scholarly journals To Supplement or not to Supplement? The Rationale of Vitamin D Supplementation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 226-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Nerviani ◽  
Daniele Mauro ◽  
Michele Gilio ◽  
Rosa Daniela Grembiale ◽  
Myles J. Lewis

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by abnormal activation of the immune system, chronic inflammation and organ damage. Lupus patients are more prone to be vitamin D deficient. However, current evidence is not conclusive with regards to the role played by vitamin D in SLE development, progression, and clinical manifestations. Objective: Here, we will summarise the current knowledge about vitamin D deficiency prevalence, risk factors, molecular effects, and potential pathogenic role in SLE. We will focus on the link between vitamin D deficiency and lupus clinical manifestations, and on the clinical trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation in SLE. Method: A detailed literature search was performed exploiting the available databases, using “vitamin D and lupus/SLE” as keywords. The relevant interventional trials published over the last decade have been considered and the results are reported here. Conclusion: Several immune cells express vitamin D receptors. Thus, an immunomodulatory role for vitamin D in lupus is plausible. Numerous observational studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and clinical/serological manifestations of SLE with contrasting results. Negative correlations between vitamin D levels and disease activity, fatigue, renal and cardiovascular disease, and anti-dsDNA titres have been described but not conclusively accepted. In experimental models of lupus, vitamin D supplementation can improve the disease. Interventional trials have assessed the potential therapeutic value of vitamin D in SLE, but further larger studies are needed.

2020 ◽  
pp. 109980042098359
Author(s):  
María Correa-Rodríguez ◽  
Gabriela Pocovi-Gerardino ◽  
José-Luis Callejas-Rubio ◽  
Raquel Ríos-Fernández ◽  
María Martín-Amada ◽  
...  

Vitamin D has immunosuppressive properties and is considered a therapeutic option, although there is controversy about the role of this vitamin in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency and their potential association with disease activity, damage accrual, SLE-related clinical manifestations, and cardiovascular risk factors in SLE patients. A cross-sectional study of 264 patients was conducted (89.4% females; mean age 46.7 ± 12.9 years). The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2 K) and the SDI Damage Index were used to assess disease activity and disease-related damage, respectively. The mean 25(OH)D value was 25.1 ± 13.0 ng/ml. Eleven patients (4.2%) had 25(OH)D <10 (deficiency) and 178 patients (70.6%) had 25(OH)D <30 (insufficiency). In the 25(OH)D deficiency group, SLEDAI was significantly higher than the insufficiency ( p = 0.001) and normal groups ( p < 0.001). Also, patients with vitamin D deficiency presented significantly higher SDI scores than patients with 25(OH)D insufficiency ( p = 0.033) and 25(OH)D normal levels ( p = 0.029). There is a high prevalence of both vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Caucasian SLE patients and this status was associated with higher SLEDAI and SDI scores, supporting the impact of vitamin D levels on disease activity and damage accrual in SLE patients. Longitudinal studies on the relationship between vitamin D status and disease activity and progression are therefore required.


2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANNA ABOU-RAYA ◽  
SUZAN ABOU-RAYA ◽  
MADIHAH HELMII

Objective.Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory autoimmune disease. Vitamin D has potent immunomodulatory properties that support its use in the treatment of autoimmune conditions, including SLE. We assessed vitamin D status in patients with SLE and determined alterations in inflammatory and hemostatic markers and disease activity before and after vitamin D supplementation.Methods.Patients with SLE (n = 267) were randomized 2:1 to receive either oral cholecalciferol 2000 IU/day or placebo for 12 months. Outcome measures included assessment of alterations in levels of proinflammatory cytokines and hemostatic markers, and improvement in disease activity before and after 12 months of supplementation. Disease activity was measured by the SLE Disease Activity Index. Vitamin D levels were measured by Liaison immunoassay (normal 30–100 ng/ml). Serum levels between 10 and 30 ng/ml were classified as vitamin D insufficiency and levels < 10 ng/ml as vitamin D deficiency.Results.The mean 25(OH)D level at baseline was 19.8 ng/ml in patients compared to 28.7 ng/ml in controls. The overall prevalence of suboptimal and deficient 25(OH)D serum levels among patients with SLE at baseline was 69% and 39%, respectively. Lower 25(OH)D levels correlated significantly with higher SLE disease activity. At 12 months of therapy, there was a significant improvement in levels of inflammatory and hemostatic markers as well as disease activity in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.Conclusion.Vitamin D supplementation in patients with SLE is recommended because increased vitamin D levels seem to ameliorate inflammatory and hemostatic markers and show a tendency toward subsequent clinical improvement. Clinical Trial Registry NCT01425775.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. IMI.S40035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nouran M. Abaza ◽  
Reem M. El-Mallah ◽  
Asmaa Shaaban ◽  
Sameh A. Mobasher ◽  
Khaled F. Al-hassanein ◽  
...  

