Effects of vitamin D on plasma lipid profiles in statin-treated patients with hypercholesterolemia: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Effects of camel hump fat, palm olein oil, and corn oil feed additives on plasma lipids and adipose tissues in rats

Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a leading cause of mortality and is often associated with obesity. Different types of fats and oils may have different effects on cardiovascular disease and obesity. This study investigated the effects of palm olein oil (PO), corn oil (CO), and camel hump fat (CHF) on plasma lipids and white adipose tissues of rats. A total of 18 male albino rats were divided equally into three groups. Each group was fed a diet containing one of these types of oils and fats for 8 weeks. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total triglyceride (TG), glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed in blood plasma. Body mass index (BMI), body weight gain (%BWG), and the weight of adipose tissues were investigated. The results showed no significant differences between groups in TC. However, the highest level of HDL-C was observed in the CHF group, with no significant differences in the PO group and a significant decrease in the CO group. The CHF group showed a significant reduction in LDL-C, blood glucose levels, and the atherosclerosis index compared with the other groups. Furthermore, the lowest TG level was observed in the CHF group, with no significant difference compared with the CO group. The PO group showed a significant decrease in the ALT level compared with the other groups. The lowest AST level was observed in the PO group, with no significant difference compared with the CO group. A significant decrease in the percentage of total adipose tissues, namely epididymal, retroperitoneal, and perirenal cells, was observed in the CHF group. In conclusion, CHF consumption may have a positive effect on plasma lipids and obesity. Moreover, we recommend the completion of research to identify the optimal combination of vegetable oils and CHF for achieving a balance among the health indicators included in this study.

Cardiometabolic factors and vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Up to 80% of patients with CKD may exhibit inadequate vitamin D (VD) levels, which have been linked to the presence of cardiometabolic factors (CFs) in the adult population. However, research on this association in the pediatric population is limited.

Objective

To analyze the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-[OH]D) levels and status on the presence of CFs in children receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT).

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study included pediatric patients receiving KRT, aged 8-17 years, who were receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis from January 2021 to March 2024. We conducted anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessments, and glucose, 25-(OH)D, and lipid profiling for all participants. The daily dose of cholecalciferol supplementation, as well as other medications affecting bone and lipid metabolism and antihypertensive drugs, were documented. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-tests and chi-square tests to compare the CFs between groups with and without VD deficiency.

Results

The study involved 156 patients with an average age of 12.9 years and a mean serum VD level of 22.5 ng/dL. Patients with VD deficiency presented higher levels of total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in other biochemical profile variables or in the frequency of cardiometabolic factors.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency seems to increase the risk of dyslipidemia and uncontrolled hypertension in children and adolescents with end-stage CKD.

Nonlinear relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and lipid profile in Chinese adults

Background

Previous studies on the liner associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and lipid profiles revealed ambiguous findings. The current study therefore tried to elucidate the possible non-linear associations between 25(OH)D and lipid profiles.

Methods

This study involved 8,516 adult participants (aged 18-74 years, males N = 3,750, females N = 4,766) recruited from the Dalian health management cohort (DHMC). The risk (OR) for specific dyslipidemias was estimated across the serum 25(OH)D levels and the cut-off value for serum 25(OH)D were determined by using logistic regression, restricted cubic spline, and piecewise linear regression methods, adjusted for age, sex, season, and ultraviolet index.

Results

In this study, a high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was observed in the participants (65.05%). The level of 25(OH)D showed the inverse U-shaped correlations with the risks (ORs) of abnormal lipid profile, with inflection points observed at 23.7 ng/ml for hypercholesterolemia, 24.3 ng/ml for hypertriglyceridemia, 18.5 ng/ml for hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, 23.3 ng/ml for hypo-high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, 23.3 ng/ml for hyper-non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 24.3 ng/ml for high remnant cholesterol. The stratified analyses showed that the risk for most dyslipidemias related to deficiency of 25(OH)D was particularly increased among females aged 50-74 (except for hypertriglyceridemia, where the highest risk was among men aged 50-74 years), during winter/spring or under low/middle ultraviolet index environments.

