Clinical Significance of Analysis of Vitamin D Status in Various Diseases

Menstrual Blood as a Non-Invasive Alternative for Monitoring Vitamin Levels

Background/Objectives: Menstrual blood has recently emerged as a novel specimen for diagnostics, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood testing methods. Despite the importance of vitamins and monitoring their levels in preventative healthcare measures, the feasibility of measuring them in menstrual blood has yet to be explored. In this study, we aimed to assess the potential of using menstrual blood for determining vitamin levels by comparing their levels in menstrual blood to those in matched capillary blood samples. Methods: A prospective, monocentric, observational study was conducted with healthy, reproductive-aged voluntary participants. Menstrual blood was collected from 30 participants using a menstrual cup, and the corresponding capillary blood samples were obtained using a finger prick. The samples were transferred to dried blood spot (DBS) cards and analyzed using mass spectrometry to determine vitamin levels. Statistical analyses were performed to compare menstrual blood vitamin A and D levels, and hemoglobin, to those in capillary blood. Results: The vitamin levels could be ascertained from the menstrual blood, and were observed to significantly correlate with those from the capillary blood for both vitamin A (r = 0.77, p < 0.001) and vitamin D (r = 0.66, p < 0.001), despite being statistically different. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study demonstrate the potential utility of menstrual blood in estimating vitamin A and D levels, illustrating the prospect of a non-invasive menstrual blood-based vitamin test following larger clinical and analytical validation studies.

Clinical characteristics and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in children with febrile seizures in China

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in children with febrile seizures (FS) in Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China, and in particular its association with gender and age. This should inform possible strategies for supplementation with vitamin D, and hence for prevention of FS in the local pediatric population. The Febrile seizures group consisted of 747 children hospitalized with FS at the Southwest Medical University Affiliated Hospital from January 2020 to January 2024. The healthy control group was comprised of 750 children aged from 0 to 8 years who underwent health checkups during this period. The serum 25(OH)D level was analyzed in relation to gender and age to explore its association with FS. The median serum vitamin D level in the FS group (28.8 ng/mL; IQR 21.64, 33.64) was significantly lower than in the healthy control group (37.51 ng/mL; IQR 31.05, 37.51). The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in the FS group was 10.8%, which was significantly higher than in the healthy control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the serum vitamin D level in children with FS varied in different age groups, with significantly lower levels observed in older children (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that a serum vitamin D level of 35.28 ng/mL showed 60.0% sensitivity and 84.7% specificity for predicting FS (P < 0.05). In this study cohort, the serum vitamin D level in children with FS was at the lower limit of the physiological range, and significantly lower than in healthy children. Furthermore, this level decreased with age in children with FS. Regular supplementation with vitamin D for 6 months after birth and outdoor sun exposure for more than 2 h per day can improve the serum vitamin D level in children with FS.

Metabolic alterations in vitamin D deficient systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and is associated with the disease activity and proteinuria. Recently, alterations in metabolism have been recognized as key regulators of SLE pathogenesis. Our objective was to identify differential metabolites in the serum metabolome of SLE with vitamin D deficiency. In this study, serum samples from 31 SLE patients were collected. Levels of 25(OH)D3 were assayed by ELISA. Patients were divided into two groups according to their vitamin D level (20 ng/ml). Untargeted metabolomics were used to study the metabolite profiles in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Subsequently, we performed metabolomics profiling analysis to identify 52 significantly altered metabolites in vitamin D deficient SLE patients. The area under the curve (AUC) from ROC analyses was calculated to assess the diagnostic potential of each candidate metabolite biomarker. Lipids accounted for 66.67% of the differential metabolites in the serum, highlighted the disruption of lipid metabolism. The 52 differential metabolites were mapped to 27 metabolic pathways, with fat digestion and absorption, as well as lipid metabolism, emerging as the most significant pathways. The AUC of (S)-Oleuropeic acid and 2-Hydroxylinolenic acid during ROC analysis were 0.867 and 0.833, respectively, indicating their promising diagnostic potential. In conclusion, our results revealed vitamin D deficiency alters SLE metabolome, impacting lipid metabolism, and thrown insights into the pathogenesis and diagnosis of SLE.

