Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
Hypovitaminosis D correction and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in hypertensive adults
Nathan Carlson1, Robert Mah2, Maria Aburto3
1Family Physician and Faculty of the Family Medicine Residency Program at the Fontana Medical Center in CA. nathan.d.carlson@kp.org Biostatistician in Research and Evaluation for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group in Pasadena, CA. lie.h.chen@kp.org.
Insights
Correcting vitamin D deficiency in adults with hypertension did not significantly lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, a marker of cardiovascular inflammation. Most participants achieved normal vitamin D levels after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Hypovitaminosis D is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a key biomarker for cardiovascular inflammation and risk.
- The effect of vitamin D repletion on hs-CRP in humans remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the laboratory accuracy of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-vitamin D) and hs-CRP assays.
- To determine if hs-CRP levels decrease after correcting hypovitaminosis D in hypertensive adults.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, unblinded study design.
- 108 adults with hypertension and low vitamin D levels were treated.
- Ergocalciferol (50,000 IU weekly for 12 weeks) was administered.
Main Results:
- Mean 25-OH-vitamin D increased from 20.07 ng/mL to 43.92 ng/mL.
- 91% of subjects achieved normal vitamin D levels (>30 ng/mL).
- No statistically significant change in hs-CRP levels was observed post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Correction of hypovitaminosis D did not lead to a significant reduction in hs-CRP levels.
- Weekly ergocalciferol effectively corrected vitamin D deficiency in most participants.
- Further research may be needed to explore the relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular inflammation markers.
Context:
Hypovitaminosis D has been implicated as a possible risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been one of the most extensively studied biomarkers for cardiovascular inflammation as an indicator of disease and event risk, independent of traditional risk factors. To date, it is unclear if correction of hypovitaminosis D leads to a reduction of hs-CRP in human subjects.
Objectives:
To assess laboratory validity of 25-hydroxyvita-min D (25-OH-vitamin D) and hs-CRP measurements and to determine whether hs-CRP levels in adults with well-controlled hypertension and comorbid low vitamin D levels changed after hypovitaminosis D correction to a serum 25-OH-vitamin D level greater than 30 ng/mL.
Design:
Prospective study using an unblinded design.
Results:
One hundred eight subjects who were vitamin D insufficient or deficient completed this study. The mean 25-OH-vitamin D level was 20.07 ng/mL before treatment and 43.92 ng/mL after treatment. Posttreatment vitamin D levels were in the normal range for 91% of the subjects. No statistically significant changes in hs-CRP level were detected after the vitamin D treatment was administered and a posttreatment vitamin D level above 30 ng/mL was confirmed.
Conclusion:
We did not detect a statistically significant difference in hs-CRP after correction of hypovitaminosis D. Twelve weekly oral doses of 50,000 IU of ergocalciferol corrected the hypovitaminosis D in more than 90% of cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:22Connective Tissue Cell Types
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:28Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications