Cholecalciferol plus calcium suppresses abnormal PBMC reactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis

The Effectiveness of Vitamin D Intake in Improving Symptoms and Relapses of Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

There are disagreements over the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' symptoms and reducing relapses. The goal of this systematic review is to assess the effect of vitamin D supplements on improving symptoms and relapses in MS patients. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted by searching eight databases: Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The RoB 2 tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies that were included in the analysis. From the 1,345 studies identified, 16 randomized controlled trials were selected. All studies reported that vitamin D administration significantly increased the mean serum 25(OH)D compared with the placebo group. Also, most included studies revealed a significant improvement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain lesion markers. However, most studies showed that being treated with vitamin D instead of placebo showed no significant effect on relapse rates, fatigue, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), calcium, and cytokine levels, except for quality-of-life transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). This systematic review shows that the effect of vitamin D supplements on improving symptoms and relapses during treatment in MS patients remains inconclusive.

Nutritional interventional studies in patients with multiple sclerosis: a scoping review of the current clinical evidence

A good nutritional status appears to slow down disease progression and ameliorate symptoms' intensity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Up to date, there are several interventional studies, which have explored the potential beneficial effects of specific dietary patterns as well as specific bioactive nutrients against disease progression and symptomatology of MS patients. This is a thorough, scoping review, which aims to critically summarize and scrutinize the currently available clinical evidence of the potential beneficial effects of nutritional interventional studies against MS progression and symptomatology. This review was conducted to systematically map the research done in this area, as well as to identify gaps in knowledge. For this purpose, we thoroughly explored the most accurate scientific web databases, e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to achieve the most relevant clinical human studies applying effective and characteristic keywords. There are currently several dietary patterns and specific bioactive nutrients that show promising results by slowing down disease progression and by improving MS symptoms. However, there are also certain conflicting results, while most of the existing studies enrolled a small number of MS patients. Nutritional interventions may exert substantial protective effects against MS progression and symptomatology. However, large, long-term, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials with a prospective design are strongly recommended to delineate whether such nutritional intervention may attenuate disease progression, and improve symptomatology in MS patients.

Controlling Chronic Diseases and Acute Infections with Vitamin D Sufficiency

Apart from developmental disabilities, the prevalence of chronic diseases increases with age especially in those with co-morbidities: vitamin D deficiency plays a major role in it. Whether vitamin D deficiency initiates and/or aggravates chronic diseases or vice versa is unclear. It adversely affects all body systems but can be eliminated using proper doses of vitamin D supplementation and/or safe daily sun exposure. Maintaining the population serum 25(OH)D concentration above 40 ng/mL (i.e., sufficiency) ensures a sound immune system, minimizing symptomatic diseases and reducing infections and the prevalence of chronic diseases. This is the most cost-effective way to keep a population healthy and reduce healthcare costs. Vitamin D facilitates physiological functions, overcoming pathologies such as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress and maintaining broader immune functions. These are vital to overcoming chronic diseases and infections. Therefore, in addition to following essential public health and nutritional guidance, maintaining vitamin D sufficiency should be an integral part of better health, preventing acute and chronic diseases and minimize their complications. Those with severe vitamin D deficiency have the highest burdens of co-morbidities and are more vulnerable to developing complications and untimely deaths. Vitamin D adequacy improves innate and adaptive immune systems. It controls excessive inflammation and oxidative stress, generates antimicrobial peptides, and neutralizes antibodies via immune cells. Consequently, vitamin D sufficiency reduces infections and associated complications and deaths. Maintaining vitamin D sufficiency reduces chronic disease burden, illnesses, hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality. Vulnerable communities, such as ethnic minorities living in temperate countries, older people, those with co-morbidities, routine night workers, and institutionalized persons, have the highest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency-they would significantly benefit from vitamin D and targeted micronutrient supplementation. At least now, health departments, authorities, and health insurance companies should start assessing, prioritizing, and encouraging this economical, non-prescription, safe micronutrient to prevent and treat acute and chronic diseases. This approach will significantly reduce morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs and ensure healthy aging.

Vitamin D as an adjunct to antibiotics for the treatment of acute childhood pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Children with acute pneumonia may be vitamin D deficient. Clinical trials have found that prophylactic vitamin D supplementation decreases children's risk of developing pneumonia. Data on the therapeutic effects of vitamin D in acute childhood pneumonia are limited. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2018.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation as an adjunct to antibiotics for the treatment of acute childhood pneumonia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trial registries on 28 December 2021. We applied no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared vitamin D supplementation with placebo in children (aged one month to five years) hospitalised with acute community-acquired pneumonia, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) acute respiratory infection guidelines. For this update, we reappraised eligible trials according to research integrity criteria, excluding RCTs published from April 2018 that were not prospectively registered in a trials registry according to WHO or Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI) guidelines (it was not mandatory to register clinical trials in India before April 2018).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and extracted data. For dichotomous data, we extracted the number of participants experiencing the outcome and the total number of participants in each treatment group. For continuous data, we used the arithmetic mean and standard deviation (SD) for each treatment group together with number of participants in each group. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

In this update, we included three new trials involving 468 children, bringing the total number of trials to seven, with 1601 children (631 with pneumonia and 970 with severe or very severe pneumonia). We categorised three previously included studies and three new studies as 'awaiting classification' based on the research integrity screen. Five trials used a single bolus dose of vitamin D (300,000 IU in one trial and 100,000 IU in four trials) at the onset of illness or within 24 hours of hospital admission; one used a daily dose of oral vitamin D (1000 IU for children aged up to one year and 2000 IU for children aged over one year) for five days; and one used variable doses (on day 1, 20,000 IU in children younger than six months, 50,000 IU in children aged six to 12 months, and 100,000 IU in children aged 13 to 59 months; followed by 10,000 IU/day for four days or until discharge). Three trials performed microbiological diagnosis of pneumonia, radiological diagnosis of pneumonia, or both. Vitamin D probably has little or no effect on the time to resolution of acute illness (mean difference (MD) -1.28 hours, 95% confidence interval (CI) -5.47 to 2.91; 5 trials, 1188 children; moderate-certainty evidence). We do not know if vitamin D has an effect on the duration of hospitalisation (MD 4.96 hours, 95% CI -8.28 to 18.21; 5 trials, 1023 children; very low-certainty evidence). We do not know if vitamin D has an effect on mortality rate (risk ratio (RR) 0.69, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.07; 3 trials, 584 children; low-certainty evidence). The trials reported no major adverse events. According to GRADE criteria, the evidence was of very low-to-moderate certainty for all outcomes, owing to serious trial limitations, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Three trials received funding: one from the New Zealand Aid Corporation, one from an institutional grant, and one from multigovernment organisations (Bangladesh, Sweden, and UK). The remaining four trials were unfunded.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available evidence, we are uncertain whether vitamin D supplementation has important effects on outcomes of acute pneumonia when used as an adjunct to antibiotics. The trials reported no major adverse events. Uncertainty in the evidence is due to imprecision, risk of bias, inconsistency, and indirectness.

