D levels (p < 0.01). There were no adverse reactions with cholecalciferol or placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementing patients with vitamin D3, at the evaluated dose, together with conventional treatent for allergic rhinitis results in symptoms and quality of life improvement in patients with this disease.

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar el impacto de la suplementación con colecalciferol (D3) mediante variables clínicas y paraclínicas en pacientes con RA e insuficiencia y deficiencia de vitamina D. MÉTODOS: Estudio aleatorio, doble ciego, placebo controlado, en el que se incluyeron pacientes de 5 a 40 años, con diagnóstico de RA e insuficiencia y deficiencia de vitamina D. Fueron suplementados con 4000 o 5000 UI, dependiendo de la edad, durante 8 semanas. Mensualmente se midió la puntuación total síntomas nasales (TNSS) y las concentraciones de 25(OH)D3 al inicio y al final del estudio. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 31 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 18.19 años. En el grupo activo existió una mejoría significativa en la sintomatología respecto a la puntación de TNSS y un incremento en los niveles séricos de vitamina D (p < 0.01). No se presentaron reacciones adversas con la ingesta de colecalciferol o placebo. CONCLUSIONES: Suplementar a los pacientes con vitamina D3, a la dosis evaluada, junto con el tratamiento convencional para la rinitis alergica resulta en una mejoría sintomática y en la calidad de vida de los pacientes con esta enfermedad.

Alert for the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adolescents in a large Brazilian sample

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and severe deficiency in children and adolescents, in a large Brazilian sample. Methodology: Results of 413,988 25(OH)D measurements in children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years collected between 01/2014 and 10/2018 were obtained from the database of a Clinical Laboratory. In this population, 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations below 20 ng/mL are considered deficient, and below 12 ng/mL as severe deficiency. All measurements were performed by immunoassay and the results were distributed by gender, age group, seasonality, and latitude. Results: The mean of 25(OH)D levels was 29.2 ng/mL with a standard deviation of 9.2 ng/mL. Of the total samples, 0.8% had a concentration < 12 ng/mL, and 12.5% of the samples had a concentration < 20 ng/mL, with a higher prevalence in females. Children under 2 years of age had the lowest prevalence. The effects of latitude and seasonality were quite evident. In samples of female adolescents from the southern region in winter, 36% of vitamin D deficiency and 5% of severe deficiency were found. Conclusion: In this large number of measurements of 25(OH)D in children and adolescents, 12.5% had a deficiency and 0.8% had severe deficiency. A greater deficiency was observed among adolescents, especially females, which raises questions about the need for supplementation during this period of life.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers of Iranian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis study.

Objective: To identify the impact of redox imbalance on the clinical evolution of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and carry out a qualitative and quantitative projection of the benefits of vitamin D supplementation. Data sources: Combinations of the keywords polycystic ovary syndrome, vitamin D, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, antioxidant, and free radicals were used in PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. The last search was conducted on August 22, 2023.Selection of studies: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were selected considering a low risk of bias, published in the last 5 years in English, which investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS, focusing on oxidative stress markers. Of the 136 articles retrieved, 6 intervention studies (445 women) were included. Data collection: The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the Jadad scale, and analysis and visualization of continuous data were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1, summarized as standardized mean differences (SMD) with confidence intervals (CI) of 95%. Data synthesis: Vitamin D effectively reduced malondialdehyde (P=0.002) and total testosterone (P=0.0004) levels and increased total antioxidant capacity levels (P=0.01). Although possible improvements in the modified Ferriman-Gallwey hirsutism score, levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, and free androgen index were identified and the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Vitamin D is a promising alternative for the treatment of PCOS with a positive influence on the oxidative, metabolic, and endocrine disorders of this syndrome.

Impact of plasmolysis process on the enrichment of brewer's spent yeast biomass with vitamin D3 by biosorption followed by spray-drying process.