Conclusions

Nonlinear inverse U-shaped associations were observed between 25(OH)D levels and abnormal lipid profile. The risk was particularly increased among females aged 50-74, during winter/spring period or under lower ultraviolet index environments. In vitamin D deficient subjects [25(OH)D <20 ng/ml], a positive association of serum vitamin D levels with the risk for dyslipidemia was observed, which needs a further.

Vitamin D and Dyslipidemia: Is There Really a Link? A Narrative Review

Nowadays, the interest in the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D is growing. In the literature, its several possible actions have been confirmed. Vitamin D seems to have a regulatory role in many different fields-inflammation, immunity, and the endocrine system-and many studies would demonstrate a possible correlation between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease. In this paper, we deepened the relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia by reviewing the available literature. The results are not entirely clear-cut: on the one hand, numerous observational studies suggest a link between higher serum vitamin D levels and a beneficial lipid profile, while on the other hand, interventional studies do not demonstrate a significant effect. Understanding the possible relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia may represent a turning point: another link between vitamin D and the cardiovascular system.

The Effects of Statins on Cognitive Performance Are Mediated by Low-Density Lipoprotein, C-Reactive Protein, and Blood Glucose Concentrations

Statins are widely used for cardiovascular disease prevention but their effects on cognition remain unclear. Statins reduce cholesterol concentration and have been suggested to provide both beneficial and detrimental effects. Our aim was to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between statin use and cognitive performance, and whether blood low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, glucose, C-reactive protein, and vitamin D biomarkers mediated this association. We used participants from the UK biobank aged 40-69 without neurological and psychiatric disorders (n = 147 502 and n = 24 355, respectively). We performed linear regression to evaluate the association between statin use and cognitive performance and, mediation analysis to quantify the total, direct, indirect effects and the proportion meditated by blood biomarkers. Statin use was associated with lower cognitive performance at baseline (β = -0.40 [-0.53, -0.28], p = <.0001), and this association was mediated by low-density lipoprotein (proportion mediated = 51.4%, p = .002), C-reactive protein (proportion mediated = -11%, p = .006) and blood glucose (proportion mediated = 2.6%, p = .018) concentrations. However, statin use was not associated with cognitive performance, measured 8 years later (β = -0.003 [-0.11, 0.10], p = .96). Our findings suggest that statins are associated with lower short-term cognitive performance by lowering low-density lipoprotein and raising blood glucose concentrations, and better performance by lowering C-reactive protein concentrations. In contrast, statins have no effect on long-term cognition and remain beneficial in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

Combined Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Vitamin D 3 on Oxidized LDL-C and Non-HDL-C Levels in People With Vitamin D Deficiency: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

The present randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on Jordanian participants with vitamin D deficiency (VDD) with no other medical conditions, to evaluate the combined effect of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D 3 (Vit.D 3 ) and omega-3 fatty acid (n-3FA) supplements (D+) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels as common predictors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Participants were randomized into 4 groups as follows: a control group (C) that received no supplementations, a Vit.D 3 group that received 50,000 IU of Vit.D 3 every week, an n-3FA group that received 300 mg of omega-3 fatty acid every day, and a D+ group that received a combination of both supplements, with the same dosage administered by the previous groups but with a 4-6-hour time interval between Vit.D 3 and n-3FA administration to avoid any possible interaction. All supplementations were administered orally for 8 weeks. Forty-seven participants were allocated to each group. Twenty-six in the control group, 37 participants in the Vit.D 3 group, 37 participants in the n-3FA group, and 46 participants in the D+ group completed the study to the end. The D+ supplementations significantly increased non-HDL-C (118.99 ± 60.98 to 155.26 ± 43.36 mg/dL, P << 0.05) but decreased Ox-LDL-C levels (69.29 ± 37.69 to 52.81 ± 17.30 pg/mL, P = 0.03). The stepwise regression showed that the serum LDL-C level was the main independent variable involved in the elevation of non-HDL levels (R 2 = 0.837) observed at the end of the trial in the D+ group. The groups that were supplemented with either Vit.D 3 alone or n-3FA alone had an insignificant decrease in the level of Ox-LDL-C. In conclusion, despite the observed hyperlipidemic effect, the combination treatment is recommended by the research team because the decrease in Ox-LDL may offset the hyperlipidemic effect.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing body mass index and lipid profile in healthy young adults in Colombia: a pilot randomised controlled clinical trial