Full spectrum of vitamin D immunomodulation in multiple sclerosis: mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with the risk of multiple sclerosis, disease activity and progression. Results from in vitro experiments, animal models and analysis of human samples from randomized controlled trials provide comprehensive data illustrating the pleiotropic actions of Vitamin D on the immune system. They globally result in immunomodulation by decreasing differentiation of effector T and B cells while promoting regulatory subsets. Vitamin D also modulates innate immune cells such as macrophages, monocytes and dendritic cells, and acts at the level of the blood–brain barrier reducing immune cell trafficking. Vitamin D exerts additional activity within the central nervous system reducing microglial and astrocytic activation. The immunomodulatory role of Vitamin D detected in animal models of multiple sclerosis has suggested its potential therapeutic use for treating multiple sclerosis. In this review, we focus on recent published data describing the biological effects of Vitamin D in animal models of multiple sclerosis on immune cells, blood–brain barrier function, activation of glial cells and its potential neuroprotective effects. Based on the current knowledge, we also discuss optimization of therapeutic interventions with Vitamin D in patients with multiple sclerosis, as well as new technologies allowing in-depth analysis of immune cell regulations by vitamin D.

The association between vitamin D and uveitis: A comprehensive review

Vitamin D plays an important role in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. We review published data on the relationship between uveitis and vitamin D levels or vitamin D-associated gene polymorphisms. A search of the PubMed and Medline databases was conducted to identify relevant articles concerning vitamin D and uveitis. Sixteen studies were included in this review, and the evidence they present, linking low vitamin D levels with uveitis, is compelling. The uveitic entities shown to be modulated by hypovitaminosis D include, but are not limited to, HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease, sarcoidosis-associated uveitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis. Specific polymorphisms of vitamin D family genes were found to correlate with uveitis in ankylosing spondylitis, Behçet's disease, VKH, and HLA B27-positive patients. Further understanding of the role of vitamin D, a known regulator of inflammatory processes, in noninfectious uveitis may advance capabilities in the fields of disease prevention and treatment.

Association of clinical epidemiological factors to polypharmacy among patients with multiple sclerosis: real-life data

Introduction: Treatment for multiple sclerosis should focus on relapse prevention and treatment, as well as symptom and disease progression control, which require the use of multiple medications. Objective: To evaluate the association of polypharmacy and related clinical, epidemiological factors in multiple sclerosis patient cohorts. Methods: It was conducted a prospective study of multiple sclerosis patients that held a prescription of disease-modifying drugs between January and December 2017. The medications were analyzed and classified as either long-term or as-needed medications for therapeutic objective and prescription status purposes. Results: During 2017, 124 patients were attended, 106 were eligible for the study, and 81 agreed to participate. The average age was 40.95±11.69 years. The disease duration varied between 6 months and 30 years, with a median of 7 years. More than half of the multiple sclerosis patients suffered from comorbidities (54.32%), and 76.54% were categorized as polypharmacy. The comparison of polypharmacy between the groups yielded significant differences for comorbidities and employment status and regarding age between patients with polypharmacy and patients without polypharmacy of long-term medications. Conclusion: The age of the patient and the presence of comorbidities are important factors related to polypharmacy.

The incidence of acute respiratory infection in Indonesian infants and association with vitamin D deficiency

Background

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in early life, but this has not been evaluated in Indonesia. We aimed to determine the incidence of ARI in Indonesian infants, and to evaluate the association with vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

From 23 December 2015 to 31 December 2017, we conducted a community-based prospective cohort study in Yogyakarta province. We enrolled 422 pregnant women and followed their infants from birth until 12 months of age for ARI episodes. Vitamin D status was measured at birth and at age six months. We performed Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to evaluate the association between vitamin D deficiency and pneumonia incidence.

Results

At study completion, 95% (400/422) of infants retained with a total of 412 child years of observation (CYO). The incidence of all ARI and of WHO-defined pneumonia was 3.89 (95% CI 3.70–4.08) and 0.25 (95% CI 0.21–0.30) episodes per CYO respectively. Vitamin D deficiency at birth was common (90%, 308/344) and associated with more frequent episodes of ARI non-pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio 4.48, 95% CI:1.04–19.34). Vitamin D status at birth or six months was not associated with subsequent pneumonia incidence, but greater maternal sun exposure during pregnancy was associated with a trend to less frequent ARI and pneumonia in infants.

Conclusion

ARI, pneumonia, and vitamin D deficiency at birth were common in Indonesian infants. Minimising vitamin D deficiency at birth such as by supplementation of mothers or safe sun exposure during pregnancy has the potential to reduce ARI incidence in infants in this setting.

Immunoregulatory effects and therapeutic potential of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis

Initially recognised as an important factor for bone health, vitamin D is now known to have a range of effects on the immune system. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the CNS. In this review, we explore the links between vitamin D deficiency, MS risk, and disease activity. We also discuss the known immune effects of vitamin D supplementation and the relevance of these observations to the immunopathology of MS. Finally, we review the existing evidence for vitamin D supplementation as an MS therapy, highlighting several recent clinical studies and trials.

Vitamin D in COVID - 19: Dousing the fire or averting the storm? - A perspective from the Asia-Pacific

COVID-19, the acute respiratory tract infection (RTI) caused by the Coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has swept around the world. No country has been spared from its onslaught. Treatments that can reduce the risk of infection and mortality from the disease are desperately needed. Though high quality randomized controlled trials are lacking, some observational and interventional studies that explore the link between vitamin D and RTIs exist. Vitamin D modulates both innate as well as adaptive immunity and may potentially prevent or mitigate the complications associated with RTIs. Evidence linking vitamin D to COVID-19 include that the outbreak occurred in winter in the northern hemisphere at a time when vitamin D levels are lowest in resident populations, that blacks and minority ethnic individuals who are known to have lower levels of vitamin D appear to be disproportionately affected and have more severe complications from the disease, that vitamin D deficiency has been shown to contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome and that case fatality rates increase with age and in populations with comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, all of which are associated with lower vitamin D levels. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge about the epidemiology and pathophysiology of COVID-19, the evidence linking vitamin D and RTIs, especially COVID-19, the mechanistic reasons behind the possible protective effect of vitamin D in COVID-19, and the evidence with regard to vitamin D supplementation in RTIs. It concludes with some recommendations regarding supplementation of vitamin D in patients with COVID-19.

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on expanded disability status scale in people with multiple sclerosis: A critical, systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials

In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the scores for the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are assessed. The following databases were search up to January 2018: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The quality of the relevant extracted data was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled by the use of the inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Six studies were included in this meta-analysis. The findings demonstrated that supplementation with vitamin D alone and vitamin D plus calcium did not affect the EDSS score (WMD -0.11 (-0.33, 0.11); P = 0.32). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation alone, when compared to the use of a placebo, and vitamin D plus calcium supplementation compared with the control did not affect EDSS (WMD -0.13 (-0.30, 0.11); P = 0.29) and (WMD -0.08 (-0.57, 0.41); P = 0.29), respectively. Overall, this meta-analysis indicated that taking vitamin D in people with MS had no significant effect on EDSS.

Randomized trial of daily high-dose vitamin D3 in patients with RRMS receiving subcutaneous interferon β-1a

Objective

In the phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Supplementation of Vigantol Oil versus Placebo Add-on in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) Receiving Rebif Treatment (SOLAR) study (NCT01285401), we assessed the efficacy and safety of add-on vitamin D₃ in patients with RRMS.

Methods

Eligible patients with RRMS treated with SC interferon-β-1a (IFN-β-1a) 44 μg 3 times weekly and serum 25(OH)D levels <150 nmol/L were included. From February 15, 2011, to May 11, 2015, 229 patients were included and randomized 1:1 to receive SC IFN-β-1a plus placebo (n = 116) or SC IFN-β-1a plus oral high-dose vitamin D₃ 14,007 IU/d (n = 113). The revised primary outcome was the proportion of patients with no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) at week 48.

