Association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with HDL-cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk biomarkers in subjects with non-cardiac chest pain

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and anethole ameliorate lipid abnormalities, oxidative injury, hypercholesterolemia, heart, and liver conditions

Fennel seeds and flaxseed have been traditionally used against many medical ailments due to their medicinal characteristics. The aim of the study was to investigate the health properties of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and anethole from flaxseed and fennel seeds in rats fed with high-fat diet. Histopathological changes in the heart and liver were also examined. Sixty rats were divided into two main groups. Group I (10 rats) was used as a negative control group and fed on the basal diet only. Group II (50 rats) was fed a hypercholesterolemic diet but not given any drugs during the trial for 2 weeks. This group was further divided into five subgroups (10 rats each). One of them was fed on the basal diet and used as a positive control group. However, the other four subgroups were fed on basal diets and anethole (20 mg/kg/day, orally), SDG (20 mg/kg/day, orally), a mixture of anethole + SDG (10 + 10 mg/kg/day, orally), and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day, orally) for 6 weeks. Compared to control, treatment with a combination of anethole + SDG showed a significant (p ≤ .05) improvement in serum levels of triglyceride (TG) (137.88 ± 1.61 mg/dL), total cholesterol-(TC) (180.12 ± 8.99 mg/dL), LDL-C (46.40 ± 6.67 mg/dL), VLDL-C (11.81 ± 1.07 mg/dL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (75.97 ± 6.92 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (34.83 ± 2.17 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (130.65 ± 1.05 U/L), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (30.12 ± 1.89 mmol/g), and improved activities of catalase (70.99 ± 3.29 U/g) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (35.13 ± 2.53 U/dL) enzymes while SDG and anethole group had relatively less impact. Atorvastatin also improved serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and VLDL-C significantly and rose serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels considerably meanwhile it had a minor but negative impact on AST, ALT, and ALP, and negligible impact on activities of MDA, CAT, and SOD enzymes compared to the positive control group. The study revealed that combining anethole and SDG may improve dyslipidemia, improve lipid profile, decrease risks of chronic heart diseases, increase HDL-C, and enhance antioxidant enzymes' activities.

The levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and lipid profiles in patients with calcaneal spur

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin levels and lipid profiles in patients with calcaneal spurs.

Patients and methods

Between March 2018 and June 2019, a total of 50 patients (30 males, 20 females; mean age: 39.8±8.1 years; range, 24 to 54 years) admitted to our clinic with heel pain and diagnosed with heel spurs based on radiographic images were included. The control group consisted of 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (32 males, 18 females; mean age: 35.7±9.6 years; range, 20 to 56 years). Blood samples were collected from all participants. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride, phosphate, and calcium levels were measured using the colorimetric method. The PTH and 25(OH)D levels were measured using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Calcitonin levels were detected using the chemiluminescent immunometric assay.

Results

In the patients with calcaneal spurs, 25(OH)D and HDL-C levels were significantly lower (p<0.001), while LDL-C, triglyceride, and PTH levels were significantly higher (p<0.05, p<0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the calcium, phosphate, body mass index, and calcitonin levels between the groups.

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that calcaneal spur formation is associated not only with weight-related pressure, but also with lipid levels and hormonal alterations involved in calcium metabolism. Based on these findings, hormonal alterations and lipids should be considered in patients with calcaneal spurs.

Longitudinal Analysis of 1α,25-dihidroxyvitamin D3 and Homocysteine Changes in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

Vitamin D₃ and homocysteine level abnormalities are both strongly related to colorectal cancer (CRC) etiology. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the longitudinal change in these two parameters and the relationships between the two, in addition with other clinicopathological and laboratory parameters. A swoosh-shaped trend was observed for the change in serum homocysteine levels of all of the CRC patients. The circulating vitamin D₃ level was constant or increased in those patients without metastasis. After an initial increase, the disease-worsening effect of metastases cancelled out all of the positive effects of vitamin D₃ in metastatic patients, even despite its continuous supplementation. Right-sided tumors, male sex, and the pathological values of serum lipids, albumin, total protein, and inflammatory markers were associated with lower vitamin D₃ and higher homocysteine level. Based on our results, we recommend a modified vitamin D₃ supplementation regimen for metastatic CRC, which includes laboratory measurement-based titration.

Abstract

Background: 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)₂D₃) and homocysteine are known to play a role in the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer (CRC). In health, the two changes are inversely proportional to each other, but little is known about their combined effect in CRC. Methods: The serum 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and the homocysteine levels of eighty-six CRC patients were measured, who were enrolled into four cohorts based on the presence of metastases (Adj vs. Met) and vitamin D₃ supplementation (ND vs. D). Results: 1,25(OH)₂D₃ was constant (Adj-ND), increased significantly (Adj-D, p = 0.0261), decreased (Met-ND), or returned close to the baseline after an initial increase (Met-D). The longitudinal increase in 1,25(OH)₂D₃ (HR: 0.9130, p = 0.0111) positively affected the overall survival in non-metastatic CRC, however, this effect was cancelled out in those with metastasis (p = 0.0107). The increase in homocysteine negatively affected both the overall (HR: 1.0940, p = 0.0067) and the progression-free survival (HR: 1.0845, p = 0.0073). Lower 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and/or higher homocysteine level was characteristic for patients with higher serum lipids, albumin, total protein, white blood cell and platelet count, male sex, and right-sided tumors. No statistically justifiable connection was found between the target variables. Conclusions: A measurement-based titration of vitamin D₃ supplementation and better management of comorbidities are recommended for CRC.