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of vitamin D supplementation in reducing BMI and lipid profile in adolescents and young adults from a cohort in Bucaramanga, Colombia. One hundred and one young adults were randomly assigned to one of two doses of vitamin D [1000 international units (IU) or 200 IU] administered daily for 15 weeks. The primary outcomes were serum 25(OH)D levels, BMI and lipid profile. The secondary outcomes were waist-hip ratio, skinfolds and fasting blood glucose. We found a mean ± sd plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was 25⋅0 ± 7⋅0 ng/ml at baseline, and after 15 weeks, it increased to 31⋅0 ± 10⋅0 ng/ml in the participants who received a daily dose of 1000 IU, (P < 0⋅0001). For the participants in the control group (200 IU), it went from 26⋅0 ± 8⋅0 ng/ml to 29⋅0 ± 8⋅0 ng/ml (P = 0⋅002). There were no differences between groups in body mass index. There was a statistically significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol between the intervention group v. the control group (mean difference -11⋅50 mg/dl (95 % CI -21⋅86 to -1⋅15; P = 0⋅030). The conclusions of the present study were two different doses of vitamin D supplementation (200 IU v. 1000 IU) produced changes in serum 25(OH)D levels over 15 weeks of administration in healthy young adults. No significant changes were found in the body mass index when the effect of the treatments was compared. A significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol was found when comparing the two intervention groups. Trial registration: NCT04377386.

Serum Cholesterol Differences Between Statin Users Who Take Dietary Supplements and Those Who Do Not: NHANES 2013-2018

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the United States and statins are the most commonly prescribed medication. It is important to understand the potential impact supplements may have when taken in combination with statins on serum lipid outcomes.

Objectives

To evaluate the differences in the concentrations of cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG), and HbA1c between adults who use statins alone and those who combine statins and dietary supplements.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis using data from US adults aged ≥20 years who participated in the NHANES (2013-2018). The serum concentrations of lipids and the HbA1c levels were compared using independent sample t-tests. All analyses were adjusted for the complex survey design and used appropriate sample weights.

Results

Of 16,327 participants included in this analysis, 13% reported the use of statins alone, and 8.8% used statins and dietary supplements. Statin users who used dietary supplements tended to be women (50.5%), aged 65.8 ± 0.4 years, and were more likely to be White (77.4%). Participants who used statins in combination with dietary supplements were less likely to have higher levels of total cholesterol (5.1% ± 1.4% vs. 15.6% ± 2.7%, P < 0.001), HbA1c (6.0% ± 0.1% vs. 6.3% ± 0.1%, P < 0.05), and HDL cholesterol (50 ± 1.3 vs. 47 ± 0.8 mg/dL, P < 0.05) than those who used statins alone. No significant differences were identified between the two groups for LDL cholesterol and TAG concentrations.

Conclusions

Statin users who coingested dietary supplements were less likely to have high levels of total cholesterol and HbA1c and greater HDL levels than statin users who did not take dietary supplements. Dietary intake, lifestyle choices, and other confounders may have influenced the observed outcome differences for those who took dietary supplements with statins and those who did not.