Background The emerging role of vitamin D in immunology and autoimmune disorders has been a worldwide interest in the last decade. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are particularly at a delicate position predisposing them to suffer from vitamin D deficiency due to the multiple risk factors accompanying the disease. Whether vitamin D deficiency is also involved as a risk factor for developing SLE and affecting its course is a considerable concern. Objectives The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in SLE patients and its relation to disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our observational cross-sectional study, serum levels of vitamin D [25(OH)D] in 60 SLE patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assessed and estimated for deficiency and insufficiency at 10 and 30 ng/mL, respectively. Disease activity was evaluated by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), irreversible organ damage by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR DI), and severity by Severity of Disease Index. Fatigue was measured by visual analog scale. Results Significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D were found in SLE patients (17.6 ± 6.9 ng/mL) in comparison to controls (79.0 ± 28.7 ng/mL), with a statistically high significant difference ( t = -11.2, P < 0.001). High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was detected as 73.3% and 23.3%, respectively. Vitamin D had a highly significant negative correlation with SLEDAI ( r = -0.495, P < 0.001), SLICC ( r = -0.431, P < 0.05), and fatigue ( r = -0.436, P < 0.05). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were found to be prevalent in SLE patients in our study and related to disease activity and fatigue. If needed, routine screening and consequent repletion of vitamin D are recommended in SLE patients. Restoring adequate vitamin D levels in SLE patients should be more explored as a potential yet simple measure to their usual management to improve their condition.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 256-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rada Miskovic ◽  
Aleksandra Plavsic ◽  
Sanvila Raskovic ◽  
Zikica Jovicic ◽  
Jasna Bolpacic

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies indicate potential role of vitamin D as an important factor in the development of many autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with SLE are especially prone to the development of vitamin D deficiency due to the nature of their illness.AIM: The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with SLE in Serbia, to identify clinical variables associated with vitamin D status and to examine the impact of vitamin D status on disease activity and presence of specific lupus autoantibodies.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 46 patients with SLE. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured by electrohemiluminiscent immunoassay.RESULTS: The mean serum concentration of 25(OH)D was 11.9 ± 7.3 ng/ml. The prevalence of insufficiency was 32.6%, while the prevalence of deficiency was 67.4%. There was no association between vitamin D status and photosensitivity, skin lesions, arthritis and lupus nephritis. Vitamin D status was not associated with the presence of specific autoantibodies. There was no correlation between disease activity assessed by SLEDAI scale with the concentration of 25(OH)D. Patients who used vitamin D supplements and calcium did not have a significantly higher concentration of 25(OH)D.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with SLE.


Author(s):  
Iu.V. Davydova ◽  
◽  
A.Y. Lymanskaya ◽  
O.M. Kravets ◽  
◽  
...  

The aim is to analyze the effectiveness of correction vitamin D deficiency in the treatment of anemia in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Materials and methods. Concomitant documented levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, hemoglobin, ferritin, and serum iron in a group of women with SLE who applied for preconception counseling were analyzed. All women were in remission for SLE activity within 5 to 6 months. A total of 54 women were involved in iron metabolism disorders (decreased ferritin, hemoglobin, serum iron). Vitamin D deficiency was detected at <30 ng/ml, and anemia at hemoglobin <120 g/l. Group 1 consisted of 32 women with vitamin D levels <30 ng/ml who received antianemic therapy with ferrous sulfate with ascorbic acid, correction of vitamin D deficiency with Olidetrim 2000 U (Polpharma), and group 2 — women with vitamin D levels <30 ng/ml (n=22) who received antianemic therapy with ferrous sulfate with ascorbic acid and a vitamin complex containing vitamin D 400 U. The groups were comparable by the main demographic indicators (age, education, socio-economic level). In both groups, iron metabolism and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were monitored in 4 weeks after treatment. Results and conclusions. Women with SLE have a high risk of chronic inflammatory anemia development, which can be combined with iron deficiency anemia. To improve the results of treatment, it is proposed to introduce supplementation with a high dose of vitamin D (Olidetrim 2000 U), into complex therapy which contributes to the effectiveness of correction of deficiency of this vitamin, as well as the onset of long-term recovery of iron store, hemoglobin concentration. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent of women was obtained for the research. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Key words: vitamin D deficiency, pregnant women, systemic lupus erythematosus, supplementation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kendra A Young ◽  
Melissa E Munroe ◽  
Joel M Guthridge ◽  
Diane L Kamen ◽  
Timothy B Niewold ◽  
...  

ObjectiveWe examined whether measures of vitamin D were associated with transitioning to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in individuals at risk for SLE.Methods436 individuals who reported having a relative with SLE but who did not have SLE themselves were evaluated at baseline and again an average of 6.3 (±3.9) years later. Fifty-six individuals transitioned to SLE (≥4 cumulative American College of Rheumatology criteria). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were measured by ELISA. Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms in four vitamin D genes were genotyped. Generalised estimating equations, adjusting for correlation within families, were used to test associations between the vitamin D variables and the outcome of transitioning to SLE.ResultsMean baseline 25[OH]D levels (p=0.42) and vitamin D supplementation (p=0.65) were not different between those who did and did not transition to SLE. Vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D <20 ng/mL) was greater in those who transitioned compared with those who did not transition to SLE (46% vs 33%, p=0.05). The association between 25[OH]D and SLE was modified by CYP24A1 rs4809959, where for each additional minor allele increased 25[OH]D was associated with decreased SLE risk: zero minor alleles (adjusted OR: 1.03, CI 0.98 to 1.09), one minor allele (adjusted OR: 1.01, CI 0.97 to 1.05) and two minor alleles (adjusted OR: 0.91, CI 0.84 to 0.98). Similarly, vitamin D deficiency significantly increased the risk of transitioning to SLE in those with two minor alleles at rs4809959 (adjusted OR: 4.90, CI 1.33 to 18.04).ConclusionsVitamin D status and CYP24A1 may have a combined role in the transition to SLE in individuals at increased genetic risk for SLE.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Vergara ◽  
Angels Martinez-Ferrer ◽  
Elvira Vicens ◽  
Elia Valls ◽  
Jose Oller ◽  
...  

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