Vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and vitamin D receptors are present in many cell types including various immune cells such as antigen-presenting-cells, T cells, B cells and monocytes. In vitro data show that, in addition to modulating innate immune cells, vitamin D also promotes a more tolerogenic immunological status. In vivo data from animals and from human vitamin D supplementation studies have shown beneficial effects of vitamin D on immune function, in particular in the context of autoimmunity. In this review, currently available data are summarized to give an overview of the effects of vitamin D on the immune system in general and on the regulation of inflammatory responses, as well as regulatory mechanisms connected to autoimmune diseases particularly in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Pott’s spine is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow growing gram-positive, acid-fast bacillus which becomes lodged in the bone via Batson’s venous plexus and lymphatic from primarily infected lung, lymph nodes, mediastinum and viscera, forming granulomatous inflammation and caseation necrosis. Pott's spine accounts for 2% of all cases of TB, 15% of extrapulmonary, and 50% of skeletal TB. The paradiscal, central, anterior subligamentous, and neural arch are the common vertebral lesions. Thoracic vertebrae are commonly affected followed by lumbar and cervical vertebrae. Predisposing factors for tuberculosis include poverty, overcrowding, illiteracy, malnutrition, alcoholism, drug abuse, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive treatment, and HIV infection. These are also predisposing factors for spinal tuberculosis. Older age, female gender, chronic peritoneal dialysis, household crowding and previous tuberculous infection were identified as risk factors for Pott’s spine. (10G) Additionally, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of spinal bone loss and an increased risk of spinal fractures in individuals with Pott’s spine.
: To identify and evaluate the risk factors for Pott’s spine.
: Present study was prospective in nature conducted among 441 patients of Pott’s spine. All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were taken up for the study. Study was carried out over a period of 3 years. Serum Vitamin D was assessed.
: Majority of the patients was in the age group of 41-50 years and most of them were male. In this study, we found that age, socioeconomic status, employment, presence of comorbidities and BMI(<18) were associated with increased risk of pott’s spine.
: This cross-sectional study investigates 441 cases of intervertebral disc degeneration leading to disc bulge/protrusion/extrusion, focusing on demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. The majority of cases (31.82%) occurred in individuals aged 41-50 years, with females accounting for a larger proportion (54.55%) than males. Religious demographics revealed a prevalence of Muslims (45.57%) and Hindus (42.17%), with bilateral involvement common. A substantial portion of patients resided in slum areas (60.09%), reflecting socioeconomic disparities, with the majority (60.31%) belonging to the lower socioeconomic status. Most patients reported symptoms lasting less than 6 months (61.36%) and came from families with 5 or more members (85.48%). Addiction history (78.45%) and pre-existing co-morbidities (65.75%) were prevalent. Notably, no significant associations were found between serum Vitamin D levels and demographic factors. Among the employed, a significant proportion were unemployed (31.97%), underscoring socioeconomic challenges. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the multifaceted nature of intervertebral disc degeneration, crucial for informing targeted interventions and management strategies.
Future multi-year crewed planetary missions will motivate advances in aerospace nutrition and telehealth. On Earth, the Human Cell Atlas project aims to spatially map all cell types in the human body. Here, we propose that a parallel Human Cell Space Atlas could serve as an openly available, global resource for space life science research. As humanity becomes increasingly spacefaring, high-resolution omics on orbit could permit an advent of precision spaceflight healthcare. Alongside the scientific potential, we consider the complex ethical, cultural, and legal challenges intrinsic to the human space omics discipline, and how philosophical frameworks may benefit from international perspectives.
Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a disease closely linked to nutrition and modifications in various dietary components have been part of the effort to prevent or slow the progression of the disease even before the discovery of insulin. Summary: The scientific focus in the prevention or progression modification of T1D is mostly centered on four dietary compounds and their modifications – gluten and its omission, vitamin D supplementation, omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and decreasing of the amount of ingested carbohydrates. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of nutritional interventions studied in children either as preventive methods or as modifiers in the early stages of T1D from autoantibody positive individuals to persons with newly diagnosed T1D. Key messages: Our review shows that dietary modifications in various dietary components might be useful but none of them seems to provide universal effects in T1D prevention or progression modification. More research is therefore needed with focus on promising modes of action of individual dietary components.