Results

At 48 weeks, 36.3% of patients who received high-dose vitamin D₃ had NEDA-3, without a statistically significant difference in NEDA-3 status between groups (placebo 35.3%; odds ratio 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–1.63; p = 0.80). Compared with placebo, the high-dose vitamin D₃ group had better MRI outcomes for combined unique active lesions (incidence rate ratio 0.68; 95% CI 0.52–0.89; p = 0.0045) and change from baseline in total volume of T2 lesions (difference in mean ranks: −0.074; p = 0.035).

Conclusions

SOLAR did not establish a benefit for high-dose vitamin D₃ as add-on to IFN-β-1a, based on the primary outcome of NEDA-3, but findings from exploratory outcomes suggest protective effects on development of new MRI lesions in patients with RRMS.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier

NCT01285401.

Classification of evidence

This study provides Class II evidence that for patients with RRMS treated with SC IFN-β-1a, 48 weeks of cholecalciferol supplementation did not promote NEDA-3 status.

Molecular evidence of role of vitamin D deficiency in various extraskeletal diseases

BACKGROUND

Role of vitamin D is not only limited to skeletal system but various other systems of the body, such as immune system, endocrine system, and cardiopulmonary system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It is supported by the confirmations of systems-wide expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), endocrinal effect of calcitriol, and its role in immune responses.

RESULTS

Expression of VDR in various systems, immunoregulatory and hormonal response of vitamin D and deficiency of vitamin D may establish various pathologies in the body.

CONCLUSION

This review provides molecular evidence of relation of vitamin D with extra skeletal.

Vitamin D for the management of multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

This review is an update of a previously published review, "Vitamin D for the management of multiple sclerosis" (published in the Cochrane Library; 2010, Issue 12). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by inflammation, demyelination, axonal or neuronal loss, and astrocytic gliosis in the central nervous system (CNS), which can result in varying levels of disability. Some studies have provided evidence showing an association of MS with low levels of vitamin D and benefit derived from its supplementation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefit and safety of vitamin D supplementation for reducing disease activity in people with MS.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the CNS Specialized Register up to 2 October 2017 through contact with the Information Specialist with search terms relevant to this review. We included references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and from handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books from conferences.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared vitamin D versus placebo, routine care, or low doses of vitamin D in patients with MS. Vitamin D was administered as monotherapy or in combination with calcium. Concomitant interventions were allowed if they were used equally in all trial intervention groups.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of studies, while another review author sorted any disagreements. We expressed treatment effects as mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes (Expanded Disability Status Scale and number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions), as standardised MDs for health-related quality of life, as rate differences for annualised relapse rates, and as risk differences (RDs) for serious adverse events and minor adverse events, together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 12 RCTs enrolling 933 participants with MS; 464 were randomised to the vitamin D group, and 469 to the comparator group. Eleven trials tested vitamin D₃, and one trial tested vitamin D₂. Vitamin D₃ had no effect on the annualised relapse rate at 52 weeks' follow-up (rate difference -0.05, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.07; I² = 38%; five trials; 417 participants; very low-quality evidence according to the GRADE instrument); on the Expanded Disability Status Scale at 52 weeks' follow-up (MD -0.25, 95% CI -0.61 to 0.10; I² = 35%; five trials; 221 participants; very low-quality evidence according to GRADE); and on MRI gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions at 52 weeks' follow-up (MD 0.02, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.48; I² = 12%; two trials; 256 participants; very low-quality evidence according to GRADE). Vitamin D₃ did not increase the risk of serious adverse effects within a range of 26 to 52 weeks' follow-up (RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.04; I² = 35%; eight trials; 621 participants; low-quality evidence according to GRADE) or minor adverse effects within a range of 26 to 96 weeks' follow-up (RD 0.02, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.06; I² = 20%; eight trials; 701 participants; low-quality evidence according to GRADE). Three studies reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using different HRQOL scales. One study reported that vitamin D improved ratings on the psychological and social components of the HRQOL scale but had no effects on the physical components. The other two studies found no effect of vitamin D on HRQOL. Two studies reported fatigue using different scales. One study (158 participants) reported that vitamin D₃ reduced fatigue compared with placebo at 26 weeks' follow-up. The other study (71 participants) found no effect on fatigue at 96 weeks' follow-up. Seven studies reported on cytokine levels, four on T-lymphocyte proliferation, and one on matrix metalloproteinase levels, with no consistent pattern of change in these immunological outcomes. The randomised trials included in this review provided no data on time to first treated relapse, number of participants requiring hospitalisation owing to progression of the disease, proportion of participants who remained relapse-free, cognitive function, or psychological symptoms.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

To date, very low-quality evidence suggests no benefit of vitamin D for patient-important outcomes among people with MS. Vitamin D appears to have no effect on recurrence of relapse, worsening of disability measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and MRI lesions. Effects on health-related quality of life and fatigue are unclear. Vitamin D₃ at the doses and treatment durations used in the included trials appears to be safe, although available data are limited. Seven ongoing studies will likely provide further evidence that can be included in a future update of this review.

Vitamin D as an adjunct to antibiotics for the treatment of acute childhood pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Children with acute pneumonia may be vitamin D deficient. Clinical trials have found that prophylactic vitamin D supplementation decreases the risk of developing pneumonia in children. Data on the therapeutic effects of vitamin D in acute childhood pneumonia are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation as an adjunct to antibiotics for the treatment of acute childhood pneumonia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (2017, Issue 7), which includes the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register; Ovid MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print; In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations; Ovid MEDLINE Daily and Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to July Week 4, 2017); and Embase (2010 to 28 July 2017). We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) on 28 July 2017. There were no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including children (aged over one month and up to five years) hospitalised with acute community-acquired pneumonia, as defined by the WHO acute respiratory infection guidelines, that compared vitamin D supplementation with control.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. For dichotomous data, we extracted the number of participants experiencing the outcome and the total number of participants in each treatment group. For continuous data, we used the arithmetic mean and standard deviation (SD) for each treatment group together with numbers of participants in each group. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven RCTs conducted in low-income countries that involved 1529 children (780 with pneumonia and 749 with severe or very severe pneumonia). Four studies used a single 100,000 IU dose of vitamin D₃ at the onset of illness or within 24 hours of hospital admission; two used a daily dose of oral vitamin D₃ (1000 IU for children aged up to one year and 2000 IU for children aged over one year) for five days; and one used a daily dose of oral vitamin D₃ (50,000 IU) for two days. One study reported microbiological and radiological diagnosis of pneumonia.The effects of vitamin D on outcomes were inconclusive when compared with control: time to resolution of acute illness (hours) (mean difference (MD) -0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) -6.14 to 4.24; 3 studies; 935 children; low-quality evidence) mortality rate (risk ratio (RR) 0.97, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.28; 1 study; 193 children; very low-quality evidence); duration of hospitalisation (MD 0.49, 95% CI -8.41 to 9.4; 4 studies; 835 children; very low-quality evidence) and time to resolution of fever (MD 1.66, 95% CI -2.44 to 5.76; 4 studies; 584 children; very low-quality evidence).No major adverse events were reported.The GRADE assessment found very low-quality evidence (due to serious study limitations, inconsistencies, indirectness, and imprecision) for all outcomes except time to resolution of acute illness.One study was funded by the New Zealand Aid Corporation; one study was funded by an institutional grant; and five studies were unfunded.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We are uncertain as to whether vitamin D has an important effect on outcomes because the results were imprecise. No major adverse events were reported. We assessed the quality of the evidence as very low to low. Several trials are ongoing and may provide additional information.

