The effect of vitamin D on airway reactivity and inflammation in asthmatic children: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Association between vitamin D status at 3 years and eosinophilic asthma in 6-year-old children with a history of severe bronchiolitis

The association between early childhood serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and eosinophilic asthma remains unclear. We investigated this association using multicentre prospective data from 584 children with a history of bronchiolitis requiring hospitalisation (high-risk population). Low serum 25(OH)D levels (<20 ng/mL) were associated with increased odds of developing eosinophilic asthma (adjusted OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.23, 4.40; p=0.01) as compared with children with serum 25(OH)D of 20-39.9 ng/mL. Our data facilitate further investigation into the potential role of early-life vitamin D supplementation among children with a history of severe bronchiolitis and eosinophilia for preventing childhood asthma.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and asthma: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Asthma is a heterogeneous respiratory disease characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness and reversible airflow blockage. There is ongoing debate about the impact of vitamin D on asthma. This research is focused on investigating the correlation between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and asthma.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised 22,708 eligible participants. Data on asthma and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 were analyzed. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were the main factor, with the presence of asthma as the outcome variable. Weighted logistic regression was utilized to investigate the relationship between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and asthma, while accounting for factors such as age, gender, race, length of time in US, annual family income, education level, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and cholesterol.

RESULTS

Upon adjusting all variables in model III, epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 displayed a negative correlation with current asthma at the lower quartile Q1 (0.784, [0.697 to 0.922]), Q2 (0.841, [0.729 to 0.946]), Q3 (0.396, [0.240 to 0.653]) when compared to the highest quartile Q4 level. However, no significant difference was observed between asthma and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, as well as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.

CONCLUSIONS

In the U.S. population, elevated levels of epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 are correlated with an increased risk of developing existing asthma. However, it is important to interpret this finding carefully given the constraints of cross-sectional studies.

Vitamin D supplementation decrease asthma exacerbations in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have linked low vitamin D (VD) levels to increased asthma attacks in children. Subsequent meta-analyses of adults and children revealed that VD treatment might benefit asthmatic patients by reducing the incidence of exacerbations. Therefore, this review aims to analyze the effects of VD supplementation in reducing asthma exacerbations in children.

METHODS

Published reports from PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were systematically searched until April 2023. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database CRD42023411796. Randomized controlled trial studies were included in this review. Meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane RevMan 5.1 and presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Ten relevant studies enrolled 1243 asthmatic children (631 children receiving vitamin D3 supplementation, 612 children receiving placebo) were included in this review. Our pooled analysis found that VD supplementation had a significant effect on lowering the total number of asthma exacerbations (RR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.87; p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that a daily dose of VD given based on standard daily dose recommendation had a significant improvement on asthma exacerbations [(RR 0.41; 95% CI: 0,18, 0,92; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D supplementation can lower the occurrence of exacerbations in children with asthma, along with the improvement of FEV1.

Relationship between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Asthma Control in Adult Patients

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by respiratory symptoms that vary both over time and in intensity, along with limited expiratory airflow. This heterogeneity is related to the patient's genetic and environmental phenotype. Vitamin D levels can affect the severity of asthma and the success of asthma treatment. Vitamin D can also influence the effectiveness of glucocorticoid therapy as an anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and asthma control, severity, obstruction, and exacerbation levels. This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study on asthma patients at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and its network for the period October–December 2023. Each research subject had a venous blood sample taken and then checked vitamin D levels at the Hasanuddin University Teaching Hospital Research Laboratory. This research involved 72 research subjects. Most of the research subjects were female (61.1%), aged <45 years (52.8%), worked as housewives (29.2%), had overweight BMI (33.3%), and had a history of atopy (59.7%). The degree of airway obstruction in the study subjects was mostly mild (66.7%) and the degree of severity was intermittent, persistent, and the degree of exacerbation in the same sample (33.3%). The results of the study showed a relationship between vitamin D levels and nutritional status, history of atopy, degree of asthma control using the ACT questionnaire, degree of stable asthma, and exacerbations where p<0.05. Also, it is found that a weakly positive connection (R: 0.2–0.4) between vitamin D levels and ACT, FEV1, FEV/FVC. There is a relationship between vitamin D levels and nutritional status, history of atopy, degree of asthma control using the ACT questionnaire, degree of stable asthma, and exacerbations. There was a relationship between vitamin D levels and the degree of obstruction assessed by spirometry in this study.

Associations between vitamin D status and biomarkers linked with inflammation in patients with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional and observational studies

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies indicate an association between vitamin D status and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with asthma, but findings are inconsistent. This review aims to summarize the relationship between serum vitamin D status, assessed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level, and inflammatory biomarkers in children and adults with asthma.

METHODS

A literature search of interventional and observational studies on 25(OH)D up to November 2022 was conducted across six electronic databases. Outcomes of interest included a range of inflammatory biomarkers classified in four categories: T helper 2 (Th2) pro-inflammatory, non-Th2 pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and non-specific biomarkers. Study characteristics were extracted and risk of bias was evaluated using the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics tool. Meta-analysis was conducted on studies with a low risk of bias, while narrative reporting was used to present the direction of associations (positive, no association, or negative) for each biomarker, overall and within the low-risk studies.

RESULTS

We included 71 studies (3 interventional, 68 observational) involving asthma patients. These studies investigated the association between serum 25(OH)D and Th2 pro-inflammatory biomarkers (N = 58), non-Th2 pro-inflammatory biomarkers (N = 18), anti-inflammatory biomarkers (N = 16), and non-specific biomarkers (N = 10). Thirteen (18.3%) studies, 50 (70.4%), and 8 (11.3%) were at high, moderate, and low risk of bias, respectively. In all studies, irrespective of risk of bias, the most frequently reported finding was no significant association, followed by a negative association between 25(OH)D and pro-inflammatory biomarkers and a positive association with anti-inflammatory biomarkers. In low-risk studies, one biomarker could be meta-analysed. The pooled estimate for 25(OH)D and serum IgE showed a negative association (β (95% CI)= - 0.33 (-0.65 to - 0.01); I2 = 88%; N = 4 studies). A negative association between 25(OH)D and blood eosinophils was also observed in the largest of three studies, as well as with cathelicidin (LL-37) in the only study reporting it. For other biomarkers, most low-risk studies revealed no significant association with 25(OH)D.

CONCLUSION

Serum 25(OH)D is negatively associated with serum IgE and possibly with blood eosinophils and LL-37, supporting an in vivo immunomodulatory effect of 25(OH)D. Future research should employ rigorous methodologies and standardized reporting for meta-analysis aggregation to further elucidate these associations.

Vitamin D [Serum 25(OH) cholecalciferol] Insufficiency is Associated With Childhood Asthma: Recent Case-Control Findings From Bangladesh

Objectives. To evaluate the interaction between childhood asthma and S. 25(OH) cholecalciferol among Bangladeshi children. Methods. This case control study was conducted in child asthma clinic, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital Institute during March-August 2021. Comparison was made between clinically-diagnosed (following GINA guideline) asthmatic children (2-12 years-old) (cases = 87) and age and sex-matched children having no respiratory illness (controls = 90) using SPSS' (Statistical Package for Social Science, V.23.0 Windows) software. Results. Serum 25(OH) cholecalciferol was found to be significantly lower among the cases than the controls (P < .01). The cases had 3.4 times higher likelihood of having low vitamin D (combined deficient + insufficient) than the controls (P < .01). Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrate an association of Serum 25 (OH) cholecalciferol with asthma which underscores the importance of potential future trial to evaluate the efficacy of Vitamin-D supplementation for understanding the outcomes of asthmatic Bangladeshi children.

