scholarly journals High-dose vitamin D3 reduces deficiency caused by low UVB exposure and limits HIV-1 replication in urban Southern Africans

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (26) ◽  
pp. 8052-8057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna K. Coussens ◽  
Celeste E. Naude ◽  
Rene Goliath ◽  
George Chaplin ◽  
Robert J. Wilkinson ◽  
...  

Cape Town, South Africa, has a seasonal pattern of UVB radiation and a predominantly dark-skinned urban population who suffer high HIV-1 prevalence. This coexistent environmental and phenotypic scenario puts residents at risk for vitamin D deficiency, which may potentiate HIV-1 disease progression. We conducted a longitudinal study in two ethnically distinct groups of healthy young adults in Cape Town, supplemented with vitamin D3 in winter, to determine whether vitamin D status modifies the response to HIV-1 infection and to identify the major determinants of vitamin D status (UVB exposure, diet, pigmentation, and genetics). Vitamin D deficiency was observed in the majority of subjects in winter and in a proportion of individuals in summer, was highly correlated with UVB exposure, and was associated with greater HIV-1 replication in peripheral blood cells. High-dosage oral vitamin D3 supplementation attenuated HIV-1 replication, increased circulating leukocytes, and reversed winter-associated anemia. Vitamin D3 therefore presents as a low-cost supplementation to improve HIV-associated immunity.

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Pepe ◽  
Ivano Mezzaroma ◽  
Alessandra Fantauzzi ◽  
Mario Falciano ◽  
Alessandra Salotti ◽  
...  

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3176
Author(s):  
Sharon M. Anderson ◽  
Andrea R. Thurman ◽  
Neelima Chandra ◽  
Suzanne S. Jackson ◽  
Susana Asin ◽  
...  

While vitamin D insufficiency is known to impact a multitude of health outcomes, including HIV-1, little is known about the role of vitamin D-mediated immune regulation in the female reproductive tract (FRT). We performed a pilot clinical study of 20 women with circulating 25(OH)D levels <62.5 nmol/L. Participants were randomized into either weekly or daily high-dose oral vitamin D supplementation groups. In addition to serum vitamin D levels, genital mucosal endpoints, including soluble mediators, immune cell populations, gene expression, and ex vivo HIV-1 infection, were assessed. While systemic vitamin D levels showed a significant increase following supplementation, these changes translated into modest effects on the cervicovaginal factors studied. Paradoxically, post-supplementation vitamin D levels were decreased in cervicovaginal fluids. Given the strong correlation between vitamin D status and HIV-1 infection and the widespread nature of vitamin D deficiency, further understanding of the role of vitamin D immunoregulation in the female reproductive tract is important.


Endocrine ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 299-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Pepe ◽  
Ivano Mezzaroma ◽  
Alessandra Fantauzzi ◽  
Mario Falciano ◽  
Alessandra Salotti ◽  
...  

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 499
Author(s):  
Bruce N. Ames ◽  
William B. Grant ◽  
Walter C. Willett

African Americans have higher incidence of, and mortality from, many health-related problems than European Americans. They also have a 15 to 20-fold higher prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency. Here we summarize evidence that: (i) this health disparity is partly due to insufficient vitamin D production, caused by melanin in the skin blocking the UVB solar radiation necessary for its synthesis; (ii) the vitamin D insufficiency is exacerbated at high latitudes because of the combination of dark skin color with lower UVB radiation levels; and (iii) the health of individuals with dark skin can be markedly improved by correcting deficiency and achieving an optimal vitamin D status, as could be obtained by supplementation and/or fortification. Moderate-to-strong evidence exists that high 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and/or vitamin D supplementation reduces risk for many adverse health outcomes including all-cause mortality rate, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, cancer, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, multiple sclerosis, acute respiratory tract infections, COVID-19, asthma exacerbations, rickets, and osteomalacia. We suggest that people with low vitamin D status, which would include most people with dark skin living at high latitudes, along with their health care provider, consider taking vitamin D3 supplements to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) or possibly higher.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 214-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Crotti ◽  
Andrea Becciolini ◽  
Martina Biggioggero ◽  
Ennio Giulio Favalli

