Search Results (1,810)

(1) Background: Shift work can affect physical health and the immune system by altering the body’s circadian rhythms. This study investigated the factors associated with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination response in manufacturing workers, classified by whether they engaged in shift work or not. (2) Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted among adults employed at two manufacturing companies. Those with negative initial hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) levels before vaccination and who subsequently received a three-dose series of HBV vaccine were enrolled. Hepatitis B surface antibodies were examined for 3 years after the first dose. The endpoint of this study was the failure of a seroprotective anti-HB response after vaccination (HBsAb < 10 mIU/mL). Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with response failures. (3) Results: Of the 1103 eligible subjects, 337 (30.6%) were shift workers. The failure rate was numerically higher in the shift workers (9.2%) than in the non-shift workers (7.9%), without statistical significance (p = 0.405). However, after adjustment with the binary logistic regression models, the shift workers had a statistically significantly higher rate of response failures than the non-shift workers (odds ratio 2.87; 95% confidence interval 1.64–5.05, p < 0.001), as did males, older workers, those with a low initial anti-HB titer, those with a vitamin D deficiency, and current smokers. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest a possible association between shift work and the serologic responses to HBV vaccination. Novel strategies for vaccination should be considered for shift workers. Full article

Vitamin D is crucial for ideal bone health and good muscle function, both essential requirements for successful joint arthroplasty. Hence, vitamin D deficiency has recently been identified as a predictor of poorer outcomes in patients scheduled to undergo total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Moreover, there is ample evidence today that vitamin D deficiency is associated with periprosthetic joint infection. Yet, vitamin D deficiency seems to be frequent in patients who are scheduled to undergo TJA. However, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients who require revision arthroplasty (rTJA) is largely unknown. Further, risk factors of vitamin D deficiency in these patients remain to be elucidated. For this reason, the primary objective of this study was to assess the vitamin D status of patients scheduled to undergo rTJA of the hip, knee and shoulder. The secondary objective was to identify potential risk factors for hypovitaminosis D in these patients. Serum vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels of 249 patients who were scheduled for rTJA were assessed over a period of twelve months at a high-volume TJA centre. Collectively, 23% of patients reported a routine intake of vitamin D supplements (58/249). Notably, 81% of patients (155/191) who did not report a routine vitamin D intake presented with insufficient vitamin D levels (below 30 ng/mL), while only 19% of patients (36/191) had sufficient vitamin D levels. Of those who reported a routine vitamin D intake, 75% (43/58) had sufficient vitamin D levels, while 25% (15/58) showed insufficient vitamin D status. Patients who did not routinely take any vitamin D supplements had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to patients who reported regular vitamin D intake (19.91 ng/mL vs. 40.66 ng/mL). Further, BMI and nicotine abuse were identified as potential risk factors for hypovitaminosis D in patients without vitamin D supplementation. Moreover, the season of spring seems to be a risk factor in patients with vitamin D supplementation, while age itself did not appear to be a significant risk factor for low vitamin D levels. In conclusion, we found an alarmingly high rate of vitamin D deficiency in patients scheduled to undergo rTJA. Notably, reported routine vitamin D supplementation showed significantly increased serum vitamin D levels compared to patients with no reported supplementation. Due to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, we believe that vitamin D status should routinely be assessed in patients who are scheduled to undergo rTJA. Full article

With increasing numbers of patients worldwide diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, renal disease, and iatrogenic immune deficiencies, an increased understanding of the role of electrolyte interactions in mitigating pathogen virulence is necessary. The levels of divalent cations affect host susceptibility and pathogen survival in persons with relative immune insufficiency. For instance, when host cellular levels of calcium are high compared to magnesium, this relationship contributes to insulin resistance and triples the risk of clinical tuberculosis. The movement of divalent cations within intracellular spaces contributes to the host defense, causing apoptosis or autophagy of the pathogen. The control of divalent cation flow is dependent in part upon the mammalian natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) in the host. Survival of pathogens such as M tuberculosis within the bronchoalveolar macrophage is also dependent upon NRAMP. Pathogens evolve mutations to control the movement of calcium through external and internal channels. The host NRAMP as a metal transporter competes for divalent cations with the pathogen NRAMP in M tuberculosis (whether in latent, dormant, or active phase). This review paper summarizes mechanisms of pathogen offense and patient defense using inflow and efflux through divalent cation channels under the influence of parathyroid hormone vitamin D and calcitonin. Full article