Evaluation the Effect of Supplements Containing Vitamin D and Trace Elements in Patients with Moderate to Severe Asthma

Background

Asthma is a common and major allergic disease in the world. We aimed to investigate the impact of supplements with vitamin D, folic acid, selenium, zinc, and copper in patients with moderate to severe asthma.

Methods

In this clinical trial study 70 patients above six years old with moderate to severe asthma, were divided into two groups, randomly; one group received daily Asmavit syrup, 10 ml (Asmavit, Vitabiotics Ltd, London, UK), and the other group received daily 1000 IU vitamin D3 drops (Asmavit, Vitabiotics Ltd, London, UK) for two months along with ordinary treatment for asthma. Clinical and physical examinations, immunological and biochemical tests were carried out for each patient before and after the treatment.

Results

The mean age of patients was 39.9± 14.7 years old, and the mean disease duration was 8.8 ± 9.8 years. A significant increase in lung function, asthma control, and quality of life score tests was observed in both groups after the treatment (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in cytokines expression levels before and after the treatment with vitamin D3 or Asmavit (P> 0.05). Serum levels of selenium and folic acid before treatment were correlated with disease severity, while post-treatment vitamin D levels significantly increased FEV1 (P> 0.05). Oxidative stress levels reduced in both groups, with greater reduction in the vitamin D group (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

Supplements, particularly vitamin D, when combined with standard asthma treatment, may effectively improve clinical symptoms and enhance the quality of life for asthmatic patients.

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

While the association between vitamin D and several inflammatory biomarkers in asthma patients has been extensively reported, it remains unclear whether supplementation modifies these biomarkers. This review aims to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers measured in vivo in individuals with asthma.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until November 2022 in six electronic databases evaluating the impact of vitamin D supplementation (any dose, form, administration route, frequency, or duration) compared to placebo in children or adults. The two co-primary outcomes were serum IgE and blood eosinophils reported at the endpoint. Secondary outcomes included other markers of type 2 inflammation (e.g., sputum eosinophils, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, etc.), anti-inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., interleukin (IL)-10, etc.), markers of non-type 2 inflammation (e.g., high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, etc.), and non-specific biomarkers (e.g., macrophages, etc.). Data were aggregated using fixed or random effect models.

Results

Thirteen RCTs (5 in adults, 5 in pediatric patients, and 3 in mixed age groups) testing doses of vitamin D supplementation ranging from 800 to 400,000 IU over periods of 6 weeks to 12 months were included. Eight studies provided data on serum IgE and four on blood eosinophils. As secondary outcomes, three studies reported on sputum eosinophils, four on FeNO, five on serum IL-10, and two on airway IL-10. Compared to placebo, vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on serum IgE (Mean difference [MD] [95% CI]: 0.06 [-0.13, 0.26] IU/mL), blood eosinophils (MD [95% CI]: - 0.02 [-0.11, 0.07] 103/μL), or FeNO (MD [95% CI]: -4.10 [-10.95, 2.75] ppb) at the endpoint. However, the vitamin D supplementation group showed higher serum IL-10 levels compared to placebo (MD [95% CI]: 18.85 [1.11, 36.59] pg/ml) at the endpoint. Although data could not be aggregated, narrative synthesis suggested no significant effect of supplementation on sputum eosinophils and IL-10 in both sputum and exhaled breath condensate, at the endpoint.

Conclusion

Vitamin D supplementation in individuals with asthma was not associated with lower inflammatory biomarkers related to type 2 inflammation. However, it was significantly associated with higher serum IL-10 compared to placebo.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022365666.

Asthmatic patients with vitamin D deficiency: Can vitamin D supplementation make a difference

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a major public health concern due to its persistent inflammation of the airways. The intricate and widely variable epidemiology of asthma among nations and populations is a result of the interplay between genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate whether VitD supplementation can reduce the frequency of exacerbations (including the frequency of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids and the frequency of exacerbations necessitating trips to the hospital or emergency room, or both) and improve pulmonary function (clinical indicators such as the FEV1% predicted value).

METHODS

Computers were used to search Pubmed, Medline, ISI Web of Science, Embase, Cachrane Library, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and the Wanfang Database. Asthma/asthma, VitD/VitD, lung function/lung function, retrieval time is from database setup to October 8, 2021, to search all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of VitD on human asthma and to retroactively incorporate references to literature were all included in the search criteria. After rigorous screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction of the included literature by two reviewers independently, heterogeneity tests and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The findings show that a total of 12 relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria were finally included, including 649 cases in the experimental group and 646 cases in the control group. VitD intervention reduced the number of asthma exacerbations, including the rate of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroid therapy and the rate of acute exacerbations requiring emergency department or hospital visits or both.

CONCLUSIONS

In the outcome of lung function (FEV1% predicted value), it was shown that VitD supplementation improved lung function; in the outcome of serum 25-hydroxyVitD levels, it was shown that VitD supplementation increased serum 25-hydroxyVitD levels.

The role of gut microbiome in the complex relationship between respiratory tract infection and asthma

Asthma is one of the common chronic respiratory diseases in children, which poses a serious threat to children's quality of life. Respiratory infection is a risk factor for asthma. Compared with healthy children, children with early respiratory infections have a higher risk of asthma and an increased chance of developing severe asthma. Many clinical studies have confirmed the correlation between respiratory infections and the pathogenesis of asthma, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. The gut microbiome is an important part of maintaining the body's immune homeostasis. The imbalance of the gut microbiome can affect the lung immune function, and then affect lung health and cause respiratory diseases. A large number of evidence supports that there is a bidirectional regulation between intestinal flora and respiratory tract infection, and both are significantly related to the development of asthma. The changes of intestinal microbial components and their metabolites in respiratory tract infection may affect the occurrence and development of asthma through the immune pathway. By summarizing the latest advancements in research, this review aims to elucidate the intricate connection between respiratory tract infections and the progression of asthma by highlighting its bridging role of the gut microbiome. Furthermore, it offers novel perspectives and ideas for future investigations into the mechanisms that underlie the relationship between respiratory tract infections and asthma.