Vitamin D3 (Calcitriol) Monotherapy Decreases Tumor Growth, Increases Survival, and Correlates with Low Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in a Murine HPV-16-Related Cancer Model

Vitamin D3 or calcitriol (VitD3) has been shown to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity in in vitro models and clinical studies. However, its effect on HPV-16-related cancer has been sparsely explored. In this study, we aimed to determine whether monotherapy or combination therapy with cisplatin (CP) reduces tumor growth and affects survival and systemic inflammation. Treatments were administered to C57BL/6 mice with HPV-16-related tumors (TC-1 cells) as follows: (1) placebo (100 µL vehicle, olive oil, orally administered daily); (2) VitD3 (3.75 µg/kg calcitriol orally administered daily); (3) CP (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, every 7 days); and (4) VitD3+CP. Tumor growth was monitored for 25 days, survival for 60 days, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was evaluated on days 1 (baseline), 7, and 14. VitD3+CP showed greater success in reducing tumor volume compared to CP monotherapy (p = 0.041), while no differences were observed between CP and VitD3 monotherapy (p = 0.671). Furthermore, VitD3+CP prolonged survival compared to CP (p = 0.036) and VitD3 (p = 0.007). Additionally, at day 14 the VitD3 and VitD3+CP groups showed significantly lower NLR values than the CP group (p < 0.05, for both comparisons). Vitamin D3 could be a promising adjuvant in the treatment of cervical cancer or solid tumors and deserves further investigation.

An ultra-sensitive and high-throughput trapping-micro-LC-MS method for quantification of circulating vitamin D metabolites and application in multiple sclerosis patients

Quantitative analysis of the biologically-active metabolites of vitamin D (VitD), which are crucial in regulating various physiological and pathological processes, is important for clinical investigations. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has been widely used for this purpose but existing LC-MS methods face challenges in achieving highly sensitive and accurate quantification of low-abundance VitD metabolites while maintaining high throughput and robustness. Here we developed a novel pipeline that combines a trapping-micro-LC-(T-µLC) with narrow-window-isolation selected-reaction monitoring MS(NWI-SRM) for ultra-sensitive, robust and high-throughput quantification of VitD metabolites in serum samples after derivatization. The selective-trapping and delivery approach efficiently removes matrix components, enabling high-capacity sample loading and enhancing sensitivity, throughput, and robustness. The NWI-SRM further improves the sensitivity by providing high selectivity. The lower limits of quantification (LOQs) achieved were markedly lower than any existing LC-MS methods: 1.0 pg/mL for 1,25(OH)2D3, 5.0 pg/mL for 24,25(OH)2D3, 30 pg/mL for both 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3, all within a 9-min cycle. The method is applied to quantify VitD metabolites from 218 patients with multiple sclerosis. This study revealed negative correlations(r=- 0.44 to - 0.51) between the levels of 25(OH)D2 and all the three D3 metabolites in multiple sclerosis patients.

Vitamin D and cancer

The role of vitamin D in the prevention of chronic diseases including cancer, has received a great deal of attention during the past few decades. The term "Cancer" represents multiple disease states with varying biological complexities. The strongest link between vitamin D and cancer is provided by ecological and studies like observational, in preclinical models. It is apparent that vitamin D exerts diverse biological responses in a tissue specific manner. Moreover, several human factors could affect bioactivity of vitamin D. The mechanism(s) underlying vitamin D initiated anti-carcinogenic effects are diverse and includes changes at the muti-system levels. The oncogenic environment could easily corrupt the traditional role of vitamin D or could ensure resistance to vitamin D mediated responses. Several researchers have identified gaps in our knowledge pertaining to the role of vitamin D in cancer. Further areas are identified to solidify the role of vitamin D in cancer control strategies.

Vitamin D status and tic disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Objective

Tic disorders (TD) are a common neurodevelopmental disorder, it can be divided into transient tic disorder (TTD), chronic motor or vocal tic disorder (CTD), and Tourette syndrome (TS). Our research is to evaluate the clinical relationship between tic disorders and vitamin D level in children.

Methods

Online databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase digital knowledge service platform, were checked up to June 2022 for relevant observational studies published in Chinese and English. A random-effects model was incorporated to summarize the study results. The RevMan5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.

