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Published on: December 9, 2015
Comparison of serum vitamin D level in multiple sclerosis patients, their siblings, and healthy controls
Ghazaleh Eskandari1, Mahsa Ghajarzadeh1, Mir Saeed Yekaninejad2
1Brain and Spinal Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neuro-inflammatory disease of central nervous system affecting physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of patients. Association of vitamin D deficiency and MS has been shown in previous studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum vitamin D level in MS cases and their sex-matched healthy siblings (who are genetically near similar) and non-relative sex-matched healthy controls.
Methods:
A total of 135 subjects enrolled in this case-control study. Group one (n = 45) consisted of patients with established MS. Group two (n = 45) included sex-matched healthy siblings of the group one and group three participants (n = 45) were non-relative sex-matched healthy controls. Demographic data (age, sex), level of education, daily sun exposure duration, and month of birth gathered for all. Serum sample of all participants was collected for 25-hydroxy vitamin D measurement.
Results:
There was no significant difference between vitamin D level, sun exposure duration, education level, and season of birth in three evaluated groups. Mean vitamin D level was 8.2 ± 10.1 (nmol/l) in women and 13.3 ± 7 (nmol/l) in men (P = 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between daily sun exposure duration and vitamin D level in whole participants (r = 0.28, P < 0.001) as well as in MS patients (r = 0.32, P = 0.030). Mean vitamin D level was significantly lower in participants who have born in spring and summer.
Conclusion:
Vitamin D deficiency is high among Iranian population as well as MS patients.
Insights
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the Iranian population, including multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This study found a correlation between sun exposure and vitamin D levels in MS cases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system autoimmune disease impacting physical, emotional, and cognitive functions.
- Previous research suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and MS.
- This study investigated serum vitamin D levels in MS patients compared to healthy siblings and controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum vitamin D levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- To compare vitamin D levels between MS patients, their healthy siblings, and unrelated healthy controls.
- To explore associations between vitamin D levels and factors like sun exposure, education, and birth season.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 135 participants: 45 MS patients, 45 healthy siblings, and 45 healthy controls.
- Demographic data, education level, and daily sun exposure duration were collected.
- Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were measured for all participants.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in vitamin D levels, sun exposure, education, or birth season were found across the three groups.
- Mean vitamin D levels differed significantly between sexes (8.2 nmol/l in women vs. 13.3 nmol/l in men).
- A positive correlation was observed between daily sun exposure and vitamin D levels in all participants and MS patients. Lower vitamin D levels were noted in those born in spring and summer.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in the Iranian population, including individuals with MS.
- Sun exposure is positively associated with vitamin D levels in MS patients.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the implications of vitamin D levels in MS.
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