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To overcome the intrinsic limitations of ergocalciferol, layer-by-layer oil-in-water emulsions were formulated and applied in the microencapsulation of ergocalciferol. The primary emulsions were prepared using rhamnolipids to stabilize oil droplets, and then the secondary emulsions were formed by electrostatic deposition of cationic chitosan onto anionic rhamnolipids-coated droplets. The effects of pH, ionic strength, and thermal treatment on the stability of emulsions were investigated. Secondary emulsions were more stable than primary emulsions at low pH and high NaCl concentrations. Both emulsions showed excellent physicochemical stability during long-term storage. The droplet size of ​emulsions remained stable, and the ergocalciferol retention in emulsions was still maintained at over 95% after 30 days of storage. These results indicate that the resistance of prepared emulsions to different environmental stresses is enhanced. Moreover, this study gives important information for extending the utilization of rhamnolipids and chitosan in the delivery system for functional ingredients.

There is a paucity of data relating to the vitamin D status of racehorses. We hypothesised that the management of racehorses in Hong Kong (HK) predisposes to low vitamin D status unless they receive dietary supplementation. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25OHD2), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (total 25OHD) for 79 non-grazing HK racehorses were compared with those for 22 racehorses training in the United Kingdom (UK) that grazed for ≥1 h/d, and for which published data exists. A nested group of 41 HK horses was sampled twice to determine the effect of the duration in HK on vitamin D status. The HK horses had significantly lower serum concentrations of total 25OHD and 25OHD2 than the UK horses; 25OHD2 was undetectable in 15/79 HK sera and serum concentrations of 25OHD2 declined with the duration in HK. The main determinants of vitamin D status were assessed using linear regression; the retained variables were the 25OHD3 concentration and the duration in HK. The inverse relationship between the serum concentrations of 25OHD2 and 25OHD3, previously identified in humans, was observed for the first time in horses. In conclusion, HK racehorses have low serum 25OHD2 and total 25OHD concentrations and rely on D3 supplementation to maintain adequate vitamin D status. Further study is required to determine the optimal form of dietary vitamin D supplementation for Thoroughbred racehorses.

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) affects 27.3% of preschool children in Mexico. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation at different doses on serum 25(OH)D concentrations in preschool children. In a randomized control trial, 222 children 12–30 months old were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) 400 IU/day (n = 56); (2) Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) 800 IU/day (n = 55); (3) Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 1000 IU/day (n = 56); or (4) multiple micronutrients (MM) non-VD (n = 55). Supplements were given five days/wk for three months. Serum 25(OH)D was measured at baseline and after three months. At baseline, mean serum 25(OH)D was 58.9 ± 12.6 nmol/L and 23.4% were VD-deficient. There was a statistically significant increase in serum concentrations of 25(OH)D (range across groups: +8.2 to +17.3 nmol/L). Additionally, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency decreased after three months: for D2 400 IU, −9.0%; for D2 800 IU, −11.0%; for D3 1000 IU, −18.0%; and for MM non-VD, −2.8% (p < 0.05). No adverse effects were observed. VD supplementation for three months was effective for increasing serum 25(OH)D concentrations and for reducing VD deficiency in preschool children. The highest efficacy was observed by giving 1000 IU D3/d.

Abstract. Background: Vitamin D insufficiency is common before and after bariatric surgery. Optimal supplementation to treat vitamin D insufficiency is not clearly defined. Objective: Determine if serum 25 (OH) D levels improve by the consumption of an additional monthly ergocalciferol supplement by subjects after bariatric surgery. Study design: Thirty-two subjects were randomly divided to receive an additional 100,000 IUs of ergocalciferol monthly after bariatric surgery (n=10) or standard level vitamin D supplement after bariatric surgery (n=22). Serum 25 (OH) D, calcium, and hemoglobin A1c levels were measured preoperatively and one year after bariatric surgery. Results: Mean changes in BMI at 1-year post-operation was −18.12±6.46 kg/m2 in the control group versus −18.84±4.7 kg/m2; p=0.638 in the vitamin D group. One year after bariatric surgery, the mean changes from baseline in vitamin D levels were 2.69±9.4 and 12.4±17.0 ng/mL in control and intervention groups, respectively. The treated group showed a marginally higher mean increase in Vitamin D than the control group, p=0.059. Other mean changes at 1-year post-surgery that were not significantly different include calcium −0.264±0.45 and −0.21±0.509 mg/dl in control and intervention groups, respectively and HbA1c −1.0±1.21 and −0.95±0.071% in control and intervention groups, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed 100,000 IUs ergocalciferol once a month is a safe and effective treatment for vitamin D insufficiency in most patients having bariatric surgery.

Aims: Evidence on the role of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the occurrence and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is conflicting and population-based data are scarce. Here, we assess the association between 25(OH)D levels, NAFLD and liver fibrosis in the general population. Materials and Methods: This is an analysis of data from the 2017–2018 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We included adult participants with available data on vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and without viral hepatitis and significant alcohol consumption. Steatosis and fibrosis were diagnosed by the median values of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), respectively. 25(OH)D was measured by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: A total of 3970 participants (1928 men and 2042 women) were included in the study. The prevalence of NAFLD (CAP ≥ 274 dB/m) and significant liver fibrosis (LSM ≥ 8 kPa) were 41.7% (95% CI 39.4–44.0) and 8.4% (95% CI 7.0–9.9), respectively, while 21.1% (95% CI 17.3–25.4) of participants had low 25(OH)D levels (

This diploma thesis pursues the topic of vitamin D deficiency, which is rather prevalent in the Czech population. The theoretical part summarizes findings about the systemic function of vitamin D in the human body and its importance in postoperative recovery. We know about vitamin D's impact on xenobiotic detoxification, reduction of oxidative stress, neuroprotection, and immunoregulation. Ubiquitous intracellular vitamin D receptors mediate the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D. Objectives: The principal aim of the thesis was to demonstrate the difference in the number of postoperative complications and lengths of hospitalization in patients with vitamin D deficiency and patients without vitamin D deficiency. Furthermore, the research aims to discover the relationship between vitamin D and postoperative recovery and evaluate the importance of vitamin D supplementation in preoperative deficiency. Methods: The practical part uses retrospective data from the database of the Klatovská nemocnice on patients monitored in the internal and osteological outpatient department. The criteria for the selection of patients were performed surgery and measured serum level of 25(OH)D. Postoperative complications were evaluated. The evaluation took into account the patients' age and type of operation. Patients...

Supplementation of food products with mushroom powder increases their health-promoting value, but at the same time affects technological quality, which often play a key role for consumers. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of adding freeze-dried white and brown button mushrooms (2.5% and 5%) to wheat bread on its health-promoting properties such as antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), total polyphenols and vitamin D2 content and as well as the technological quality as colour and texture. The breads were supplemented with mushroom lyophilisates, which were exposed to UVB radiation in order to increase their vitamin D2 content. The content of total polyphenols and antioxidant properties were determined spectrophotometrically, and the content of vitamin D2 by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole spectrometer (UHPLC/MS/MS analysis). Colour parameters were determined in the CIE-Lab system and texture profile analysis (TPA) and sensory evaluation of the baked products were performed. The addition of dried mushrooms significantly increased the content of bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, vitamin D2) and the antioxidant properties of bread. A small addition of mushrooms caused a significant change in the basic technological quality of breads (colour parameters, specific volume, hardness, cohesiveness, springiness). At the same time, supplementation with mushroom lyophilisates has a positive effect on most analysed attributes in the nine-point hedonic scale. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that mushroom lyophilisates can be a valuable raw material for the fortification of bread, which is a good matrix and carrier of substances with documented biological activities.