Vitamins are known to affect the regulation of several biochemical and metabolic pathways that influence cellular function. Adequate amounts of both hydrophilic and lipophilic vitamins are required for maintaining normal cardiac and vascular function, but their deficiencies can contribute to cardiovascular abnormalities. In this regard, a deficiency in the lipophilic vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and E, as well as in the hydrophilic vitamins, such as vitamin C and B, has been associated with suboptimal cardiovascular function, whereas additional intakes have been suggested to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Here, we have attempted to describe the association between low vitamin status and cardiovascular disease, and to offer a discussion on the efficacy of vitamins. While there are inconsistencies in the impact of a deficiency in vitamins on the development of cardiovascular disease and the benefits associated with supplementation, this review proposes that specific vitamins may contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease in individuals at risk rather than serve as an adjunct therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency (i.e., serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) ≤ 20 ng/mL) associates with the increased occurrence and shortened time to a knee osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: This study consisted of a retrospective, case-control design. The inclusion criteria consisted of (1) patients (≥18 y) who underwent arthroscopic ACLR with (cases; n = 28) and without (controls; n = 56) a subsequent knee OA diagnosis (≥90 d from the date of ACLR) and (2) with a documented serum 25(OH)D concentration after ACLR (and before a knee OA diagnosis for the cases). Controls were matched (2:1) to cases based on sex, age at ACLR, date of ACLR, and body mass index. After matching, patients were separated into two groups: (1) vitamin D deficient (serum 25(OH)D ≤ 20 ng/mL) or (2) non-vitamin D deficient (serum 25(OH)D > 20 ng/mL). Data were extracted from the medical records. Results: Thirty-one percent (n = 26) of patients included were vitamin D deficient. Fifty percent (n = 13) of the vitamin D deficient and twenty-six percent (n = 15) of the non-vitamin D deficient patients were subsequently diagnosed with knee OA (p = 0.03). Time from ACLR to a knee OA diagnosis was significantly (p = 0.02) decreased in the vitamin D deficient (OA-free interval, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.9 to 10.9 y) compared to the non-vitamin D deficient group (OA-free interval, 95% CI = 10.5 to 12.5 y). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency after ACLR may serve as a prognostic biomarker for knee OA following ACLR. Full article

Meat products containing Vitamin D3 (VD3) are an innovative option that could contribute to reducing deficiencies in this micronutrient. Designing nanoemulsions that carry VD3 is the first step in developing functional meat products. Thereby, this study investigated the impact of food components on the nanoemulsion properties. A central composite design was used to study the effects of pea protein (PP, 0.5–2.5%), safflower oil (SO, 5–15%), and salt (0–0.5%) on the nanoemulsion stability (ζ-potential and particle size) and the VD3 retention. Also, the optimized nanoemulsion carrying VD3 was incorporated into a meat matrix to study its retention after cooking. The combination of food components in the optimized nanoemulsion were SO = 9.12%, PP = 1.54%, and salt content = 0.4%, resulting in the predicted values of ζ-potential, particle size, and VD3 retention of −37.76 mV, 485 nm, and 55.1%, respectively. The VD3 that was nanoencapsulated and included in a meat product remained more stable after cooking than the VD3 that was not encapsulated. If a meat product is formulated with 5 or 10% safflower oil, the stability of the nanoencapsulated VD3 is reduced. This research contributes to developing functional meat products carrying nanoencapsulated vitamin D3 in natural food-grade components. Full article

Objective: In this study, we investigated 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D, vitamin D), inflammatory hematologic ratios such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), monocyte/HDL-C ratio (MHR) and plasma atherogenic index (PAI) and possible relationships with insulin resistance (IR) in children. Methods: A total of 210 individuals, including 96 children with IR and 114 children without IR, aged 6–18 years, who were admitted to the Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic at Medicine Hospital, Istanbul Atlas University were included in our study. Result: Compared to patients without IR, NLR, PLR, SII, and MHR were significantly higher in patients with IR. Fasting insulin, PAI, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and HOMA-β were significantly higher and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was considerably lower in patients with IR compared to those without IR. NLR, SII, and MHR were lower in normal vitamin D groups than the others (p < 0.001). PLR was lower in the group with normal vitamin D levels than the groups with insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D (D < 21). Conclusions: We found that vitamin D deficiency in childhood is related to increased levels of circulating inflammatory markers (NLR, PLR, MHR, PAI), IR, and decreased insulin sensitivity. According to our results, supplementation of vitamin D may be beneficial in averting IR and enhanced systemic inflammation Full article