Beneficial effects of vitamin D in the management of untreated hyperlipidemia in diabetic patients in Erbil, Iraq

Hyperlipidemia is highly prevalent among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. As hyperlipidemia plays a major part in atherosclerosis development and progression, this occurrence is linked to a significantly raised risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on lipid parameters in T2DM patients with untreated hyperlipidemia. Thirty-five T2DM patients with hyperlipidemia and vitamin D deficiency were supplemented with vitamin D for three months. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), calcium, lipid parameters, atherogenic indices, glucose, and HbA1c were recorded before and after the intervention. After supplementation, there was a statistically significant reduction in VLDL-C and triglycerides. Triglycerides showed a significant negative correlation with 25(OH)D. Atherogenic indices and HDL-C also improved significantly. Vitamin D supplementation had beneficial effects on the lipid profile of T2DM patients with untreated hyperlipidemia and vitamin D deficiency. Thus, vitamin D could be a valuable adjuvant therapy for these patients.

Use of zoledronic acid in antiosteoporosis treatment is associated with a decreased blood lipid level in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A cohort study in China

OBJECTIVE

: This cohort study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) in lipidemia in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

METHODS

A total of 668 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were regularly followed up for 12 months between January 2018 and August 2021 in the department of endocrinology and the health examination center of the hospital. They were included in this cohort study. They were divided into group I and group II depending on lipid metabolism disorder; Group II received atorvastatin 20 mg/d orally. Groups I and II, divided into experimental group (ZA exposure) and control group (ZA nonexposure), depending on treatment with or without ZA. All the data were collected from the hospital's medical record system and passed ethical review.

RESULTS

In group I, which was the ZA exposure group(n = 164), the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly lower than that before ZA treatment(P = 0.017); in the ZA nonexposure group(n = 158), the levels of LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) significantly increased after 12 months of follow-up, (P = 0.005, P < 0.001 and P = 0.001). At the baseline, no significant difference was found in blood lipid indicators between the ZA exposure and nonexposure groups (P > 0.05), but the levels of LDL-C and TC in the exposed group significantly decreased after 12 months of follow-up, (P = 0.008 and P = 0.027). Also, the ZA exposure group had 47 new cases of lipid metabolism disorder, while the nonexposure group had 43 new cases of lipid metabolism disorder after 12 months of follow-up. In group II, which was the ZA exposure group(n=155), the levels of LDL-C and TC were significantly lower than those before ZA treatment(P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). At the baseline, the ZA exposure and nonexposure groups(n = 191), had no significant difference in blood lipid indicators (P > 0.05), but the levels of LDL-C and TC significantly decreased in the exposed group after 12 months of follow-up, (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

This cohort study found that ZA might exert a protective effect on lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In postmenopausal women with lipid disorders suffering from osteoporosis, the treatment with ZA combined with atorvastatin or ZA alone significantly reduced the level of blood lipid (especially LDL-C and TC) compared with atorvastatin alone.

Vitamin D Deficiency Impacts Exposure and Response of Pravastatin in Male Rats by Altering Hepatic OATPs

This study aimed to determine the effect of vitamin D (VD) deficiency on the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of pravastatin and clarify whether the effects are mediated by Organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs). Experiments were conducted in rats to explore the effect of VD deficiency on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of pravastatin. In the pharmacodynamic study, rats were fed a VD-free or VD-supplement high-fat diet for 25–30 days, and plasma 25(OH)VD was dynamically monitored. The response of pravastatin (changes in blood lipids) on rats were then examined after 15 days of pravastatin treatment. In the pharmacokinetic study, rats were fed a VD-free or VD-supplement diet for 25–30 days. The pharmacokinetics of single oral dose pravastatin was then studied, and intestinal and hepatic Oatp1a1 and Oatp2b1 expression was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot. Furthermore, OATP1B1 and OATP2B1 expression in Huh7 cells with or without 1.25(OH)₂D were assessed via qPCR and western blot. For the pharmacodynamic study, the decrease of total cholesterol and increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in VD-deficient rats were smaller than in VD-sufficient rats, indicating that VD deficiency reduced the response of pravastatin in rats. For the pharmacokinetic study, the plasma exposure slightly increased, and liver exposure decreased in VD-deficient rats, but not significantly. VD deficiency decreased the Oatp1a1 and Oatp2b1 expression in the liver, but not in the small intestine. Similarly, OATP1B1 and OATP2B1 protein levels in Huh7 cells were reduced when 1.25(OH)₂D was absent. In conclusion, VD deficiency can decrease the response of pravastatin in rats by reducing the liver pravastatin exposure and expression of hepatic OATPs, consistent with the extended hepatic clearance model theory.

