Search Results

You are looking at 11 - 20 of 225 items for

  • Abstract: Bone x
  • Abstract: Mineral x
  • Abstract: Calcium x
  • Abstract: Hyperparathyroidism x
  • Abstract: Menopause x
  • Abstract: Osteo* x
  • Abstract: Vitamin D x
Clear All Modify Search
Jane Fletcher Nutrition Nurses, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
School of Nursing, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Jane Fletcher in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Emma L Bishop Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Emma L Bishop in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Stephanie R Harrison Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK

Search for other papers by Stephanie R Harrison in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Amelia Swift School of Nursing, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Amelia Swift in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Sheldon C Cooper Gastroenterology Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Sheldon C Cooper in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Sarah K Dimeloe Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Sarah K Dimeloe in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Karim Raza Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Karim Raza in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Martin Hewison Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Martin Hewison in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Vitamin D has well-documented effects on calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism but recent studies suggest a much broader role for this secosteroid in human health. Key components of the vitamin D system, notably the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the vitamin D-activating enzyme (1α-hydroxylase), are present in a wide array of tissues, notably macrophages, dendritic cells and T lymphocytes (T cells) from the immune system. Thus, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) can be converted to hormonal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) within immune cells, and then interact with VDR and promote transcriptional and epigenomic responses in the same or neighbouring cells. These intracrine and paracrine effects of 1,25D have been shown to drive antibacterial or antiviral innate responses, as well as to attenuate inflammatory T cell adaptive immunity. Beyond these mechanistic observations, association studies have reported the correlation between low serum 25D levels and the risk and severity of human immune disorders including autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The proposed explanation for this is that decreased availability of 25D compromises immune cell synthesis of 1,25D leading to impaired innate immunity and over-exuberant inflammatory adaptive immunity. The aim of the current review is to explore the mechanistic basis for immunomodulatory effects of 25D and 1,25D in greater detail with specific emphasis on how vitamin D-deficiency (low serum levels of 25D) may lead to dysregulation of macrophage, dendritic cell and T cell function and increase the risk of inflammatory autoimmune disease.

Open access
Shatha Alharazy Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Search for other papers by Shatha Alharazy in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
M Denise Robertson Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK

Search for other papers by M Denise Robertson in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Susan Lanham-New Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK

Search for other papers by Susan Lanham-New in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Muhammad Imran Naseer Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Search for other papers by Muhammad Imran Naseer in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Adeel G Chaudhary Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Centre for Innovation in Personalized Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Search for other papers by Adeel G Chaudhary in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Eman Alissa Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Search for other papers by Eman Alissa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Background

Measurement of free 25-hydroyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status has been suggested as a more representative marker of vitamin D status than that of total 25(OH)D. Previously, free 25(OH)D could only be calculated indirectly; however, a newly developed direct assay for the measurement of free 25(OH)D is now available. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate directly measured total and free vitamin D levels association with metabolic health in postmenopausal healthy women living in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A sample of 302 postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years (n  = 302) living in Saudi Arabia were recruited in a cross-sectional study design. Blood samples were collected from subjects for measurement of serum levels of total 25(OH)D, directly measured free 25(OH)D, metabolic bone parameters, lipid profile, and other biochemical tests.

Results

A positive correlation was found between directly measured free and total 25(OH)D (r = 0.64, P< 0.0001). Total but not free 25(OH)D showed significant association with serum intact parathyroid hormone (P = 0.004), whilst free 25(OH)D but not total 25(OH)D showed a significant association with total cholesterol and LDL-C (P = 0.032 and P = 0.045, respectively).

Conclusions

Free 25(OH)D and total 25(OH)D were found to be consistently correlated but with different associations to metabolic health parameters. Further research is needed to determine which marker of vitamin D status would be the most appropriate in population studies.