Com o início da pandemia da COVID-19, a busca pelo fortalecimento do sistema imunológico teve um crescimento exorbitante, para isto, as pessoas passaram a utilizar medicamentos e suplementos que fornecessem tal benefício, como por exemplo a Vitamina D. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo, avaliar por meio do controle de qualidade, se a Vitamina D 7000 UI de farmácias de dispensação e de manipulação estão dentro dos padrões estipulados pela United States Pharmacopeia e se apresentam a quantidade em UI que garantem possuir. Para tanto, foram testados suplementos de 3 farmácias de manipulação e 3 vitaminas D industrializadas, utilizando os testes que constam na United States Pharmacopeia, sendo eles, o peso médio, teste de desintegração, ensaio de pureza, e o doseamento. Os resultados obtidos foram que, nos testes do peso médio e desintegração, as amostras manipuladas e as industrializados foram aprovados, nos ensaios de pureza e doseamento não foram aprovadas, pois os valores resultantes dessas análises foram discrepantes com aqueles estabelecidos na United States Pharmacopeia. Com isso, concluiu-se que as farmácias magistrais e as indústrias farmacêuticas apresentam falhas em seus respectivos controles de qualidade, o que demanda um olhar especial, visto que tais falhas ocasionam em produtos sem garantia de segurança e efetividade. With the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the search for strengthening the immune system had an exorbitant growth, for this, people started to use medicines and supplements that provide such benefit, such as Vitamin D. In this context, the present The objective of this study was to evaluate, through quality control, whether Vitamin D 7000 IU from dispensing and handling pharmacies are within the standards stipulated by the United States Pharmacopeia and if they present the amount in IU they guarantee to have. Therefore, supplements from 3 compounding pharmacies and 3 industrialized vitamins D were tested, using the tests contained in the United States Pharmacopeia, namely, the average weight, disintegration test, purity test, and dosage. The results obtained were that, in the tests of average weight and disintegration, the manipulated and industrialized samples were approved, in the purity and dosage tests they were not approved, as the values ​​resulting from these analyzes were discrepant with those established in the United States Pharmacopeia. With this, it was concluded that the compounding pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industries have flaws in their respective quality controls, which demands a special look, since such flaws lead to products without a guarantee of safety and effectiveness. Con el inicio de la pandemia del COVID-19, la búsqueda por fortalecer el sistema inmunológico tuvo un crecimiento desorbitado, para ello, las personas comenzaron a utilizar medicamentos y suplementos que brindan tal beneficio, como la Vitamina D. En este contexto, el presente El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar, a través del control de calidad, si la Vitamina D 7000 UI de las farmacias dispensadoras y manipuladoras se encuentran dentro de los estándares estipulados por la Farmacopea de los Estados Unidos y si presentan la cantidad en UI que garantizan tener. Por lo tanto, se probaron suplementos de 3 farmacias de compuestos y 3 vitaminas D industrializadas, utilizando las pruebas contenidas en la Farmacopea de los Estados Unidos, a saber, el peso promedio, la prueba de desintegración, la prueba de pureza y la dosificación. Los resultados obtenidos fueron que, en las pruebas de peso medio y desintegración, las muestras manipuladas e industrializadas fueron aprobadas, en las pruebas de pureza y dosificación no fueron aprobadas, ya que los valores resultantes de estos análisis discreparon con los establecidos en la Farmacopea de los Estados Unidos. Con ello, se concluyó que las farmacias magistrales y las industrias farmacéuticas presentan fallas en sus respectivos controles de calidad, lo que exige una mirada especial, ya que tales fallas conducen a productos sin garantía de seguridad y eficacia.

BACKGROUND Low vitamin D status is a global public health issue that vitamin D food fortification and biofortification may help to alleviate. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effect of vitamin D food fortification and biofortification on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. We expanded the scope of earlier reviews to include adults and children, to evaluate effects by vitamin D vitamer, and investigate linear and nonlinear dose-response relations. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and gray and unpublished literature sites for randomized controlled trials, including people of all ages, with the criteria: absence of illness affecting vitamin D absorption, duration ≥4 wk, equivalent placebo food control, dose quantification, dose ≥5 μg/d, baseline and endpoint or absolute change in 25(OH)D concentrations reported, random allocation, and participant blinding. Quality was assessed using the Jadad Scale. RESULTS Data from 34 publications (2398 adults: 1345 intervention, 1053 controls; 1532 children: 970 intervention, 562 controls) were included. Random-effects meta-analysis of all studies combined (mean dose 16.2 μg/d) indicated a pooled treatment effect of 21.2 nmol/L (95% CI: 16.2, 26.2), with a greater effect for studies using cholecalciferol than ergocalciferol. Heterogeneity was high (I2 > 75%). Metaregression analyses for all studies combined suggested positive effect differences for baseline circulating 25(OH)D concentrations

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroid that plays an important role in the human body. There are two main native forms – vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). The regulation of calcium-phosphate metabolism and ensuring adequate bone remodeling are the most studied function of vitamin D. In recent years, researchers have found out the «extra-bone» effects of vitamin D and it allows us to be convinced of the great role of this compound. The participation of active forms of vitamin D in the processes of immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiproliferative effects and stimulation of cell differentiation are reflected in diseases of the maxillofacial region.In this article, we examined the main functions of vitamin D in the human body, the mechanisms of its action and influence on the occurrence and course of oral diseases. The discovery of the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the processes of osseointegration, bone remodeling, the severity of chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis, squamous cell carcinoma and periodontitis allow us to conclude that it is advisable to diagnose vitamin D deficiency in appropriate time and correction its serum level in dental patients.

Michael Wakeman Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, SR1 3SD, UKCorrespondence: Michael WakemanFaculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR1 3SD, UKTel +44 1335 350935Email mikepwakeman@gmail.comAbstract: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in media coverage of the putative actions of vitamin D as well as the possible health benefits that supplementation might deliver. However, the potential effect that medications may have on the vitamin D status is rarely taken into consideration. This literature review was undertaken to assess the degree to which vitamin D status may be affected by medication. Electronic databases were searched to identify literature relating to this subject, and study characteristics and conclusions were scrutinized for evidence of potential associations. The following groups of drugs were identified in one or more studies to affect vitamin D status in some way: anti-epileptics, laxatives, metformin, loop diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, statins, calcium channel blockers, antagonists of vitamin K, platelet aggregation inhibitors, digoxin, potassium-sparing diuretics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, proton pump inhibitors, histamine H2-receptor antagonists, bile acid sequestrants, corticosteroids, antimicrobials, sulphonamides and urea derivatives, lipase inhibitors, hydroxychloroquine, highly active antiretroviral agents, and certain chemotherapeutic agents. Given that the quality of the data is heterogeneous, newer, more robustly designed studies are required to better define likely interactions between vitamin D and medications. This is especially so for cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme (CYP3A4)-metabolized medications. Nevertheless, this review suggests that providers of health care ought to be alert to the potential of vitamin D depletions induced by medications, especially in elderly people exposed to multiple-drug therapy, and to provide supplementation if required.Keywords: ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, vitamin D, medication interactions, drug interactions

To evaluate the efficacy of daily supplementation of 200 mL milk fortified with 240 IU of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Double-blind randomized controlled trial. School-based study in Delhi between October and December, 2019. 235 healthy children aged 10–14 years. Daily supplementation of 200 mL milk fortified with 240 IU of ergocalciferol in intervention group (n=119) and 200 mL of plain milk in control group (n =116) for 3 months. Change in serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone formation and resorption markers, and urinary calcium creatinine ratio (U-Ca/CrR). The mean (SD) baseline serum 25(OH) D level in control and fortification groups was 11.9 (3.8) and 11.4 (3.6) ng/mL (P=0.23), respectively. The serum 25(OH)D levels did not increase post-intervention with the dose used for fortification, but were significantly higher in intervention group as compared to control group [10.8 (3.4) vs 6.7 (3.5) ng/mL; P

Vitamin D2 is an essential constituent of human nutrition, bone health, and its deficiency can cause various chronic diseases in humans. To meet the daily requirement of vitamin D2, vitamin D2 enri...

