Performance evaluation of newly developed fluorescence immunoassay-based interferon-gamma release assay for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers

The ichroma? IGRA-TB (Boditech Med Inc., Chuncheon, Republic of Korea) is an automated fluorescent immunoassay-based point-of-care interferon-gamma release assay for detecting latent tuberculosis infection. We evaluated this assay with 408 health care workers, and demonstrated its acceptable performances comparing to QuantiFERON-TB Gold-Plus (QFT-Plus; Qiagen, Germantown, MD).     

Prevalence and risk factors of latent Tuberculosis among adolescents in rural Eastern Uganda

BackgroundLatent Tuberculosis treatment is a key tuberculosis control intervention. Adolescents are a high risk group that is not routinely treated in low income countries. Knowledge of latent Tuberculosis (TB) burden among adolescents may influence policy.ObjectivesWe determined the prevalence and risk factors of latent TB infection among adolescents in rural Uganda.MethodsWe analyzed baseline data from a study that assessed the prevalence and incidence of Tuberculosis disease among adolescents. We extracted socio-demographics, medical assessment information, and tuberculin skin test results and estimated prevalence ratios (PR) of latent TB infection risk factors by binomial regression.ResultsThe prevalence of latent TB was 16.1%, 95% CI (15.1 – 17.2). Significant risk factors were: a BCG scar, APR 1.29 (95% CI 1.12 – 1.48); male gender, APR 1.37 (95% CI 1.21 – 1.56); age 17 –18 years, APR 1.46 (95% CI 1.24 – 1.71) and 15–16 years, APR 1.25 (95% CI 1.07 – 1.46) compared to 12–14 years; being out of school, APR 1.31 (95% CI 1.05 – 1.62); and a known history of household TB contact in last 2 years, APR 1.91 (95% CI 1.55 – 2.35)ConclusionTargeted routine latent TB treatment among adolescents out of school may be crucial for TB disease control in low income countries.     

Association between population vitamin D status and SARS-CoV-2 related serious-critical illness and deaths: An ecological integrative approach

BACKGROUNDVitamin D population status may have possible unappreciated consequences to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Α significant association between vitamin D sufficiency and reduction in clinical severity and inpatient mortality from COVID-19 disease has recently been shown, while a recent study has claimed lower COVID-19 cases in European countries with a better vitamin D status. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D] was identified as an independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection and hospitalization, and administration of 0.532 mg (21280 IU) of calcifediol or 25(OH)D, followed by 0.266 mg on days 3 and 7 and then weekly until discharge or intensive care unit admission significantly reduced the need for intensive care unit treatment. AIMTo elucidate the role of vitamin D European population status in the COVID-19 pandemic, data from the Worldometer were analyzed.METHODSLinear regression explored the correlation between published representative-standardized population vitamin D concentrations and the number of total cases/million (M), recovered/M, deaths/M and serious-critically ill/M from COVID-19 for 26 European countries populated > 4 M (Worldometer). Life expectancy was analyzed with semi-parametric regression. Weighted analysis of variance/analysis of covariance evaluated serious-critical/M and deaths/M by the vitamin D population status: Deficient < 50, insufficient: 50-62.5, mildly insufficient > 62.5-75 and sufficient > 75 nmol/L, while controlling for life expectancy for deaths/M. Statistical analyses were performed in XLSTAT LIFE SCIENCE and R (SemiPar Library).RESULTSLinear regression found no correlation between population vitamin D concentrations and the total cases-recovered/M, but negative correlations predicting a reduction of 47%-64%-80% in serious-critical illnesses/M and of 61%-82%-102.4% in deaths/M further enhanced when adapting for life expectancy by 133-177-221% if 25(OH)D concentrations reach 100-125-150 nmol/L, sustained on August 15, 2020, indicating a truthful association. Weighted analysis of variance was performed to evaluate serious-critical/M (r² = 0.22) by the vitamin D population status and analysis of covariance the deaths/M (r² = 0.629) controlling for life expectancy (r² = 0.47). Serious-critical showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.001) from population status deficient (P < 0.001) to insufficient by 9.2% (P < 0.001), to mildly insufficient by 47.6% (P < 0.044) and to sufficient by 100% (reference, P < 0.001). For deaths/M the respective decreasing trend (P < 0.001) was 62.9% from deficient (P < 0.001) to insufficient (P < 0.001), 65.15% to mildly insufficient (P < 0.001) and 78.8% to sufficient (P = 0.041).CONCLUSIONAchieving serum 25(OH)D 100-150 nmol/L (40-60 ng/mL) (upper tolerable daily doses followed by maintenance proposed doses not requiring medical supervision, Endocrine Society) may protect from serious-critical illness/death from COVID-19 disease.     