Monocyte-to-HDL Ratio (MHR) Predicts Vitamin D Deficiency in Healthy and Metabolic Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in 1048 Subjects

Vitamin D deficiency is often linked with Metabolic Syndrome, both being more frequent with ageing and associated with an increase inflammatory state. Recently, monocytes-to-high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) has emerged as a powerful index to predict systemic inflammation. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the association between circulating vitamin D level (25-OH vitamin D) and inflammatory status in a population of 1048 adult individuals. Our study reveals an inverse association between 25-OH vitamin D levels and MHR in the overall population. When the population is stratified by gender, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI), we observed that while in men this relation is strongly significative only in condition of central obesity, in women a lifelong negative correlation exists between circulating 25-OH vitamin D and MHR and it is independent of the metabolic status. These observations underscore the relevance of circulating biomarkers such as MHR in the prediction of systemic inflammatory conditions sustained by vitamin D deficiency also in healthy and young women.

Serum Vitamin D Levels and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Complication in Diabetes

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a significant contributor to dyslipidemia, which can contribute in cardiovascular complications. Vitamin D is crucial in preventing chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease (cardiovascular disease [CVD]). AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between Vitamin D levels and cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is cross-sectional in nature. The study sampled 89 diabetic patients who met the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria. After a 10 h fast, a venous blood test is performed to determine Vitamin D levels, apolipoprotein-A levels, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride levels. The data are analyzed using SPSS. The Pearson correlation test (p > 0.05) was used to determine the connection. RESULT: Vitamin D levels were found to correlate with Apo-A1, TC, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels (p = 0.05), but not with LDL-C levels (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation may assist DMT2 patients minimize their chance of developing CVD problems.

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Is Inversely Associated with Monocyte Percentage to HDL Cholesterol Ratio among Young Healthy Adults in Qatar

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is linked to an altered lipid profile. Monocytes play an important role in inflammation and lipid metabolism. Recently, monocyte percentage to HDL-cholesterol ratio (MHR) has emerged as a novel marker of inflammation. We investigated the association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and MHR and serum lipids in young healthy adults. Data from the Qatar Biobank were utilized to investigate the relation between serum 25(OH)D and inflammation and serum lipid concentrations in healthy Qatari adults using multivariate regression analysis. Prevalence of serum 25(OH)D concentrations <12 ng/mL (deficiency), 12-20 ng/mL (insufficiency), and ≥20 ng/mL (sufficiency) were 55.8%, 29.9%, and 14.3%, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D was significantly inversely associated with monocyte percentage, MHR, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerol in multivariable adjusted analysis. MHR could be a potential biomarker to predict cardiometabolic diseases among young healthy Qataris.

Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I is Required for 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Cellular Uptake and Signaling in Myeloid Cells

SCOPE

Vitamin D₃ is a critical molecule for the properly controlled activity of the immune system. In myeloid-derived cells, vitamin D₃ induces the production of the antimicrobial and antitumor peptide cathelicidin. In this study, the mechanism of the entry of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) in myeloid-derived cells is explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, a novel regulatory pathway of vitamin D₃ biology is described. Using a polyclonal antibody, two different chemical inhibitors, and a high-density lipoprotein as a competing ligand, it is demonstrated here that the 25(OH)D signaling pathway in myeloid cells depends on scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-B1). This effect is observed in the THP-1 monocytic cell line and in human primary monocytes. SR-B1 blockade abrogates the cellular uptake of 25(OH)D leading to a general shut down of the gene transcription program modulated by 25(OH)D. The results obtained at the transcriptional level are confirmed at the protein and functional level for CD14 in the THP-1 cell line.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, SR-B1 plays a critical role in vitamin D₃ biology, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Unclear Abdominal Pain in Patients from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Background: Abdominal pain is one of the commonest symptoms in emergency departments (EDs). Diagnosis demands full attention and critical thinking, since many diseases manifest atypically and the consequences of overlooking the symptoms may be disastrous. Despite intensive diagnostic procedures, some cases remain elusive and unclear abdominal pain (UAP) is not infrequent. Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that functional pain might be attributed to vitamin D deficiency (VDD). People with darker or covered skin are predisposed to developing VDD. Patients in Switzerland stemming from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are such a population. Aim: To identify cases with UAP in LMIC patients and to compare vitamin D status with a control group. Methods: A retrospective single-center case-control study was carried out from 1 January 2013 to 31 August 2016 in all adult patients (more than 16 years old) stemming from LMIC and presenting at the university ED of Bern with abdominal pain. Vitamin D status was retrieved from these cases when available. The control group consisted of patients without abdominal pain or metabolic diseases and was matched (1:1) to the cases for age, gender, body mass index, geographic distribution, and season of vitamin D estimation. Results: A total of 10,308 cases from LMIC were reported to the ED. In total, 223 cases were identified with UAP. The status of vitamin D was available for 27 patients; 27 matched individuals were subsequently retrieved for the control group. Women made up 56.7% of the UAP group and 43.3% of the control group. The most common origin of the LMIC subjects was southern Europe (20.4%), followed by southern Asia (16.7%) and Eastern Europe (13%). Fourteen UAP patients exhibited severe VDD (<25 nmol/L) versus one in the control group (p = 0.001). The difference remained significant if the patients were identified as having VDD (<50 nmol/L) or not (p = 0.024). Comparison of the means indicated that the UAP group had lower vitamin D levels than the control group (41.3 vs. 53.7 nmol/L, respectively), but this difference was marginal (p = 0.060) and not statistically significant. After adjustment for potential confounders, including gender, mean vitamin D levels remained non-significantly different between groups. In the sub-group analysis, vitamin D levels were lower in women than in men (p = 0.037), compared to the respective controls. Conclusion: This study showed for the first time that patients from LMIC who presented to ED with UAP displayed VDD. Validation from larger studies is warranted to evaluate the linkage of VDD with UAP.