Emerging problems in the treatment of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia

INTRODUCTION

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains one of the most common reasons for paediatric morbidity and accounts for about 16% of all the deaths occurring in children less than 5 years of age. Areas covered: The main aim of this paper is to discuss the emerging problems for CAP treatment in paediatric age. Expert commentary: Official recommendations for therapeutic approaches to paediatric CAP, despite being not very recent, seem still to be the best solution to assure the highest probabilities of cure for children with this disease living in industrialized countries. Amoxicillin remains the drug of choice and use of macrolides alone or in combination does not seem supported by solid evidence. Corticosteroids can be useful in CAP associated with bronco-obstruction, whereas their effectiveness in cases with a severe inflammatory response, although plausible, is not supported by data collected through randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Finally, for the administration of vitamin C and vitamin D, the available data are not adequate to draw firm conclusions regarding the real importance of supplementation. Further studies are needed to evaluate which modifications of presently available recommendations for paediatric CAP treatment can improve final prognosis of this still common disease.

Does the environment influence multiple sclerosis pathogenesis via UVB light and/or induction of vitamin D?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of presumed auto-immune origin. Long-standing observations such as the correlation between MS incidence and geographical latitude or the levels of Vitamin D (Vit D) in the serum have implicated the environmental factors UVB radiation and diet in the etiology of the disease. Clinical trials have been conducted and are currently underway to elucidate whether a Vit D enriched diet or treatment with UVB can influence MS incidence, -severity, and -progression, as well as the ideal time point for treatment. This review summarizes the current scientific knowledge to the environmental factors UVB-light and Vit D concerning the clinical aspects of MS in epidemiological studies and clinical trials.

The efficacy of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelination disorder in the central nervous system (CNS) leading to a high level of neurological disability. The pathogenesis of MS remains largely unknown, which explains the lack of significant efficacy of therapy in MS. Vitamin D deficiency is widely considered to be an environmental risk factor for MS. Many studies investigating the therapeutic effects of vitamin D on MS have been applied. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D in MS patients.

METHODS

To obtain a more comprehensive estimate of the efficacy of vitamin D on MS patients, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the role of vitamin D in MS. The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched in October 2017. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials recorded within the three main databases were considered. The analysis was conducted for two specific outcomes: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and annual relapse rate (ARR).

RESULTS

Vitamin D₃ as add-on treatment had no significant therapeutic effect on MS according to EDSS score (mean difference -0.01 [95% CI -0.34 to 0.33]). The ARR was higher in the vitamin D group than in the placebo group (mean difference 0.05 [95% CI 0.01 to 0.1]).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that vitamin D appeared to have no therapeutic effect on EDSS score or ARR in the patients with MS.

Genomic Effects of the Vitamin D Receptor: Potentially the Link between Vitamin D, Immune Cells, and Multiple Sclerosis

Vitamin D has a plethora of functions that are important for the maintenance of general health and in particular, the functional integrity of the immune system, such as promoting an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and reducing the Treg/Th17 ratio. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorder of probable autoimmune origin. MS is characterized by recurring or progressive demyelination and degeneration of the CNS due in part to a misguided immune response to as yet undefined (CNS) antigens, potentially including myelin basic protein and proteolipid protein. MS has also been shown to be associated significantly with environmental factors such as the lack of vitamin D. The role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and progression of MS is complex. Recent genetic studies have shown that various common MS-associated risk-single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are located within or in the vicinity of genes associated with the complex metabolism of vitamin D. The functional aspects of these genetic associations may be explained either by a direct SNP-associated loss- or gain-of-function in a vitamin D-associated gene or due to a change in the regulation of gene expression in certain immune cell types. The development of new genetic tools using next-generation sequencing: e.g., chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and the accompanying rapid progress of epigenomics has made it possible to recognize that the association between vitamin D and MS could be based on the extensive and characteristic genomic binding of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Therefore, it is important to analyze comprehensively the spatiotemporal VDR binding patterns that have been identified using ChIP-seq in multiple immune cell types to reveal an integral profile of genomic VDR interaction. In summary, the aim of this review is to connect genomic effects vitamin D has on immune cells with MS and thus, to contribute to a better understanding of the influence of vitamin D on the etiology and the pathogenesis of this complex autoimmune disease.

Physiological serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are associated with improved thyroid function-observations from a community-based program

PURPOSE

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease. Our aim was to investigate the influence of vitamin D supplementation on thyroid function and anti-thyroid antibody levels.

METHODS

We constructed a database that included 11,017 participants in a health and wellness program that provided vitamin D supplementation to target physiological serum 25-hydroxyvitmain D [25(OH)D] concentrations (>100 nmol/L). Participant measures were compared between entry to the program (baseline) and follow-up (12 ± 3 months later) using an intent-to-treat analysis. Further, a nested case-control design was utilized to examine differences in thyroid function over 1 year in hypothyroid individuals and euthyroid controls.

RESULTS

More than 72% of participants achieved serum 25(OH)D concentrations >100 nmol/L at follow-up, with 20% above 125 nmol/L. Hypothyroidism was detected in 2% (23% including subclinical hypothyroidism) of participants at baseline and 0.4% (or 6% with subclinical) at follow-up. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations ≥125 nmol/L were associated with a 30% reduced risk of hypothyroidism and a 32% reduced risk of elevated anti-thyroid antibodies. Hypothyroid cases were found to have higher mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations at follow-up, which was a significant positive predictor of improved thyroid function.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study suggest that optimal thyroid function might require serum 25(OH)D concentrations above 125 nmol/L. Vitamin D supplementation may offer a safe and economical approach to improve thyroid function and may provide protection from developing thyroid disease.

Effects of vitamin D3 in clinically isolated syndrome and healthy control participants: A double-blind randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Lowserum vitamin D levels are associated with susceptibility to, and severity of, multiple sclerosis. High dose vitamin D has been proposed as a potential immunomodulator in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES

We performed a single centre, investigator-led, exploratory, double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled, trial of vitamin D₃ in clinically isolated syndrome and healthy control participants to assess its immunological effects. Secondary end-points included clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes and safety.

METHODS

Clinically isolated syndrome patients and healthy control participants were randomised to: placebo, 5000 IU or 10,000 IU vitamin D₃/day (Vigantol oil). Study duration was 24 weeks.

RESULTS

The trial did not meet its primary end point, with no difference in the frequency of pro-inflammatory CD4⁺ T cells (interleukin (IL)-17⁺/interferon (IFN)-γ⁺) seen. A higher level of disease freedom (67% versus 50%) was seen in those with serum 1,25 (OH) vitamin D levels>100 nmol/l but this did not reach significance. High dose vitamin D₃ was well tolerated with no safety signal.

CONCLUSIONS

High dose vitamin D₃ over 24 weeks was well tolerated but without immunological, magnetic resonance imaging or clinical evidence of benefit. The hypothesised therapeutic effects in clinically isolated syndrome or multiple sclerosis patients may require longer periods of administration or may only be seen in patients treated with vitamin D₃ as an adjunct to established disease modifying therapies.