Supplementation of Vitamin D and Mental Health in Adults with Respiratory System Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Vitamin D is indicated to be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of both respiratory health and mental health problems, while mental health issues are a common consequence of diseases of the respiratory system. The aim of the presented systematic review was to gather available evidence regarding the influence of the supplementation of vitamin D on mental health in adults with respiratory system diseases obtained within randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The systematic review was conducted on the basis of the PubMed and Web of Science databases in agreement with the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), while being registered within the database of the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42020155779). A total of 8514 studies published before September 2021 were screened and 5 RCTs were included, which were assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Screening, inclusion, reporting, and assessment were conducted by two researchers independently. The studies focused on the assessment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but also increased susceptibility to respiratory tract infections, pulmonary tuberculosis, and bronchial asthma. The studies were conducted for various periods of time-from 2 months to a year-while the dose of vitamin D applied was also diverse-from 4000 IU applied daily, to 100,000 IU applied weekly, or monthly. The psychological measures applied within the studies allowed the assessment, mainly, of quality of life, but also well-being, and depression. For the majority of studies, some concerns regarding risk of bias were defined, resulting from the randomization process and selection of reported results; however, for one study, the risk was even defined as high. Within the included studies, three studies confirmed a beneficial effect of vitamin D (including those with a high risk of bias), but two studies did not confirm it. Taking into account the evidence gathered, in spite of a positive influence of vitamin D on mental health in individuals with increased susceptibility to respiratory tract infections and bronchial asthma, the conducted systematic review is not a strong confirmation of the beneficial effect of the supplementation of vitamin D on mental health in adults with respiratory system diseases.

Vitamin D for the management of asthma

BACKGROUND

Since the previous Cochrane Review on this topic in 2016, debate has continued surrounding a potential role for vitamin D in reducing risk of asthma exacerbation and improving asthma control. We therefore conducted an updated meta-analysis to include data from new trials completed since this date.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of administration of vitamin D or its hydroxylated metabolites in reducing the risk of severe asthma exacerbations (defined as those requiring treatment with systemic corticosteroids) and improving asthma symptom control.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Trial Register and reference lists of articles. We contacted the authors of studies in order to identify additional trials. Date of last search: 8 September 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials of vitamin D in children and adults with asthma evaluating exacerbation risk or asthma symptom control, or both.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Four review authors independently applied study inclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed risk of bias. We obtained missing data from the authors where possible. We reported results with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcome was the incidence of severe asthma exacerbations requiring treatment with systemic corticosteroids. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of asthma exacerbations precipitating an emergency department visit or requiring hospital admission, or both, end-study childhood Asthma Control Test (cACT) or Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, and end-study % predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). We performed subgroup analyses to determine whether the effect of vitamin D on risk of asthma exacerbation was modified by baseline vitamin D status, vitamin D dose, frequency of dosing regimen, form of vitamin D given, and age of participants.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 20 studies in this review; 15 trials involving a total of 1155 children and five trials involving a total of 1070 adults contributed data to analyses. Participant ages ranged from 1 to 84 years, with two trials providing data specific to participants under five years (n = 69) and eight trials providing data specific to participants aged 5 to 16 (n = 766). Across the trials, 1245 participants were male and 1229 were female, with two studies not reporting sex distribution. Fifteen trials contributed to the primary outcome analysis of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids. The duration of trials ranged from three to 40 months; all but two investigated effects of administering cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). As in the previous Cochrane Review, the majority of participants had mild to moderate asthma, and profound vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) < 25 nmol/L) at baseline was rare. Administration of vitamin D or its hydroxylated metabolites did not reduce or increase the proportion of participants experiencing one or more asthma exacerbations treated with systemic corticosteroids (odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.34; I2 = 0%; 14 studies, 1778 participants; high-quality evidence). This equates to an absolute risk of 226 per 1000 (95% CI 185 to 273) in the pooled vitamin D group, compared to a baseline risk of 219 participants per 1000 in the pooled placebo group. We also found no effect of vitamin D supplementation on the rate of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids (rate ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.19; I2 = 60%; 10 studies, 1599 participants; high-quality evidence), or the time to first exacerbation (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.15; I2 = 22%; 3 studies, 850 participants; high-quality evidence). Subgroup analysis did not reveal any evidence of effect modification by baseline vitamin D status, vitamin D dose, frequency of dosing regimen, or age. A single trial investigating administration of calcidiol reported a benefit of the intervention for the primary outcome of asthma control. Vitamin D supplementation did not influence any secondary efficacy outcome meta-analysed, which were all based on moderate- or high-quality evidence. We observed no effect on the incidence of serious adverse events (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.41; I2 = 0%; 12 studies, 1556 participants; high-quality evidence). The effect of vitamin D on fatal asthma exacerbations was not estimable, as no such events occurred in any trial. Six studies reported adverse reactions potentially attributable to vitamin D. These occurred across treatment and control arms and included hypercalciuria, hypervitaminosis D, kidney stones, gastrointestinal symptoms and mild itch. In one trial, we could not ascertain the total number of participants with hypercalciuria from the trial report. We assessed three trials as being at high risk of bias in at least one domain; none of these contributed data to the analysis of the outcomes reported above. Sensitivity analyses that excluded these trials from each outcome to which they contributed did not change the null findings.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to findings of our previous Cochrane Review on this topic, this updated review does not find evidence to support a role for vitamin D supplementation or its hydroxylated metabolites to reduce risk of asthma exacerbations or improve asthma control. Participants with severe asthma and those with baseline 25(OH)D concentrations < 25 nmol/L were poorly represented, so further research is warranted here. A single study investigating effects of calcidiol yielded positive results, so further studies investigating effects of this metabolite are needed.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on COPD and asthma control: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The role of vitamin D (VD) in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma remains largely undetermined. In the present meta-analysis, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the efficacy of VD in the treatment of COPD and asthma according to the latest update.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from their inception to June 2, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of VD with placebo against COPD or asthma were included.

Results

A total of 11 RCTs consisting of 1183 COPD patients and 19 RCTs consisting of 2025 asthmatic patients were finally included. As for pulmonary function, FEV1/FVC was not changed significantly, while FEV1% was improved in the VD group. In the asthma subgroup, FEV1% was not changed significantly, while FEV1/FVC was improved in the VD group. For the questionnaire and rating scale, the mMRC (modified Medical Research Council) dyspnoea scale score for COPD and ACT (Asthma Control Test) score for asthma were not significantly changed, while the SGRQ (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire) score for COPD was improved in the VD group. For inflammation indicators, IL-6 and IL-10 were statistically equivalent between the VD and placebo groups, while IgE, IL-5, and IL-10 (baseline VD deficiency subgroup) were improved in the VD group. The exacerbation, length of hospital stays, and mortality were statistically equivalent between the two groups.

Conclusions

VD supplementation improved the indicators of asthma and COPD, especially in pulmonary function, SGRQ scores, IL-5, and IgE.

Registration

The protocol could be found at PROSPERO with the registration number of CRD42020218058.

Vitamin D Supplementation and Allergic Diseases during Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of vitamin D (VitD) supplementation on children with allergic diseases. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane library, and three Chinese databases were searched up to 15 August 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a VitD supplementation versus a placebo for children with allergic diseases were included. Thirty-two RCTs with 2347 participants were included. VitD supplementation did not reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations in children compared with placebo overall (risk ratio (RR) = 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65 to 1.08, p = 0.18), but reduced the risk of asthma exacerbation in children with baseline serum 25(OH)D of <10 ng/mL compared with placebo (RR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.83, p = 0.009). VitD supplementation significantly reduced Scoring Atopic Dermatitis or the Eczema Area and Severity Index scores in children with atopic dermatitis compared with placebo (standard mean difference = −0.5, 95% CI: −0.87 to −0.12, p = 0.009). VitD supplementation also reduced the symptom-medication score in children with allergic rhinitis compared with placebo (mean (standard deviation): 43.7 (3.3) vs. 57.8 (4.4), p = 0.001). In conclusion, VitD supplementation did not reduce asthma exacerbation risk in children overall but may reduce asthma exacerbation risk in children with serum 25(OH)D concentration < 10 ng/mL. VitD supplementation reduces the severity of atopic dermatitis and symptoms of allergic rhinitis in children.

