Relation between vitamin D and adolescents' serum prolactin

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Vitamin D (Vit. D) plays a crucial role in overall health.
• Emerging research suggests potential links between vitamin D and hormonal regulation.
• The relationship between vitamin D and prolactin (PRL) in adolescents requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and serum prolactin (PRL) in adolescent girls.
• To explore potential correlations between vitamin D status and other key hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4).

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 176 adolescent girls in West Kazakhstan was studied over two years.
• Participants were categorized into vitamin D deficient and normal vitamin D groups.
• Serum levels of 25(OH)D, PRL, TSH, and free T4 were measured and analyzed using Student t-test and Pearson's correlation.

Main Results:

• Adolescents with vitamin D deficiency exhibited significantly higher serum PRL and TSH levels compared to controls.
• A strong negative correlation was observed between serum 25(OH)D and PRL (r = -0.803, p < 0.00001).
• Strong positive and negative correlations were found between PRL and TSH (r = 0.8137, p < 0.00001) and free T4 (r = -0.6959, p < 0.00001), respectively.

Conclusions:

• A significant negative association exists between serum 25(OH)D and PRL levels in adolescent girls.
• The findings suggest a potential link between vitamin D status and prolactin regulation.
• Further research is recommended to confirm the vitamin D-prolactin relationship and consider screening for thyroid disorders in vitamin D-deficient adolescents.