Vitamin D: not just the bone. Evidence for beneficial pleiotropic extraskeletal effects

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and a steroid hormone that plays a central role in maintaining calcium-phosphorus and bone homeostasis in close interaction with parathyroid hormone, acting on its classical target tissues, namely, bone, kidney, intestine, and parathyroid glands. However, vitamin D endocrine system regulates several genes (about 3 % of the human genome) involved in cell differentiation, cell-cycle control, and cell function and exerts noncalcemic/pleiotropic effects on extraskeletal target tissues, such as immune and cardiovascular system, pancreatic endocrine cells, muscle, and adipose tissue. Several studies have demonstrated the role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention/treatment of various autoimmune diseases and improvement of glucose metabolism, muscle, and adipose tissue function. Hence, this review aims to elucidate the effects of vitamin D on extraskeletal target tissues and to investigate the potential therapeutic benefit of vitamin D supplementation among a broad group of pathological conditions, especially with regard to metabolic and autoimmune diseases. In addition, we focused on the best daily intakes and serum levels of vitamin D required for extraskeletal benefits which, even if still controversial, appear to be higher than those widely accepted for skeletal effects.

Vitamin D in Autoimmunity: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Over the last three decades, it has become clear that the role of vitamin D goes beyond the regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone health. An important extraskeletal effect of vitamin D is the modulation of the immune system. In the context of autoimmune diseases, this is illustrated by correlations of vitamin D status and genetic polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor with the incidence and severity of the disease. These correlations warrant investigation into the potential use of vitamin D in the treatment of patients with autoimmune diseases. In recent years, several clinical trials have been performed to investigate the therapeutic value of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, type I diabetes, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, a second angle of investigation has focused on unraveling the molecular pathways used by vitamin D in order to find new potential therapeutic targets. This review will not only provide an overview of the clinical trials that have been performed but also discuss the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D and how these advances can be used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Environmental modifiable risk factors for multiple sclerosis: Report from the 2016 ECTRIMS focused workshop

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), most likely autoimmune in origin, usually beginning in early adulthood. The aetiology of the disease is not well understood; it is viewed currently as a multifactorial disease which results from complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental factors, of which a few are potentially modifiable. Improving our understanding of these factors can lead to new and more effective approaches to patient counselling and, possibly, prevention and management of the disease. The 2016 focused workshop of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) addressed the topic of environmental, modifiable risk factors for MS, gathering experts from around the world, to collate experimental and clinical research into environmental factors that have been associated with the disease onset and, in a few cases, disease activity and progression. A number of factors, including infections, vitamin D deficiency, diet and lifestyle factors, stress and comorbidities, were discussed. The meeting provided a forum to analyse available evidence, to identify inconsistencies and gaps in current knowledge and to suggest avenues for future research.

Vitamin D modulation of innate immune responses to respiratory viral infections

Vitamin D, in addition to its classical functions in bone homeostasis, has a modulatory and regulatory role in multiple processes, including host defense, inflammation, immunity, and epithelial repair. Patients with respiratory disease are frequently deficient in vitamin D, implying that supplementation might provide significant benefit to these patients. Respiratory viral infections are common and are the main trigger of acute exacerbations and hospitalization in children and adults with asthma and other airways diseases. Respiratory monocytes/macrophages and epithelial cells constitutively express the vitamin D receptor. Vitamin D, acting through this receptor, may be important in protection against respiratory infections. Whether the in vitro findings can be translated into a substantial in vivo benefit still remains uncertain. Here we review the in vitro data on the role of vitamin D in antiviral innate immunity, the data concerning the deficient levels of vitamin D in lung diseases, and the in vivo role of supplementation as protection against respiratory viral infections in healthy individuals and in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Finally, we suggest ways of improving the effectiveness of vitamin D as an adjuvant in the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infections.

Synergetic and antagonistic effects of combined calcitriol and interferon-β treatment on cytokine production by stimulated PBMCs

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the effects of calcitriol and interferon-β on in vitro PBMC cytokine production from a cohort of 22 healthy adults not on medication.

METHODS

PBMCs were incubated with calcitriol and/or 100 or 400IU interferon-β or nothing, followed by stimulation with concanavalin A.

RESULTS

When combined, calcitriol and interferon-β appeared to potentiate the effects of one another on reducing IL-6. Calcitriol significantly reduced the production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-γ, while interferon-β significantly reduced production of IL-6 and TNF-α, and increased IL-10.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study to evaluate the effects of combined calcitriol and interferon-β on cytokine production in PBMCs in vitro, demonstrating novel synergetic effects.

Vitamin D Supplementation Modulates T Cell-Mediated Immunity in Humans: Results from a Randomized Control Trial

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.

Safety and immunologic effects of high- vs low-dose cholecalciferol in multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To study the safety profile and characterize the immunologic effects of high- vs low-dose cholecalciferol supplementation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

In this double-blind, single-center randomized pilot study, 40 patients with relapsing-remitting MS were randomized to receive 10,400 IU or 800 IU cholecalciferol daily for 6 months. Assessments were performed at baseline and 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Mean increase of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels from baseline to final visit was larger in the high-dose group (34.9 ng/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI] 25.0-44.7 ng/mL) than in the low-dose group (6.9 ng/mL; 95% CI 1.0-13.7 ng/mL). Adverse events were minor and did not differ between the 2 groups. Two relapses occurred, one in each treatment arm. In the high-dose group, we found a reduction in the proportion of interleukin-17(+)CD4(+) T cells (p = 0.016), CD161(+)CD4(+) T cells (p = 0.03), and effector memory CD4(+) T cells (p = 0.021) with a concomitant increase in the proportion of central memory CD4(+) T cells (p = 0.018) and naive CD4(+) T cells (p = 0.04). These effects were not observed in the low-dose group.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholecalciferol supplementation with 10,400 IU daily is safe and tolerable in patients with MS and exhibits in vivo pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects in MS, which include reduction of interleukin-17 production by CD4(+) T cells and decreased proportion of effector memory CD4(+) T cells with concomitant increase in central memory CD4(+) T cells and naive CD4(+) T cells.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class I evidence that cholecalciferol supplementation with 10,400 IU daily is safe and well-tolerated in patients with MS and exhibits in vivo pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects.

Update in vitamin D and multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease, and its etiology remains unknown. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the possible association between MS and vitamin D deficiency. Here, we review the current literature between MS and vitamin D, showing clear evidence that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for MS despite the lack of direct evidence for the effects of vitamin D in MS progression.

Vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of childhood acute respiratory infections: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Results from recent trials assessing the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the prevention of childhood acute respiratory infections (ARI) have been inconsistent. In the present study, we determined whether vitamin D supplementation prevents ARI in healthy children and repeated infections in children with previous ARI. We conducted a systematic literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search included only randomised controlled clinical trials (RCT) comparing vitamin D supplementation with either placebo or no intervention in children younger than 18 years of age. We identified seven RCT and found that the summary estimates were not statistically significantly associated with a reduction in the risk of ARI (relative risk (RR) 0·79, 95% CI 0·55, 1·13), all-cause mortality (RR 1·18, 95% CI 0·71, 1·94), or the rate of hospital admission due to respiratory infection in healthy children (RR 0·95, 95% CI 0·72, 1·26). However, in children previously diagnosed with asthma, vitamin D supplementation resulted in a 74% reduction in the risk of asthma exacerbation (RR 0·26, 95% CI 0·11, 0·59; test of heterogeneity, I 2= 0·0%). Our findings indicate a lack of evidence supporting the routine use of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of ARI in healthy children; however, they suggest that such supplementation may benefit children previously diagnosed with asthma. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies and possible publication biases related to this field, these results should be interpreted with caution.