Vitamin D3(cholecalciferol)plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. However, vitamin D3 deficiency is a major public health problem affecting millions of people. Therefore, it is important to develop effective strategies that ensure the protection and stability of this important vitamin for food supplementation and fortification. This work aimed to impregnate intact and plasmolyzedSaccharomyces pastorianus brewer's yeast biomass with cholecalciferol using a biosorption process followed by spray drying to characterize the obtained material in terms of morphology, average particle size, zeta potential, moisture, water activity, FT-IR, and the stability of the encapsulated vitamin during the drying and storage process. Plasmolysis proved to be an effective method for improving the biosorption efficiency, retention during spray drying, and stability of vitamin D3. In addition, this process promoted an increase in cell size, which favored the dispersion stability of the system, as evidenced by the zeta potential values. These results contribute to the understanding of a new method for delivering this vitamin that conforms to environmentally conscious practices.

Vitamin D supplementation in primary hyperparathyroidism: effects on 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D and FGF23 levels.

PURPOSE: In patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) vitamin D deficiency has been associated with more severe presentations. Our aim was to investigate the effects of Vitamin D supplementation on mineral homeostasis and related hormones in individuals with and without PHPT. METHODS: Individuals with and without PHPT (CTRL) received 14,000 IU/week of oral vitamin D3 for 12 weeks. At baseline and endpoint, blood samples were collected to measure 1,25(OH)2vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), intact Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23), 25OHD, Parathormone, and other biochemical markers. The 1,25(OH)2D measurement was performed using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: 70 PHPT patients and 75 CTRL were included, and 55 PHPT and 64 CTRL completed the 12-week protocol. After the intervention, there were significant increases in the FGF23 levels (PHPT: 47.9 ± 27.1 to 76.3 ± 33.3; CTRL: 40.5 ± 13.9 to 59.8 ± 19.8 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and significant decreases in 1,25(OH)2D levels (PHPT: 94.8 ± 34.6 to 68.9 ± 25.3; CTRL: 68.7 ± 23.5 to 56.4 ± 20.7 pg/mL, p < 0.001). The reduction of 1,25(OH)2D was inversely associated with the increase of FGF23 in both the PHPT (r = -0.302, p = 0.028) and CTRL (r = -0.278, p = 0.027). No changes in plasmatic or uninary calcium concentrations were observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: The weekly administration of 14,000 IU of Vitamin D3 was safe and efficient to increase in 25OHD levels in both groups. However, a paradoxical decrease in 1,25(OH)2D levels measured by LC-MS/MS was associated with a significant increase in FGF23 levels in both groups. This phenomenon might represent a defense against hypercalcemia after vitamin D supplementation and paves the way for new studies in this regard.

Fatores associados à deficiência de vitamina D em mulheres gestantes e lactantes / Factores asociados a la deficiencia de vitamina D en mujeres embarazadas y lactantes / Factors associated with vitamin d deficiency in pregnant and lactatingwomen

Introdução: A deficiência de vitamina D durante a gestação e a lactação pode repercutir negativamente no desenvolvimento fetal e infantil, devido seu papel fundamental nos sistemas imunológico, cardíaco, ósseo, muscular e neural. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão de literatura para integrar estudos que evidenciam a deficiência de vitamina D em gestantes e lactantes, e os fatores de risco associados a essa carência. Metodologia: Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico entre agosto e outubro de 2021, com atualização entre outubro e novembro de 2022 através de pesquisas às bases Pubmed e Scielo, bem como às listas de referências dos artigos selecionados. Foram empregados os descritores consumo alimentar, vitamina D, deficiência de vitamina D, gestantes e lactantes, usando-se o operador booleano AND para a associação entre eles. Como critérios de inclusão foram adotados o tipo de estudo (epidemiológicos, ensaios clínicos e revisões integrativa e sistemática), o idioma (espanhol, inglês e português) e o período de publicação (2010 a 2022). Resultados: Evidenciou-se que existem vários fatores de riscos para a inadequação do status de vitamina D em gestantes e lactantes como a baixa exposição da pele à luz solar e fatores relacionados (uso excessivo de protetor solar, menor tempo de atividades ao ar livre, clima, religião e hábitos culturais, maior escolaridade);a pigmentação mais escura da pele; o baixo consumo alimentar de vitamina D e variáveis associadas; a menor idade materna; o primeiro trimestre gestacional; a primiparidade e o excesso de tecido adiposo. Conclusões: Em gestantes e lactantes, a carência de vitamina D associa-se a distintos fatores, com destaque principalmente para a baixa exposição à luz solar, a pigmentação mais escura da pele e o excesso de tecido adiposo, sendo de extrema importância que sejam abordados com cautela, visando ações voltadas a variáveis modificáveis, de modo a auxiliar na redução da hipovitaminose D nestes grupos (AU).