Mechanisms Linking Vitamin D Deficiency to Impaired Metabolism: An Overview

Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem worldwide. Despite its known skeletal effects, studies have begun to explore its extra-skeletal effects, that is, in preventing metabolic diseases such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. The mechanisms by which vitamin D deficiency led to these unfavorable metabolic consequences have been explored. Current evidence indicates that the deficiency of vitamin D could impair the pancreatic β-cell functions, thus compromising its insulin secretion. Besides, vitamin D deficiency could also exacerbate inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the pancreas and many organs, which leads to insulin resistance. Together, these will contribute to impairment in glucose homeostasis. This review summarizes the reported metabolic effects of vitamin D, in order to identify its potential use to prevent and overcome metabolic diseases.

The Interdependency and Co-Regulation of the Vitamin D and Cholesterol Metabolism

Vitamin D and cholesterol metabolism overlap significantly in the pathways that contribute to their biosynthesis. However, our understanding of their independent and co-regulation is limited. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and atherosclerosis, the pathology associated with elevated cholesterol, is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. It is therefore important to understand vitamin D metabolism as a contributory factor. From the literature, we compile evidence of how these systems interact, relating the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved to the results from observational studies. We also present the first systems biology pathway map of the joint cholesterol and vitamin D metabolisms made available using the Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) Markup Language (SBGNML). It is shown that the relationship between vitamin D supplementation, total cholesterol, and LDL-C status, and between latitude, vitamin D, and cholesterol status are consistent with our knowledge of molecular mechanisms. We also highlight the results that cannot be explained with our current knowledge of molecular mechanisms: (i) vitamin D supplementation mitigates the side-effects of statin therapy; (ii) statin therapy does not impact upon vitamin D status; and critically (iii) vitamin D supplementation does not improve cardiovascular outcomes, despite improving cardiovascular risk factors. For (iii), we present a hypothesis, based on observations in the literature, that describes how vitamin D regulates the balance between cellular and plasma cholesterol. Answering these questions will create significant opportunities for advancement in our understanding of cardiovascular health.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipid profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent across the world. The existing evidence suggests vitamin D may have beneficial effects on serum lipid profiles and thus cardiovascular health.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipid profiles.

DATA SOURCE

Original randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipid profiles and published before July 2018 were identified by searching online databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, using a combination of relevant keywords.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data on study characteristics, effect size, measure of variation, type of vitamin D supplementation, and duration of follow-up were extracted by the author.

DATA ANALYSIS

PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Random effects (DerSimonian and Laird [D-V)] models were used to pool standardized mean differences in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides between the active and the placebo arms of RCT studies. Between-study heterogeneities were assessed using Cochrane Q and I2, and publication bias was assessed using Begg's test, Egger's test, and funnel plot.