Genetic polymorphisms related to vitamin D and the therapeutic potential of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis

Vitamin D receptors (VDRs), which are responsible for most vitamin D functions, are expressed on various immune cells. Vitamin D is considered to be a potent immunomodulator. A variety of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) also express VDRs; thus, vitamin D may play a role in the regulation of neurodegeneration and repair processes within the CNS. Considered together with epidemiological studies, low vitamin D status is reckoned to be one of the risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). Further, vitamin D is considered to be a possible treatment for MS. However, previous clinical trials with small cohorts have not demonstrated significant effects of vitamin D in MS. Current ongoing clinical trials with large cohorts could provide answers with respect to the clinical effects of vitamin D in MS. However, genetic studies have suggested that genes associated with vitamin D, including VDRs, are susceptible genes for MS. Vitamin D needs to be considered from the perspective of the interaction between vitamin-D-related genetic factors and environmental factors affecting vitamin D levels.

Reduced primary care respiratory infection visits following pregnancy and infancy vitamin D supplementation: a randomised controlled trial

AIM

To determine whether vitamin D supplementation reduces primary care visits for acute respiratory infection (ARI).

METHODS

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in New Zealand and powered to determine the vitamin D dose needed to achieve normal vitamin D status during infancy. Healthy pregnant women, from 27 weeks' gestation to birth, and their infants, from birth to age 6 months, were assigned to placebo or one of the two dosages of daily oral vitamin D3 . Woman/infant pairs were randomised to placebo/placebo, 1000 IU/400 IU or 2000 IU/800 IU. For this ad hoc analysis, the primary care records of enrolled children were audited to age 18 months.

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty pregnant women were randomised to placebo (n = 87), lower-dose (n = 87) or higher-dose (n = 86) vitamin D3 . In comparison with the placebo group (99%), the proportion of children making any ARI visits was smaller in the higher-dose (87%, p = 0.004), but not the lower-dose vitamin D3 group (95%, p = 0.17). The median number of ARI visits/child was less in the higher-dose vitamin D3 group from age 6-18 months (placebo 4, lower dose 3, higher dose 2.5; p = 0.048 for higher-dose vitamin D3 vs. placebo).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy and infancy reduces primary care visits for ARI during early childhood.

Short-term effect of high-dose vitamin D on the level of interleukin 10 in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Vitamin D has been related to the prevention of MS and to modulating its course. Recent studies have shown the safety of high-dose vitamin D in MS.

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the effects of high-dose vitamin D on interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels in MS patients in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Ninety-four patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) were randomized into a treatment and a placebo group. Both groups received conventional MS treatment. The intervention group received 50,000 IU of vitamin D every 5 days for 3 months. IL-10 was measured at baseline and after 3 months.

RESULTS

Serum levels of IL-10 were (median ± IQR): 12.58 ± 11.97 and 10.97 ± 9.97 pg/ml in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively, at baseline (p = 0.161); after 3 months, these levels were 13.76 ± 18.95 and 11.31 ± 19.63 pg/ml, respectively (p = 0.158). The IL-10 level increased significantly after receiving high-dose vitamin D for 3 months (β = 0.737, p = 0.015 and R2 = 0.91).

CONCLUSION

IL-10 levels increased significantly in RRMS patients after taking high-dose vitamin D3 for 3 months. High-dose vitamin D might be useful in promoting an anti-inflammatory state in RRMS patients.

Supplementation and therapeutic use of vitamin D in patients with multiple sclerosis: Consensus of the Scientific Department of Neuroimmunology of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, autoimmune, demyelinating, and degenerative central nervous system disease. Even though the etiology of MS has not yet been fully elucidated, there is evidence that genetic and environmental factors interact to cause the disease. Among the main environmental factors studied, those more likely associated with MS include certain viruses, smoking, and hypovitaminosis D. This review aimed to determine whether there is evidence to recommend the use of vitamin D as monotherapy or as adjunct therapy in patients with MS. We searched PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANNE, and LILACS databases for studies published until September 9 th , 2013, using the keywords “multiple sclerosis”, “vitamin D”, and “clinical trial”. There is no scientific evidence up to the production of this consensus for the use of vitamin D as monotherapy for MS in clinical practice.

Vitamin D supplementation for prevention of mortality in adults

BACKGROUND

Available evidence on the effects of vitamin D on mortality has been inconclusive. In a recent systematic review, we found evidence that vitamin D3 may decrease mortality in mostly elderly women. The present systematic review updates and reassesses the benefits and harms of vitamin D supplementation used in primary and secondary prophylaxis of mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of vitamin D supplementation for prevention of mortality in healthy adults and adults in a stable phase of disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, the Science Citation Index-Expanded and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (all up to February 2012). We checked references of included trials and pharmaceutical companies for unidentified relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials that compared any type of vitamin D in any dose with any duration and route of administration versus placebo or no intervention in adult participants. Participants could have been recruited from the general population or from patients diagnosed with a disease in a stable phase. Vitamin D could have been administered as supplemental vitamin D (vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)) or as an active form of vitamin D (1α-hydroxyvitamin D (alfacalcidol) or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol)).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Six review authors extracted data independently. Random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses were conducted. For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated the risk ratios (RRs). To account for trials with zero events, we performed meta-analyses of dichotomous data using risk differences (RDs) and empirical continuity corrections. We used published data and data obtained by contacting trial authors.To minimise the risk of systematic error, we assessed the risk of bias of the included trials. Trial sequential analyses controlled the risk of random errors possibly caused by cumulative meta-analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 159 randomised clinical trials. Ninety-four trials reported no mortality, and nine trials reported mortality but did not report in which intervention group the mortality occurred. Accordingly, 56 randomised trials with 95,286 participants provided usable data on mortality. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 107 years. Most trials included women older than 70 years. The mean proportion of women was 77%. Forty-eight of the trials randomly assigned 94,491 healthy participants. Of these, four trials included healthy volunteers, nine trials included postmenopausal women and 35 trials included older people living on their own or in institutional care. The remaining eight trials randomly assigned 795 participants with neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory or rheumatoid diseases. Vitamin D was administered for a weighted mean of 4.4 years. More than half of the trials had a low risk of bias. All trials were conducted in high-income countries. Forty-five trials (80%) reported the baseline vitamin D status of participants based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Participants in 19 trials had vitamin D adequacy (at or above 20 ng/mL). Participants in the remaining 26 trials had vitamin D insufficiency (less than 20 ng/mL).Vitamin D decreased mortality in all 56 trials analysed together (5,920/47,472 (12.5%) vs 6,077/47,814 (12.7%); RR 0.97 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 0.99); P = 0.02; I(2) = 0%). More than 8% of participants dropped out. 'Worst-best case' and 'best-worst case' scenario analyses demonstrated that vitamin D could be associated with a dramatic increase or decrease in mortality. When different forms of vitamin D were assessed in separate analyses, only vitamin D3 decreased mortality (4,153/37,817 (11.0%) vs 4,340/38,110 (11.4%); RR 0.94 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.98); P = 0.002; I(2) = 0%; 75,927 participants; 38 trials). Vitamin D2, alfacalcidol and calcitriol did not significantly affect mortality. A subgroup analysis of trials at high risk of bias suggested that vitamin D2 may even increase mortality, but this finding could be due to random errors. Trial sequential analysis supported our finding regarding vitamin D3, with the cumulative Z-score breaking the trial sequential monitoring boundary for benefit, corresponding to 150 people treated over five years to prevent one additional death. We did not observe any statistically significant differences in the effect of vitamin D on mortality in subgroup analyses of trials at low risk of bias compared with trials at high risk of bias; of trials using placebo compared with trials using no intervention in the control group; of trials with no risk of industry bias compared with trials with risk of industry bias; of trials assessing primary prevention compared with trials assessing secondary prevention; of trials including participants with vitamin D level below 20 ng/mL at entry compared with trials including participants with vitamin D levels equal to or greater than 20 ng/mL at entry; of trials including ambulatory participants compared with trials including institutionalised participants; of trials using concomitant calcium supplementation compared with trials without calcium; of trials using a dose below 800 IU per day compared with trials using doses above 800 IU per day; and of trials including only women compared with trials including both sexes or only men. Vitamin D3 statistically significantly decreased cancer mortality (RR 0.88 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.98); P = 0.02; I(2) = 0%; 44,492 participants; 4 trials). Vitamin D3 combined with calcium increased the risk of nephrolithiasis (RR 1.17 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.34); P = 0.02; I(2) = 0%; 42,876 participants; 4 trials). Alfacalcidol and calcitriol increased the risk of hypercalcaemia (RR 3.18 (95% CI 1.17 to 8.68); P = 0.02; I(2) = 17%; 710 participants; 3 trials).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D3 seemed to decrease mortality in elderly people living independently or in institutional care. Vitamin D2, alfacalcidol and calcitriol had no statistically significant beneficial effects on mortality. Vitamin D3 combined with calcium increased nephrolithiasis. Both alfacalcidol and calcitriol increased hypercalcaemia. Because of risks of attrition bias originating from substantial dropout of participants and of outcome reporting bias due to a number of trials not reporting on mortality, as well as a number of other weaknesses in our evidence, further placebo-controlled randomised trials seem warranted.

