1.
Vitamin D status and the immune assessment in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
Legitimo, A, Bertini, V, Costagliola, G, Baroncelli, GI, Morganti, R, Valetto, A, Consolini, R
Clinical and experimental immunology. 2020;(3):272-286
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is characterized by a heterogeneous phenotype, including alterations in phospho-calcium metabolism and immunodeficiency. We analyzed vitamin D status and the immune assessment, focusing on T cell subpopulations and dendritic cells (DCs) in a cohort of 17 pediatric 22q11.2DS patients and 17 age-matched healthy subjects. As antigen-presenting cells, DCs are the main target of vitamin D, promoting a tolerogenic T cell response. Patients were subdivided into three groups according to the parameters of phospho-calcium metabolism and serum levels of 25OHD: normal values, vitamin D deficiency and hypoparathyroidism. Different degrees of T cell deficiency, ranging from normal to partial T cell numbers, were observed in the cohort of patients. The group with vitamin D deficiency showed a significant reduction of naive T cells and a significant increase of central memory T cells compared to controls. In this group the number of circulating DCs was significantly reduced. DC decrease affected both myeloid and plasmacytoid DC subsets (mDCs and pDCs), with the most relevant reduction involving pDCs. A direct correlation between 25OHD levels and recent thymic emigrant (RTE) and DC number was identified. Despite the limited cohort analyzed, our results show that deficiency of the pDC subset in patients with 22q11.2DS may be included among the causative factors of the progressive increase of risk of autoimmune diseases in these patients. As most patients suffer from increased susceptibility to infections and heightened prevalence of autoimmune disorders, we suggest a potential role of vitamin D supplementation in preventing autoimmune or proinflammatory diseases in 22q11.2DS.
2.
Vitamin D deficiency in patients with diabetes and COVID- 19 infection.
Singh, SK, Jain, R, Singh, S
Diabetes & metabolic syndrome. 2020;(5):1033-1035
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Data show that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in patients with diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 infection. In this article, we review evidence of vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 infection in context of diabetes mellitus. METHODS A literature search was carried out by using the key term 'COVID 19' combined with 'Diabetes', 'Vitamin D', 'Extra skeletal effects', 'immunity', 'infection', 'India' from Pub Med (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD and Google Scholar from December 2019 to May 2020. A manual search of the references was also carried out. RESULTS Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality in COVID -19 infections but convincing data on diabetic subgroup of patients in particular is still awaited. CONCLUSION Robust studies are required to ascertain if Vitamin D supplementation could be beneficial in patients with diabetes and COVID-19.
3.
Role of Magnesium in Vitamin D Activation and Function.
Uwitonze, AM, Razzaque, MS
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. 2018;(3):181-189
Abstract
Nutrients usually act in a coordinated manner in the body. Intestinal absorption and subsequent metabolism of a particular nutrient, to a certain extent, is dependent on the availability of other nutrients. Magnesium and vitamin D are 2 essential nutrients that are necessary for the physiologic functions of various organs. Magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis to influence the growth and maintenance of bones. All of the enzymes that metabolize vitamin D seem to require magnesium, which acts as a cofactor in the enzymatic reactions in the liver and kidneys. Deficiency in either of these nutrients is reported to be associated with various disorders, such as skeletal deformities, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. It is therefore essential to ensure that the recommended amount of magnesium is consumed to obtain the optimal benefits of vitamin D.