RESULTS

A total of 41 RCTs comprising 3434 participants (n = 1699 in the vitamin D supplementation arm and n = 1735 in the placebo arm) were identified and included in the meta-analysis. Approximately 63.4% of study participants were women, with 14 studies conducted entirely among women. Approximately 24% of the trials had follow-up duration >6 months, whereas the remaining 76% had follow-up duration of <6 months. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for comparing the change from baseline to follow-up between the vitamin D supplementation arm and the placebo (control) arm were as follows: total cholesterol = -0.17 (-0.28 to -0.06); LDL cholesterol = -0.12 (-0.23 to -0.01); triglycerides = -0.12 (-0.25 to 0.01); and HDL cholesterol = -0.19 (-0.44 to 0.06). After removing a trial that was an outlier based on the magnitude of the effect size, the SMD for triglycerides was -0.15 (-0.24 to -0.06) and that for HDL cholesterol was -0.10 (-0.28 to 0.09). The improvements in total cholesterol and triglycerides were more pronounced in participants with baseline vitamin D deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D supplementation appeared to have a beneficial effect on reducing serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels but not HDL cholesterol levels. Vitamin D supplementation may be useful in hypercholesterolemia patients with vitamin D insufficiency who are at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces Both Oxidative DNA Damage and Insulin Resistance in the Elderly with Metabolic Disorders

Background: Research evidence indicates that vitamin D deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR) and associated metabolic disorders including hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. It also suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with elevated levels of oxidative stress and its complications. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on DNA damage and metabolic parameters in vitamin D deficient individuals aged >45 with metabolic disorders. Material and Methods: Of 98 initially screened participants, 92 subjects deficient in vitamin D were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to the following group: with vitamin D supplementation (intervention group, n = 48) and without supplementation (comparative group, n = 44). The patients from both groups were divided into two subgroups according to the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The intervention group was treated with 2000 International Unit (IU) cholecalciferol/day between October and March for three months. At baseline and after three-month supplementation vitamin D concentration (25-OH)D3 and endogenous and oxidative DNA damage were determined. In addition, fast plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin, HbA1c and lipid fraction (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglyceride (TG)), as well as anthropometric measurements (weight, height) were gathered. The following IR-related parameters were calculated Homeostatic Model Assesment – Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and TG/HDL ratio. Results: Three-month vitamin D supplementation increased the mean vitamin D concentration to generally accepted physiological level independently of T2DM presence. Importantly, vitamin D exposure decreased the level of oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients of intervention group. Among studied metabolic parameters, vitamin D markedly increased HDL level, decreased HOMA-IR, TG/HDL ratio. Furthermore, we found that HbA1c percentage diminished about 0.5% in T2DM patients supplemented with vitamin D. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that daily 2000I U intake of vitamin D for three months decreased the level of oxidative DNA damage, a marker of oxidative stress, independently on T2DM presence. Furthermore, vitamin D reduced metabolic parameters connected with IR and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, our results support the assertion that vitamin D, by reducing oxidative stress and improving of metabolic profile, may decrease IR and related diseases.

Strong association between serum Vitamin D and Vaspin Levels, AIP, VAI and liver enzymes in NAFLD patients

Some studies indicated poor vitamin D level in NAFLD which is independently correlated with severity of steatosis. Low 25(OH) D3 levels are associated with an impaired lipid profile. Impaired levels and function of vaspin and omentin, which are adipokines, have been demonstrated in NAFLD patients. This study determined the relationship between vitamin D and serum liver enzymes, ultrasound findings, some adipokines, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in patients with NAFLD in a cross-sectional study. This study was a cross-sectional study in eighty-three NAFLD patients (57 males and 26 females). Plasma levels of omentin-1e-1, vaspin were measured. Anthropometric indices metabolic status was assessed. Visceral adiposity index and atherogenic index of plasma were calculated according to suggested formula. Anthropometric indices, lipid profiles, liver enzymes as well as abdominal ultrasonography and the status of vitamin D were assessed. The results showed that aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (44.22 ± 8.5 IU/L vs. 40.19 ± 8.75 IU/L, p-value = 0.039) AIP (0.767 ± 0.142 vs. 0.6417 ± 0.139, p < 0.001) and VAI (9.28 ± 3.25 vs. 7.048 ± 2.415, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency compared to those with vitamin D sufficiency. The positive correlations between Vaspin levels and vitamin D were found to be remarkably significant in both males and females (r = 0.437; P = 0.004; P < 0.001, r = -0.709, respectively. In both males and females serum vitamin D concentrations were negatively associated with AIP. Partial correlations controlling for age and sex showed that vitamin D is significantly and inversely associated with AIP, VAI, AST, and ALT. Additionally, vitamin D levels correlated directly with vaspin.