Open access
Sharon A Huish University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK

Search for other papers by Sharon A Huish in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Carl Jenkinson The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Carl Jenkinson in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Janet A Dunn The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

Search for other papers by Janet A Dunn in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
David J Meredith Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK

Search for other papers by David J Meredith in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Rosemary Bland The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

Search for other papers by Rosemary Bland in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Martin Hewison The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Search for other papers by Martin Hewison in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Low serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is considered a consequence of elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and concomitant reduced activity of renal 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1). Current ESRD treatment strategies to increase serum calcium and suppress secondary hyperparathyroidism involve supplementation with vitamin D analogues that circumvent 1α-hydroxylase. This overlooks the potential importance of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency as a contributor to low serum 1,25(OH)2D. We investigated the effects of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) supplementation (40,000 IU for 12 weeks and maintenance dose of 20,000 IU fortnightly), on multiple serum vitamin D metabolites (25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3) in 55 haemodialysis patients. Baseline and 12 month data were compared using related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank test. All patients remained on active vitamin D analogues as part of routine ESRD care. 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were low at baseline (normal range: 60–120 pmol/L). Cholecalciferol supplementation normalised both serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D3. Median serum 25(OH)D increased from 35.1 nmol/L (IQR: 23.0–47.5 nmol/L) to 119.9 nmol/L (IQR: 99.5–143.3 nmol/L) (P < 0.001). Median serum 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 increased from 48.3 pmol/L (IQR: 35.9–57.9 pmol/L) and 3.8 nmol/L (IQR: 2.3–6.0 nmol/L) to 96.2 pmol/L (IQR: 77.1–130.6 pmol/L) and 12.3 nmol/L (IQR: 9–16.4 nmol/L), respectively (P < 0.001). A non-significant reduction in daily active vitamin D analogue dose occurred, 0.94 µmcg at baseline to 0.77 µmcg at 12 months (P = 0.73). The ability to synthesise 1,25(OH)2D3 in ESRD is maintained but is substrate dependent, and serum 25(OH)D was a limiting factor at baseline. Therefore, 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency in ESRD is partly a consequence of 25(OH)D deficiency, rather than solely due to reduced 1α-hydroxylase activity as suggested by current treatment strategies.

Open access
Stan Ursem Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Search for other papers by Stan Ursem in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Vito Francic Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Lab Platform, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Vito Francic in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Martin Keppel University Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria

Search for other papers by Martin Keppel in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Verena Schwetz Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Lab Platform, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Verena Schwetz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Christian Trummer Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Lab Platform, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Christian Trummer in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Marlene Pandis Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Lab Platform, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Marlene Pandis in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Felix Aberer Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Lab Platform, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Felix Aberer in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Martin R Grübler Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Lab Platform, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Martin R Grübler in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Nicolas D Verheyen Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Nicolas D Verheyen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Winfried März Synlab Academy, Synlab Holding Germany GmbH, München, Germany

Search for other papers by Winfried März in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Andreas Tomaschitz Specialist Clinic of Rehabilitation Bad Gleichenberg, Bad Gleichenberg, Austria

Search for other papers by Andreas Tomaschitz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Stefan Pilz Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Lab Platform, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Stefan Pilz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Lab Platform, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Annemieke C Heijboer Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Search for other papers by Annemieke C Heijboer in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

PTH can be oxidised in vivo, rendering it biologically inactive. Non-oxidised PTH (n-oxPTH) may therefore give a better image of the hormonal status of the patient. While vitamin D supplementation decreases total PTH (tPTH) concentration, the effect on n-oxPTH concentration is unexplored. We investigated the effect of vitamin D on n-oxPTH concentration in comparison to tPTH and compared the correlations between parameters of calcium, bone and lipid metabolism with n-oxPTH and tPTH.

Methods

N-oxPTH was measured in 108 vitamin D-insufficient (25(OH)D <75 nmol/L) hypertensive patients, treated with vitamin D (2800 IE daily) or placebo for 8 weeks in the Styrian Vitamin D Hypertension Trial (NCT02136771). We calculated the treatment effect and performed correlation analyses of n-oxPTH and tPTH with parameters of calcium, bone and lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.

Results

After treatment, compared to placebo, 25(OH)D concentrations increased, tPTH decreased by 9% (P < 0.001), n-oxPTH by 7% (P = 0.025) and the ratio of n-oxPTH/tPTH increased (P = 0.027). Changes in phosphate and HDL concentration correlated with changes in n-oxPTH, but not tPTH.

Conclusions

tPTH and n-oxPTH decrease upon vitamin D supplementation. Our study suggests that vitamin D supplementation reduces the oxidation of PTH, as we observed a small but significant increase in the non-oxidised proportion of PTH upon treatment. In addition, we found that changes in phosphate and HDL concentration showed a relationship with changes in n-oxPTH, but not tPTH. This may be explained by the biological activity of n-oxPTH. Further research should be carried out to establish the clinical relevance of n-oxPTH.

Open access
Mirjam M Oosterwerff Departments of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public and Occupational Health, Endocrine Section

Search for other papers by Mirjam M Oosterwerff in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Rosa Meijnen Departments of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public and Occupational Health, Endocrine Section

Search for other papers by Rosa Meijnen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Natasja M Van Schoor Departments of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public and Occupational Health, Endocrine Section

Search for other papers by Natasja M Van Schoor in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Dirk L Knol Departments of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public and Occupational Health, Endocrine Section

Search for other papers by Dirk L Knol in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mark H H Kramer Departments of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public and Occupational Health, Endocrine Section

Search for other papers by Mark H H Kramer in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mireille N M Van Poppel Departments of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public and Occupational Health, Endocrine Section

Search for other papers by Mireille N M Van Poppel in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Paul Lips Departments of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public and Occupational Health, Endocrine Section

Search for other papers by Paul Lips in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
E Marelise W Eekhoff Departments of Internal Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public and Occupational Health, Endocrine Section

Search for other papers by E Marelise W Eekhoff in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among non-western immigrants in The Netherlands and associated with poor physical performance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on physical performance, exercise capacity, and daily physical activity in vitamin D-deficient, overweight non-western immigrants. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of vitamin D on physical performance. A total of 130 participants were included. Eligibility criteria included overweight (BMI >27 kg/m2), 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) ≤50 nmol/l, and an age range of 20–65 years. The intervention group received 1200 IU vitamin D3 daily for 4 months; the control group received placebo. Both groups received 500 mg calcium daily. Outcome measures included physical performance (physical performance score), exercise capacity (a 6-min walk test (6-MWT)), and daily physical activity (questionnaire and accelerometer). There was no significant effect on physical performance, exercise capacity, or physical activity in the intention to treat analysis. In an explorative post hoc analysis restricted to participants reaching a serum 25(OH)D concentration of >60 nmol/l after intervention, there was an improvement of 19 m in the 6-MWT compared with the control group (P=0.053). Moderate dose vitamin D supplementation did not significantly improve physical performance, exercise capacity, or physical activity. However, when 25(OH)D concentrations reached >60 nmol/l after intervention, there was a borderline significant improvement in exercise capacity. Although the clinical relevance is not clear, this is a promising result, as all participants were overweight and did not improve their overall activity levels.

Open access
Haojie Zhang Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Haojie Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yuke Cui Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Yuke Cui in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ruihua Dong Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Ruihua Dong in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Wen Zhang Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Wen Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Shihan Chen Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Shihan Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Heng Wan Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Heng Wan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Chi Chen Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Chi Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yi Chen Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Yi Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yuying Wang Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Yuying Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Chunfang Zhu Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Chunfang Zhu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Bo Chen Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Bo Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ningjian Wang Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Ningjian Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Yingli Lu Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Search for other papers by Yingli Lu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Background

Bone is thought to be the reservoir of the human lead burden, and vitamin D is associated with bone turnover. We aimed to explore whether exposure to lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels was associated with higher blood lead levels (BLLs) by increasing the bone turnover rate in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 4103 type 2 diabetic men and postmenopausal women in Shanghai, China, were enrolled in 2018. Their 25(OH)D, β-C-terminal telopeptide (β-CTX), N-MID osteocalcin and procollagen type 1 N-peptide (P1NP) levels were detected. Their BLLs were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Mediation analyses were performed to identify the possible role that bone turnover played in the underlying mechanisms.