Nutrient profiling (NP) models that assess nutrient density of foods can help remedy micronutrient deficiencies. We used NP methods to identify the most nutrient-rich foods in the 2019 FAO/INFOODS Western Africa Food Composition Table (WAFCT). The WAFCT had complete data for 909 foods. Three versions of the well-established Nutrient-Rich Food (NRF) model were used: (1) the original NRF9.3 based on 9 micronutrients (protein, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D); (2) a new NRF6.3 based on 6 priority micronutrients (iron, zinc, calcium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B12); and (3) NRF 15.3, based on 15 nutrients to encourage (NRF6.3 nutrients + vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, copper, and magnesium). Data analyses used one-way ANOVAs and independent t-tests, with significance at α = 0.05. Animal-source foods were rated higher by NRF6.3 priority micronutrient and NRF15.3 NP models than by the NRF9.3 model. African indigenous vegetables had higher protein content and higher nutrient density compared to non-indigenous vegetables, and African indigenous grains had higher nutrient density compared to non-indigenous grains. Though animal-source foods received some of the highest scores, NP models adapted to the West African context showed that African indigenous vegetables and grains were also nutrient rich. Indigenous foods could be important sources of priority micronutrients for the region. Full article

Introduction/Aim: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune modulation, which may influence the development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study aims to evaluate the impact of vitamin D levels and supplementation on the incidence of GvHD in HSCT patients. Methods: A narrative review was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Embase databases. Results: The reviewed studies indicated widespread vitamin D deficiency among HSCT patients, with baseline levels ranging from 12.8 to 29.2 ng/mL. Supplementation protocols varied significantly, with dosages ranging from 1000 IU/day to 60,000 IU/week. Post-supplementation levels improved in some studies. Studies exploring the relationship between vitamin D and GvHD showed mixed results. Lower baseline vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of acute GvHD in some studies, while others found no significant correlation. However, a significant association between low levels of vitamin D and the incidence of chronic GvHD was observed. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in HSCT patients and may influence the risk of developing chronic GvHD. Future research should focus on larger and more rigorous studies to determine the optimal role of vitamin D as an adjuvant therapy in the context of HSCT. Full article

This study explores the association of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) gene polymorphisms, vitamin D levels, and the severity of COVID-19, including the need for intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization. We analyzed a cohort of 56 consecutive age- and gender-matched adult COVID-19-positive patients and categorized them into three groups: outpatients with mild illness, inpatients with moderate disease, and ICU patients. We measured levels of free, total, and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], VDBP, and albumin. VDBP polymorphisms rs5488 and rs7041 were identified using real-time PCR. A significant proportion of ICU patients were vitamin D-deficient (56.25%) compared to outpatients (10%) and inpatients (5%) (p = 0.0003). ICU patients also had notably lower levels of VDBP (median: 222 mg/L) and total 25(OH)D (median: 18.8 ng/mL). Most patients carried heterozygous rs7041 (60.7%) and wild-type rs4588 (58.9%) genotypes. The distribution of rs7041 SNP varied significantly among groups (p = 0.0301), while rs4588 SNP distribution did not (p = 0.424). Heterozygous rs4588 patients had significantly lower VDBP levels (p = 0.029) and reduced bioavailable 25(OH)D compared to those with wild-type rs4588 (p = 0.020). Our findings indicate that VDBP gene polymorphisms, particularly rs7041 and rs4588, are associated with vitamin D status and the severity of COVID-19. The lower VDBP levels and bioavailable vitamin D in ICU patients suggest that these genetic variants may influence disease severity and hospitalization needs. These results highlight the potential role of VDBP polymorphisms in COVID-19 severity, suggesting that genetic screening could be valuable in assessing the risk of severe outcomes and guiding personalized treatment strategies. Full article

Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem. Vitamin D, the vitamin D receptor, and its enzymes are found throughout neuronal, ependymal, and glial cells in the brain and are implicated in certain processes and mechanisms in the brain. To investigate the processes affected by vitamin D deficiency in adults, we studied vitamin D deficient, control, and supplemented diets over 6 weeks in male and female C57Bl/6 mice. The effect of the vitamin D diets on proliferation in the neurogenic niches, changes in glial cells, as well as on memory, locomotion, and anxiety-like behavior, was investigated. Six weeks on a deficient diet was adequate time to reach deficiency. However, vitamin D deficiency and supplementation did not affect proliferation, neurogenesis, or astrocyte changes, and this was reflected on behavioral measures. Supplementation only affected microglia in the dentate gyrus of female mice. Indicating that vitamin D deficiency and supplementation do not affect these processes over a 6-week period. Full article

Background: 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency is a global health concern, particularly in pediatric populations, with implications for musculoskeletal health and overall well-being. This study aimed to evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels in a pediatric population and assess the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 741 pediatric patients (2–17 years old) who visited an urban hospital for children for acute respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions in the span of 2 years. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency, seasonal variations, and correlations with age and daylight exposure. Results: Of the 739 pediatric patients analyzed, a substantial proportion exhibited insufficient (31.80%) or deficient (36.54%) serum 25(OH)D levels. While younger age groups generally had higher mean 25(OH)D levels, a negative correlation was observed between 25(OH)D levels and age. Sunlight exposure variations did not significantly impact serum 25(OH)D levels. Despite diverse daylight exposure patterns, there were no significant differences between longer and shorter daylight periods. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency in the pediatric population, emphasizing the need for public health monitoring and targeted supplementation strategies. Findings underscore the importance of regular consultations with healthcare providers to ensure optimal 25(OH)D levels in children, with potential implications for revising current sufficiency thresholds. Addressing 25(OH)D deficiency is crucial for promoting musculoskeletal health and overall well-being in children. Full article