EgierskaDominika,PietruszkaPaulina,BurzyńskaPaulina,ChruścickaIzabela,BuchtaJustyna.Pleiotropic effects of vitamin D3. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2021;11(7):143-155. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2021.11.07.013 https://apcz.umk.pl/czasopisma/index.php/JEHS/article/view/JEHS.2021.11.07.013 https://zenodo.org/record/5118429 The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. § 8. 2) and § 12. 1. 2) 22.02.2019. © The Authors 2021; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 05.07.2021. Revised: 20.07.2021. Accepted: 21.07.2021. Pleiotropic effects of vitamin D3 Dominika Egierska Affiliation Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu Country Poland Bio Statement — Principal contact for editorial correspondence. Paulina Pietruszka Affiliation Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu Country Poland Bio Statement — Paulina Burzyńska Affiliation Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu Country Poland Bio Statement — Izabela Chruścicka Affiliation Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu Country Poland Bio Statement — Justyna Buchta Affiliation Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu Country Poland Bio Statement — Abstract Introduction: Vitamin D belongs to the group of fat-soluble vitamins. cholecalciferol (D3) and ergocalciferol (D2) are the most important forms. Vitamin D is associated with a regulatory role in calcium and phosphate metabolism. In recent years, there has been attention to its pleiotropic action. Aim: The aim of the study was to present the general characteristics of vitamin D and explore its relation with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, pain management, insulin resistance, influenza and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Description: VDR receptor has been detected in the cells of the intestines, bones, kidneys, heart, brain, prostate, breast, ovaries, skin. In the ovaries, vit. D3 affects the production of progesterone, estradiol or estrone which suggest its important role in the folliculogenesis and ovulation. Women with PCOS have significantly lower levels of vitamin D3 compared to healthy women. It has been suggested that the deficiency of this vitamin may be related to infertility. Research show that vit. D3 may affect the mechanisms of the inflammatory and nocyceptive pain perception. A significant connection has also been found between vit. D3 and the metabolism of the adipose tissue and insulin secretion. Vitamin D3 deficiency may increase the risk of development of obesity and insulin resistance as well as CKD. Summary: The observation of statistically significant correlation between the reduced level of vit. D3 and occurrence of numerous diseases indicates the need for further research to explain the mechanisms in which D3 deficiency may contribute to development of these diseases. This knowledge is important for the development of new prevention and treatment methods of the diseases mentioned in this article. Keywords: Vitamin D3; cholecalciferol; calcitriol

Background To evaluate the impact of vitamin D and calcium supplementation (VitD/Ca) on lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) and bone metabolism among Thai adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIVA). Methods A multicenter, randomized, active-control, open-labeled trial was conducted. PHIVA (aged 10–20 years) who were on stable cART were enrolled. Baseline LSBMD status was defined as low (z-score ≤ −2) and normal (> −2). Eligible PHIVA were randomly assigned to receive standard-dose (400 IU/1200 mg/day) or high-dose (400 IU/1200 mg/day plus ergocalciferol 20 000 IU/week) VitD/Ca supplementation for 48 weeks (ratio 1:1, stratified by baseline LSBMD). Study outcomes were changes in LSBMD, LSBMD z-scores, and bone metabolism–related biomarkers (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH], C-terminal telopeptide [CTX], procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide [PINP]) from baseline to week 48. Results Among 200 enrolled PHIVA, median age was 16 (IQR:14–18) years; 61% were on NNRTI-based cART. Median 25(OH)D level was 25.5 (IQR: 20.8–33.0) ng/mL. After 48-week VitD/Ca supplementation, LSBMD significantly increased in both treatment groups (high-dose: median: +0.07 [IQR: +0.04 to +0.11] g/cm2; P Conclusions Over 48-week VitD/Ca supplementation, significant increases in LSBMD, and significant decreases in bone metabolism–related markers were observed among our Thai PHIVA in both treatment groups. The improvement in LSBMD z-score was more enhanced with high-dose VitD/Ca supplementation than standard-dose. High-dose VitD/Ca supplementation might be considered to promote bone health in this population. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02426840.

Vitamin D plays crucial roles in calcium absorption, bone metabolism, and immune, neurological and cardiovascular-related functions. In plants, it plays an important role in the form of D2 (ergocal...

Vitamin D deficiency is common in different diseases. Differences in supplementary formulations can accelerate recovery from deficiency. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of vitamin D supplementation with oral strip and soft gelatin capsule of vitamin D in deficient patients. This study is a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial on 60 patients with vitamin D deficiency during two months in Ahvaz. In the participants, serum levels of vitamin D were measured and recorded two times: at the initiation of the study and at the end. For the first group (control group), 50,000 units soft gelatin capsule of vitamin D (ergocalciferol) was administered to be taken orally weekly for eight continuous weeks and the second group, 2000 units oral strip of vitamin D, daily for 8 weeks. Patients who did not achieve normal serum levels were treated for an extra 4 weeks. At the end of the study, serum levels of vitamin D and calcium were measured, and data was analyzed by using the statistical software, SPSS. The results of the present study illustrated a notable difference in vitamin D serum levels after supplementation with oral strip or soft gelatin capsule in both arms of the study (p 0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that supplementation with both formulations of oral strip or soft gelatin capsule can successfully treat vitamin D deficiency. Trial registration: IRCT20180408039235N1, Registration date: 2018-07-11

Vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate sun exposure and/or inadequate intake from food is very common worldwide, consisting a major public health problem. As prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation involves risks, food fortification of staple foods emerges as a favorable solution for addressing vitamin D deficiency. Bread is a suitable candidate for fortification as it is consumed often and is the main carbohydrate source in European countries.The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the bioavailability of vitamin D from a fortified Greek-type bread that was developed as a means for addressing vitamin D deficiency, by comparing the absorption curve of vitamin D in fortified bread in relation to that of plain vitamin supplementation. Two groups of clinically healthy volunteers consumed 25,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) either in fortified bread (Group A) or in a plain supplement form (Group B). The baseline plasma concentrations of cholecalciferol were 8.1 +/- 6.0 ng/mL and 6.8 +/- 3.4 ng/mL in Groups A and B, respectively. After 12, 24, and 48 h, the concentrations of cholecalciferol in Group A were 16.7 +/- 4.8, 15.3 +/- 8.3 and 11.9 +/- 6.0 ng/mL, respectively, and in Group B, 15.2 +/- 3.3, 11.6 +/- 2.4, and 9.6 +/- 3.6 ng/mL, respectively. In both groups, the concentrations of cholecalciferol at 12 and 24 h were significantly higher than the baseline concentrations (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the concentrations of cholecalciferol between Groups A and B, at each time point.Cholecalciferol is bioavailable from Greek-type fortified bread and bread could be used for addressing vitamin D deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration is an indicator of vitamin D exposure, but it is also influenced by clinical characteristics that affect 25(OH)D production and clearance. Vitamin D is the precursor to 25(OH)D but is analytically challenging to measure in biological specimens. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to develop and validate a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for quantification of vitamins D(3) and D(2) in serum and to explore the potential of circulating vitamin D as a biomarker of exposure in supplementation trials. METHODS: The method was validated using guideline C62-A from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and was applied in 2 pilot clinical trials of oral vitamin D(3) supplementation. Pilot study 1 included 22 adults randomly assigned to placebo or 2000 IU/d. Blood was collected at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo. Pilot study 2 included 15 adults randomly assigned to 2000 or 4000 IU/d. Blood and subcutaneous (SUBQ) adipose tissue were collected at baseline and 3 mo. RESULTS: In study 1, mean change (baseline to 3 mo) in serum vitamin D(3) was −0.1 ng/mL in the placebo group and 6.8 ng/mL in the 2000 IU/d group (absolute difference: 6.9; 95% CI: 4.5, 9.3 ng/mL). In study 2, mean change (baseline to 3 mo) in serum vitamin D(3) was 10.4 ng/mL in the 2000 IU/d group and 22.2 ng/mL in the 4000 IU/d group (fold difference: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.40, 3.37). Serum and adipose tissue vitamin D(3) concentrations were correlated, and the dose-response of vitamin D(3) in adipose mirrored that in serum. CONCLUSIONS: We validated a sensitive, robust, and high-throughput LC-MS/MS method to quantify vitamins D(3) and D(2) in serum. Serum and SUBQ adipose tissue vitamin D(3) concentrations increased proportionally to dose with 3 mo of daily supplementation. These trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00552409 (pilot study 1) and NCT01477034 (pilot study 2).

Objectives: High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency mandates prescribing an appropriate form of vitamin D that allows attainment of sufficiency in a cost-effective manner. We aimed to compare vitamin D products in Indian market in terms of composition and cost in 2020 with 2013 to understand price dispersion over 7 years. Methods: Constituents, formulations, and prices of 'branded' and generic vitamin D products were sourced from various drug information compendia and online sources. Price per defined daily dose (DDD), percentage cost variation, and change in prices over 7 years (2020 vs. 2013) was determined. Results: There has been a disproportionate increase in the number of brands and cost variation of cholecalciferol and calcitriol in the last 7 years. The percentage cost variation increased almost 10 times for calcitriol and 4.4 times for alfacalcidiol tablets and cholecalciferol granules. An analysis of >1,100 products in 2020 showed that the predominant form was calcitriol which was combined with calcium in >90% of the products with huge cost variation (>3000%). Ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol were available in 22 and 15 different strengths respectively. Median price/unit of cholecalciferol (60,000IU) was lower for tablets/capsules compared to other formulations; but with >1000% cost variation. Conclusion: A wide cost variation exists with the use of different vitamin D brands and preparations with conventional cholecalciferol tablets and capsules being a low-priced alternative. Quality control measures and strict enforcements of existing regulations are essential to ensure that competitive prices of branded generics are translated into availability and affordability for the population.

Vitamin D has a well-known role in the calcium homeostasis associated with the maintenance of healthy bones. It increases the efficiency of the intestinal absorption of dietary calcium, reduces calcium losses in urine, and mobilizes calcium stored in the skeleton. However, vitamin D receptors are present ubiquitously in the human body and indeed, vitamin D has a plethora of non-calcemic functions. In contrast to most vitamins, sufficient vitamin D can be synthesized in human skin. However, its production can be markedly decreased due to factors such as clothing, sunscreens, intentional avoidance of the direct sunlight, or the high latitude of the residence. Indeed, more than one billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient, and the deficiency is frequently undiagnosed. The chronic deficiency is not only associated with rickets/osteomalacia/osteoporosis but it is also linked to a higher risk of hypertension, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or cancer. Supplementation of vitamin D may be hence beneficial, but the intake of vitamin D should be under the supervision of health professionals because overdosing leads to intoxication with severe health consequences. For monitoring vitamin D, several analytical methods are employed, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed in detail in this review.

Vitamin D can be obtained from the endogenous synthesis in the epidermis by exposure to UVB light, and from foods and supplements in the form of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). The main metabolite used to measure vitamin D serum status is calcidiol [25(OH)D]. However, its active metabolite calcitriol [1α,25(OH)2D] performs pleiotropic effects in the cardiovascular, neurological, and adipose tissue as well as immune cells. Calcitriol exerts its effects through genomic mechanisms modulated by the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR)/retinoid X receptor (RXR) complex, to bind to vitamin D response elements (VDRE) in target genes of several cells such as activated T and B lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells; besides of its genomic mechanisms, VDR performs novel non-genomic mechanisms that involve its membrane expression and soluble form; highlighting that vitamin D could be an immunomodulatory nutrient that plays a key role during physiological and pathological events. Therefore, the aim of this comprehensive literature review was to describe the most relevant findings of vitamin D dietary sources, absorption, synthesis, metabolism, and factors that influence its serum status, signaling pathways, and biological effects of this immunonutrient in the health and disease.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiovascular disease, one of, which is an Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Some studies provide varying results, the 25 (OH)D levels, which can cause acute coronary syndrome is still controversial. This was an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design. Samples were collected during April-September 2019 from the Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya. Patients with the acute coronary syndrome (70 persons) consisted of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI), Unstable Angina (UA) were measured for 25 (OH)D and the differences in levels of 25 (OH)D between groups. Examination of 25 (OH)D used a competitive antibody method chemiluminescence immunoassay. There were different levels of 25 (OH)D patients with ACS versus healthy persons, p=0.0001. There was no difference in levels of 25 (OH)D in UA patients versus healthy persons, p=0.925. Acute coronary syndrome patients had higher 25 (OH)D levels than healthy persons, so it seemed that vitamin D did not play an essential role in the occurrence of ACS based on this study. This study showed that there were significant differences between 25 (OH)D levels in STEMI and healthy persons, NSTEMI and healthy persons, STEMI and NSTEMI, STEMI and UA, NSTEMI and UA. In the UA group and healthy persons, no statistically significant differences were found.

This Research Reflection short review will discuss vitamin D metabolism, its role in nutrition, disease prevention, and welfare of dairy cattle, as well as its toxicity. Vitamin D is an important fat-soluble vitamin. However, some researchers regard it as a hormone due to its function in the organism. Its role is not limited just to Ca homoeostasis and bone metabolism but is also associated with immunity. In dairy cattle it is known for preventing milk fever. Cows can acquire vitamin D in many ways for example through feed, parenteral injections or through UVB irradiation from the sun or artificial lighting. The vitamin D in feed can either be plant-/ fungi- based ergocalciferol or animal-based cholecalciferol. There is currently only one registered feed vitamin D supplement for cattle in the European Union and it is cholecalciferol. Animals can also synthesize their own vitamin D when 7-dihydrocholesterol in the skin is irradiated with UVB light resulting in cholecalciferol production. Despite its importance, many cattle are deficient in vitamin D due to inadequate supplementation or insufficient sun exposure. In a study performed at the Veterinary Faculty in Slovenia 12 high producing Holstein Friesian cows at a commercial dairy farm were blood tested for vitamin D status for three succeeding months and all but one were vitamin D insufficient in all testings. The cows were not exposed to direct sunlight and the content of vitamin D3 in feed was Trisetum flavescens, which contain an active form of vitamin D-calcitriol or its glycosides, that are activated by digestion in the rumen.