Results

Out of 132 retrieved articles, 13 observational studies were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis, comparing serum Vitamin D levels between children with TD and HC (healthy controls), including different subtypes of TD (TTD, CTD and TS). The results showed that the serum vitamin D levels in the TD group were lower than those in the HC group (MD = -6.64, 95% CI: -9.36 to -3.93, P < 0.001, Heterogeneity test: P < 0.001, I2 = 94%). There were no statistically significant differences in serum vitamin D levels between the TTD group and the CTD group (MD = 3.84, 95% CI: -0.59 to 8.26, P = 0.09, Heterogeneity test: P < 0.001, I2 = 90%), or between the CTD group and the TS group (MD = 1.06, 95% CI: -0.04 to 2.16, P = 0.0, Heterogeneity test: P = 0.54, I2 = 0%). However, there was a statistically significant difference in serum vitamin D levels between the TTD group and the TS group (MD = 5.24, 95% CI: 0.68-9.80, P = 0.02, Heterogeneity test: P < 0.001, I2 = 92%). The study also found a statistically significant difference in the ratio of male children between the TD group and the HC group (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.07-2.03, P = 0.02, Heterogeneity test: P < 0.001, I2 = 74%), but no statistically significant difference in the age of children between the TD group and the HC group (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: -0.33 to 1.24, P = 0.25, Heterogeneity test: P < 0.001, I2 = 96%).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis showed that the vitamin D level of children with TD was lower than that of healthy children. However, there was no difference between the subgroup. Due to the limitations of included studies in research design and diagnostic criteria, large samples, multi-center and high-quality studies are still needed for further analysis and confirmation.

Associations between vitamin D levels and dietary patterns in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Introduction

Vitamin D insufficiency is a global health problem affecting healthy and diseased individuals, including patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Identifying dietary factors that may affect vitamin D levels and providing dietary guidelines accordingly can alleviate this problem. We therefore aimed to identify still unknown associations of dietary patterns, assessed through the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with vitamin D blood levels.

Materials and methods

FFQ was collected from 459 patients from Croatian Biobank of Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (CROHT), while total 25(OH)D was measured from their stored serum samples. We performed linear regression analysis between vitamin D levels and weekly intake of 24 food groups in 459 patients with HT (ALL), and in two disease-severity groups (MILD and OVERT).

Results

The main results of our study are observations of: (1) an inverse association between vitamin D levels and coffee consumption (ALL: β = -0.433, p = 0.005; OVERT: β = -0.62, p = 0.008); (2) an inverse association between vitamin D levels and sweets consumption (ALL: β = -0.195, p = 0.034; OVERT: β = -0.431, p = 0.006); (3) positive association between vitamin D levels and vegetable consumption (ALL: β = 0.182, p = 0.019; OVERT, β = 0.311, p = 0.009). Importantly, effect sizes of all three associations were more prominent in HT patients with prolonged and more severe disease (OVERT).

Conclusion

Further research into the functional and causal relationships of the observed associations is important to provide guidance regarding coffee/sugar intake on vitamin D status. A well-balanced diet can help prevent vitamin D deficiency and improve the quality of life of patients with HT, especially those in later stages of disease characterized by greater metabolic imbalance.

Serum Vitamin D Metabolites by HPLC-MS/MS Combined with Differential Ion Mobility Spectrometry: Aspects of Sample Preparation without Derivatization

In current clinical practice, a thorough understanding of vitamin D metabolism is in high demand both for patients with various diseases and for healthy individuals. Analytical techniques that provide simultaneous measurement of multiple metabolites are preferred. Herein, the development of an HPLC-DMS-MS/MS method for the quantitation of vitamin D compounds (25(OH)D₃, 25(OH)D₂, 1,25(OH)₂D₃, 3-epi-25(OH)D₃, 24,25(OH)₂D₃, and D₃) in serum is described. The selected sample preparation procedure based on the combination of liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction, which excluded a lengthy derivatization step, was compared with other common approaches. Sensitivity was increased through the implementation of differential ion mobility separation. The proposed assay allowed us to determine the low abundant 1,25(OH)₂D₃ with the detection limit of 10 pg/mL. The validation study showed good linearity (r² > 0.99), a wide analytical range (2.5-75 ng/mL for 25(OH)D₃), and acceptable precision (<7%) for all metabolites. The recovery ranged from 71% to 93% and the matrix effect from 0.80 to 0.95 depending on the metabolite; accuracy determination was performed using DEQAS controls.