Vitamin D and Asthma: a Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

To perform a systematic review of prospective clinical trials to determine whether improving vitamin D status improves asthma control.

RECENT FINDINGS

In cross sectional studies suboptimal viramin D status is often associated with poor asthma control. However, decreased 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH) D) concentrations might not be causally associated with asthma control. We performed a systematic review until December 15, 2021 according to PRISMA guideline, searching MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Two searches were performed, the first using "vitamin D" and the second using "Vitamin D" or "ergocalciferol" or "cholecalciferol" and "Asthma". From 419 retrieved papers, after removal of duplicate and after using exclusion criteria, 28 full-text articles were eligible, of which 6 remained for quantitative analysis and 11 (9 studies) for qualitative analysis. From both analyses, prospective studies do not support that improving the vitamin D status of asthmatic children improves asthma control.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation in Children With Asthma: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of studies have suggested that vitamin D can be used to treat childhood asthma, but its clinical effects are still unclear. We conducted this meta-analysis to examine the latest estimates of the effectiveness and safety of using vitamin D to treat childhood asthma.

METHODS

The PubMed, The Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) describing vitamin D supplementation interventions for asthmatic children. Asthma exacerbation, vitamin D levels, the predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) and adverse effects (AEs) were analyzed as the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

After screening, eight RCTs with 738 children were included. Compared with placebos, vitamin D supplementation had a stronger effect on serum vitamin D levels [mean difference (MD) = 13.51 (4.24, 22.79), p = 0.004]. The pooled results indicated that no significant changes were found between the groups in asthma control, as measured by adopting the following indicators: asthma exacerbation [risk ratio (RR) = 0.92 (0.68, 1.25), p = 0.60]; Childhood Asthma Control Test (CACT) scores [MD = 0.15 (-0.43, 0.74), p = 0.61]; hospitalizations for asthma exacerbation [RR = 1.20 (0.48, 2.96), p = 0.70]; acute care visits [RR = 1.13 (0.77, 1.65), p = 0.63]; steroid use [RR = 1.03 (0.41, 2.57), p = 0.95]; and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) [MD =-3.95 (-22.87, 14.97), p = 0.68]. However, vitamin D supplementation might reduce the FEV1% [MD = -4.77 (-9.35, -0.19), p = 0.04] and the percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) [MD =-5.01 (-9.99, -0.02), p = 0.05] in patients. Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in AEs between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased patients' serum vitamin D levels, but it had no benefit for asthma control. However, vitamin D supplementation might reduce patients' lung function. It is essential to systemically search for more large-scale, rigorous, and well-designed RCTs to fully confirm these conclusions.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021288838, PROSPERO CRD42021288838.

Vitamin D supplementation in childhood asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting evidence for vitamin D supplementation in childhood asthma. We aimed to systematically synthesise the evidence on the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation in childhood asthma.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases (Medline, Embase and Web of Science) and a register (CENTRAL) for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published until 30 September 2021. RCTs enrolling asthmatic children (1-18 years old) and comparing vitamin D against placebo/routine care were included if they met at least one of the endpoints of interest (asthma attacks, emergency visits or hospitalisation). We used the Risk of Bias 2 tool for risk of bias assessment. Random-effects meta-analysis with RevMan 5.3 software was performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess the level of certainty of the evidence.

RESULTS

18 RCTs (1579 participants) were included. The pooled meta-analysis did not find a significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on asthma attacks requiring rescue systemic corticosteroids (six studies with 445 participants; risk ratio (RR) 1.13, 95% CI 0.86-1.48; I2=0%) (moderate-certainty evidence). In addition, there was no significant difference in the proportion of children with asthma attacks of any severity (11 trials with 1132 participants; RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65-1.09; I2=58%) (very low-certainty evidence). Vitamin D does not reduce the need for emergency visits (three studies with 361 participants; RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89-1.07; I2=0%) and hospitalisation (RR: 1.38, 95% CI 0.52-3.66; I2=0%) (low-certainty evidence).

CONCLUSION

Very low- to moderate-certainty evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation might not have any protective effect in childhood asthma.

Vitamin D and asthma occurrence in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PROBLEM

The association between serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level and asthma occurrence in children was controversial.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Pubmed, Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to April 13th 2020. All the study measured the serum 25-OHD level in children, or classified the children based on the 25-OHD level into severe vitamin D deficiency, insufficient deficiency and comparing the prevalence of asthma in childhood were included in our study.

SAMPLE

A total of 35 studies were included in our meta-analysis. Among them, 24 studies were included for analyzing the association between 25-OHD level and asthma, and 12 studies evaluated the treatment effect of vitamin D.

RESULTS

The children with asthma (5711 participants) had significant lower 25-OHD level than children without asthma (21,561 participants) (21.7 ng/ml versus 26.5 ng/ml, SMD = -1.36, 95% = -2.40--0.32, P = 0.010). Besides, the children with asthma treated with vitamin D supplement had a significantly lower recurrence rate than the placebo group (18.4% versus 35.9%, RR = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.35-0.79, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with asthma had a lower 25-OHD level than healthy children. Vitamin D supplement could decrease the asthma recurrence rate in the follow-up years.

IMPLICATIONS

This study implies that lower 25-OHD may cause asthma in childhood.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in asthmatic children with vitamin D deficiency: A randomized controlled trial (ESDAC trial)

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D supplementations for asthma control had shown inconsistent results. We aimed to study efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation in asthmatic children who were vitamin D deficient.

METHODS

This double-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolled asthmatic children of 4-12 years of age who had 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels <20 ng/mL. The participants were randomized to receive either vitamin D orally 1000 IU/d for 9 months or similar-looking placebo. The primary outcomes were the proportion of children having the Childhood Asthma Control Test (CACT) score of ≥20 at the end of the treatment and adverse effects.

RESULTS

The trial included 250 children (125 in each group) with a mean age of 8.1 ± 2.3 years and 180 boys. The baseline parameters were similar between the groups, including CACT score (21.7 ± 4.2 vs 21.9 ± 3.6, vitamin D vs placebo). At the end of the study, the proportion of asthmatic children who had CACT score ≥ 20 was similar between vitamin D and placebo group (93.6% vs 92.0%, P = .625). The number of exacerbations of asthma and side effect profile was also identical between the groups. 25(OH)D levels increased significantly in the vitamin D group (18.06 ± 7.11 vs 12.03 ± 5.98 ng/mL, P < .001). The results did not change when we did subgroup analysis for children with baseline CACT score < 20 and 25(OH)D levels at the end of the study ≥20 ng/mL.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D supplementation in asthmatic children with vitamin D deficiency did not improve control of asthma.

