Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
11:28
Dried Blood Spots - Preparing and Processing for Use in Immunoassays and in Molecular Techniques
Published on: March 13, 2015
Normal vitamin D levels are associated with spontaneous hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance
Mahmud Mahamid1, William Nseir, Omar Abu Elhija
1Mahmud Mahamid, Shimon Shteingart, Mosab Smamra, Benjamin Koslowsky, Digestive Disease Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 93722, Israel.
World Journal of Hepatology
|June 28, 2013
Summary
Normal vitamin D levels are strongly linked to spontaneous hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in patients with chronic inactive hepatitis B. This finding highlights vitamin D
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B infection affects millions globally.
- Spontaneous clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) indicates viral elimination and improved prognosis.
- Vitamin D's role in immune modulation suggests potential links to viral clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.
- To identify factors correlating with HBsAg seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 53 patients with chronic inactive hepatitis B and spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.
- Analysis of demographic, serological, and serum vitamin D data.
- Multivariate analysis to identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- 83% of patients with HBsAg seroclearance had normal vitamin D levels.
- Normal vitamin D levels ( > 20 ng/mL) were significantly associated with HBsAg seroclearance (OR = 2.6).
- Other associated factors included age > 35, HBeAg negativity, low HBV DNA, and long HBsAg seropositivity duration.
Conclusions:
- A strong correlation exists between normal vitamin D levels and spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.
- Maintaining adequate vitamin D may be beneficial for patients with chronic hepatitis B.
- Further research is warranted to explore vitamin D's therapeutic potential.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
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).
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:25Jaundice
Jaundice, or icterus, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes. It happens when plasma bilirubin levels rise above 2.5-3 mg/dL, leading to bilirubin deposition in tissue.Bilirubin is a byproduct of hemoglobin degradation. In macrophages, hemoglobin breaks down into globin and heme. Globin is converted into amino acids, while heme is turned into biliverdin by heme oxygenase, which is then reduced to unconjugated bilirubin by biliverdin reductase.Unconjugated...
01:22Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
01:30Vitamins
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...