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and breastfeeding can have a negative impact on fetal and infant development due to its fundamental role in the immune, cardiac, bone, muscular and neural systems. Objective: To conduct a literature review to integrate studies which show the Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant andlactating women, and the risk factors associated with this deficiency. Methodology: A bibliographic survey was carried out between August and October 2021, with an update between October and November 2022 through searches in the Pubmed and Scielo databases, as well as the reference lists of the selected articles. The descriptors food consumption, vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency, pregnant and lactating women were used, using the Boolean operator AND for the association between them. The type of study (epidemiological, clinical trials and integrative and systematic reviews), language (Spanish, English and Portuguese) and publication period (2010 to 2022) was adopted as inclusion criteria.Results:It was shown that there are several risk factors for inadequate vitamin D status in pregnant and lactating women, such as low skin exposure to sunlight and related factors (excessive use of sunscreen, less time spent outdoors, climate, religion and cultural habits, higher education); darker skin pigmentation; low dietary intake of vitamin D and associated variables; the lowest maternal age; the first gestational trimester; primiparity and excess adipose tissue.Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant and lactating women is associated with different factors, witha main emphasis on low exposure to sunlight, darker skin pigmentation and excess adipose tissue. Furthermore, it is extremely important that these factors are approached with caution, implementing actions aimed at modifiable variables in order to help reduce hypovitaminosis D in these groups (AU).

Introducción: La deficiencia de vitamina D durante el embarazo y la lactancia puede tener un impacto negativo en el desarrollo fetal e infantil, por su papel fundamental en los sistemas inmunológico, cardíaco, óseo, muscular y neural. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión bibliográfica para integrar estudios que evidencien la deficiencia de vitamina D en mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, y los factores de riesgo asociados. Metodología:Se realizó un levantamiento bibliográfico entre agosto y octubre de 2021, con actualizaciones entre octubre y noviembre de 2022 mediante búsquedas en las bases de datos Pubmed y Scielo, así como en las listas de referencias de los artículos seleccionados. Se utilizaron los descriptores consumo de alimentos, vitamina D, deficiencia de vitamina D, gestantes y lactantes, utilizándose el operador booleano AND para la asociación entre ellos. Se adoptaron como criterios de inclusión el tipo de estudio (epidemiológicos, clínicos, revisiones integradoras y sistemáticas), idioma (español, inglés y portugués) y período de publicación (2010 a 2022).Resultados: Existen varios factores de riesgo para un estado inadecuado de vitamina D en mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, como la baja exposición de la piel a la luz solar y factores relacionados (uso excesivo de protector solar, menor tiempo al aire libre, clima, religión y hábitos culturales, educación más alta); pigmentación de la piel más oscura; baja ingesta dietética de vitamina D y variables asociadas; la edad materna más baja; el primer trimestre gestacional; Primiparidad y exceso de tejido adiposo. Conclusiones:En mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, el déficit de vitamina D se asocia a diferentes factores, especialmente la baja exposición solar, la pigmentación de la piel más oscura y el exceso de tejido adiposo, y es de suma importancia abordarlos con precaución, apuntando a acciones dirigidas a variables modificables, con el fin de ayudar a reducir la hipovitaminosis D en estos grupos (AU).

Alert for the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adolescents in a large Brazilian sample.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and severe deficiency in children and adolescents, in a large Brazilian sample. METHODOLOGY: Results of 413,988 25(OH)D measurements in children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years collected between 01/2014 and 10/2018 were obtained from the database of a Clinical Laboratory. In this population, 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations below 20 ng/mL are considered deficient, and below 12 ng/mL as severe deficiency. All measurements were performed by immunoassay and the results were distributed by gender, age group, seasonality, and latitude. RESULTS: The mean of 25(OH)D levels was 29.2 ng/mL with a standard deviation of 9.2 ng/mL. Of the total samples, 0.8% had a concentration < 12 ng/mL, and 12.5% of the samples had a concentration < 20 ng/mL, with a higher prevalence in females. Children under 2 years of age had the lowest prevalence. The effects of latitude and seasonality were quite evident. In samples of female adolescents from the southern region in winter, 36% of vitamin D deficiency and 5% of severe deficiency were found. CONCLUSION: In this large number of measurements of 25(OH)D in children and adolescents, 12.5% had a deficiency and 0.8% had severe deficiency. A greater deficiency was observed among adolescents, especially females, which raises questions about the need for supplementation during this period of life.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers of Iranian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis study