Tuberculosis and malnutrition: The European perspective

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading infectious cause of death worldwide, despite ongoing efforts to limit its incidence and mortality. Although the European Region has made gains in TB incidence and mortality, it now contends with increasing numbers of multidrug- and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB). Malnutrition is a major contributor to the burden of TB and may also be directly caused or enhanced by the onset of TB. The presence of malnutrition may worsen TB and MDR/RR-TB related treatment outcomes and contribute to growing TB drug-resistance. Preventing and treating all forms of malnutrition is an important tool to limit the spread of TB worldwide and improve TB outcomes and treatment efficacy. We carried out a scoping review of the existing evidence that addresses malnutrition in the context of TB. Our review found malnutrition increased the risk of developing TB in high-burden settings and increased the likelihood of developing unfavorable treatment outcomes, including treatment failure, loss to follow-up, and death. The potential impact of nutritional care and improved nutritional status on patient prognosis was more difficult to evaluate due to heterogeneity of patient populations, treatment protocols, and treatment durations and goals. High-quality trials that consider malnutrition as a major risk factor and relevant treatment target when designing effective strategies to limit TB spread and mortality are needed to inform evidence-based practice. In TB patients, we suggest that widespread and regular nutritional screening, assessment, and counselling, has the potential to increase effectiveness of TB management strategies and improve patient quality of life, overall outcomes, and survival.

Research Trends of Vitamin D Metabolism Gene Polymorphisms Based on a Bibliometric Investigation

Vitamin D requires activation to show its pharmacological effect. While most studies investigate the association between vitamin D and disease, only a few focus on the impact of vitamin D metabolism gene polymorphisms (vitDMGPs). This bibliometric study aims to provide an overview of current publications on vitDMGPs (CYP27B1, CYP24A1, CYP2R1, CYP27A1, CYP2R1, DHCR7/NADSYN1), compare them across countries, affiliations, and journals, and inspect keywords, co-citations, and citation bursts to identify trends in this research field. CiteSpace© (version 6.1.R3, Chaomei Chen), Bibliometrix© (R version 4.1.3 library, K-Synth Srl, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy), VOSviewer© (version 1.6.1, Nees Jan van Eck and Ludo Waltman, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands) and Microsoft® Excel 365 (Microsoft, Redmond, Washington, USA) classified and summarized Web of Science articles from 1998 to November 2022. We analyzed 2496 articles and built a timeline of co-citations and a bibliometric keywords co-occurrence map. The annual growth rate of vitDMGPs publications was 18.68%, and their relative research interest and published papers were increasing. The United States of America leads vitDMGPs research. The University of California System attained the highest quality of vitDMGPs research, followed by the American National Institutes of Health and Harvard University. The three productive journals on vitDMGPs papers are J. Steroid. Biochem. Mol. Biol., PLOS ONE, and J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. We highlighted that the vitDMGPs domain is relatively new, and many novel research opportunities are available, especially those related to studying single nucleotide polymorphisms or markers in a specific gene in the vitamin D metabolism cycle and their association with disease. Genome-wide association studies, genetic variants of vitDMGPs, and vitamin D and its role in cancer risk were the most popular studies. CYP24A1 and CYB27A1 were the most-studied genes in vitDMGPs. Insulin was the longest-trending studied hormone associated with vitDMGPs. Trending topics in this field relate to bile acid metabolism, transcriptome and gene expression, biomarkers, single nucleotide polymorphism, and fibroblast growth factor 23. We also expect an increase in original research papers investigating the association between vitDMGPs and coronavirus disease 2019, hypercalcemia, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, 27-hydroxycholesterol, and mendelian randomization. These findings will provide the foundations for innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of a vast spectrum of conditions.

Vitamin D: sources, physiological role, biokinetics, deficiency, therapeutic use, toxicity, and overview of analytical methods for detection of vitamin D and its metabolites

Vitamin D has a well-known role in the calcium homeostasis associated with the maintenance of healthy bones. It increases the efficiency of the intestinal absorption of dietary calcium, reduces calcium losses in urine, and mobilizes calcium stored in the skeleton. However, vitamin D receptors are present ubiquitously in the human body and indeed, vitamin D has a plethora of non-calcemic functions. In contrast to most vitamins, sufficient vitamin D can be synthesized in human skin. However, its production can be markedly decreased due to factors such as clothing, sunscreens, intentional avoidance of the direct sunlight, or the high latitude of the residence. Indeed, more than one billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient, and the deficiency is frequently undiagnosed. The chronic deficiency is not only associated with rickets/osteomalacia/osteoporosis but it is also linked to a higher risk of hypertension, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or cancer. Supplementation of vitamin D may be hence beneficial, but the intake of vitamin D should be under the supervision of health professionals because overdosing leads to intoxication with severe health consequences. For monitoring vitamin D, several analytical methods are employed, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed in detail in this review.