Regulatory role of Cdx-2 and Taq I polymorphism of vitamin D receptor gene on chemokine expression in pulmonary tuberculosis

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants have been shown to be regulating the immune response in tuberculosis. We studied the regulatory role of VDR promoter Cdx-2 and 3′UTR TaqI gene variants on chemokine levels from culture filtrate antigen (CFA) stimulated with or without 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 50 pulmonary tuberculosis patients (PTB) and 51 normal healthy controls (HCs). In CFA with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treated cultures, the MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES levels were significantly decreased in Cdx-2 AA genotype compared to GG genotype, while a significantly increased MIG level was observed in Cdx-2 AA genotype (p < 0.05). In TaqI polymorphism, tt genotype significantly decreased MIP-1β and RANTES levels compared to TT genotype. Moreover, a significantly increased level of IP-10 and MIG was observed in TaqI tt genotype compared with TT genotype (p < 0.05). The results suggests that the 1,25(OH)₂D₃ may alter the chemokine response through the VDR polymorphic variants during infection.     

Ambulatory independence is associated with higher incidence of latent tuberculosis infection in long-term care facilities in Taiwan

Background/purposeTuberculosis (TB) in the elderly population remains a major challenge in areas with intermediate disease burden like Taiwan. Despite the increasing burden and high risks of TB in the elderly population, particularly those living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), diagnostic testing for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) has not been carefully evaluated in this group. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of LTBI in older adults living in LTCFs.MethodsOlder adults living in seven LTCFs in Taiwan were prospectively enrolled between January and July 2017. Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) through QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube was used to determine presence of LTBI. Predictors for LTBI were analyzed.ResultsA total of 258 participants were enrolled, including 240 older residents (mean age, 81.6 years; male, 51.2%) and 18 employees (mean age, 64.8 years; male, 22.2%). The proportion of independent status in ambulation assessments significantly declined with aging (p < 0.001). The IGRA-positivity rate in LTCFs was 31.4% (81/258), which consisted of 73 (30.4%) residents and 8 (44.4%) employees. The IGRA results were different with respect to the ambulation status (p = 0.052). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the only independent predictor of LTBI among older adults in LTCFs was independent ambulation (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–4.28; p = 0.027).ConclusionsThere was a high prevalence of LTBI among older adults in LTCFs in Taiwan. Independent ambulation was the only independent predictor of LTBI.     

Association of vitamin D deficiency and frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

There is a biologically plausible association between low vitamin D, specifically serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level, and frailty. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to describe the association between low 25(OH)D level and frailty. We searched literature in OVID (Medline), EMBASE, Web of Knowledge and Cochrane CENTRAL Library Issue in May 2016, for cohort studies evaluating association of low 25(OH)D level with the risk of frailty. Studies were reviewed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) guidelines. A total of seven studies(17,815 participants)were eligible in our study. The prevalence of frailty ranged from 3.9% to 31.9%. The pooled OR of frailty for the lowest versus the highest level of vitamin D was 1.27 (95% CI = 1.17–1.38, I² = 59%), suggesting that low level of vitamin D was significantly associated with the risk of frailty. In addition, results of subgroups analysis indicated that low level of vitamin D was significantly associated with the risk of frailty in female (pooled OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.15–1.40). Similar result was also found when frailty was defined by the Fried criteria or the modified Fried criteria (pooled OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.14–1.37), and FRAIL scale (pooled OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.07–2.25). Compared to the highest level of 25(OH)D, the association between frailty and the lowest level of 25(OH)D was significant in our study.     