Abstract Objective To identify the impact of redox imbalance on the clinical evolution of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and carry out a qualitative and quantitative projection of the benefits of vitamin D supplementation. Data sources Combinations of the keywords polycystic ovary syndrome, vitamin D, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, antioxidant, and free radicals were used in PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. The last search was conducted on August 22, 2023.Selection of studies: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were selected considering a low risk of bias, published in the last 5 years in English, which investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS, focusing on oxidative stress markers. Of the 136 articles retrieved, 6 intervention studies (445 women) were included. Data collection The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the Jadad scale, and analysis and visualization of continuous data were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1, summarized as standardized mean differences (SMD) with confidence intervals (CI) of 95%. Data synthesis Vitamin D effectively reduced malondialdehyde (P=0.002) and total testosterone (P=0.0004) levels and increased total antioxidant capacity levels (P=0.01). Although possible improvements in the modified Ferriman-Gallwey hirsutism score, levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, and free androgen index were identified and the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion Vitamin D is a promising alternative for the treatment of PCOS with a positive influence on the oxidative, metabolic, and endocrine disorders of this syndrome.

Osteoinductive Electrospun Scaffold Based on PCL-Col as a Regenerative Therapy for Peri-Implantitis.

Peri-implantitis is a serious condition affecting dental implants that can lead to implant failure and loss of osteointegration if is not diagnosed and treated promptly. Therefore, the development of new materials and approaches to treat this condition is of great interest. In this study, we aimed to develop an electrospun scaffold composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers loaded with cholecalciferol (Col), which has been shown to promote bone tissue regeneration. The physical and chemical properties of the scaffold were characterized, and its ability to support the attachment and proliferation of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells was evaluated. Our results showed that the electrospun PCL-Col scaffold had a highly porous structure and good mechanical properties. The resulting scaffolds had an average fiber diameter of 2-9 µm and high elongation at break (near six-fold under dry conditions) and elasticity (Young modulus between 0.9 and 9 MPa under dry conditions). Furthermore, the Col-loaded scaffold was found to decrease cell proliferation when the Col content in the scaffolds increased. However, cytotoxicity analysis proved that the PCL scaffold on its own releases more lactate dehydrogenase into the medium than the scaffold containing Col at lower concentrations (PCL-Col A, PCL-Col B, and PCL-Col C). Additionally, the Col-loaded scaffold was shown to effectively promote the expression of alkaline phosphatase and additionally increase the calcium fixation in MG-63 cells. Our findings suggest that the electrospun membrane loaded with Col can potentially treat peri-implantitis by promoting bone formation. However, further studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of this membrane in vivo.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on (25(OH)D) Status in Children 12-30 Months of Age: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) affects 27.3% of preschool children in Mexico. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation at different doses on serum 25(OH)D concentrations in preschool children. In a randomized control trial, 222 children 12-30 months old were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) 400 IU/day (n = 56); (2) Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) 800 IU/day (n = 55); (3) Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 1000 IU/day (n = 56); or (4) multiple micronutrients (MM) non-VD (n = 55). Supplements were given five days/wk for three months. Serum 25(OH)D was measured at baseline and after three months. At baseline, mean serum 25(OH)D was 58.9 ± 12.6 nmol/L and 23.4% were VD-deficient. There was a statistically significant increase in serum concentrations of 25(OH)D (range across groups: +8.2 to +17.3 nmol/L). Additionally, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency decreased after three months: for D2 400 IU, -9.0%; for D2 800 IU, -11.0%; for D3 1000 IU, -18.0%; and for MM non-VD, -2.8% (p < 0.05). No adverse effects were observed. VD supplementation for three months was effective for increasing serum 25(OH)D concentrations and for reducing VD deficiency in preschool children. The highest efficacy was observed by giving 1000 IU D3/d.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Diabetic Kidney Disease: An Systematic Review.