23,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; is liberated as a major vitamin D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; metabolite in human urine after treatment with β-glucuronidase: Quantitative comparison with 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; by LC/MS/MS

The complete understanding of the excretion of surplus 25-hydroxyvitamin D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; [25(OH)D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;] in humans remains to be accomplished. In our previous study, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; [24,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;] 24-glucuronide was identified as a major urinary vitamin D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; metabolite, while the glucuronide of 23,25-dihydroxyvitamin D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; [23,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;] is another metabolite of interest but has not been sufficiently evaluated. Although the quantitative analysis of 24,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; liberated in urine by the treatment with β-glucuronidase (GUS) has been conducted, no information was provided about the amount of the glucuronidated 23,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; in the urine. In this study, we first developed and validated a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS)-based method for the simultaneous quantification of 23,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; and 24,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; liberated in urine by GUS. The analysis of the urine samples revealed that the amount of 23,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; was almost as much as that of 24,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;, in contrast to the fact that the plasma concentration of 23,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; was much lower than that of 24,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;. These results strongly suggested that 23,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; is more susceptible to glucuronidation and more promptly excreted into urine than 24,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;. Furthermore, the amount ratios of 23,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; to 24,25(OH)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; in the urine samples did not markedly vary during the day (morning/evening) and even by a week-long vitamin D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; supplementation (1000 IU/body/day). We concluded that the C-23 hydroxylation plays a crucial role in the urinary excretion of surplus 25(OH)D&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Risk Factors Related to Acute Psychiatric Relapses in Patients with Severe Mental Disorders: A Preliminary Study

Previous studies have indicated that vitamin (Vit) D deficiency is frequent in psychiatric patients, regardless of diagnostic category. We aimed to assess whether acute psychiatric relapses in inpatients was associated with Vit D deficiency compared to stabilized outpatients. The cohort (152 total patients, 75 males and 77 females) had a mean age of 47.3 ± 14.4 years at admission and was grouped according to psychiatric diagnosis. Psychopathological symptom severity was assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), a multidimensional symptom inventory. Total calcium serum levels were measured using standard laboratory methods, while plasma levels of 25-OH-Vit D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured by automated chemiluminescence immunoassays. The psychiatric inpatient subgroup showed a significant difference in serum levels of 25-OH-Vit D and PTH (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis between serum levels of 25-OH-Vit D and BPRS total and subitem scores indicated a significantly negative relationship. In addition, linear regression analysis evidenced that the inpatient condition might predict low PTH and 25-OH-Vit D serum levels. Hospitalized psychiatric patients are at increased risk for Vit D deficiency regardless of their diagnostic categories. The mechanism underlying the association between acute psychiatric relapses and Vit D deficiency remains unclear. Therefore, screening for Vit D deficiency should pertain to the health assessment of patients with major psychiatric disorders.

Fluorescent-based nanosensors for selective detection of a wide range of biological macromolecules: A comprehensive review

Thanks to their unique attributes, such as good sensitivity, selectivity, high surface-to-volume ratio, and versatile optical and electronic properties, fluorescent-based bioprobes have been used to create highly sensitive nanobiosensors to detect various biological and chemical agents. These sensors are superior to other analytical instrumentation techniques like gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis for being biodegradable, eco-friendly, and more economical, operational, and cost-effective. Moreover, several reports have also highlighted their application in the early detection of biomarkers associated with drug-induced organ damage such as liver, kidney, or lungs. In the present work, we comprehensively overviewed the electrochemical sensors that employ nanomaterials (nanoparticles/colloids or quantum dots, carbon dots, or nanoscaled metal-organic frameworks, etc.) to detect a variety of biological macromolecules based on fluorescent emission spectra. In addition, the most important mechanisms and methods to sense amino acids, protein, peptides, enzymes, carbohydrates, neurotransmitters, nucleic acids, vitamins, ions, metals, and electrolytes, blood gases, drugs (i.e., anti-inflammatory agents and antibiotics), toxins, alkaloids, antioxidants, cancer biomarkers, urinary metabolites (i.e., urea, uric acid, and creatinine), and pathogenic microorganisms were outlined and compared in terms of their selectivity and sensitivity. Altogether, the small dimensions and capability of these nanosensors for sensitive, label-free, real-time sensing of chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical agents could be used in array-based screening and in-vitro or in-vivo diagnostics. Although fluorescent nanoprobes are widely applied in determining biological macromolecules, unfortunately, they present many challenges and limitations. Efforts must be made to minimize such limitations in utilizing such nanobiosensors with an emphasis on their commercial developments. We believe that the current review can foster the wider incorporation of nanomedicine and will be of particular interest to researchers working on fluorescence technology, material chemistry, coordination polymers, and related research areas.