Contribution of comorbidities to obesity-related asthma in children

Children with obesity are at increased risk for developing asthma that is difficult to control. A complicating factor to asthma management among these children is likely the commonplace co-morbidities that also result from obesity. We discuss three common obesity-related comorbidities which appear to complicate the effective management of asthma, including hypovitaminosis D, obstructive sleep apnea and gastro-esophageal reflux. Each conditions requires more research to understand their effects on asthma management.

Nutritional Interventions to Improve Asthma-Related Outcomes through Immunomodulation: A Systematic Review

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, characterized by T-helper (Th) 2 inflammation. Current lifestyle recommendations for asthma patients are to consume a diet high in fruits and vegetables and to maintain a healthy weight. This raises the question of whether other nutritional interventions may also improve asthma-related outcomes and whether these changes occur via immunomodulation. Therefore, we systematically reviewed studies that reported both asthma-related outcomes as well as immunological parameters and searched for relations between these two domains. A systematic search identified 808 studies, of which 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were divided over six nutritional clusters: herbs, herbal mixtures and extracts (N = 6); supplements (N = 4); weight loss (N = 3); vitamin D3 (N = 5); omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) (N = 5); and whole-food approaches (N = 5). Fifteen studies reported improvements in either asthma-related outcomes or immunological parameters, of which eight studies reported simultaneous improvements in both domains. Two studies reported worsening in either asthma-related outcomes or immunological parameters, of which one study reported a worsening in both domains. Promising interventions used herbs, herbal mixtures or extracts, and omega-3 LCPUFAs, although limited interventions resulted in clinically relevant results. Future studies should focus on further optimizing the beneficial effects of nutritional interventions in asthma patients, e.g., by considering the phenotypes and endotypes of asthma.

Vitamin D Supplementation As a Potential therapeutic Mediator in Asthma: Does Dose Really Matter? a Critical Review of the Literature

Around 400 million people across the globe will suffer from asthma in the next 10 years. Although most asthmatics use asthma medications regularly, they occasionally visit the emergency department for aggressive treatment amidst family anxiousness. Vitamin D (VD) not only regulates the expression of genes associated with calcium homeostasis, but also the genes associated with cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infection. VD has also non-genomic activities e.g. it is a potentially safe and effective novel strategy for decreasing the asthma episodes and controlling exacerbations. Our review assessed the dose, serum level, duration of administration and outcomes of VD in cases of asthmas. Although a body of research evidences the effectiveness of VD supplementation in asthma, other studies showed the insignificant response of VD to asthma either with low dose or low achieved serum VD levels. Nevertheless, recent reviews suggest that manipulating VD status holds promise for primary prevention and treatment of asthma. Future research on the relationship between VD and asthma should consider utilizing adequate doses of VD preparations for sufficient duration (likely to be >12 months) aiming to achieve appropriate level of serum VD (25-hydroxyvitamin D) concentration (likely to be at least >40 ng/mL).

The relationship between serum vitamin D level and asthma

OBJECTIVE:

Several studies have established a relationship between low serum vitamin D levels and the onset of asthma in childhood. In this study, we aim to assess the relationship between vitamin D and asthma.

METHODS:

This study included 29 mild and 30 moderate persistent asthma and 38 healthy control group. Evaluation of the three groups was carried out in respect of serum vitamin D levels, Respiratory Function Test (RFT), and Exercise Provocation Test (EPT). The two asthma groups were also examined using the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Nitric Oxide in Exhaled Breath (FeNO) level.

RESULTS:

The vitamin D levels of the mild and the moderate persistent asthma groups were determined to be lower than the vitamin D levels of the control group (p=0.007). A significant negative correlation was determined in all cases between the vitamin D levels and the broncho-reversibility percentage (p=0.0002). The negative correlation between the vitamin D levels and the broncho-reversibility percentage was more evident in the moderate persistent asthma group (p=0.0001). In the moderate persistent asthma group, a significant positive correlation was determined between the lowness of the maximum forced expiratory volume in EPT and a low vitamin D level (p=0.009). The ACT scores were lower, and the FeNO levels were higher in the moderate asthma group compared to the mild asthma group (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSION:

The findings showed that low serum vitamin D levels were observed more often in children with asthma, and there was a correlation with increased broncho-reversibility in the RFT and increased bronchial hyper-reactivity in the EPT.

Association between vitamin D status and asthma control: A meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

There is a controversy in terms of the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in improving asthma symptom control. Moreover, whether there is a difference in the treatment effect with respect to baseline vitamin D status remains unknown. This meta-analysis was to assess the correlations of vitamin D status with asthma-related respiratory outcomes.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in patients with asthma. Primary outcomes were the rate of asthma exacerbation and predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV₁%). Secondary outcomes were asthma control test (ACT) scores, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 14 randomized controlled trials (1421 participants) fulfilled the inclusion. Vitamin D supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of asthma exacerbation by 27% (RR: 0.73 95%Cl (0.58-0.92)). In subgroup analysis, the protective effect of exacerbation was restricted in patients with vitamin D insufficiency (vitamin D < 30 ng/ml) (RR: 0.76 95%Cl (0.61-0.95)). An improvement of FEV₁% was demonstrated in patients with vitamin D insufficiency and air limitation (FEV₁% < 80%) (MD: 8.3 95%Cl (5.95-10.64). No significant difference was observed in ACT scores, FeNO, IL-10 and adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D supplementation reduced the rate of asthma exacerbation, especially in patients with vitamin D insufficiency. Additionally, the benefit of vitamin D had a positive effect on pulmonary function in patients with air limitation and vitamin D insufficiency.

Vitamin D supplementation attenuates asthma development following traffic-related particulate matter exposure

BACKGROUND

Recent literature suggests that children who are vitamin D deficient are uniquely susceptible to the effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure. This is highly significant because large segments of the population reside in zones of high TRAP exposure.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether vitamin D supplementation mitigates the effect of TRAP exposure on asthma development, asthma exacerbation, and/or airway inflammation and to determine the timing of vitamin D supplementation that confers maximal health benefit.

METHODS

Using established mouse models of asthma, we examined the effect of prenatal and postnatal vitamin D supplementation on asthma development, as well as the utility of vitamin D as a treatment for established asthma in the context of diesel exhaust particle (DEP) exposure.

RESULTS

DEP and allergen coexposure resulted in increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and accumulation of pathogenic T_H2/T_H17 cells in the lungs of vitamin D-deficient mice compared with control mice. Prenatal and postnatal vitamin D supplementation significantly attenuated the development of AHR and decreased pulmonary accumulation of T_H2/T_H17 cells after coexposure to TRAP and allergen but not to allergen alone. Restoration of normal vitamin D status had no effect on AHR once asthma was already established.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data establish that vitamin D confers protection against asthma development specifically in the context of TRAP exposure. Although vitamin D replacement did not reverse established asthma, restoration of normal vitamin D status in early life significantly attenuated the development of AHR in the setting of DEP-exacerbated allergic asthma and reduced numbers of lung T_H2/T_H17 cells, which portend the development of severe asthma.