维生素D受体基因ApaⅠ和TaqⅠ位点多态性与帕金森病的相关性研究

目的 探讨维生素D受体(vitamin D receptor,VDR)基因ApaⅠ和Taq Ⅰ位点多态性与帕金森病(Parkinson's disease,PD)遗传易感性的相关性.方法 采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性技术和基因测序方法,检测285例中国北方汉族散发PD患者与285名正常对照VDR基因ApaⅠ和TaqⅠ位点多态性,并比较两组基因型和等位基因频率的差异.结果 ApaⅠ和Taq Ⅰ位点基因型和等位基因频率在PD组和对照组之间差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).将样本按性别及发病年龄分组后比较,ApaⅠ位点各亚组间基因型频率和等位基因频率差异亦无统计学意义(P＞0.05),而TaqⅠ位点的基因型分布在男性PD组(168例)与男性对照组(1 60名)之间差异有统计学意义(x2=4.187,P=0.032,OR=2.149,95％CI:1.011～4.567),男性PD组T等位基因频率较男性对照组显著增高(x2=3.867,P=0.036,OR=2.064,95％CI:0.989～4.307).结论 VDR基因ApaⅠ位点多态性与PD风险间无相关性,但TaqⅠ可能是男性PD的风险因素.     

抗原诱发的γ干扰素测定在结核诊断中的应用

目的 探讨结核分枝杆菌特异性抗原早期分泌抗原靶6000(ESAT-6)体外诱发的γ干扰素反应在结核感染和结核病诊断中的价值.方法 外周全血中加入ESAT-6抗原,诱导产生γ干扰素,以酶联免疫吸附法测定γ干扰素浓度,以增加的百分率为ESAT-6抗原诱发的γ干扰素反应值.进行下列研究:对比结核密切接触者(60例)、痰培养证实的结核患者(46例)以及健康人(55例);追踪调查儿童(68例)、青少年(52例)、老年(45例);治疗过程中动态观察20例结核患者;比较HIV(+)TB(+)者(78例)和HIV(+)TB(-)者(60例).结果 结核密切接触者与痰培养证实的结核患者ESAT-6反应具有很高的敏感性;儿童与青少年ESAT-6反应与临床诊断和预后具有很高的一致性;65%的结核患者在治疗过程中ESAT-6反应呈下降趋势;ESAT-6反应在HIV(+)TB(+)的诊断中敏感度为87.2%.结论 体外ESAT-6诱发的γ干扰素测定对活动性结核病尤其是儿童和青少年结核病的诊断有一定意义,也可用于鉴别HIV阳性者合并结核.     

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and Parkinson's disease in Koreans

1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), which is the biologically active form of vitamin D, has anti-inflammatory effects and can prevent experimental Parkinson's disease (PD). 1,25(OH)2D3 exerts most of its actions only after it binds to its specific nuclear receptors. Eighty-five Korean patients with PD and 231 unrelated healthy individuals were evaluated to determine if vitamin D receptor gene (VDRG) BsmI polymorphisms were markers for the susceptibility to PD in Korean patients. Each polymorphism was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction analysis. In addition, the relationship between the BsmI polymorphisms and the clinical manifestations of PD was evaluated. Overexpression of the b allele (91.2 vs. 85.7%; p=0.069) and homozygote bb (84.7 vs. 72.7%; p=0.043) was found in the PD patients compared with the controls. These results show for the first time an association between PD and a VDRG polymorphism, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of PD, or in the linkage disequilibrium of the VDRG to another pathogenic gene locus.     