High dose bolus cholecalciferol supplementation has been associated with falls and fracture, and this does not appear to be due to hypercalcaemia. The primary aim of this study was to determine the change in free vitamin D and metabolites after high dose bolus supplementation. This was a single centre, double-blinded, randomised, controlled trial of three different oral bolus doses of vitamin D₃ (50,000 IU, 150,000 IU, and 500,000 IU) in otherwise healthy, vitamin D deficient (total 25-hydroxylated vitamin 25(OH)D < 30 nmol/L) postmenopausal women. Thirty-three women were randomized to one of the three treatment groups. Twenty-seven vitamin D sufficient (25(OH)D > 50 nmol/L) postmenopausal women were recruited as a concurrent control group. Participants attended five study visits over three months. We measured total 25(OH)D₃ and free 25(OH)D, total and free 1,25(OH)₂D, parathyroid hormone, fibroblast-growth factor-23, serum calcium, ionised calcium, urinary calcium excretion, and bone turnover markers (procollagen I N-propeptide (PINP), serum C-telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX-I) and Osteocalcin (OC)). We assessed muscle strength and function with grip strength and a short physical performance battery. Postural blood pressure and aldosterone:renin ratio (ARR) was also measured. Total 25(OH)D₃ and free 25(OH)D increased in response to dose, and there were proportionate increases in total and free metabolites. Treatment did not affect serum calcium, postural blood pressure, ARR, or physical function. Bone turnover markers increased transiently one week after administration of 500,000 IU. High dose bolus cholecalciferol supplementation does not cause disproportionate increases in free vitamin D or metabolites. We did not identify any effect on blood pressure regulation or physical function that would explain increased falls after high dose treatment. A transient increase in bone turnover markers one week after a 500,000 IU bolus suggests that very high doses can have acute effects on bone metabolism, but the clinical significance of this transient increase is uncertain. Full article

Rugby players must develop excellent levels of conditioning during adolescence. However, this pivotal period of life is also characterized by a surge in biological growth, which further increases the energy and nutritional requirements of this population. This study examined within-individual differences in energy intake (EI) and energy balance (EB) of 46 young rugby players during a pre-season micro-cycle. Two clusters were identified with significantly different characteristics and EB states, suggesting that young rugby players adjust their EI to match their body composition goals. The first cluster is characterized by players with a low body fat% (12.87 ± 2.53). They had a positive EB (330 ± 517 kcal), suggesting a goal of increasing muscle mass. Conversely, the second cluster is characterized by a higher body fat% (23.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.005) and reported a negative, lower EB (−683 ± 425 kcal, p < 0.005), suggesting a goal focused on reducing fat mass. Although our study provides more optimistic results than previous ones regarding the high risk of inadequate EI in young rugby players, we emphasize the importance of rigorous nutritional support, especially for players aiming to lose weight, to avoid severe caloric restriction, as well as the downstream effects of such practices on their nutritional status, given the higher risk of macro- (e.g., CHO < 6 g/kg/d) and micronutrient (e.g., iron < 11 mg/d, calcium < 1300 mg/d, vitamin D < 5 mg/d) deficiencies. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children and adolescents with celiac disease (CD) in Kuwait and investigate the nutritional deficiencies and sociodemographic factors associated with growth stunting in this population. Methods: This case–control study included 77 CD patients aged 3–18 years diagnosed with CD using IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase and duodenal biopsy and 33 healthy controls. Nutritional status was evaluated based on demographic and clinical characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between CD and growth stunting. Results: Approximately one-third (31%) of children with CD had stunted growth, 20.8% had a low body mass index for their age, and 5.2% had both growth stunting and wasting. Children with CD had higher odds of iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin D deficiency, anemia, and lower socioeconomic status. They were also younger and had decreased serum levels of vitamin D compared to the controls. These factors were all significantly associated with an increased risk of CD, collectively explaining over 50% of the risk. For growth stunting, lower education status among mothers, family income, and serum ferritin were identified as risk factors. Conclusions: A significant proportion of children and adolescents with CD had malnutrition, overt deficiencies, and impaired growth despite coherence with a gluten-free diet. Recommendation: Routine monitoring and targeted nutritional interventions are recommended for children and adolescents with CD to address malnutrition and growth stunting. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and enhancing maternal education may also help mitigate the risk factors. Full article