Revolutionizing cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes could be achieved through the development of smart drug delivery strategies for Vitamin D3 in cancer cells. Smart drug delivery strategies are crucial in administering Vitamin D3 to cancer cells with high specificity, efficacy, and minimal side effects. One unconventional method for smart drug delivery of Vitamin D3 in cancer cells is gene therapy - a cutting-edge technology that could alter the course of cancer treatment. Vitamin D3 is renowned for its anti-cancer properties, and its targeted delivery to cancer cells is paramount for successful treatment. In conclusion, smart drug delivery strategies have demonstrated significant potential in transporting Vitamin D3 to cancer cells with high specificity, efficacy, and minimal side effects. Nanocarriers such as liposomes, nanoparticles, and dendrimers possess unique characteristics that make them ideal for Vitamin D3 delivery. These carriers can precisely target cancer cells, discharge Vitamin D3 solely in the cancerous environment, and reduce the harmful effects on healthy cells. Gene therapy is a potential alternative to conventional drug delivery methods, paving the way for a brighter future in cancer treatment.
Vitamin D (VD) has a potential role in calcium homeostasis in the human body. It is also considered a strong immunomodulator, affecting both arms of the immune system (Innate and adaptive immunity). VD can also lower the risk of diabetes, improve pregnancy outcomes, reduce the risk of acute respiratory infection (e.g., COVID-19), and decrease the risk of cancer. No doubt that VD deficiency (VDD) is a health condition that spreads out all over the globe. VDD is linked to many health problems ranging from fatigue and skeleton pain to serious conditions such as rickets, osteomalacia, diabetes, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review aims to provide a whole picture of the status of 25- hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D] as well as the frequency of 25-(OH)D deficiency (VDD) among Libyans in various regions of the country and to discuss the correlation between VDD and other health problems. The prevalence of VDD reached up to 80% among healthy individuals in the Middle East region. Libya is a big Mediterranean country and is sunny most of the year. In the western part of Libya, particularly in Tripoli (the capital city), the prevalence of severe VDD [25-(OH)D < 10 ng/mL] was as high as 50.8%, whereas only 27.5% had moderate VDD [25-(OH)D; 10-20 ng/mL]. In Benghazi (second largest city), the VDD prevalence was also high (76%). The highest prevalence of VDD was reported at 79% in the biggest southern city of Sebha. In the whole country, the VDD prevalence was high (among males and females), ranging from 45.4% to 87%, with a mean of 55.58%. The mean prevalence of VDD among males was 54.3% and for females was 53.29%. As clear from these data, VDD prevalence was high in the entire country. However, the available data were obtained from small cross-sectional studies and it becomes a necessity to conduct nationally representative studies and establish national nutrition surveys to accurately assess the prevalence of VDD. Moreover, the data included in this review invites the health authorities in Libya to take preventive measures to reduce the high prevalence of VDD, which will decrease VDD-associated health problems in the future.
Potts spine is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow growing gram-positive, acid-fast bacillus which becomes lodged in the bone via Batson’s venous plexus and lymphatic from primarily infected lung, lymph nodes, mediastinum and viscera, forming granulomatous inflammation and caseation necrosis. Pott's spine accounts for 2% of all cases of TB, 15% of extrapulmonary, and 50% of skeletal TB. The paradiscal, central, anterior subligamentous, and neural arch are the common vertebral lesions. Thoracic vertebrae are commonly affected followed by lumbar and cervical vertebrae. Vitamin D is known to play a role in regulating the immune system, and it has been suggested that a deficiency in vitamin D may contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders such as Potts spine. Studies have shown that individuals with Potts spine have lower levels of vitamin D compared to healthy controls. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of spinal bone loss and an increased risk of spinal fractures in individuals with Potts spine.
Present study was prospective in nature conducted among 4f patients of Potts spine. All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were taken up for the study. Study was carried out over a period of 2 years. Serum vitamin D was assessed.
Majority of the patients was in the age group of 41-50 years and most of them were male. In this study, serum vitamin D level was optimal (>30 ng/ml) in 16 (36.36%) cases, deficient (<20 ng/ml) in 16 (36.36%) cases and insufficient (20-30 ng/ml) among 12 (27.28%) cases.
Reduced serum levels of vitamin D are associated with increased spinal cord compression & disease severity as suggested by the bowel bladder involvement & sensory involvement at levels <20 ng/ml, level 1 spinal cord compression at optimal (>30 ng/ml) vitamin D level, level 2 spinal cord compression at 20-30 ng/ml (insufficient) and level 3 spinal cord compression at deficient (<20 ng/ml) vitamin D level. So, there is an inverse relationship between the level of vitamin D & severity of disease in Pott’s spine.
Purpose:
This meta-analysis aimed to explore correlations between vitamin D and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM).