A review of vitamin D and Parkinson's disease

The role of vitamin D in bone health has been known for over a century. More recent research has suggested that vitamin D may play a role in the muscular, immune, endocrine, and central nervous systems. Animal research suggests that vitamin D may have some protective effects against toxic insults that are known to damage dopamine cells, the primary cells to degenerate in PD. Persons with PD tend to have lower vitamin D levels than persons of similar ages without PD. Vitamin D levels are generally associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in persons with PD, but simply giving vitamin D does not appear to improve BMD. Results of genetic studies examining polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor and PD risk, severity, or age at onset have shown variable results, with FokI CC seeming to possibly carry some increased risk of PD. Amount of sun exposure and vitamin D levels in earlier life may influence the risk of developing PD. Cross-sectional research suggests a relationship between vitamin D levels and severity of PD symptoms. A single intervention study did show some improvement in PD with vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D may have effects on PD symptoms and perhaps even on the risk of disease development or disease progression. More well designed intervention studies are needed to confirm the effect of vitamin D on PD symptoms. Human neuroprotection studies are needed, but probably not feasible until better biomarkers are established.     

The influence of vitamin D supplementation on IGF-1 levels in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundInconsistencies exist with regard to influence of vitamin D supplementation on IGF-1 levels. The inconsistencies could be attributed to several factors, such as dosage and duration of intervention, among others. To address these inconsistencies, this study was conducted to determine the impact of vitamin D supplementation on IGF-1 levels through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodsA comprehensive systematic search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Embase for RCTs that investigated the impact of vitamin D intake on circulating IGF-1 levels from inception until June 2019. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with the 95 % CI were applied for estimating combined effect size. Subgroup analysis was performed to specify the source of heterogeneity among studies.ResultsPooled results from eight studies demonstrated an overall non-significant increase in IGF-1 following vitamin D supplementation (WMD: 4 ng/ml, 95 % CI: −4 to 11). However, a significant degree of heterogeneity among studies was observed (I² = 66 %). The subgroup analyses showed that vitamin D dosage of ≤1000 IU/day (WMD: 10 ng/ml) significantly increased IGF-1 compared to the vitamin D dosage of <1000 IU/day (WMD: −1 ng/ml). Moreover, intervention duration ≤12 weeks (WMD: 11 ng/ml) significantly increased IGF-1 compared to intervention duration <12 weeks (WMD: −3 ng/ml). In the epidemiological cohort study, participants under 60 years of age with a higher dietary vitamin D intake had significantly higher IGF-1 levels when compared to those with lower dietary vitamin D intake in second categories.ConclusionThe main results indicate a non-significant increase in IGF-1 following vitamin D supplementation. Additionally, vitamin D dosages of <1000 IU/day and intervention durations of <12 weeks significantly raised IGF-1 levels.     

维生素D对胃癌的作用及其机制研究

目的 通过检测胃癌患者血清中维生素D(VD)含量及癌组织中维生素D受体(VDR)的表达水平,探讨VD对胃癌的作用及其机制.方法 采用酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)测定胃癌患者及健康人群血清中的VD水平;采用免疫组化法检测胃癌组织及癌旁正常胃组织中的VDR表达水平,并分析其与预后的关系.结果 胃癌患者的血清VD水平较健康人群低(P＜0.05),且与胃癌细胞分化程度明显负相关(P＜0.001);胃癌组织中VDR表达显著低于正常胃黏膜(P＜0.05),且VDR的表达水平与癌组织分化程度之间有显著联系,高、中、低分化3组VDR的表达水平依次降低且差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);胃癌患者中,VDR表达阳性者的无疾病进展生存期和总生存期均较VDR阴性者明显延长,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 VD可能是胃癌发病中的一个保护性因素,其VDR的表达水平可作为判断胃癌分化程度的依据之一,VDR可作为胃癌术后的一个有效预后因子.     