Vitamin D in pediatric age: consensus of the Italian Pediatric Society and the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics, jointly with the Italian Federation of Pediatricians

Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the regulation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism, particularly during pediatric age when nutritional rickets and impaired bone mass acquisition may occur.Besides its historical skeletal functions, in the last years it has been demonstrated that vitamin D directly or indirectly regulates up to 1250 genes, playing so-called extraskeletal actions. Indeed, recent data suggest a possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of several pathological conditions, including infectious, allergic and autoimmune diseases. Thus, vitamin D deficiency may affect not only musculoskeletal health but also a potentially wide range of acute and chronic conditions. At present, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high in Italian children and adolescents, and national recommendations on vitamin D supplementation during pediatric age are lacking. An expert panel of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics reviewed available literature focusing on randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation to provide a practical approach to vitamin D supplementation for infants, children and adolescents.

Seasonal variation of asthma control, lung function tests and allergic inflammation in relation to vitamin D levels: a prospective annual study

Introduction

There are scarce data about the role of vitamin D (vitD) in asthma control related to seasons and other confounders.

Aim

To investigate the seasonal relationship between vitD levels and asthma control, lung function tests (LFTs) and cytokines during a 1-year period, among 7–17-year-old asthmatic children.

Material and methods

Thirty patients with asthma with house dust mite monosensitization were evaluated 3 monthly about the previous month’s health and vitD related lifestyle factors and asthma control test (ACT), spirometry and bronchial provocation test for a year. Serum vitD, vitD binding protein (VDBP), total IgE levels, absolute eosinophil and Treg counts and cytokine levels were simultaneously measured. The seasonal changes of vitD and other parameters and the relationship between 120 pooled data sets of vitD and major outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Mean vitD levels, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁%) and ACT score were lowest in winter and highest in summer. Pooled vitD levels were positively correlated with pooled ACT scores, Treg counts, FEV₁% values and VDBP levels and negatively with total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels and bronchodilator response. VitD levels were positively associated with ACT score, and FEV₁% value and negatively with serum IgE level and bronchodilator response after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

This study revealed that asthma control measures, LFTs and IgE levels were significantly related to serum vitD levels, independent from age, body mass index, inhaled corticosteroid use, sun exposure and season among asthmatic children. Vitamin D levels showed a positive correlation with Treg counts and a negative correlation with Th2 type cytokines.

Associations of Serum 25(OH)D Concentrations with Lung Function, Airway Inflammation and Common Cold in the General Population

Vitamin D is hypothesized to have a beneficial effect on lung function and respiratory infections. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations with lung function, airway inflammation and common colds. We performed a cross-sectional analysis in the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) study, a population-based cohort study. We included participants with measurements of serum 25(OH)D, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV₁), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (Fe_NO), and data on self-reported common colds (n = 6138). In crude associations, serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with FEV₁ and FVC, and negatively with Fe_NO and the occurrence of a common cold. After adjustment for confounders, however, these associations disappeared. Stratified analyses showed that Body Mass Index (BMI) was an effect modifier in the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and FEV₁, FVC and Fe_NO. In obese participants (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), 10 nmol/L higher 25(OH)D was associated with 0.46% predicted higher FEV₁ (95% Confidence Interval: 0.17 to 0.75), 0.46% predicted higher FVC (0.18 to 0.74), and 0.24 ppb lower Fe_NO (−0.43 to −0.04). Thus, in the total study population, 25(OH)D concentrations were not associated with lung function, airway inflammation and common colds. In obese participants, however, higher 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with a better lung function and lower airway inflammation.

Vitamin D, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and airway hyperresponsiveness in infants with recurrent respiratory symptoms

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D insufficiency might be associated with biased T-cell responses resulting in inflammatory conditions such as atopy and asthma. Little is known about the role of vitamin D in low-grade systemic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in young children.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether vitamin D insufficiency and increased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are linked to AHR in symptomatic infants.

METHODS

Seventy-nine infants with recurrent or persistent lower respiratory tract symptoms underwent comprehensive lung function testing and a bronchial methacholine challenge test. In addition, skin prick tests were performed and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25-OHD), hs-CRP, total immunoglobulin E, and blood eosinophil levels were determined.

RESULTS

S-25-OHD was lowest in infants with blood eosinophilia and AHR (n = 10) compared with those with eosinophilia only (n = 6) or AHR only (n = 50) or those with neither (n = 13; P = .035). Moreover, vitamin D insufficiency (S-25-OHD <50 nmol/L) was most common in infants with blood eosinophilia and AHR (P = .041). Serum hs-CRP was lower in infants with recurrent physician-diagnosed wheezing (P = .048) and in those with blood eosinophilia (P = .015) than in infants without these characteristics and was not associated with S-25-OHD or AHR. S-25-OHD levels were significantly lower (median 54 nmol/L) during the autumn-winter season than in the spring-summer season (median 63 nmol/L; P = .026).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D insufficiency could underlie eosinophilia and AHR in infants with troublesome lung symptoms, whereas hs-CRP-mediated low-grade systemic inflammation is rare in early childhood wheezing.

Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Level of Control of Childhood Asthma

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between serum vitamin D levels and levels of asthma control in children aged 5-15 years.

METHODS

Children with physician-diagnosed asthma who were under follow-up for at least 6 months were enrolled. Participants were categorized into three asthma control groups as per standard guidelines, and their serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and pulmonary function tests were compared.

Results

Out of 105 children with asthma enrolled in the study, 50 (47.6%) were controlled, 32 (30.5%) were partly controlled and 23 (21.9%) were uncontrolled. Median (IQR) serum vitamin D levels in these three groups were 9.0 (6.75, 15) ng/mL, 10 (6.25, 14.75) ng/mL and 8 (5, 10) ng/mL (P=0.24), respectively.

CONCLUSION

We did not observe any association of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels with the level of control of childhood asthma.

Vitamin D and Bronchial Asthma: An Overview of Data From the Past 5 Years

PURPOSE

Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator capable of dampening inflammatory signals in several cell types involved in the asthmatic response. Its deficiency has been associated with increased inflammation, exacerbations, and overall poor outcomes in patients with asthma. Given the increase in the prevalence of asthma over the past few decades, there has been enormous interest in the use of vitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic option. Here, we critically reviewed the most recent findings from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical trials regarding the role of vitamin D in treating bronchial asthma.

METHODS

Using the key terms [Vitamin D, asthma, clinical trials, in vivo and in vitro studies], the [PubMed, Google Scholar] databases were searched for [clinical trials, original research articles, meta-analyses, and reviews], English-language articles published from [2012] to the present. Articles that were [Articles that did not meet these criteria were excluded] excluded from the analysis.

FINDINGS

Several studies have found that low serum levels of vitamin D (< 20 ng/mL) are associated with increased exacerbations, increased airway inflammation, decreased lung function, and poor prognosis in asthmatic patients. Results from in vitro and in vivo studies in animals and humans have suggested that supplementation with vitamin D may ameliorate several hallmark features of asthma. However, the findings obtained from clinical trials are controversial and do not unequivocally support a beneficial role of vitamin D in asthma. Largely, interventional studies in children, pregnant women, and adults have primarily found little to no effect of vitamin D supplementation on improved asthma symptoms, onset, or progression of the disease. This could be related to the severity of the disease process and other confounding factors.