Results

In both the men and postmenopausal women, all three bone turnover markers were inversely associated with 25(OH)D and positively associated with the BLL (all P < 0.01) after adjusting for age, current smoking habits, metabolic parameters, duration of diabetes, vitamin D intake, and use of anti-osteoporosis medication. In the mediation analyses, none of the direct associations between 25(OH)D and BLL was significant for the three bone turnover markers, but all three bone turnover markers were found to be significant mediators of the indirect associations between 25(OH)D and BLL.

Conclusion

The association between vitamin D and BLL was fully mediated by bone turnover markers in type 2 diabetic patients (mediation effect). This finding suggested that vitamin D may protect against blood lead exposure from the bone reservoir by decreasing bone turnover in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Open access
Rong Xu Center for Endocrine Metabolism and Immune Diseases, Lu He Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Rong Xu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Difei Lian Center for Endocrine Metabolism and Immune Diseases, Lu He Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Difei Lian in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yan Xie Center for Endocrine Metabolism and Immune Diseases, Lu He Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Yan Xie in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Lin Mu Center for Endocrine Metabolism and Immune Diseases, Lu He Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Lin Mu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yali Wu Center for Endocrine Metabolism and Immune Diseases, Lu He Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Yali Wu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Zhilei Chen Center for Endocrine Metabolism and Immune Diseases, Lu He Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Zhilei Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Baoyu Zhang Center for Endocrine Metabolism and Immune Diseases, Lu He Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Baoyu Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic bone disease in which bone density and quality decrease and bone fragility increases due to a variety of causes, making it prone to fractures. The development of OP is closely related to oxidative stress. Uric acid (UA) is the end product of purine metabolism in the human body. Extracellular UA has antioxidant properties and is thought to have a protective effect on bone metabolism. However, the process of UA degradation can lead to intracellular oxidative stress, which together with UA-induced inflammatory factors, leads to increased bone destruction. In addition, UA can inhibit vitamin D production, resulting in secondary hyperparathyroidism and further exacerbating UA-associated bone loss. This review summarizes the relationship between serum UA levels and bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, and so on, in the hope of providing new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of OP.

Open access
Barbara J Boucher The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

Search for other papers by Barbara J Boucher in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

High vitamin D deficiency rates, with rickets and osteomalacia, have been common in South Asians (SAs) arriving in Britain since the 1950s with preventable infant deaths from hypocalcaemic status-epilepticus and cardiomyopathy. Vitamin D deficiency increases common SA disorders (type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease), recent trials and non-linear Mendelian randomisation studies having shown deficiency to be causal for both disorders. Ethnic minority, obesity, diabetes and social deprivation are recognised COVID-19 risk factors, but vitamin D deficiency is not, despite convincing mechanistic evidence of it. Adjusting analyses for obesity/ethnicity abolishes vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 risk prediction, but both factors lower serum 25(OH)D specifically. Social deprivation inadequately explains increased ethnic minority COVID-19 risks. SA vitamin D deficiency remains uncorrected after 70 years, official bodies using ‘education’, ‘assimilation’ and ‘diet’ as ‘proxies’ for ethnic differences and increasing pressures to assimilate. Meanwhile, English rickets was abolished from ~1940 by free ‘welfare foods’ (meat, milk, eggs, cod liver oil), for all pregnant/nursing mothers and young children (<5 years old). Cod liver oil was withdrawn from antenatal clinics in 1994 (for excessive vitamin A teratogenicity), without alternative provision. The take-up of the 2006 ‘Healthy-Start’ scheme of food-vouchers for low-income families with young children (<3 years old) has been poor, being inaccessible and poorly publicised. COVID-19 pandemic advice for UK adults in ‘lockdown’ was ‘400 IU vitamin D/day’, inadequate for correcting the deficiency seen winter/summer at 17.5%/5.9% in White, 38.5%/30% in Black and 57.2%/50.8% in SA people in representative UK Biobank subjects when recruited ~14 years ago and remaining similar in 2018. Vitamin D inadequacy worsens many non-skeletal health risks. Not providing vitamin D for preventing SA rickets and osteomalacia continues to be unacceptable, as deficiency-related health risks increase ethnic health disparities, while abolishing vitamin D deficiency would be easier and more cost-effective than correcting any other factor worsening ethnic minority health in Britain.