Diabetes Mellitus is a highly prevalent condition in which Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is the most common. Diabetic Kidney Disease is one of the most relevant complications and affects approximately one-third of patients with Diabetes Mellitus. It is characterized by increased urinary protein excretion and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, assessed by serum creatinine levels. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D levels are low in these patients. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the effects of vitamin D supplementation on proteinuria and creatinine, which are important markers for assessing the severity of kidney disease in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease. PUBMED, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases were consulted, Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and the COCHRANE toll for bias assessment was applied. Six papers were quantitative studies and fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. The results showed that vitamin D supplementation of 50,000 I.U./week for 8 weeks effectively reduced proteinuria and creatinine in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease, particularly in patients with Diabetes Mellitus type 2. Vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease by having essential effects on disease-related inflammatory markers, such as the reduction of proteinuria and creatinine. However, more clinical trials must be conducted to evaluate the intervention among more significant numbers of patients.

Association between sitagliptin plus vitamin D3 (VIDPP-4i) use and clinical remission in patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes: a retrospective case-control study.

Objective: The occurrence of partial remission (honeymoon phase) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic microvascular complications of diabetes. We have published case reports showing that a combination therapy with the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin plus vitamin D3 (VIDPP-4i) can prolong the honeymoon phase in patients with new-onset T1D. In the present case-control study, we investigated the frequency of occurrence of clinical remission (CR) in patients with new-onset T1D after VIDPP-4i treatment. Subjects and methods: In this case-control study, we collected data spanning 10 years from medical records of 46 patients (23 females) recently diagnosed with T1D. Overall, 27 participants with CR (insulin dose-adjusted glycated hemoglobin [IDAA1c] ≤ 9) at 12 or 24 months composed the case group, and 19 participants without CR served as the control group. Chi-square with Yates correction was used to analyze the association between VIDPP-4i use and CR, and odds ratio (OR) was used to determine the chance of CR due to VIDPP-4i treatment exposure. Results: In all, 37 patients (80.4%) experienced CR at some time over 24 months. The mean CR duration was 13.15 ± 9.91 months. Treatment with VIDPP-4i was significantly associated with CR. At 24 months, the OR of CR after VIDPP-4i exposure was 9.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.21-30.18, p = 0.0036). Additionally, 9 (33.6%) and 4 (14.8%) patients in the VIDPP-4i group experienced insulin-free CR at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Conclusion: Therapy with VIDPP-4i was associated with a higher frequency and duration of the honeymoon phase. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

High-shear wet agglomeration process for enriching cornstarch with curcumin and vitamin D3 co-loaded lyophilized liposomes.

Curcumin and vitamin D3 are bioactive molecules of great importance for the food industry. However, their low stability in several processing conditions hampers their proper incorporation into powdered food formulations. This study proposes the enrichment of a common raw material (cornstarch) with curcumin and vitamin D3 by using high-shear wet agglomeration. The bioactives were initially encapsulated into liposome dispersions and then subjected to lyophilization. The resulting dried vesicles were later incorporated into cornstarch by wet agglomeration using maltodextrin as the binder solution. The phospholipid content and the amount of added liposomes were evaluated to characterize the enriched cornstarch samples. The lyophilized vesicles showed a high retention rate of 99 % for curcumin and vitamin D3, while the enriched cornstarch samples retained above 96 % (curcumin) and 98 % (vitamin D3) after 30 days of controlled storage. All in all, the presence of dried liposomes improved the flowability and delayed retrogradation phenomenon in agglomerated cornstarch. Therefore, this study introduced a novel and reliable method of incorporating hydrophobic and thermosensitive molecules into powdered food formulations by using readily available materials and a straightforward high-shear wet agglomeration process.

Combination of vitamin D and probiotics inhibits chemically induced colorectal carcinogenesis in Wistar rats.