Low levels of vitamin D in population exposed to significant pollution

Background: In recent years, monitoring of vitamin D levels and possible use of supplementation is gaining attention. Numerous studies showed low levels of vitamin D in winter months followed by improvement during summer. These changes are mostly dependent on the level of sun exposure, but also on geographical location, genetic factors, social-economic status, quality of nutrition and environmental pollution. In this observation we found significant decrease in vitamin D levels I populations exposed to extreme environmental pollution in area of central Europe. This region is known for extreme burden from microparticles originating in chemical industry, surface coal mining and cold-based power stations. Methods: Vitamin D levels in all patients was determined by ELISA. Results: Using 540 patients in our Department of clinical immunology and allergology we measured the levels of vitamin D in 2016 to 2021 period. In only 4 patients (0.74％) we found vitamin D levels higher than 30 ng/mL. The curve of observed values does not reflect dependency on sun exposure and does not change during the year. Conclusion: We discuss the effect of environmental contaminants, lifestyle and economic and social factors. From our observations, we propose to directly supplement population with vitamin D, particularly children and seniors.     

Significance of serum levels of vitamin D and some related minerals in breast cancer patients

Vitamin D and calcium are involved in a wide range of proliferation, apoptosis and cell signaling activities in the body. Suboptimal concentrations may lead to cancer development. The role of phosphate in cancer metabolism is particularly relevant in breast cancer while, magnesium deficiency favors DNA mutations leading to carcinogenesis. Objectives: To determine serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and parathormone in female breast cancer patients and to assess their association with some prognostic factors in breast cancer. Design and methods: This study is done on 98 newly diagnosed female breast cancer patients and 49 age matched apparently healthy female volunteers as controls. Serum samples from all patients and controls were subjected to 25-OH Vit D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and parathormone measurements. Results: In the breast cancer group, the median serum levels of 25-OH Vit D were 15 ng/ml, while it was 21 ng/ml in the control group. Levels of 25-OH Vit D and other tested minerals were significantly lower while calcium:magnesium (Ca:Mg) ratio, and calcium:phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio were significantly higher in the breast cancer group. Significant negative correlation was detected between phosphorus and calcium, ionized calcium , calcium magnesium ratio, and calcium phosphorus ratio. Conclusion: It is not only the deficient levels of Vit D and other related minerals, but the combination of the abnormal levels of all the studied parameters that might contribute to the development of cancer. Further studies with larger number of patient are needed.     

Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels and Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Vitiligo

BackgroundThe role of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms has been established in many autoimmune diseases, including vitiligo, but the result is still controversial.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the serum vitamin D levels in vitiligo patients and to compare the association of VDR gene polymorphisms in vitiligo patients and healthy controls.MethodsWe collected the data of age, sex, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) level, thyroid autoantibodies, disease duration, types of vitiligo, family history and the affected body surface area of vitiligo from 172 patients. And we analyzed the VDR gene polymorphisms in 130 vitiligo and 453 age-sex-matched control subjects.ResultsThe mean serum level of 25(OH)D in 172 vitiligo patients was 18.75 ± 0.60 ng/mL, which had no significant difference with a mean serum value of 25(OH)D in the Korean population. However, there were significant differences according to the duration of the disease and family history. Also, there were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic distributions of 37 examined SNPs of VDR gene between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.ConclusionSerum level of 25(OH)D in vitiligo patients was not significantly different from the mean serum value of the Korean population. Also, there were no significant differences in the genotypic distributions of VDR gene between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.     

Novel compound heterozygous mutations in the vitamin D receptor gene in a Korean girl with hereditary vitamin D resistant rickets

Hereditary vitamin D resistant rickets (HVDRR) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. A number of cases had been reported in many countries but not in Korea. We examined a three-year old Korean girl who had the typical clinical features of HVDRR including rickets, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated serum calcitriol level and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The girl and her father were both heterozygous for the 719C-to-T(I146T)---> c.437C > T(p.T1461) [corrected] mutation in exon 4, whereas she and her mother were both heterozygous for 754C-to-T (R154C)---> c.472 > T(p.R158C) [corrected] mutation in exon 5 of the VDR gene. In this familial study, we concluded that the girl had compound heterozygous mutations in her VDR gene which caused HVDRR. This is the first report of a unique mutation in the VDR gene in Korea.     