Open access
Niek F Dirks Atalmedial Diagnostics Centre, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Hematology and Immunology, Noordwest Ziekenhuis, Alkmaar, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by Niek F Dirks in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Etienne Cavalier Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Liège, CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium

Search for other papers by Etienne Cavalier in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Annemieke C Heijboer Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by Annemieke C Heijboer in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

The measurement of vitamin D metabolites aids in assessing vitamin D status and in diagnosing disorders of calcium homeostasis. Most laboratories measure total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), while others have taken the extra effort to measure 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 separately and additional metabolites such as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of the main markers of vitamin D metabolism, define the intended measurands, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the two most widely used assays, automated assays and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Whether using the easy and fast automated assays or the more complex LC-MS/MS, one should know the pitfalls of the used technique in order to interpret the measurements. In conclusion, automated assays are unable to accurately measure 25(OH)D in all patient groups, including persons using D2. In these cases, an LC-MS/MS method, when appropriately developed and standardized, produces a more reliable measurement.

Open access
Mateo Amaya-Montoya School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

Search for other papers by Mateo Amaya-Montoya in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Daniela Duarte-Montero School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

Search for other papers by Daniela Duarte-Montero in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Luz D Nieves-Barreto School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

Search for other papers by Luz D Nieves-Barreto in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Angélica Montaño-Rodríguez School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

Search for other papers by Angélica Montaño-Rodríguez in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Eddy C Betancourt-Villamizar Team Foods, Bogotá, Colombia

Search for other papers by Eddy C Betancourt-Villamizar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
María P Salazar-Ocampo School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

Search for other papers by María P Salazar-Ocampo in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Carlos O Mendivil School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Section of Endocrinology, Bogotá, Colombia

Search for other papers by Carlos O Mendivil in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Data on dietary calcium and vitamin D intake from Latin America are scarce. We explored the main correlates and dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D in a probabilistic, population-based sample from Colombia. We studied 1554 participants aged 18–75 from five different geographical regions. Dietary intake was assessed by employing a 157-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and national and international food composition tables. Daily vitamin D intake decreased with increasing age, from 230 IU/day in the 18–39 age group to 184 IU/day in the 60–75 age group (P -trend < 0.001). Vitamin D intake was positively associated with socioeconomic status (SES) (196 IU/day in lowest vs 234 in highest SES, P-trend < 0.001), and with educational level (176 IU/day in lowest vs 226 in highest education level, P-trend < 0.001). Daily calcium intake also decreased with age, from 1376 mg/day in the 18–39 age group to 1120 mg/day in the 60–75 age group (P -trend < 0.001). Calcium intake was lowest among participants with only elementary education, but the absolute difference in calcium intake between extreme education categories was smaller than for vitamin D (1107 vs 1274 mg/day, P-trend = 0.023). Daily calcium intake did not correlate with SES (P -trend = 0.74). Eggs were the main source of overall vitamin D, albeit their contribution decreased with increasing age. Dairy products contributed at least 48% of dietary calcium in all subgroups, mostly from cheese-containing traditional foods. SES and education were the key correlates of vitamin D and calcium intake. These findings may contribute to shape public health interventions in Latin American countries.

Open access