The modulation of inflammatory elements, cell differentiation and proliferation by vitamin D and the role of probiotics in the intestinal microbiota and immunogenic response have sparked interest in the application of both in chemotherapeutics and chemoprevention of colorectal tumors. AIMS: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of isolated and/or combined treatment of vitamin D3 and probiotics on colorectal carcinogenesis. MAIN METHODS: Pre-neoplastic lesions were induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in the colon of Wistar rats, which were treated with probiotics and/or vitamin D in three different approaches (simultaneous, pre-, and post-treatment). We investigated the frequency of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and aberrant crypt (AC) in the distal colon, fecal microbiome composition, gene and protein expression through immunohistochemical and RT-PCR assays, and general toxicity through water consumption and weight gain monitoring. KEY FINDINGS: Results confirm the systemic safety of treatments, and show a protective effect of vitamin D and probiotics in all approaches studied, as well as in combined treatments, with predominance of different bacterial phyla compared to controls. Treated groups show different levels of Nrf2, GST, COX2, iNOS, ß-catenin and PCNA expression. SIGNIFICANCE: These experimental conditions explore the combination of vitamin D and probiotics supplementation at low doses over pathways involved in distinct stages of colorectal carcinogenesis, with results supporting its application in prevention and long-term strategies.

The antidepressant-like effect elicited by vitamin D3 is associated with BDNF/TrkB-related synaptic protein synthesis.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) has been shown to exert antidepressant-like responses, but the role BDNF/TrkB-related synaptic plasticity in this effect remains to be established. Thus, this study investigated the time-course antidepressant-like response of vitamin D3 in female and male mice and the possible role of BDNF/TrkB signaling in this response. The repeated (7 and 21 days), but not acute (60 min), administration of vitamin D3 (2.5 µg/kg, p.o.) exerted an antidepressant-like effect in female and male mice subjected to the tail suspension test, without altering the basal locomotor activity in the open-field test. Notably, vitamin D3 caused a similar time-dependent antidepressant-like effect in male and female mice, suggesting that this behavioral response in the tail suspension test might not be affected by sex differences. Vitamin D3 administration for 21 days, but not for 7 days or 1 h, augmented BDNF levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice. No effects on phospho-CREB/CREB levels were detected in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex after chronic vitamin D3 administration. Additionally, vitamin D3 increased TrkB, GluA1, and PSD-95 levels in the prefrontal cortex, but not in the hippocampus. Furthermore, an upregulation of synapsin level was observed in both brain regions after vitamin D3 administration. These findings reinforce and extend the notion that vitamin D3 is effective to produce antidepressant-like responses in male and female mice and provide novel evidence that this effect could be associated with BDNF/TrkB-related synaptic protein synthesis. Finally, vitamin D3 could be a feasible nutritional strategy for the management of depression.

Association between sitagliptin plus vitamin D3 (VIDPP-4i) use and clinical remission in patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes: a retrospective case-control study

ABSTRACT Objective: The occurrence of partial remission (honeymoon phase) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic microvascular complications of diabetes. We have published case reports showing that a combination therapy with the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin plus vitamin D3 (VIDPP-4i) can prolong the honeymoon phase in patients with new-onset T1D. In the present case-control study, we investigated the frequency of occurrence of clinical remission (CR) in patients with new-onset T1D after VIDPP-4i treatment. Subjects and methods: In this case-control study, we collected data spanning 10 years from medical records of 46 patients (23 females) recently diagnosed with T1D. Overall, 27 participants with CR (insulin dose-adjusted glycated hemoglobin [IDAA1c] ≤ 9) at 12 or 24 months composed the case group, and 19 participants without CR served as the control group. Chi-square with Yates correction was used to analyze the association between VIDPP-4i use and CR, and odds ratio (OR) was used to determine the chance of CR due to VIDPP-4i treatment exposure. Results: In all, 37 patients (80.4%) experienced CR at some time over 24 months. The mean CR duration was 13.15 ± 9.91 months. Treatment with VIDPP-4i was significantly associated with CR. At 24 months, the OR of CR after VIDPP-4i exposure was 9.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.21-30.18, p = 0.0036). Additionally, 9 (33.6%) and 4 (14.8%) patients in the VIDPP-4i group experienced insulin-free CR at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Conclusion: Therapy with VIDPP-4i was associated with a higher frequency and duration of the honeymoon phase. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