The specific compound that is meant for use in the context of vitamin D supplementation is often ambiguous. The term "supplementation" has been used in the context of cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, calcidiol, and calcitriol. In nature, by far the major form of vitamin D that nurtures the body is cholecalciferol. In contrast, ergocalciferol is primarily a synthetic and less stable product which is less potent per microgram dose than is cholecalciferol. Calcidol is the major circulating metabolite of cholecalciferol, while calcitriol is the hormone that upregulates the active transport of calcium from the gut, and which suppresses parathyroid hormone secretion. Nutrition policy papers and guidelines leave unstated the obvious fact that calcidiol and calcitriol are not nutrients, and that those metabolites are not pertinent to food fortification or dietary supplementation. Recent evidence shows that ergocalciferol is not stable with storage, and it is far more susceptible to breakdown with cooking and baking than is cholecalciferol. Therefore, it must be concluded that cholecalciferol is the only form of vitamin D that should be considered in the context of the nutritional functions of fortification and supplementation.

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of different growth stages on ergocalciferol content, yield, some morphological characters and forage quality properties of six field pea genotypes (Töre, Ateş, Taşkent, 16-K, DYK and Kr). Genotypes were planted in two-factor factorial randomized block design with three replications. Some morphological characters (main stem length, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per main stem and leaf length), herbage and hay yields, ergocalciferol, crude protein, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and neutral detergent fiber contents were determined at the pre-bud, ¼ bloom and full-bloom stages. The maximum main stem length (127.35-130.07 cm), herbage yield (50.12-50.33 t ha-1) and hay yield (10.85-11.77 t ha-1) were observed from field pea genotypes 'Ateş' and 'Töre' at full-bloom stage. The lowest leaf length (22.08 cm) and number of leaves per main stem (20.09) were found in field pea genotype '16-K', whereas number of branches per plant (6.42) had its highest in same genotype. Full-bloom stage showed the highest ergocalciferol (9.33 μg kg-1 in fresh matter), crude fiber (20.63 %), neutral detergent fiber (41.46 %), acid detergent fiber (30.54 %) and acid detergent lignin (5.84 %) contents between the other growth stages, whereas crude protein (18.37 %) had its lowest content at same growth stage. According to ergocalciferol content, forage yield and other quality properties, genotypes 'Ateş' and 'Töre' can be sown and cut at full-bloom stage in the Thrace and other regions of Turkey, and probably in similar subtropical conditions.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that carries significant morbidity and mortality. Given the need to identify modifiable risk factors to prevent IBD development and to mitigate disease severity, vitamin D has become a major candidate of interest.In this review, we discuss the regulatory role played by vitamin D in intestinal immune homeostasis, updates in the recent literature exploring its role inIn contrast to findings from earlier studies suggesting a causal role in IBD, recent findings indicate that vitamin D deficiency may be a sequela rather than a cause of IBD. Additionally, clinical trials exploring vitamin D therapy in reducing disease activity remain inconclusive thus far, with the current evidence best supporting a therapeutic role of vitamin D in bone health. Future studies are needed to clarify the role of vitamin D in IBD development and disease activity and to determine its therapeutic potential for IBD disease activity.

Background\ud A large amount of mushroom waste is generated during mushroom production (accounting for up to 20% of total production) and is mainly composed of mushrooms that do not meet the specifications set by retailers because of misshapen caps and/or stalks. Mushrooms are notable for their ergosterol (a precursor of vitamin D2) content which is converted to vitamin D2 after exposure to natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Therefore, mushroom waste could be used as a source for the recovery of both ergosterol and vitamin D2 which could be valorized by both pharmaceutical and food industries.\ud \ud Scope and approach\ud The current review presents a comprehensive summary of research performed regarding the extraction, purification and determination of ergosterol and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) from mushroom matrices. Additionally, studies related to the impact of sample preparation and especially of drying methods on the retention of ergosterol and vitamin D2 are presented. Finally, the potential valorization of mushroom waste sterols by food and pharmaceutical industries is discussed.\ud \ud Key findings and conclusions\ud Ergosterol and vitamin D2 contents vary among different mushroom species. Sample drying is a crucial step that precedes sterol extraction and has a significant impact on the retention of ergosterol and vitamin D2. The extraction of sterols from mushrooms can be conducted by either conventional (e.g., Soxhlet extraction) or non-conventional methods (e.g., ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), deep eutectic solvents (DES) extraction, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE)) or their combination. The application of non-conventional methods such as UAE and MAE facilitate in shorter extraction times than the conventional methods. The valorization of mushroom extracts enriched in ergosterol and vitamin D2 by both pharmaceutical and food industries requires further work.

Vitamin D (vitD) deficiency and bone loss may occur after bariatric surgery and hence, supplementation with high oral doses of vitD may be required. Alternatively, intramuscular depot ergocalciferol, which slowly releases vitD and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, could be administrated. We present a case of severe vitD deficiency–osteomalacia after gastric bypass operation for morbid obesity, treated with ergocalciferol intramuscularly. A 45-year-old woman was presented with hip pain and muscle weakness, which led ultimately to immobilization in a wheelchair. Fifteen years ago, she underwent roux-en-Y gastric by-pass for morbid obesity. Occasionally, she was treated with multivitamin supplements. On admission, iron deficiency anaemia, vitD deficiency (25 OHD: 3.7 ng/ml) and secondary hyperparathyroidism were revealed. Bone turnover markers (BTM) were elevated. Radiological evaluation demonstrated insufficiency fractures on the pubic and left femur and reduced BMD. Osteomalacia due to vitD deficiency and calcium malabsorption were diagnosed. Calcium citrate 500 mg qid and intramuscular ergocalciferol 600,000 IU every 20 days were initiated. One month later, musculoskeletal pain and weakness were resolved and the patient was mobilized. Few months later, vitD, BTM and BMD showed substantial improvement. Intramuscular ergocalciferol administration can improve the clinical and biochemical status and thus, is suggested to prevent and/or treat osteomalacia in such patients.

One of the main fat-soluble vitamins is vitamin D, whose primary function is the regulation of calcium-phosphate metabolism and mineralization of bone tissue. Vitamin D occurs in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) – found in plants and fungi (mainly yeasts) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) – produced in animals. Hypovitaminosis of vitamin D leads to metabolic bone diseases in children and adults and can also affect the incidence of many chronic diseases such as: multiple sclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, cancer, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and heart failure. The aim of the current study was to assess the content of vitamin D in dietary supplements available in pharmacies and supermarkets in the EU. The evaluation involved analysing the ratio of vitamin D content in supplements in relation to the typical demand of the organism. This study assessed 15 popular over-the-counter dietary supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, lozenges and lollipops for children as well as in the form of effervescent tablets. On the basis of the labels on the packaging, the vitamin D content of the supplements was assessed in relation to the dietary demands of the body. Self-administration of over-the-counter multivitamin supplements is not an optimal way to increase vitamin D levels. It is recommended, therefore, that individuals requiring vitamin D supplementation seek specialist medical advice to optimal treatment strategies.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between calciferol (vitamin D), cobalamin (vitamin-B12), and Stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) circulating levels in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), patients with DM type 2 (T2DM) without neuropathy, and healthy control groups. Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Namik Kemal University of Medicine, Tekirdag, Turkey, between November 2020 and February 2022. Methodology: Healthy, age, and gender matched volunteers who were admitted to the hospital for a check-up with no health problem constituted the control group (n=30). Cases diagnosed with T2DM (n=30) and those with DPN (n=30) comprised the experimental group. Stromelysin-1, calciferol, and cobalamin levels were analysed from blood samples from all groups using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a commercial kit. Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test was performed after one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for intergroup comparisons. Alpha significance level was accepted as