Methods:
A comprehensive database search was conducted on 13 October 2020. Mean differences (MDs) and aggregated risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine the correlation between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and IIM. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMan 5.4 and Stata15, statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Search revealed five studies with 286 IIM patients and 480 healthy controls. Results with random-effects modeling indicated that serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in IIM patients than in healthy controls (MD = -13.10 ng/mL; 95% CI: -16.51 to -9.68; p < 0.00001). No differences were found between patients with IIM and other autoimmune diseases on vitamin D levels (MD =-2.65 ng/mL; 95% CI: -11.31-6.01; p = 0.55). In two studies with 185 IIM patients, those with low vitamin D levels exhibited higher creatine kinase levels (MD = 85.20 IU/L; 95% CI: 72.67-97.73; p < 0.00001) than those with normal vitamin D levels. VDD was correlated with an increased risk of IIM (RR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.81-5.79; p < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis showed correlations between vitamin D level and IIM. The results indicated, VDD may be a risk factor for IIM, a determinant of immune dysregulation in IIM, or a consequence of IIM. Also, it implied further research to determine whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for patients with IIM.
Background
Vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) may be a factor in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this study is to investigate the presence and persistence of VDI in a large cohort of infants with increased risk of developing T1D, in light of the differences in local supplementation guidelines.
Methods
In the POInT Study, a multicentre primary prevention study between February 2018 and March 2021 in Germany, Poland, Belgium, England and Sweden, including infants aged 4–7 months at high genetic risk of developing β-cell autoantibodies, vitamin D levels were analysed at each study visit from inclusion (4–7 months) until 3 years, with an interval of 2 months (first three visits) or 4–6 months (visits 4–8). The protocol actively promotes vitamin D sufficiency to optimise immune tolerance. VDI was defined as a concentration below 30 ng/mL and was treated according to local guidelines of participating centres. Recovery from VDI was defined as a concentration above or equal to 30 ng/mL on the subsequent visit after VDI.
Results
1050 infants were included, of which 5937 vitamin D levels were available for analyses. VDI was observed in 1464 (24.7%) visits and 507 (46.1%) of these were not resolved at the next visit. The risk of having VDI was independently associated with season (higher in winter), weight (higher with increased weight), age (higher with increased age) and country (higher in England). The risk of not recovering from VDI was independently associated with the season of the previously determined VDI, which was higher if VDI was identified in winter.
Conclusions
VDI is frequent in infants with increased risk of developing T1D. Treatment guidelines for VDI do not seem effective. Increasing supplementation dosages in this patient population seems warranted, especially during winter, and increasing dosages more aggressively after VDI should be considered.
Abbreviation Key: AA = amino acid; DE = digestible energy; DE n = nitrogen-corrected digestible energy; FCR = feed conversion ratio; SBE = extruded full-fat soybeans; SBM = soybean meal; SBR = roasted full-fat soybeans. ABSTRACT Digestibility of diets based on corn and soybean meal or soybeans treated by roasting or extrusion, with or without an enzyme supplementation, was measured by "true" (Sibbald) methods, by analysis of excreta, and by analysis of ileal digesta. Only analysis of ileal digesta was able to consistently measure differences between soybean and enzyme treatments in the digestibility of CP, starch, fat, and ME. The amino acid (AA) digestibility of the diets was measured by analysis of the ileal contents. Whereas enzyme sup-plementation improved overall CP digestibility by 2.9%, this improvement was not equal for all AA. Of the AA most important for broilers fed corn-soybean diets, the digestibilities of Lys, Met, and Arg were not improved or not improved significantly by the enzyme sup-plementation; however, that of Val was improved by 2.3% and that of Thr was improved by 3.0%. A performance trial demonstrated that enzyme sup-plementation with equal diet formulation improved BW and the feed conversion ratio by 1.9 and 2.2%, respectively. A second performance trial compared standard diet formulations with formulations using enzyme supplementation and energy levels that were reduced by the amount of improvement provided by the inclusion of enzyme in the first performance trial. No difference was seen between treatments, showing that the improvement of nutrient utilization brought about by enzyme supplementation completely compensated for the reduced energy content. Whereas enzyme supplementation should allow a reduction in CP formulation as well, individual AA were not improved equally by supplementation and should also be balanced. (
For years poultry nutritionists have decreased the use of protein-rich feedstuffs by adding methionine and lysine. The extent
to which crude protein can be decreased without compromising bird performance remains subject to much debate. Because Threonine
is the third limiting amino acid for broilers, two experiments were conducted to evaluate Threonine’s efficacy in low crude
protein diets adequate in methionine and lysine.