维生素D代谢相关基因多态性研究进展

维生素D缺乏是佝偻病的主要病因,遗传因素在其发生发展中的作用正逐渐受到重视.与维生素D代谢相关的基因包括:维生素D受体基因(vitamin D receptor,VDR)、维生素D结合蛋白基因(vitamin D-binding protein,DBP)、细胞色素P450基因(cytchrome P450,CYP)、NADSYN1/DHCR7基因.该文就这些基因多态性与维生素D代谢关系的进展作一阐述.

Abstract：

The major cause of tickets is Vitamin D deficiency.Genetic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of rickets have been investigated with more and more attention.Genes related to vitamin D metabolism include:VDR gene,DBP gene,CYP gene and NADSYN1/DHCR7 gene.In this article,we review the current status and progress in gene polymorphisms and their association with vitamin D metabolism.     

Regulatory role of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin D receptor gene variants on intracellular granzyme A expression in pulmonary tuberculosis

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotypes have been shown to be associated with differential susceptibility or resistance to tuberculosis. The influence of FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI variants of VDR gene on 1, 25(OH)₂ D₃ modulated granzyme A expression of cytotoxic lymphocytes induced by culture filtrate antigen (CFA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was studied in 40 pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients and 49 normal healthy subjects (NHS) by flow cytometry. In both the study groups, addition of 1, 25(OH)₂ D₃ (10^− 7M) significantly reduced the percentage of granzyme A positive cells in both unstimulated (NHS, p < 0.0001; PTB, p = 0.02) and stimulated culture conditions (CFA, NHS, p < 0.0001; PTB, p = 0.0001) which correlated positively with the IFN-γ levels (unstimulated, p = 0.01; CFA stimulated, p = 0.004) in NHS. The ApaI aa genotype and bbaaTT extended genotype were associated with a significantly decreased percentage of granzyme A positive cells in NHS (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that 1, 25(OH)₂ D₃ suppresses granzyme A probably by down-regulating Th1 cytokine response. Moreover, the VDR gene variants might regulate cytotoxic T-cell response via 1, 25(OH)₂ D₃ mediated suppression of granzyme A expression in tuberculosis.     

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors among the urban elderly population in Hyderabad metropolitan city,South India

Background: Deficiency of vitamin D has been associated with various health conditions. However, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and factors associated with VDD are not well studied, especially among the urban elderly population of India.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of VDD and its associated factors among the urban free-living elderly population in Hyderabad.

Subjects and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 298 urban elderly (≥60 years) by adapting a random sampling procedure. Demographic particulars were collected. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard equipment. Fasting glucose, lipid profile and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D] were estimated in plasma samples.

Results: The mean?±?SE plasma vitamin D and the prevalence of VDD among the urban elderly population were 19.3?±?0.54 (ng/ml) and 56.3%, respectively. The prevalence of VDD was significantly associated with education, high body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HT) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed HT as a significant predictor of vitamin D deficiency and the risk of VDD was double among the elderly with hypertension.

Conclusions: The prevalence of VDD was high among the urban elderly population in the south Indian city of Hyderabad. High BMI, MS, HT and education are significant associated factors of VDD.     

Family-based analysis of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and type 1 diabetes in the population of South Croatia

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a disease characterised by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells. Vitamin D is a known immune system modulator and its effects are exerted via the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Several VDR gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been commonly studied in relation to T1DM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of VDR gene variation in T1DM susceptibility by genotyping four SNPs (FokI-rs10735810, TaqI-rs731236, BsmI-rs1544410, and Tru9I-rs757343) in 160 case–parent trio samples from the population of South Croatia. We observed overtransmission of Tru9I allele G and undertransmission of the Tru9I-BsmI A-A haplotype from parents to affected children (P = 0.032, P = 0.002, respectively). These results indicate a possible role of the VDR gene in T1DM aetiology. In conclusion, this family-based study presents some evidence of association of specific VDR gene variants with T1DM in the population of South Croatia.