Background: Spondyloarthritides (SpAs) encompass heterogeneous diseases sharing similar genetic background, pathogenic mechanisms, and phenotypic features. Vitamin D is essential for calcium metabolism and skeletal homeostasis. Some recent evidences reported supplemental functions of vitamin D, such as modulation of inflammatory reactions. Objective: To analyze published data about a possible association between vitamin D and SpAs. Results: Vitamin D could play a role in immune reactions, influencing both immune and adaptive response. Vitamin D deficiency is more frequent in SpAs than in general population: an active and more severe disease infers patients’ mobility and reduces sunlight exposure. Quiescent inflammatory bowel disease, frequently associated with SpAs, could worsen vitamin D deficiency. All the parameters related to UVB exposure are the most important determinants for vitamin D status and need to be considered evaluating the vitamin D levels in SpAs. Apart from musculoskeletal problems, patients affected by SpAs frequently suffer from other comorbidities, especially cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis, and vitamin D status could have a relevance in this field. Bone is involved in SpAs with a dualistic role, coexisting trabecular bone resorption and new bone formation. It seems rational to monitor vitamin D levels in SpA subjects and to target it to global health threshold. Conclusion: Literature data were not completely in agreement about a possible relation between poor vitamin D status and onset or worse disease course of SpAs. In fact, these results come from cross-sectional studies, which affect our ability to infer causality. Therefore, large, randomized controlled trials are needed.


2009 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. CMWH.S2031
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Peterson ◽  
Mary E. Heffernan ◽  
Kay A. Sisk ◽  
Susan M. Ring

Background Vitamin D is a key nutrient in bone health and the vitamin D status of individuals with regular exposure to solar or artificial ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is generally superior to those with limited exposure. Objective By means of a cross-sectional, observational design, explore the association of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and biochemical markers of bone turnover across a spectrum of vitamin D status by comparing women who regularly use tanning beds with women of minimal UVB exposure. Methods A total of 69 healthy women, ages 25–82 y, were recruited. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), leptin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC), and C-terminal telopeptides of Type I collagen (CTx) were measured. Results There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, BMI and dietary intakes between groups. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly higher in tanners (n = 20) compared with non-tanners (n = 49) (p < 0.0001). Serum iPTH concentrations were lower in tanners than in non-tanners (p < 0.0001) and were negatively correlated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations (r = –4571, p < 0.0001). Of the bone turnover markers, only serum OC concentrations were lower in tanners compared with non-tanners (p = 0.0002). After adjusting for age and menopausal status, osteocalcin was negatively correlated (r = –0.0178; p = 0.04) with 25(OH)D and positively correlated with iPTH (r = 0.035; p = 0.05). Conclusions Our results show healthy women with regular UVB exposure via tanning beds have significantly greater vitamin D status and lower serum osteocalcin concentrations than those without and that there is a significant inverse relationship between serum serum 25(OH)D and osteocalcin concentrations which appears to be PTH-dependent.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4261-4261
Author(s):  
Ashutosh Lal ◽  
Ida Micaily ◽  
Drucilla Foote ◽  
Ellen Fung

Abstract Abstract 4261 Osteoporosis in thalassemia is extremely common and preventive approaches are required to avoid serious complications in adults. Vitamin D deficiency, which contributes to suboptimal bone mineralization, is frequently observed in thalassemia despite routine prescription for supplementation with 400–800 IU vitamin D per day. Screening for vitamin D status was conducted in 71 patients with thalassemia, of which 52 were transfusion-dependent and 19 were transfusion-independent (including 11 patients with hemoglobin H or H Constant Spring disease). Baseline assessment of plasma 25-OH vitamin D revealed 57 (80.3%) patients were either deficient (<20 ng/mL, 47.9%) or insufficient (20-30 ng/mL, 32.4%). Significantly more patients in the transfusion-independent group were deficient in vitamin D compared with transfusion-dependent group (78.9% versus 36.5%, p=0.003). The mean parathyroid hormone level in patients with 25-OH D <20 ng/mL was 35.4 ± 19.6 pg/mL compared to 28.2 ± 17.1 pg/mL in those with ≥20 ng/mL (p=NS). We studied the efficacy of supervised adminstration of high-dose (50,000 IU) oral ergocalciferol every 3 weeks during transfusion visits in 20 patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The mean 25-OH D level increased from 14.0 to 22.9 ng/mL (p<0.001) over a four-month period. A single dose of ergocalciferol given every 3 weeks increased the plasma 25-OH D level by 2.2 ± 2.3 ng/mL. No patient developed toxic 25-OH D level (>80 ng/mL) during the course of the study. These results show that vitamin D deficiency remains widespread despite daily low-dose supplementation. Non-transfused patients are at even greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, which may reflect less attention to nutrition in this group compared to the transfusion-dependent patients. We have found that supervised high-dose oral ergocalciferol supplementation is simple, safe, non-invasive and predictable method to improve vitamin D status in thalassemia. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2015 ◽  
Vol 85 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Aleksova ◽  
Rita Belfiore ◽  
Cosimo Carriere ◽  
Salam Kassem ◽  
Salvatore La Carrubba ◽  
...  

