Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
08:30
Encapsulation Thermogenic Preadipocytes for Transplantation into Adipose Tissue Depots
Published on: June 2, 2015
Ethnic-specific differences in vitamin D status is associated with adiposity
Dian C Sulistyoningrum1, Timothy J Green, Scott A Lear
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.
Plos One
|September 7, 2012
Summary
Low vitamin D levels are linked to higher visceral fat, particularly in South Asians. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) may uniquely impact vitamin D levels, explaining ethnic differences.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Low circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is common in obesity.
- Ethnic differences in body fat distribution, with South Asians having higher visceral adipose tissue (VAT), may influence 25(OH)D levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma 25(OH)D, adiposity, and body fat distribution in Europeans and South Asians.
Main Methods:
- Assessed demographics, anthropometrics, and plasma 25(OH)D in 187 Europeans and 192 South Asians.
- Quantified subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and VAT by CT scan; percent body fat by DEXA.
- Analyzed data using general linear models.
Main Results:
- South Asians had lower plasma 25(OH)D and higher VAT than Europeans.
- Plasma 25(OH)D was negatively associated with BMI, waist circumference, percent body fat, total adipose tissue, VAT, and SAT.
- After adjusting for covariates, VAT, SAT, and percent body fat remained negatively associated with plasma 25(OH)D. When all fat compartments were modeled, only VAT remained significant.
- Ethnicity was a significant factor in all models.
Conclusions:
- Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) may play a distinct role in determining plasma 25(OH)D concentrations.
- VAT's role could explain lower vitamin D levels observed in South Asians.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Obesity significantly alters the pharmacokinetic processes of drug absorption and distribution, presenting unique challenges in medical treatment. The increased fat tissue and decreased lean muscle in obese individuals can significantly affect how drugs are absorbed into the body and distributed across different tissues. This alteration can lead to variances in the effectiveness and safety of medications, necessitating adjustments in dosing or drug selection for obese patients.One notable...
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...
01:24Obesity
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
01:02Hypodermis
The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...