Background: Tinnitus is a highly prevalent and frequently disabling condition, such that the identification of possible causal mechanisms would yield significant clinical and social benefits. Since vitamin D (Vit D) is involved in the pathogenesis of several ear disturbances, we review here the current scientific literature addressing the relationship between Vit D status and tinnitus. Methods: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science with the keywords “tinnitus” and “Vitamin D” or “Vit D” or “25OH-D” or “cholecalciferol” or “ergocalciferol” or “hydroxycholecalciferol”, without date (i.e., up to November 10, 2022) or language restrictions, in accordance with a protocol based on the transparent reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 checklist, for identifying studies which assayed serum Vit D concentration in patients with or without tinnitus. Results: Three observational, case-control studies encompassing four cohorts and totaling 468 patients with (n=268) or without tinnitus (n=200) were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis with quality effects models evidenced significantly reduced serum Vit D levels in patients with tinnitus compared to those without (weighted mean difference [WMD], -6.2 ng/mL; 95%CI, -10.3 to -2.1 ng/mL; I2, 56%). Serum Vit D was found to be 22% lower in patients with tinnitus compared to those without. Conclusions: Lower serum Vit D levels may be associated with tinnitus, thus paving the way to plan future trials aimed at exploring whether Vit D supplementation may aid in preventing and/or improving tinnitus.

Context The effect of the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D on the duration of partial clinical remission (PR) in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unclear. Objective This work aimed to determine the effect of adjunctive ergocalciferol on residual β-cell function (RBCF) and PR in youth with newly diagnosed T1D who were maintained on a standardized insulin treatment protocol. The hypothesis was that ergocalciferol supplementation increases RBCF and prolongs PR. Methods A 12-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted of 50 000 IU of ergocalciferol per week for 2 months, and then once every 2 weeks for 10 months, vs placebo in 36 individuals aged 10 to 21 years, with T1D of less than 3 months and a stimulated C-peptide (SCP) level greater than or equal to 0.2 nmol/L (≥ 0.6 ng/mL). The ergocalciferol group had 18 randomly assigned participants (10 male/8 female), mean age 13.3 ± 2.8 years, while the control group had 18 participants (14 male/4 female), aged 14.3 ± 2.9 years. Results The ergocalciferol treatment group had statistically significantly higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D at 6 months (P = .01) and 9 months (P = .02) than the placebo group. At 12 months, the ergocalciferol group had a statistically significantly lower serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) concentration (P = .03). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at each time point from baseline to 12 months for SCP concentration (P = .08), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (P = .09), insulin dose–adjusted A1c (IDAA1c), or total daily dose of insulin. Temporal trends for rising HbA1c (P = .04) and IDAA1c (P = .02) were statistically significantly blunted in the ergocalciferol group. Conclusion Ergocalciferol statistically significantly reduced serum TNF-α concentration and the rates of increase both in A1c and IDAA1c, suggesting a protection of RBCF and PR in youth with newly diagnosed T1D.

The separation of some water- and fat-soluble vitamins via micellar systems of reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) was subjected to research. Hence, the influence of the mobile phase composition (surfactant and acetonitrile concentration, eluent buffer pH) on the migration distances and zone separation of some vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, folic acid, ergocalciferol and α-tocopherol) was investigated. Our results indicated that the applied technique has an impact on the solute order. Comparing the system capacity of HPLC and PPEC (measured as height of the theoretical plate) for the mobile phase systems with and without surfactant shows differences, especially for fat-soluble vitamin. The variances and reproducibilities (% RDS) values of the vitamin are less in PPEC than in TLC. Moreover, the migration distances of water-soluble vitamins are longer than fat-soluble ones. Overall, eluent consisting of 50% acetonitrile, 18.75 mM SDS, the buffer of pH 6.99 via the PPEC technique was most appropriate for determining the investigated vitamins in the artificial mixture and the two commercially available vitamin combinations.

Highlights • Vitamin D deficiency is multifactorial in the cystic fibrosis population. • Vitamin D deficiency can adversely affect multiple organ systems in the cystic fibrosis population. • In the cystic fibrosis population in the United States, we aim to treat to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels over 30 ng/ml. • Cholecalciferol is used in preference to ergocalciferol. • Daily or once weekly dosing regimens are chosen according to patient preference and compliance., Vitamin D deficiency is common in the general population, and even more so in patients with cystic fibrosis. Deficiency is exacerbated in cystic fibrosis patients because of a myriad of causes including malabsorption, decreased fat mass, reduced 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D, reduced exposure to sunlight, decreased vitamin D binding protein, and exposure to drugs that increase catabolism. In turn, vitamin D deficiency can contribute to poor bone health. Additionally, it may contribute to pulmonary decline in the form of worsening pulmonary function, increased colonization with pathogens, and increased pulmonary exacerbation. Because vitamin D deficiency is correlated with negative clinical effects in multiple organ systems of patients with cystic fibrosis, it is important to screen for and treat deficiency in these patients. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has issued guidelines for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, targeting serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of at least 30 ng/ml. The guidelines offer age-specific escalating dose regimens depending on serum vitamin D levels, with monitoring at 12- week intervals after changing therapy. They address the literature on alternative vitamin D sources, such as UV lamps, ideal formulations (cholecalciferol in preference to ergocalciferol), and optimal vehicles of administration. Despite these detailed recommendations, most centers are still unable to achieve in-target serum vitamin D levels for many of their patients. Future research examining ideal treatment regimens to achieve serum targets and maximize clinical effects are needed. Moreover, it is unknown whether vitamin D sufficiency will be easier to achieve on new triple therapy cystic fibrosis drug combinations, and how these drugs will contribute to vitamin D-related clinical outcomes.

A water-soluble hydrolysate of silk fibroin (SF) (~30 kDa) was esterified with tocopherol, ergocalciferol, and testosterone to form SF aggregates for the controlled delivery of the anticancer drug camptothecin (CPT). Elemental analysis and 1H NMR spectroscopy showed a degree of substitution (DS) on SF of 0.4 to 3.8 mol %. Yields of 58 to 71% on vitamins- and testosterone-grafted SF conjugates were achieved. CPT was efficiently incorporated into the lipophilic core of SF aggregates using a dialysis–precipitation method, achieving drug contents of 6.3–8.5 wt %. FTIR spectra and DSC thermograms showed that tocopherol- and testosterone-grafted SF conjugates predominantly adopted a β-sheet conformation. After the esterification of tyrosine residues on SF chains with the vitamin or testosterone, the hydrodynamic diameters almost doubled or tripled that of SF. The zeta potential values after esterification increased to about −30 mV, which favors the stability of aggregates in aqueous medium. Controlled and almost quantitative release of CPT was achieved after 6 days in PBS at 37 °C, with almost linear release during the first 8 h. MCF-7 cancer cells exhibited good uptake of CPT-loaded SF aggregates after 6 h, causing cell death and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Substantial uptake of the CPT-loaded aggregates into MCF-7 spheroids was shown after 3 days. Furthermore, all CPT-loaded SF aggregates demonstrated superior toxicity to MCF-7 spheroids compared with parent CPT. Blank SF aggregates induced no hemolysis at pH 6.2 and 7.4, while CPT-loaded SF aggregates provoked hemolysis at pH 6.2 but not at pH 7.4. In contrast, parent CPT caused hemolysis at both pH tested. Therefore, CPT-loaded SF aggregates are promising candidates for chemotherapy.