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


2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moshe Ben-Shoshan

This review summarizes studies discussing vitamin D status in adults and reveals that vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is highly prevalent in adults and that current fortification and supplementation policies are inadequate. Background and aims: Studies suggest a crucial role for adequate vitamin D status in various health conditions including bone metabolism, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and allergies. However, relatively little is known about poor vitamin D status and unmet needs in adults. This report aims to highlight the contribution of epidemiologic studies (through the identification of health effects and societal burden) to the development of vitamin D fortification and supplementation policies and reveal unmet global challenges in adults. Methods: In order to assess worldwide vitamin D status in adults, the search strategy combined the medical literature database MEDLINE (using PubMed) for the time period between January 1, 1980 and February 28, 2011, using the key words “vitamin D” “deficiency” and “insufficiency”, and included articles in which access to full text was possible and in which healthy adults were assessed according to one of four commonly used vitamin D threshold classifications. Results: This report reveals that vitamin D deficiency occurs in 4.10 % [95 % CI (confidence interval), 3.93 %, 4.27 %] to 55.05 % (54.07 %, 56.03 %) of adults, while insufficiency occurs in 26.07 % (24.82 %, 27.33 %) to 78.50 % (77.85 %, 79.16 %), depending on the classification used. However, lack of overlap in CIs and high value of I2 statistics indicate considerable heterogeneity between studies. Further, certain populations (i. e. dark-skinned individuals, immigrants, and pregnant women) may be at higher risk for poor vitamin D status. Conclusion: Current policies for vitamin D supplementation and fortification are inadequate and new guidelines are required to improve vitamin D status in adults.


2016 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 533-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gauree Gupta Konijeti ◽  
Pankaj Arora ◽  
Matthew R. Boylan ◽  
Yanna Song ◽  
Shi Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Context: Although studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with immune-mediated diseases, data demonstrating a direct effect on T-cell function are sparse. Objective: Our objective was to determine whether oral vitamin D3 influences T-cell activation in humans with vitamin D deficiency. Design: This was a single-center ancillary study within Vitamin D Therapy in Individuals at High Risk of Hypertension, a double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Setting: This study was undertaken in a single academic medical center. Participants: Adults with vitamin D deficiency and untreated pre- or early stage I hypertension were included. Intervention: In Vitamin D Therapy in Individuals at High Risk of Hypertension, participants were randomized to either low- (400 IU daily) or high- (4000 IU daily) dose oral vitamin D3 for 6 months. In this ancillary study of 38 patients, we measured CD4+ T-cell activation estimated by intracellular ATP release after stimulation of whole blood with plant lectin phytohemagglutinin collected at baseline (pretreatment) and 2-month follow-up. Main Outcome Measure: Determining whether ATP level changes were significantly different between treatment groups was the main outcome measure. Results: Treatment with 4000 IU of vitamin D3 decreased intracellular CD4+ ATP release by 95.5 ng/ml (interquartile range, −219.5 to 105.8). In contrast, 400 IU of vitamin D3 decreased intracellular CD4+ ATP release by 0.5 ng/ml (interquartile range, −69.2 to 148.5). In a proportional odds model, high-dose vitamin D3 was more likely than low-dose vitamin D3 to decrease CD4+ ATP release (odds ratio, 3.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.11). Conclusions: In this ancillary study of a randomized controlled trial, we found that high-dose vitamin D3 significantly reduced CD4+ T-cell activation compared to low-dose vitamin D3, providing human evidence that vitamin D can influence cell-mediated immunity.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document