Vitamin d supplementation for the treatment of acute childhood pneumonia: a systematic review

Background. Studies have found an increased incidence of vitamin D deficiency in children with pneumonia; however, there is no conclusive data regarding the direct effect of vitamin D supplementation in acute pneumonia. Methods. A comprehensive search was performed of the major electronic databases till September 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatment with vitamin D3 versus placebo in children ≤5 years old with pneumonia were included. Results. Out of 32 full text articles, 2 RCTs including 653 children were eligible for inclusion. One trial used a single 100,000 unit of oral vitamin D3 at the onset of pneumonia. There was no significant difference in the mean (±SD) number of days to recovery between the vitamin D3 and placebo arms (P = 0.17). Another trial used oral vitamin D3 (1000 IU for <1 year and 2000 IU for >1 year) for 5 days in children with severe pneumonia. Median duration of resolution of severe pneumonia was similar in the two groups (intervention, 72 hours; placebo, 64 hours). Duration of hospitalization and time to resolution of tachypnea, chest retractions, and inability to feed were also comparable between the two groups. Conclusions. Oral vitamin D supplementation does not help children under-five with acute pneumonia.

Clinical review: The role of the parent compound vitamin D with respect to metabolism and function: Why clinical dose intervals can affect clinical outcomes

CONTEXT

There is no doubt that vitamin D must be activated to the hormonal form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D to achieve full biological activity or that many tissues participate in this activation process-be it endocrine or autocrine. We believe that not only is 25-hydroxyvitamin D important to tissue delivery for this activation process, but also that intact vitamin D has a pivotal role in this process.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, evidence on the vitamin D endocrine/autocrine system is presented and discussed in relation to vitamin D-binding protein affinity, circulating half-lives, and enzymatic transformations of vitamin D metabolites, and how these affect biological action in any given tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating vitamin D, the parent compound, likely plays an important physiological role with respect to the vitamin D endocrine/autocrine system, as a substrate in many tissues, not originally thought to be important. Based on emerging data from the laboratory, clinical trials, and data on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D amassed during many decades, it is likely that for the optimal functioning of these systems, significant vitamin D should be available on a daily basis to ensure stable circulating concentrations, implying that variation in vitamin D dosing schedules could have profound effects on the outcomes of clinical trials because of the short circulating half-life of intact vitamin D.

Vitamin D supplementation and monitoring in multiple sclerosis: who, when and wherefore

OBJECTIVES

Observational studies suggest that increasing the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with 50 nm could halve the relapse risk in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Assuming that the association between disease activity and vitamin D status is entirely causal may however exaggerate the potential benefit. The aim of this paper is to address whether and how vitamin D should be monitored in patients with MS.

METHODS

Possible benefits of vitamin D supplementation were assessed from observational, experimental and clinical studies. Based on repeated measurements of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Norwegian patients with MS , we estimate the effect of different supplementation regimes.

RESULTS

Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin in the upper physiological range are associated with lower risk of relapses and magnetic resonance imaging disease activity, but the causality is uncertain. Osteoporosis develops early in patients with MS , and 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin should therefore at least be 50 nm throughout the year. Levels between 75 and 125 nmol may offer some additional benefit for bone health, are not toxic and are associated with low disease activity. Adding 400 IU (10 μg) vitamin D daily would only bring 56% of the patients >50 nm and 11% >75 nm throughout the year, whereas 800 IU (20 μg) would maintain 97% >50 nm and 67% >75 nm.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that MS patients are supplemented with 800 IU of vitamin D at least from autumn to spring. Alternatively, 25-hydroxyvitamin D should be measured and the nadir level estimated and supplementation given to a target level between approximately 75 and 125 nm.

Vitamin D and Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Low levels of 25-OH vitamin D are associated with respiratory tract infection (RTI). However, results from randomized controlled trials are inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the preventive effect of vitamin D supplementation on RTI.

Methods

Randomized, controlled trials of vitamin D for prevention of RTI were used for the analysis. The risks of within-trial and publication bias were assessed. Odds ratios of RTI were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I². Meta-regressions and subgroup analyses were used to assess the influence of various factors on trial outcome. The pre-defined review protocol was registered at the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews, registration number CRD42013003530.

Findings

Of 1137 citations retrieved, 11 placebo-controlled studies of 5660 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, vitamin D showed a protective effect against RTI (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.84). There was significant heterogeneity among studies (Cohran's Q p<0.0001, I² = 72%). The protective effect was larger in studies using once-daily dosing compared to bolus doses (OR = 0.51 vs OR = 0.86, p = 0.01). There was some evidence that results may have been influenced by publication bias.

Interpretation

Results indicate that vitamin D has a protective effect against RTI, and dosing once-daily seems most effective. Due to heterogeneity of included studies and possible publication bias in the field, these results should be interpreted with caution.

In vitro effect of human serum and fetal calf serum on CD4+ T cells proliferation in response to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in correlation with RBP/TTR ratio in multiple sclerotic patients

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is one of the autoantigens used in evaluation of the CD4(+) T cells proliferation response in multiple sclerotic patients. In cell culture, human serum (HS) is one of the promising substitutions for fetal calf serum (FCS) that can induce different autoreactivity of T cells and fluctuation of autoantibody production from B cells. Because of immunomodulatory function of vitamin A, we examined the effect of HS and FCS on CD4(+) T cells proliferation in response to MOG in correlation with serum retinol-binding protein (RBP)/transthyretin (TTR) ratio, as an indirect way to assess vitamin A status in multiple sclerotic patients. Patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured in the presence of MOG as well as FCS and HS both separately and together. Cell proliferation was evaluated using BrdU kit. Serum RBP and TTR levels were measured by ELISA kit. FCS and HS increase CD4(+) T cell proliferation. RBP/TTR ratio has significant negative correlation with cell proliferation in the presence of MOG, HS, and FCS. HS with FCS provides an appropriate medium for autoreactivity and proliferation of CD4(+) T cells. Vitamin A has a crucial role in regulation of this pathway.

