Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
Published on: August 19, 2025
A case-control study: evaluation of vitamin D metabolism in patients with vitiligo
Background/Aim:
Reduced vitamin D is considered as one of the environmental factors that can increase the prevalence of certain autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to assess vitamin D metabolism in patients with vitiligo.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective case-control study was conducted on 44 consecutive patients with vitiligo vulgaris and 43 healthy controls. Their plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathormone (PTH), calcium, magnesium, and phosphate levels were measured.
Results:
There was no significant difference in the mean age, sex and Fitzpatrick skin phototype between the patient and control groups (P > 0.05). The plasma levels of 25(OH)D and calcium were significantly decreased (P = 0.002, P < 0.0001, respectively) and PTH and magnesium levels were significantly increased in patients with vitiligo (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). The advancement of age (P = 0.03, R = -0.18) and comorbid autoimmune illnesses (P = 0.04) were found to be significantly associated with lower 25(OH)D levels.
Conclusion:
There is a universal lack of 25(OH)D in the Turkish population. Screening for vitamin D may be a tool for the presence of comorbid autoimmune diseases. Further studies are needed to understand the role of vitamin D metabolism in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
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...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
Connective Tissue Cell Types
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...