In Experiment 1, Threonine supplementation to low crude protein diets improved some carcass measurements at 56 days of age
although it failed to do so at 42 days of age. In Experiment 2, birds fed a low crude protein diet containing supplemental
Threonine had 21- to 42-day weight gain and feed conversion statistically equivalent to that of those fed a high crude protein
diet. Low crude protein diets containing Threonine-limiting ingredients may require supplemental L-Threonine for optimal feed
conversion and weight gain. Poultry nutritionists who formulate low crude protein broiler diets with Threonine-limiting ingredients
should pay careful attention to the level of dietary Threonine to optimize feed conversion ratios and monetary returns.
Studies were conducted to determine the effect of age and sex on the carcass composition of broiler type chickens and to determine
the influence of feeding various fats such as cottonseed oil, acidulated cottonseed soapstock, beef tallow, and poultry fat
on carcass composition and fatty acid composition of broilers. These studies show the tremendous differences in body composition
that develop between male and female chickens with age and at what age these changes take place. The types of fat fed did
not influence gross body composition but had a very large effect on fatty acid composition of whole carcass and adipose tissue
fatty acids. The feeding of beef tallow produced a bird with increased stearic acid and oleic acid levels at the expense of
linoleic acid, thus producing a bird that feels much firmer to the touch. Data is presented on the amount and composition
of feathers from male and female chickens from 2 to 10 weeks of age. The quantity of feathers on the carcass increased with
age. The protein content of the feathers also increased with age from a low of 37.2% in feathers from 2 weeks old females
to 68.6% in feathers from 8 weeks old females. Linear regression equations for relationship between N/H2O ratios vs. age and lipid vs. protein (dry matter basis) were utilized to calculate protein, lipid and ash content of carcass from moisture.
International attention has focused on agricultural production systems as non-point sources of pollution affecting the quality of streams, estuaries and ground water resources. The objective of the current study was to develop a model of nitrogen management on the dairy farm, and to perform sensitivity analyses in order to determine the relative importance of manipulating herd nutrition, manure management and crop selection in reducing nitrogen (N) losses from the farm. The importance of the method of N input to the farm (purchased feed, legume fixation, inorganic fertilizer, imported manure) was investigated, and the potential to reduce N losses from dairy farms was evaluated. Nitrogen balance equations were derived, and related efficiency coefficients were set to reference values representing common management practices. Total farm N efficiency (animal product N per N input), and N losses per product N were determined for different situations by solving the set of simultaneous equations. Improvements in animal diet and management that increase the conversion of feed N to animal product by 50% would increase total farm N efficiency by 48% and reduce N losses per product by 36 to 40%. In contrast, reducing losses from manure collection, storage and application to improve the percentage of manure N that becomes available in soil by 100% would only improve total farm N efficiency by 13% and reduce total N losses by 14%. Selecting crops and management that can use soil nutrients 50% more efficiently would improve total farm efficiency by up to 59% and reduce N losses by up to 41% depending on the predominant nitrogen sources to the farm. Legume production would reduce N losses per product compared with non-legumes. There was more than a five fold difference in N losses per animal product N between the most extreme scenarios suggesting considerable opportunity to reduce N losses from dairy farms.
The feeding value of nine wheat cultivars grown in replicate in three locations in each of two crop years, and 14 barley cultivars grown in seven locations over three crop years was tested with or without an appropriate commercial enzyme using a broiler chick bioassay. Four pens of six male broilers were fed mash diets containing 80% of the test cereal with or without enzyme from 4 to 17d. Digestibilities were determined using an acid insoluble ash marker at 1.1% of diet. Significant intraclass correlation coefficients between duplicate wheat samples suggested a common effect of the location, but their low to moderate values suggested the presence of random variation or variation due to unique growing conditions within location. For both wheat and barley samples, the growing location affected the feeding value of the cereal grain and subsequent broiler chick performance.Durum wheat cultivars had higher feeding values than that of other wheat classes, both with and without enzyme supplementation, and thesponse to enzyme supplementation was low, likely reflecting a low level of soluble non-starch polysaccharides. The values of hulless barley cultivars were similar to those of hulled cultivars without enzyme, but the lower crude fibre in hulless barley resulted in higher feeding values when diets were supplemented with enzyme. The response to enzyme supplementation for both wheat and barley cultivars was dependent on the feeding value of the cereal grain without supplementation. Knowledge of variation in enzyme response could be used by feed manufacturers to determine the economic merit of supplementing with enzymes.