To investigate the effectiveness of vitamin D2 supplementation with ergocalciferol on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level and other cardio-metabolic indices in menopausal Thai women.A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the menopause clinic of a university hospital in Thailand from May 2017 to 2018. Participants were 80 postmenopausal women randomly assigned to treatment (The vitamin D2 (In menopausal Thai women, vitamin D2 supplementation with ergocalciferol 40,000 IU/week for 12 weeks can reduce hsCRP level; and the treatment might be superior to placebo. However, the hsCRP levels after 12 weeks between both groups were not statistically different.SYNOPSISVitamin D2 supplementation in menopausal Thai women can reduce hsCRP level and might be superior to placebo.

The search for therapeutic resources that add to the vaccine and are able to prevent and/or treat COVID-19 suggests vitamin D. Vitamin D is known to play several extra-skeletal roles in the body, particularly in the immune system. This review aims to address the current attributions and perspectives for the use of vitamin D in patients with COVID-19. The search was performed using the Medline (PubMed) database, between May and July 2021, regarding the physiological and immunological roles of vitamin D in respiratory infections, as well as its mechanisms of action, concerning COVID- 19. The results suggest a possible association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and the clinical setting of COVID-19 (mortality, systemic inflammation, illness severity, mechanical ventilation requirement or admission to the ICU), although the studies found differ in the design, sample size and outcomes, mitigating an accurate between-trial comparison. Therefore, further studies with a well-defined design evaluating the role of vitamin D in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 is still necessary. La búsqueda de recursos terapéuticos adyacentes a la vacuna capaces de prevenir o tratar COVID-19 sugiere a la vitamina D como un posible aliado. Se sabe que la vitamina D desempeña varias funciones esqueléticas adicionales en el cuerpo, entre las que se destaca en el sistema inmunológico. Esta revisión narrativa tiene como objetivo enunciar las atribuciones y perspectivas actuales para el uso de vitamina D en pacientes diagnosticados con COVID-19. La búsqueda se realizó en la base de datos Medline (PubMed), entre mayo y julio de 2021, sobre los roles fisiológicos e inmunológicos de la vitamina D en las infecciones respiratorias, así como sus mecanismos de acción, en relación con COVID-19. Los resultados sugieren una posible asociación entre las concentraciones séricas de 25 (OH) D y el cuadro clínico de COVID-19 (es decir, mortalidad, inflamación, gravedad de la enfermedad, necesidad de ventilación mecánica o ingreso en la UCI), aunque estos estudios difieren en cuanto al diseño, tamaño de la muestra y resultados evaluados, lo que hace imposible establecer un análisis comparativo más preciso. Por tanto, se necesitan más estudios, con un diseño claro y objetivo sobre el papel de la vitamina D en la prevención o el tratamiento del COVID-19. A busca por recursos terapêuticos adjacentes à vacina capazes de prevenir e/ou tratar a COVID-19 sugere a vitamina D como um possível aliada. Sabe-se que a vitamina D desempenha diversos papéis extra esqueléticos no organismo, dentre os quais destaca-se no sistema imunológico. A presente revisão narrativa tem por objetivo enunciar as atribuições e perspectivas atuais de utilização da vitamina D em pacientes diagnosticados com COVID-19. A busca foi realizada utilizando a base de dados Medline (PubMed), entre os meses de maio e julho de 2021, no que tange os papéis fisiológicos e imunológicos da vitamina D nas infecções respiratórias, bem como seus mecanismos de ação, concernentes à COVID-19. Os resultados sugerem uma possível associação entre as concentrações séricas de 25(OH)D e o quadro clínico da COVID-19 (i.e., mortalidade, inflamação, gravidade da doença, necessidade de ventilação mecânica ou admissão em UTI), embora, estes estudos diferem quanto ao delineamento, tamanho amostral e os desfechos avaliados, impossibilitando estabelecer análise comparativa mais acurada. Portanto, faz-se necessário novos estudos em que pese um delineamento claro e objetivo no tocante ao papel da vitamina D na prevenção e/ou tratamento da COVID-19.

V diplomskem delu je predstavljen vitamin D, v maščobi topen vitamin. Njegovi dve glavni obliki sta ergokalciferol in holekalciferol. Za aktivno delovanje morata v organizmu poteči dve hidroksilaciji, ki omogočita, da lahko vitamin D vpliva na človeka. Poleg najbolj znanega ključnega pomena pri presnovi kalcija in razvoju imunskega sistema ima še veliko drugih vlog. Posledice premajhnega ali prevelikega vnosa so različne, lahko pride tudi do resnejših težav, zato je pomembno, da vemo, kakšne so potrebe in priporočeni vnosi. Vitamin D ima vlogo pri akutnih okužbah dihal, zato se je o njegovem pomenu veliko govorilo tudi v času epidemije COVID- 19. Vitamin D je poseben med vitamini, saj ga lahko telo do določene mere proizvaja v koži pod vplivom sončne svetlobe. Poleg endogene sinteze, ki velja za glavni vir vitamina D, ga v telo vnašamo tudi s hrano. Prisoten je predvsem v živilih živalskega izvora, nekaj tudi v rastlinski hrani. Preskrba je zaradi trenutnega življenjskega sloga velikokrat slaba, sploh v zimskem času. V takem primeru se svetuje dodajanje vitamina D s prehranskimi dopolnili ali zdravili, ki jih na tržišču najdemo v različnih formulacijah. Te se med seboj razlikujejo v pogostosti uporabe, učinkovitosti in stabilnosti. In the Bachelor thesis vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin is presented. Its two main structures are ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol. Two hydroxylations have to take place in the organism to enable vitamin D to become biologically active and affect people. In addition to its most known effect in calcium metabolism and in development of the immune system, there are many other roles of vitamin D. Consequences of insufficient or excessive intake are different. As several serious problems can occur, it is important to know the needs and recommended intake. Because vitamin D plays a role in acute respiratory infections, a lot has been said about its importance during the pandemic of COVID-19. Vitamin D is special among the vitamins because the body can produce it to some extent in the skin under the influence of sunlight. In addition to the endogenous synthesis, which is known as the main source of vitamin D, we also get it from food. It is present mainly in animal- based foods, some of it also in plant-based. The supply of vitamin D is often poor due to the current lifestyle, especially in winter. In such cases, it is advised to add vitamin D with nutritional supplements or medicines that are found on the market in various formulations. These differ in frequency of use, efficiency and stability.

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of calcium sensing receptor (CASR) A990G genetic polymorphism on parathyroid hormone (PTH) lowering response to cinacalcet treatment when controlling for significant influencing clinical factors. This retrospective study was conducted on 135 Thai hemodialysis (HD) patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). CASR A990G genotypes were determined. The patients were identified as either G carriers (heterozygous or homozygous CASR 990G allele carriers) or noncarriers (homozygous CASR 990A carriers). Tested covariates were baseline PTH level (bPTH), baseline serum phosphate (bPhos), baseline serum calcium (bCa), baseline calcitriol equivalent dose (bCtriol), baseline ergocalciferol dose (bErgo), and age. The ANCOVA showed that intact PTH levels after 12 weeks of cinacalcet treatment (PTHw12) was significantly lower among G carriers compared with noncarriers after controlling for bPTH, bPhos, bCtriol, and bErgo (F(1, 127) = 15.472, p CASR A990G polymorphism significantly influences cinacalcet response in HD patients with SHPT.