IMPLICATIONS

Despite the conflicting data obtained from clinical trials, vitamin D deficiency may influence the inflammatory response in the airways. Further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanisms by which vitamin D supplementation may induce antiinflammatory effects.

Vitamin D and pulmonary function in obese asthmatic children

OBJECTIVE

Asthma-related morbidity is higher among children with vitamin D deficiency and obesity, morbidities that frequently co-exist among minority children. However, the effect of co-existent obesity and vitamin D deficiency on pulmonary function is poorly understood.

METHODS

We compared percent-predicted values of pulmonary function across vitamin D categories among 72 obese and 71 normal-weight Hispanic and African-American children with asthma recruited at an urban children's hospital. Serum cytokines associated with Th1 and Th2 inflammation and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) were quantified in fasting serum. 25-OHD levels ≥30 ng/ml were categorized as sufficient, <30 and ≥20 ng/ml as insufficient, and <20 ng/ml as deficient. The role of inflammation was investigated by regression analysis.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency was present in 50% of children and did not differ by obese status. Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (84.5 ± 9.4 vs. 94.8 ± 8.4, P < 0.001), and Functional Residual Capacity (67.5 ± 20.1 vs. 79.3 ± 19, P = 0.01) were lower among vitamin D deficient obese asthmatics than their sufficient counterparts, and Total Lung Capacity was lower than their insufficient counterparts (86.9 ± 14.3 vs. 96.6 ± 10, P = 0.01); similar associations were not observed in normal-weight asthmatics and were not influenced by systemic inflammation. No association between Th1 and Th2 inflammatory measures, vitamin D deficiency, and pulmonary function tests was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency was associated with pulmonary function deficits among obese children, but not among normal-weight children with asthma, an association that was independent of Th1 and Th2 serum inflammatory measures. Vitamin D deficiency may be one potential mechanism underlying the obese-asthma phenotype. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1276-1283. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The relationship between serum levels of vitamin D with asthma and its symptom severity: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterised by chronic inflammatory airways, and is affected by several immunological factors. One of the most discussed and researched hypotheses is the relationship between vitamin D serum levels with asthma. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D serum levels with asthma and pulmonary functions in children in Kurdistan province, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, 120 children ranging from 6 to 18 years were referred in summer for investigation. Participants were divided into two groups: asthma group, N=60; and control group, N=60. After serum separation, samples were analysed using vitamin D ELISA kit. Additionally, pulmonary function test and serum IgE levels were measured in both groups. Data were analysed using Chi-square test and multiple regression analysis in SPSS15.

RESULTS

No difference was shown between the groups in terms of gender composition (male: 57.5; female: 42.5) (P>0.05). Average Vitamin D serum level in the case group (17.98±8.68) was less than in control group (22.35±6.26) (P<0.01). In addition, the difference of vitamin D deficiency in level of suboptimal between the asthma (17.77±6.41) and the control group (24.9±3.18) was statistically significant (P<0.0001). Positive correlation existed between vitamin D levels with FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. Multiple regression analysis showed a reverse relationship between vitamin D levels with IgE serum levels; this remained after adjustment for potential confounders (e.g. age, sex, BMI, FEV1, and FVC).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that serum levels of vitamin D in asthma patients were less than in healthy people, and also reduced lung function in these patients. So, the serum levels of vitamin D in asthma patients must be checked continuously.

Adequate Vitamin D Intake but Low Serum Levels in Pediatric Asthma Patients: A Pilot Study, Alberta Children's Hospital

Background. We assessed vitamin D intakes and serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels in pediatric asthma patients on moderate-to-high dose inhaled steroids and compared them to published findings of healthy children in our city. Methods. Parents and/or patients were interviewed to estimate the children's vitamin D intakes from foods and supplements (using an adapted validated food frequency questionnaire) and asthma duration and management. Vitamin D status: serum 25-hyroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) was obtained from the medical records. Results. Vitamin D intakes from food and supplements of the asthma patients (n = 20, 742 ± 185 IU/day) were significantly higher compared to healthy Canadian children (n = 1442, 229 ± 121 IU/day). Despite higher vitamin D intakes, the children had nonsignificantly lower serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels compared to the comparison group. Serum 25(OH)D levels increased by 3.6 nmol/L with each 100 IU of vitamin D intake (95% Confidence interval = 2.0-4.0, R² = 0.931, and p = 0.001). Conclusion. Since adequate vitamin D status in asthma patients is necessary to support bone mineral accretion, it is important to achieve adequate vitamin D status by checking serum 25(OH)D status and supplement accordingly.

Vitamin D for the management of asthma

BACKGROUND

Several clinical trials of vitamin D to prevent asthma exacerbation and improve asthma control have been conducted in children and adults, but a meta-analysis restricted to double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials of this intervention is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of administration of vitamin D and its hydroxylated metabolites in reducing the risk of severe asthma exacerbations (defined as those requiring treatment with systemic corticosteroids) and improving asthma symptom control.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Trial Register and reference lists of articles. We contacted the authors of studies in order to identify additional trials. Date of last search: January 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials of vitamin D in children and adults with asthma evaluating exacerbation risk or asthma symptom control or both.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently applied study inclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed risk of bias. We obtained missing data from the authors where possible. We reported results with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven trials involving a total of 435 children and two trials involving a total of 658 adults in the primary analysis. Of these, one trial involving 22 children and two trials involving 658 adults contributed to the analysis of the rate of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids. Duration of trials ranged from four to 12 months, and the majority of participants had mild to moderate asthma. Administration of vitamin D reduced the rate of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids (rate ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.88; 680 participants; 3 studies; high-quality evidence), and decreased the risk of having at least one exacerbation requiring an emergency department visit or hospitalisation or both (odds ratio (OR) 0.39, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.78; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome, 27; 963 participants; 7 studies; high-quality evidence). There was no effect of vitamin D on % predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (mean difference (MD) 0.48, 95% CI -0.93 to 1.89; 387 participants; 4 studies; high-quality evidence) or Asthma Control Test scores (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.70 to 0.54; 713 participants; 3 studies; high-quality evidence). Administration of vitamin D did not influence the risk of serious adverse events (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.89; 879 participants; 5 studies; moderate-quality evidence). One trial comparing low-dose versus high-dose vitamin D reported two episodes of hypercalciuria, one in each study arm. No other study reported any adverse event potentially attributable to administration of vitamin D. No participant in any included trial suffered a fatal asthma exacerbation. We did not perform a subgroup analysis to determine whether the effect of vitamin D on risk of severe exacerbation was modified by baseline vitamin D status, due to unavailability of suitably disaggregated data. We assessed two trials as being at high risk of bias in at least one domain; neither trial contributed data to the analysis of the outcomes reported above.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Meta-analysis of a modest number of trials in people with predominantly mild to moderate asthma suggests that vitamin D is likely to reduce both the risk of severe asthma exacerbation and healthcare use. It is as yet unclear whether these effects are confined to people with lower baseline vitamin D status; further research, including individual patient data meta-analysis of existing datasets, is needed to clarify this issue. Children and people with frequent severe asthma exacerbations were under-represented; additional primary trials are needed to establish whether vitamin D can reduce the risk of severe asthma exacerbation in these groups.