Determinants of 25-hydroxyvitamin D Status in a Cutaneous Melanoma Population

Vitamin D status is influenced by well-known determinants, but factors associated with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the cutaneous melanoma population are not well defined. The aim of this study was to confirm the well-known determinants and to assess new determinants for 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in a cutaneous melanoma population. In a prospectively included cohort of 387 patients with cutaneous melanoma the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with sex, age, body mass index, time of blood withdrawal, Fitzpatrick phototype, vitamin D supplementation, score for intensity of lifetime sun exposure, smoking, education level, hair and skin colour, eye colour, total number of benign naevi, freckles and parameters of chronic sun damage was investigated. In addition, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were correlated with pathological parameters of the primary tumour and melanoma stage (8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed using R software. The following factors had a significant effect on vitamin D status: body mass index, seasonal time of blood sampling, vitamin D supplementation, and a subtype of skin, and hair colour.

Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers' Levels in Obese Patients

In view of research suggesting a possible beneficial impact of vitamin D on systemic inflammatory response, the authors decided to investigate an influence of vitamin D supplementation on serum levels of certain inflammatory markers in obese patients. The current study included such biomarkers as interleukin-6 (IL-6), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), C-X3-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CX3CL1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and nitric oxide (NO). The measurements were performed with the ELISA method before and after 3-month-long supplementation of 2000 IU of vitamin D orally. The results showed that the therapy did not induce any statistically significant changes in serum levels of MCP-1, IL-6, CX3CL1, and PACAP. The supplementation was related to a significant increase in measurements of NO and AOPP levels, although the correlation analysis between vitamin D concentration after its supplementation and the concentration of the molecular parameters did not show significant relation. In conclusion, our study seems to contradict certain aspects of findings available in the literature regarding the vitamin D's impact.

Trend research of vitamin D receptor: Bibliometric analysis

Studies on vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its association with multiple disorders are expanding. This bibliometric study aims to find and summarize VDR-related publications, and compare them across various countries, organizations, and journals to demonstrate trends in VDR research. VOSviewer and Excel 2019 were used to classify and summarize Web of Science articles from 1900 to mid-2021. Total records of 8762 articles were analyzed, and maps of co-citations bibliometric keywords co-occurrence were designed. In conclusion, relative research interest and published papers related to VDR were growing in the past 30 years. The United States of America dominates the research regarding VDR. The highest quality of VDR research was achieved by the University of California System, University of Wisconsin System, and Harvard University. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol, PLoS One, and J Biol Chem are the leading three productive journals on VDR. Various aspects of vitamin D deficiency associated disorders and genetic studies regarding VDR, including single nucleotide polymorphism, gene variants, epigenome, long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA), and small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 are potentially the recent research hotspot in this field. Moreover, coronavirus disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gut microbiota, gestational diabetes, systemic sclerosis, and chemoresistance are the trending medical conditions associated with VDR.

Vitamin D and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Observations from CROHT Biobank

The aims of this study were to evaluate: (1) associations of vitamin D with the presence/severity of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and (2) correlations of vitamin D with thyroid-related phenotypes. Total 25(OH)D (vitamin D in the text) was measured from stored serum samples of 461 HT patients and 176 controls from a Croatian Biobank of HT patients (CROHT). (1) Vitamin D levels, and proportions of vitamin D deficiency, were compared between HT cases and controls. HT patients were additionally divided into two groups (MILD and OVERT) to take into account HT severity. (2) Correlations between vitamin D and 10 clinical phenotypes in all HT patients and two subgroups of HT patients were tested using the Spearman correlation test. Our analyses were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, smoking status and seasonality of blood sampling. (1) No significant differences in vitamin D levels, or proportions of vitamin D deficiency, were detected between HT patients of all disease stages and controls. However, a nominally significant difference in vitamin D levels between MILD and OVERT subgroups (OR = 1.038, p = 0.023) was observed. Proportions of individuals with vitamin D deficiency during winter–spring were high: all HT cases (64.69%), MILD (60.64%), OVERT (68.7%), controls (60.79%). (2) A nominally significant negative correlation between vitamin D and TSH in all HT patients (r = −0.113, p = 0.029) and a positive correlation between vitamin D and systolic blood pressure in OVERT HT patients (r = 0.205, p = 0.025) were identified. Our study indicates that there is no association between vitamin D and HT; however, there may be a subtle decrease in vitamin D levels associated with overt hypothyroidism.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with thyroid autoimmunity: results from an epidemiological survey in Tianjin, China