Background: Widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been documented globally. Commonly used interventions to address this deficiency include supplementation and/or fortification with either ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), but the relative efficacy of these two vitamers is unclear. The current study aimed to evaluate the relative efficacy of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) for raising the serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and functional indicators including serum parathyroid (PTH) levels, isometric muscle strength, hand grip strength and bone mineral density. Methods: Randomized and non-randomized controlled studies evaluating relative efficacy of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol were systematically reviewed to synthesize quantitative and qualitative evidence as per the recommendations of according to “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis” guidelines. Search terms were constructed on the basis of the “participants”, “intervention”, “control”, “outcome” and “study type” (PICOS) strategy to systematically search the popular electronic databases. Relevant data from studies meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed. Meta-regression, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the influence of study-level characteristics including intervention dosage, frequency of dosing, interval between the last dose and test for outcome assessment, participant characteristics and analytical methods. Results: Apparently healthy human participants (n = 1277) from 24 studies were included for meta-analysis. The quantitative analysis suggested higher efficacy of cholecalciferol than ergocalciferol in improving total 25(OH)D (mean difference: 15.69, 95%CI: 9.46 to 21.93 nmol/L) and reducing PTH levels, consistently across variable participant demographics, dosage and vehicle of supplementation. Meta-regression suggested smaller differences in the efficacy of cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol at lower doses. Average daily dose was the single significant predictor of effect size, as revealed by multivariate meta-regression analysis. Conclusions: Compared to ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol intervention was more efficacious in improving vitamin D status (serum levels of total 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3) and regulating PTH levels, irrespective of the participant demographics, dosage and vehicle of supplementation.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, currently ranking third among cancers leading to death worldwide. Despite the recent advancements in GC research, it is most often diagnosed during the terminal stages and with limited treatment modalities contributing to its poor prognosis and a lower survival rate. Much research has provided conflicting results between a vitamin D deficient status and the development of GC. Vitamin D is a well-known and essential hormone classically known to regulate calcium and phosphate absorption, enabling adequate mineralization of the skeletal system. However, the function of vitamin D is multidimensional. It possesses unique roles, including acting as antioxidants or immunomodulators while crossing the cell membrane, performing several intracellular functions, participating in gene regulation, and controlling the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells, including those of GC. In light of this, it is imperative to analyze the causes of GC, review the factors that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of treatments, and discover the tools to determine prognosis, reduce mortality, and prevent GC development. In this review, we have summarized recent investigations on multiple associations between vitamin D and GC, emphasizing genetic associations, vitamin D receptors, and the prevalence of hormone deficiency in those developing this aggressive malignancy.

Long-term dialysis involves a chronic inflammatory state and produces a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. A clinical trial was conducted in hemodialysis with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level

Vitamin D plays significant role in the regulation of calcium. Vitamin D deficiency is increasing problem throughout the globe. Vitamin D deficiency leads to the rickets in children’s and osteocalcemia in adults. Chlorella vulgaris is aquatic unicellular green microalgae mainly utilized as the dietary supplements. Chlorella vulgaris does not consist vitamin D2 but has significant amount of ergosterol. Ergosterol is the precursor of the ergocalciferol (vitamin D2). Our objective was to induce the vitamin D in C. vulgaris by UV irradiation. C. vulgaris cultured in the Bold’s Basal media (BBM) on orbital shaker under controlled conditions. The culture was irradiated by UV radiations. The irradiated sample was saponified by refluxing through methanolic KOH. Vitamin D2 was extracted using Hexane. Extracted samples were analyzed by thin layer chromatography. TLC results of extracted samples were compared with standards of Vitamin D2. TLC plate was developed in Hexane –Diethyl ether (4:1) solvent system. TLC proved the ergocalciferol i.e. vitamin D2 induced in C. vulgaris due to irradiation of UV light.

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to measure the difference between cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol in their ability to effect vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorous serum concentrations in patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted within a single-center ambulatory nephrology clinic. Patients eligible for the study were identified through medical records displaying each patient’s initiation on either ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol from 2013 to 2016. Patients’ baseline vitamin D, PTH, calcium, and phosphorous serum concentrations were taken prior to treatment initiation, and patients were reassessed with a second measurement within 12 months of therapy. Results: Out of 149 eligible patients, 110 were excluded. There were 33 patients included on cholecalciferol and 6 patients on ergocalciferol. A significant difference was observed in the percent change of phosphorous serum concentrations from baseline following drug administration (p=0.03). The mean changes from baseline to final serum phosphorous concentrations (mg/dL) were 0.12 and -0.3 for cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol, respectively. There was no significant difference in vitamin D (14.9, 15.1, p=0.97), PTH (5.6, 2.3, p=0.72), or calcium (0.05, -0.17, p=0.08) serum concentrations between cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean change in serum phosphorous concentrations within the cholecalciferol group compared to the ergocalciferol group. Conclusion: In this small pilot study, cholecalciferol treatment appeared to increase serum phosphorous concentrations compared to ergocalciferol. These observations may warrant further large-scale studies that are appropriately powered to validate such findings.

Edible mushrooms exposed to sunlight or UV irradiation convert ergosterol to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), which is well absorbed and has a similar bioavailability to vitamin D3. Consumption of vitamin D2 – enhanced mushrooms significantly increases circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 that is further metabolized to the biologically active form – 1,25(OH)2D2. Dietary supplementation with UV-irradiated mushrooms has been shown to lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in the blood and to increase bone mineral density, to suppress an immune response, to decrease circulating plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) levels, as well as to improve cognitive performance in dementia syndromes. Current evidence indicates that more than half of the world’s population is vitamin D deficient, mushrooms enriched with ergocalciferol may therefore prove useful as a natural dietary source of this vitamin – incorporating them into the diet can help meet the body’s daily requirement and restore vitamin D status.

Background: Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble corticosteroid responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and multiple other biological effects. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 [also known as cholecalciferol] and vitamin D2 [ergocalciferol].Aim of the work: The aim of this thesis is to assess Vitamin D3 [VD3] level in patients with sino-nasal polypi in comparison with normal individuals.Patients and Methods: This prospective comparative [case-control] study conducted by the Department of ENT, Al-Azhar University Hospitals in the period from March 2019 to September 2019 and included 40 individuals who were selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria, both genders, all patients had been counseled about the nature of the study and informed written consent has been obtained.Results: Serum level of VD3 in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with sinonasal polyps [CRSwNP] and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis [AFRS] was significantly lower than that of control subjects. Vitamin D levels ranged from 8.74 to 39 ng/ml, and there was statistically significant decrease of serum vitamin D levels in patient group when compared to control group [16.20±4.29 vs 30.56±4.83 respectively]. In addition, there was significant increase of patients with deficient and insufficient vitamin D levels in patient group when compared to control group.Conclusion: VD3 may constitute an inexpensive prophylactic and cost effective option in the therapeutic armamentarium in reducing inflammation either by itself or as a synergistic agent to traditional agents in patients suffering from sino-nasal polypi.