Improved control of childhood asthma with low-dose, short-term vitamin D supplementation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In our prior randomized trial on preventing influenza, asthma attacks as a secondary outcome occurred less often in the vitamin D group than in the placebo group. We aimed to clarify whether low-dose, short-term vitamin D supplementation, in addition to standard treatments, improves control of childhood asthma.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing vitamin D3 supplements (800 IU/day) with placebo for 2 months in schoolchildren with asthma. The primary outcomes were frequency and severity of asthma judging from changes in asthma control levels defined by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) by collaborating doctors at 2 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Japanese schoolchildren with asthma (n = 89) were randomly assigned to receive vitamin D (n = 54) or placebo (n = 35). At 2 months, GINA asthma control was significantly more improved in the vitamin D group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.015). Childhood asthma control test (CACT) scores, a secondary outcome, were also significantly (P = 0.004) improved in the vitamin D group compared with the placebo group at 2 months, and differences remained significant (P = 0.012) at 6 months. The proportion of patients with a peak expiratory flow rate <80% predicted was significantly less in the vitamin D group (8/54: 15%) than in the placebo group (12/35: 34%) at 6 months (P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose, short-term vitamin D supplementation in addition to standard treatment may improve levels of asthma control in schoolchildren.

Vitamin D3 for uncontrolled childhood asthma: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Observational and mechanistic data suggest a role for vitamin D in childhood asthma. However, subsequent interventional trials have been inconsistent. We aimed to assess the effect of 15 weeks of vitamin D3 supplementation compared with placebo (PL) in Irish children with asthma.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, randomized, PL-controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU/day) in 44 urban, Caucasian children at high latitude. Assessments were completed at baseline and after 15 weeks of supplementation. Outcome measures were lung function, subjective asthma control and biochemical parameters of total vitamin D, allergy, immunity, airway inflammation, and systemic inflammation. Finally, parents/guardians completed a weekly diary during the trial.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in baseline 25(OH)D levels, but there was a significant increase in median 25(OH)D in the vitamin D3 group (57.5-105 nmol/l) compared with the PL group (52.5-57.5 nmol/l) (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between groups regarding subjective asthma control. Compared with PL, there was a significant decrease in school days missed due to asthma (1 vs. 5 days, p = 0.04) and alkaline phosphatase (-3.4 vs. +16; p = 0.037) in the vitamin D3 group, but there were no beneficial effects regarding several other secondary end-points. However, there were non-significant, advantageous changes in the PL group compared with the vitamin D3 group in subjective asthma control and lung function, particularly percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (+2.5 vs. -4; p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D3 supplementation led to a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D and decreased school days missed (p = 0.04), but no other advantageous changes in asthma parameters compared with PL. The potential adverse effect of vitamin D deficiency on growth and the potential negative effect of high serum 25(OH)D on pulmonary function warrant further investigation.

The impact of vitamin D on asthmatic human airway smooth muscle

Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous disorder, which involves airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway remodeling. The airway smooth muscle (ASM) bundle regulates the broncho-motor tone and plays a critical role in AHR as well as orchestrating inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased severity and exacerbations of symptoms in asthmatic patients. It has been shown to modulate both immune and structural cells, including ASM cells, in inflammatory diseases. Given that current asthma therapies have not been successful in reversing airway remodeling, vitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic option has gained a great deal of attention. Here, we highlight the potential immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D in regulating ASM function and airway inflammation in bronchial asthma.

Update on the current methods for the diagnosis and treatment of severe childhood asthma

The level of asthma control is the key outcome towards which asthma management is evaluated. The majority of children with asthma can obtain adequate control of symptoms through avoidance of triggering factors and/or with the help of low to moderate doses of current available medications. However, there is still a group of children with poor symptom control despite intensive treatment. The current review will provide an overview of a standardized approach to characterize this heterogeneous group of severely sick children. Factors that attenuate the effect of the prescribed treatment and make asthma difficult to treat are discussed. In addition, the usefulness of current methods of assessing asthma severity, pulmonary function, allergy and airway inflammation is also described. Finally, an overview of therapeutic options for children with severe asthma is provided.

NHLBI viewpoint: Lung health and disease prevention research starting in childhood

Lung health begins in utero when the complex structure of the airway, alveolar, and vascular structures are formed. To really impact the United States and global burden of chronic lung diseases in both adults and children, we must understand normal and abnormal development, the outcomes of disrupted development, and the effects of in utero and postnatal exposures on lung health. With increasing recognition of early life origins of adult diseases,(1) it is important to know what early events and interventions can alter the trajectory of lung development, growth, and decline to help promote lung health and reduce chronic lung disease.

No association between allergy and current 25-hydroxy vitamin D in serum or vitamin D intake

AIM

Vitamin D may be involved in allergy development, but there is conflicting evidence. We investigated if dietary intake of vitamin D and levels of 25OHD in serum differed between allergic and nonallergic adolescents and if serum 25OHD correlated with dietary intake of vitamin D or season of blood sampling.

METHODS

Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels were analysed in 13-year-old subjects with atopic eczema (n = 55), respiratory allergy (n = 55) or no allergy (n = 55). Intake of fat-containing foods was assessed by food-frequency questionnaires, and total daily vitamin D intake was calculated. Logistic regression was used to adjust for gender, parental allergy and time of blood sampling.

RESULTS

Subjects with atopic eczema or respiratory allergy did not differ from nonallergic controls regarding serum 25OHD levels or calculated vitamin D intake. Subjects sampled in the autumn had significantly higher levels of serum 25OHD than subjects sampled in the winter or spring. Serum 25OHD levels correlated to consumption of vitamin D-fortified lean milk (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest no association between allergy and 25OHD levels in serum or vitamin D intake in adolescents. Serum 25OHD levels correlated to intake of vitamin D-fortified lean milk.

Vitamin D regulating TGF-β induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Background

Subepithelial fibrosis is a characteristic hallmark of airway remodeling in asthma. A critical regulator of fibrosis, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), can induce airway remodeling in epithelial cells through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Vitamin D has immunomodulatory functions, however, its effect on controlling subepithelial fibrosis is not known.

Methods

Human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were exposed to calcitriol followed by stimulation with TGF-β1 or TGF-β2. The protein expression and mRNA transcripts for E-cadherin, Snail, vimentin, and N-cadherin were analyzed by Western blot and qPCR. An invasion assay and scratch wound assay were performed to identify the migratory properties of the cells following treatments.

Results

TGF-β1 decreased E-cadherin expression and increased protein expression and mRNA transcripts of Snail, vimentin, and N-cadherin together with increased cell invasion and migration. TGF-β2 elicited migratory response similar to TGF-β1 but induced the expression of EMT markers differently from that by TGF-β1. Calcitriol attenuated TGF-β1- and TGF-β2-induced cell motility. Also, calcitriol inhibited the expression of EMT markers in TGF-β1-treated epithelial cells with less effect on TGF-β2.

Conclusions

These data suggest that calcitriol inhibits both migration and invasion induced by TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in human airway epithelial cells. However, the regulatory effect of vitamin D in epithelial-mesenchymal transition was more effective to TGF-β1-induced changes. Thus, calcitriol could be a potential therapeutic agent in the prevention and management of subepithelial fibrosis and airway remodeling.