The use of vitamin D for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

As Vitamin D (VD) plays an essential role in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, this systematic review aimed to update the participation of this vitamin in the prevention or remission of these diseases. This review has included studies in MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The authors have followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis) guidelines. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty-two randomized clinical trials were selected. In all, 1,209 patients were included in this systematic review: 1034 received only VD and 175 received VD in combination with calcium. The average doses of VD supplementation were from oral 400 IU daily to 10,000 IU per kilogram of body weight. Single injection of 300,000 IU of VD was also used. Several studies have shown the crucial role that VD plays in the therapeutic approach of IBD due to its effects on the immune system. It effectively decreased inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IFN-γ (p<0.05) and provided a reduction in disease activity assessed through different scores such as Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) (p<0.05) and Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index (UCDAI) (p<0.05). Unfortunately, the available clinical trials do not have standardization of doses and routes of administration. Existing meta-analyses are biased because they compare studies using different doses or treatments in combination with different drugs or supplements such as calcium. Even though VD has crucial effects on inflammatory processes, there is still a need for standardized studies to establish how the supplementation should be performed and the doses to be administered.

Involvement of serotonergic neurotransmission in the antidepressant-like effect elicited by cholecalciferol in the chronic unpredictable stress model in mice.

Cholecalciferol deficiency has been associated with stress-related psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. Therefore, the present study investigated the antidepressant-like effect of cholecalciferol in female mice and the possible role of the serotonergic system in this response. The ability of cholecalciferol to elicit an antidepressant-like effect and to modulate serotonin levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) was also investigated. The administration of cholecalciferol (2.5, 7.5, and 25 µg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days, similar to fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o., serotonin reuptake inhibitor), reduced the immobility time in the tail suspension test, without altering the locomotor performance in the open-field test. Moreover, the administration of p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA - 100 mg/kg, i.p., for 4 days, a selective inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, involved in the serotonin synthesis) abolished the antidepressant-like effect of cholecalciferol and fluoxetine in the tail suspension test, demonstrating the involvement of serotonergic system. Additionally, CUS protocol (21 days) induced depressive-like behavior in the tail suspension test and decreased serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mice. Conversely, the administration of cholecalciferol and fluoxetine in the last 7 days of CUS protocol completely abolished the stress-induced depressive-like phenotype. Cholecalciferol was also effective to abrogate CUS-induced reduction on serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex, but not in the hippocampus. Our results indicate that cholecalciferol has an antidepressant-like effect in mice by modulating the serotonergic system and support the assumption that cholecalciferol may have beneficial effects for the management of depression.

Deficiency and Insufficiency of Vitamin D in Women of Childbearing Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis / Deficiência e insuficiência de vitamina D em mulheres na idade reprodutiva: Uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of inadequate vitamin D level and its associated factors for women of childbearing age in Brazil. Methods A systematic reviewwas conducted (last updatedMay 2020).Meta-analyses were performed using the inverse-variance for fixed models with summary proportion calculation by Freeman-Tukey double arcsine. Reporting and methodological quality were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for prevalence studies. Results Our review identified 31 studies, comprising 4,006 participants. All the studies had at least one weakness, mainly due to the use of convenience sampling and small sample size. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and both deficiency and insufficiency were 35% (confidence interval, 95%CI: 34-37%), 42% (95%CI: 41-44%), and 72% (95%CI: 71-74%), respectively. Conclusion Although the magnitude of the prevalence of inadequate levels of vitamin D is uncertain, the evidence suggests that presence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in women of reproductive age can cause moderate to severe problems.

Resumo Objetivo Estimar a prevalência de níveis inadequados de vitamina D e seus fatores associados para mulheres em idade fértil no Brasil. Métodos Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada (última atualização em maio de 2020). As meta-análises foram realizadas usando o inverso da variância para o modelo fixo com cálculo de proporção sumarizada por transformação arco-seno duplo de Freeman-Tukey. A qualidade metodológica e de reporte foi avaliada usando a ferramenta do Joanna Briggs Institute para estudos de prevalência. Resultados Nossa revisão identificou 31 estudos, compreendendo 4.006 participantes. Todos os estudos apresentaram pelo menos uma limitação, principalmente devido ao uso de amostra de conveniência e tamanho amostral pequeno. As prevalências gerais de deficiência, insuficiência e deficiência de vitamina D foram 35% (intervalo de confiança, IC 95%: 34-37%), 42% (IC 95%: 41-44%) e 72% (IC 95%: 71-74%), respectivamente. Conclusão Embora a magnitude da prevalência de níveis inadequados de vitamina D seja incerta, a evidência sugere que presença de deficiência ou insuficiência de vitamina D em mulheres em idade reprodutiva pode causar problemas moderados a graves.