PURPOSE

The pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is unclear, although some studies have identified an association between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid autoantibody positivity. This study aimed to investigate vitamin D status, and its relationships with thyroid autoantibody positivity and HT, via a large epidemiological survey.

METHODS

The epidemiological survey was conducted in Tianjin, China. All participants underwent testing for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), thyroid function, and thyroid autoantibodies, and some participants underwent testing to evaluate CD4⁺ T-cell differentiation and concentrations of related cytokines.

RESULTS

The study included 1812 participants and revealed prevalences of 13.1% for thyroid peroxidase antibodies (i-TPOAb) and 14.0% for thyroglobulin antibodies (i-TgAb). Logistic regression analysis revealed that thyroid autoantibody positivity was associated with sex, age, and 25OHD classification. An increased likelihood of i-TPOAb positivity was associated with 25OHD deficiency (odds ratio [OR]: 2.428, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.383-4.261) and 25OHD inadequacy (OR: 1.198, 95% CO: 0.828-1.733; p = 0.008). An increased likelihood of i-TgAb positivity was associated with 25OHD deficiency (OR: 2.366, 95% CI: 1.366-4.099) and 25OHD inadequacy (OR: 1.263, 95% CI: 0.883-1.807; p = 0.009). Relative to healthy subjects, patients with HT had significantly higher proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells, as well as higher concentrations of related cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was associated with thyroid autoantibody positivity, and that vitamin D deficiency seems to be involved in the pathological mechanism underlying HT. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on HT.

The effect of daily intake of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink, with and without added calcium, on serum adiponectin and sirtuins 1 and 6 in adult subjects with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Some evidence suggests indirect ameliorating effects of vitamin D in diabetes via adiponectin and sirtuins. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of daily intake of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink, either with or without added calcium, on serum adiponectin, sirtuins (SIRT)1 and 6.

METHODS

Briefly, 75 adults aged 30-60 years from both sexes with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to one of the three groups: (i) D-fortified-yogurt drink (DY; containing 1000 IU vitamin D and 300 mg calcium), (ii) Ca+D-fortified-yogurt drink (CDY; containing 1000 IU vitamin D and 500 mg calcium) and (iii) plain yogurt drink (PY; containing no detectable vitamin D and 300 mg calcium). All assessments were performed initially and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

A significant within-group increment in serum adiponectin concentrations was observed in both DY and CDY groups (+60.4 ± 8.6, +57.5 ± 6.4 µg/L, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). The concentrations of SIRT1 and SIRT6 had a significant within-group increment only in the CDY group (p = 0.003, p = 0.001 respectively). Being in CDY group was more favorable predictor of improvement in SIRT6 concentrations. Changes of 25(OH)D were a significant predictor of changes of adiponectin. However, this association disappeared following adjustment for changes of SIRT1. In contrast, the association between changes of 25(OH)D and HbA1c remained significant even after adjustment for SIRT1.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily consumption of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink for 12 weeks resulted in an increase in circulating concentrations of SIRT1 and SIRT6 in T2D subjects and D+Ca-fortified yogurt drink was more in favor of SIRT6 increment.

The evident and the hidden factors of vitamin D status in older people during COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, vitamin D is a target of research and speculation. Lockdown or home isolation reduces sunlight exposition and increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Special attention is needed for older people at risk of both severe forms of COVID-19 and vitamin D deficiency. This review aims to highlight the association of vitamin D and COVID-19 in two instances, the direct influence of vitamin D on the immune system, and the indirect risks for other vitamin D deficiency-related diseases, such as musculoskeletal properties in older persons.

Methods

We performed a narrative review.

Results

Whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with COVID-19 poor prognosis, and if vitamin D supplementation may improve the post-infection outcomes is still unclear. In any case, the pandemic generates indirect burden, such as the sequence: home isolation, low sunlight exposition, vitamin D deficiency, and fragility fractures.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is time to debate how to optimize vitamin D status in older people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.