Contribution of vitamin D insufficiency to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

The contribution of vitamin D insufficiency to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is reviewed. Among the multiple recently discovered actions of vitamin D, an immunomodulatory role has been documented in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and in humans. This action in the peripheral immune system is currently the main known mechanism through which vitamin D might influence MS, but other types of actions could be involved within the central nervous system. Furthermore, vitamin D insufficiency is widespread in temperate countries and in patients with MS at the earliest stages of the disease, suggesting that the deleterious effects related to vitamin D insufficiency may be exerted in these patients. In fact, many genetic and environmental risk factors appear to interact and contribute to MS. In genetics, several human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles (more particularly HLA-DRB1*1501) could favour the disease whereas some others could be protective. Some of the genes involved in vitamin D metabolism (e.g. CYP27B1) also play a significant role. Furthermore, three environmental risk factors have been identified: past Epstein-Barr virus infection, vitamin D insufficiency and cigarette smoking. Interactions between genetic and environmental risk or protective factors may occur during the mother's pregnancy and could continue during childhood and adolescence and until the disease is triggered in adulthood, therefore possibly modulating the MS risk throughout the first decades of life. Furthermore, some clinical findings already strongly suggest that vitamin D status influences the relapse rate and radiological lesions in patients with MS, although the results of adequately powered randomized clinical trials using vitamin D supplementation have not yet been reported. While awaiting these incontrovertible results, which might be long in coming, patients with MS who are currently in vitamin D insufficiency should be supplemented, at least for their general health status, using moderate doses of the vitamin.

The case for vitamin D supplementation in multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Given that vitamin D has a role in immunomodulation, and its levels appear to correlate with the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it is conceivable that vitamin D may also influence disease activity in MS patients. In this regard, we conducted a systematic review investigating the evidence for: (1) the role of vitamin D in disease activity in MS, and (2) the therapeutic supplementation of vitamin D in MS.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, Pubmed, clinical trials registries, and conference proceedings, followed by screening and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, yielded 57 studies for detailed appraisal. Following careful data extraction, studies addressing the role of vitamin D in disease activity were appraised on the basis of common epidemiological principles, while those involving vitamin D supplementation were assessed for potential bias using Cochrane guidelines. The overall evidence was interpreted in the context of the Bradford-Hill criteria of causation, and the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one patient from relapsing over a year was calculated for each supplementation study examining relapse rate.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have fairly consistently demonstrated a strong positive correlation between vitamin D deficiency and subsequent relapse and/or disability in patients with MS. As well, there appears to be a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and inflammatory markers in MS patients, suggesting that vitamin D modifies serum cytokines to a more anti-inflammatory profile. Therefore, vitamin D fulfills the Bradford-Hill criteria for strong and consistent association, biological plausibility, and coherence. However, the criteria of temporality, dose-response, and experimental evidence are yet to be adequately met, although there is preliminary evidence from longitudinal studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of supplementation that vitamin D can attenuate the autoimmune response in patients, and potentially reduce relapse rates and burden of disease. Currently published data on relapse prevention with vitamin D indicates the possibility of small NNTs in the range of 1.36-25.00, but they arise from very heterogeneously designed studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultimately, the current evidence does not permit inference of a causal relationship between vitamin D deficiency and disease activity in MS. Vitamin D supplementation appears to be a promising treatment worthy of further exploration, but owing to the paucity of RCTs with placebo or comparator arms, the evidence is not definitive and appropriate dosing remains uncertain.

Effect of high-dose vitamin D3 intake on ambulation, muscular pain and bone mineral density in a woman with multiple sclerosis: a 10-year longitudinal case report

Mounting evidence correlate vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation or higher serum levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D) with a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), reduced relapse rate, slower progression or fewer new brain lesions. We present here the case of a woman who was diagnosed with MS in 1990. From 1980 to 2000, her ability to walk decreased from ~20 to 1 km per day. Since January 2001, a vitamin D3 supplement was ingested daily. The starting dose was 20 mcg (800 IU)/day and escalated to 100 mcg (4000 IU)/day in September 2004 and then to 150 mcg (6000 IU)/day in December 2005. Vitamin D3 intake reduced muscular pain and improved ambulation from 1 (February 2000) to 14 km/day (February 2008). Vitamin D intake over 10 years caused no adverse effects: no hypercalcaemia, nephrolithiasis or hypercalciuria were observed. Bowel problems in MS may need to be addressed as they can cause malabsorption including calcium, which may increase serum PTH and 1,25(OH)2D levels, as well as bone loss. We suggest that periodic assessment of vitamin D3, calcium and magnesium intake, bowel problems and the measurement of serum 25(OH)D, PTH, Ca levels, UCa/Cr and bone health become part of the integral management of persons with MS.

The influence of nutritional factors on the prognosis of multiple sclerosis

The effect of nutrition and dietary supplements on the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a topic of great interest to both patients and clinicians. In particular, vitamin D status has been shown to influence both the incidence and the course of MS. High vitamin D levels are probably protective against the development of MS, although the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in slowing progression of MS remains to be established. The influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the development and course of MS has also long been under investigation. Small clinical trials suggest a modest reduction in the severity and duration of relapses in patients with MS receiving PUFA supplements. Other nutritional factors have been evaluated for their effect on MS disease progression, including milk proteins, gluten, probiotics, antioxidants (uric acid, vitamins A, C and E, lipoic acid), polyphenols, Ginkgo biloba extracts and curcumin. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of these dietary components on the relapse rate and progression of MS. This Review gives an overview of the literature on the nutritional factors most commonly implicated as having an effect on MS and discusses the biological rationale that is thought to underlie their influence.

The conundrum of iron in multiple sclerosis--time for an individualised approach

Although the involvement of immune mechanisms in multiple sclerosis (MS) is undisputed, some argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the hypothesis that MS is an autoimmune disease, and that the difference between immune- and autoimmune disease mechanisms has yet to be clearly delineated. Uncertainties surrounding MS disease pathogenesis and the modest efficacy of currently used disease modifying treatments (DMTs) in the prevention of disability, warrant the need to explore other possibilities. It is evident from the literature that people diagnosed with MS differ widely in symptoms and clinical outcome--some patients have a benign disease course over many years without requiring any DMTs. Attempting to include all patients into a single entity is an oversimplification and may obscure important observations with therapeutic consequences. In this review we advocate an individualised approach named Pathology Supported Genetic Testing (PSGT), in which genetic tests are combined with biochemical measurements in order to identify subgroups of patients requiring different treatments. Iron dysregulation in MS is used as an example of how this approach may benefit patients. The theory that iron deposition in the brain contributes to MS pathogenesis has caused uncertainty among patients as to whether they should avoid iron. However, the fact that a subgroup of people diagnosed with MS show clinical improvement when they are on iron supplementation emphasises the importance of individualised therapy, based on genetic and biochemical determinations.