Five genotypes for rate of feathering in broilers (K/K,K/k
+
, and k
+
/k
+
in males and K/W, k
+
/W in females) were produced from matings of grandparent stocks of a common genetic background. Genotypes were compared for
differences in growth and feed conversion. Means among the male genotypic groups differed significantly (P<.05) for body weight,
weight gain, and feed conversion; differences were generally in favor of the slower feathering genotypes. Female genotypic
groups did not differ significantly from each other but were significantly below males in performance. Subjective feather
scores differed significantly (P<.05), according to feathering genotypes. Sexes and diets contributed to differences in performance.
Diets did not interact with genotypes.
Hemorrhagic bowel syndrome (HBS) is newly-described disorder primarily affecting dairy cattle. Its cause is not known. In this study, the possibilities that Aspergillus fumigatus and Clostridium were involved in etiology of HBS were examined. Samples of feed, gastrointestinal (GI) contents, GI wall, lymph nodes and blood from HBS and control animals were collected in four states (IA, ID, OR, WA). Real-time SybrGreen quantitative polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) analysis indicated that all HBS cows were infected with A. fumigatus. Samples from control cows were negative. Multiplex PCR analysis of five clostridial toxin genes did not reveal a correlation with HBS. Specifically, clostridial toxin genes were detected in both HBS and control animals. A. fumigatus correlates closely with HBS and may play an important role in its etiology.
The simultaneous addition of xylanase (5,600 EXU/kg) and phytase (500 FTU/kg) feed enzymes to wheat-based broiler diets was investigated. Starter, grower and finisher diets, with three tiers of nutrient specifications, were fed to 1,440 broiler chicks kept on deep litter from 1-42 days post-hatch, without and with xylanase plus phytase, to determine the effects of diet type and enzyme supplementation on growth performance. The nutrient specifications of type A diets were standard; energy density and protein/amino acid levels were reduced on a least-cost basis to formulate type B diets and further reduced to type C diets. Phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) levels were adjusted in supplemented diets. From 1-42 days post-hatch, diet type significantly influenced growth performance. Birds on type C diets had lower growth rates (2,429 vs. 2,631 g/bird; p
Acid phosphatase present in preparations ofAspergillus niger phytase accelerated dephosphorylation of sodium phytate. Its influence on the reaction rate and distribution ofmyo-inositol phosphates was most apparent at low pH value (2.5) and when acid-hydrolysed substrate was de-esterified enzymatically. With partly purified phytase, the predominant inositol form was tetraphosphate but a preparation having acid phosphatase activity caused an even distribution of lower inositol phosphates after a few hours.
1.1. Administration of α-lipoic acid to guinea pigs on a scorbutogenic diet appeared to afford about the same protection as a suboptimal amount of ascorbic acid. When small amounts of ascorbic acid and of α-lipoic acid were given, the combination protected the guinea pigs better than either compound alone.2.2. Male and female rats reared since weaning on a diet low in vitamin E did not reproduce. Administration of α-lipoic acid brought about reproduction although not to the same extent as that attained by an optimal amount of α-tocopherol. The offspring, maintained on the α-lipoic acid-supplemented, vitamin E-low diet, reproduced and weaned successfully a third generation.3.3. The efficacy of α-lipoic acid in alleviating symptoms of ascorbic acid and of tocopherol deficiencies can best be explained on the basis of a protective action exerted by α-lipoic acid or its dihydro derivative on the two vitamins.
![Mechanisms for innate and adaptive immune responses to vitamin D. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) or ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) are metabolized in the liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D), the main circulating form of vitamin D. Target cells such as monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) expressing the vitamin D-activating enzyme CYP27B1 and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) can then utilize 25D for intracrine responses via localized conversion to calcitriol (1,25D). In monocytes/macrophages this promotes antibacterial response to infection. In DCs, intracrine synthesis of 1,25D inhibits DC maturation, thereby modulating helper T-cell (Th) function. Th responses to 25D may also be mediated in a paracrine fashion, with DC-generated 1,25D. Intracrine immune effects of 25D also occur in CYP27B1/VDR-expressing epithelial cells. However, other cells such as neutrophils do not appear to express CYP27B1 and are therefore likely to be affected by circulating levels of 1,25D synthesized by the kidneys. VDR-expressing Th are also potential targets for systemic 1,25D, although intracrine mechanisms have also been proposed. In a similar fashion, epithelial cells, trophoblasts and decidual cells are all able to respond in an intracrine fashion to 25D, but may also respond to systemic 1,25D to promote antibacterial responses. With permission from Clinical Endocrinology [2].](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jhwm-Rombout-2/publication/21405584/figure/fig1/AS:601655670239261@1520457298409/Mechanisms-for-innate-and-adaptive-immune-responses-to-vitamin-D-Cholecalciferol_Q320.jpg)