Vitamin D Supplementation, Serum 25(OH)D Concentrations and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are associated with low serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in observational studies; however, clinical trial findings are inconsistent.

Objective: We assessed the effect of vitamin D supplementation and increased serum 25(OH)D concentrations on CVD risk factors in a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Design: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for RCTs that evaluated vitamin D supplementation and cardiovascular outcomes [blood pressure, parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), total cholesterol, high and low density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL, respectively), triglycerides, peak wave velocity (PWV) and Augmentation Index (AI)] from 1992 through 2017. Meta-analysis was based on a random-effects model and inverse variance method to calculate standardized mean difference (SMD) as effect sizes, followed by a leave-one-out method for sensitivity analysis. Risk of publication bias was assessed using Cochrane checklist and Begg funnel plots. The systematic review is registered as CRD42015025346.

Results: We identified 2341 studies from which 81 met inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SMD = −0.102 ± 0.04 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.20 to −0.03), diastolic blood pressure (SMD = −0.07 ± 0.03 mmHg, 95% CI, −0.14 to −0.006), serum PTH (SMD = −0.66 ± 0.08 ng/L, 95% CI, −0.82 to −0.49), hs-CRP (SMD = −0.20 ± 0.07 mg/L, 95% CI, −0.34 to −0.06), total cholesterol (SMD = −0.15 ± 0.06 mmol/L, 95% CI, −0.25 to −0.04), LDL (SMD = −0.10 ± 0.05 mmol/L, 95% CI, −0.20 to −0.003), triglycerides (SMD = −0.12 ± 0.06 mmol/L, 95% CI, −0.23 to −0.003) and a significant increase in HDL (SMD = 0.09 ± 0.04 mmol/L, 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.17) with vitamin D supplementation. These findings remained significant in sensitivity analyses for blood pressure, lipid profile, serum PTH, and serum hs-CRP. There was no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on PWV (SMD = −0.20 ± 0.13 m/s, 95% CI, −0.46 to 0.06, p = 0.14) and AI (SMD = −0.09 ± 0.14%, 95% CI, −0.37 to 0.19, p = 0.52) for vitamin D supplemented groups.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may act to protect against CVD through improving risk factors, including high blood pressure, elevated PTH, dyslipidemia, and inflammation.

The Role of Nutraceuticals in Statin Intolerant Patients

Statins are the most common drugs administered for patients with cardiovascular disease. However, due to statin-associated muscle symptoms, adherence to statin therapy is challenging in clinical practice. Certain nutraceuticals, such as red yeast rice, bergamot, berberine, artichoke, soluble fiber, and plant sterols and stanols alone or in combination with each other, as well as with ezetimibe, might be considered as an alternative or add-on therapy to statins, although there is still insufficient evidence available with respect to long-term safety and effectiveness on cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. These nutraceuticals could exert significant lipid-lowering activity and might present multiple non-lipid-lowering actions, including improvement of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. The aim of this expert opinion paper is to provide the first attempt at recommendation on the management of statin intolerance through the use of nutraceuticals with particular attention on those with effective low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction.

Lipid-lowering nutraceuticals in clinical practice: position paper from an International Lipid Expert Panel

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the possible use of nutraceuticals to improve and optimize dyslipidemia control and therapy. Based on the data from available studies, nutraceuticals might help patients obtain theraputic lipid goals and reduce cardiovascular residual risk. Some nutraceuticals have essential lipid-lowering properties confirmed in studies; some might also have possible positive effects on nonlipid cardiovascular risk factors and have been shown to improve early markers of vascular health such as endothelial function and pulse wave velocity. However, the clinical evidence supporting the use of a single lipid-lowering nutraceutical or a combination of them is largely variable and, for many of the nutraceuticals, the evidence is very limited and, therefore, often debatable. The purpose of this position paper is to provide consensus-based recommendations for the optimal use of lipid-lowering nutraceuticals to manage dyslipidemia in patients who are still not on statin therapy, patients who are on statin or combination therapy but have not achieved lipid goals, and patients with statin intolerance. This statement is intended for physicians and other healthcare professionals engaged in the diagnosis and management of patients with lipid disorders, especially in the primary care setting.

Baseline Vitamin D Deficiency Decreases the Effectiveness of Statins in HIV-Infected Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D deficiency is common in HIV. Statins may increase vitamin D, and it is unknown whether vitamin D modifies the effect of statins on cardiovascular disease.

DESIGN

SATURN-HIV was a 96-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin on immune activation and subclinical vascular disease in HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy. This analysis focuses on the prespecified secondary endpoint 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations.

METHODS

Mixed effects linear modeling and analysis of variance were used to assess the rosuvastatin effect on plasma 25(OH)D concentrations over time and to determine whether baseline vitamin D modifies the rosuvastatin effect on changes in outcomes over the trial.

RESULTS

Hundred forty-seven adults were randomized (72 to rosuvastatin and 75 to placebo); 78% were men, 68% African American, with a mean age of 45 years. Baseline 25(OH)D concentrations were similar (overall mean 18 ng/mL) with 65% of participants below 20 ng/mL. Changes in 25(OH)D at 96 weeks were small and not significant within- or between-rosuvastatin and placebo groups. There were significant group by vitamin D status interactions for changes in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, proportion of patrolling monocytes expressing tissue factor (CD14dimCD16+TF+), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, and common carotid artery intima media thickness at most time points. For each of these outcomes, the beneficial effects of rosuvastatin were either not apparent or attenuated in participants with 25(OH)D <20 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Although 25(OH)D did not change with rosuvastatin, baseline vitamin D deficiency decreased the effectiveness of rosuvastatin. Vitamin D supplementation may be warranted for deficient patients initiating statin therapy.

Seasonal variations of vitamin D and its relation to lipid profile in Iranian children and adults

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D has a multitude of functional properties and acts like a hormone in the body. Its effect on the lipid profile is one of the proposed mechanisms for its relationship with many disorders during its deficiency. But, this relationship is still conflicting and debatable, so this study was conducted to determine the association between serum level of vitamin D and lipid profiles, including serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), HDL, and LDL in healthy subjects.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 541 volunteers with age of 5-60 years from normal and healthy subjects were selected via random sampling. Demographics and history of daily or weekly sunlight exposures were recorded. Measuring vitamin D was done in two consecutive seasons: winter and summer. Ten milliliters of peripheral venous blood sample was withdrawn after an overnight fasting. Serum levels of 25(OH) D (25, hydroxy vitamin D3) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the Confirmatory test was done by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

Mean age in the total mixed population was 30.83 ± 14.02 years. Subjects were 50.5% male and 49.5% female. Mean 25(OH) D in the total population for winter and summer were 45.8 ± 24.26 ng/ml and 55.24 ± 37.47 ng/ml respectively. In the total population, 38.08% were vitamin D deficient. Comparing serum lipid levels in the summer and winter showed a significant difference for cholesterol, LDL, and HDL, but no significant effect was found for TG. Analysis for the comparison of lipid profiles between the two genders in winter showed that there were significant differences in all lipid profiles except for LDL, while such analysis for summer revealed significant difference just for TG. In multivariate analysis, there was a significant mean difference only for LDL in subgroups with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. There was no correlation between Vitamin D and lipid profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D is different between the two seasons regardless of gender variations. Its status showed some significant relationship with some lipid profiles (cholesterol, LDL, and HDL) during the two seasons. There were different results among winter and summer based on the gender.

Calcium and Vitamin D in Obesity and Related Chronic Disease

There is a pandemic of lifestyle-related diseases. In both developed and lesser developed countries of the world, an inadequacy of calcium intake and low vitamin D status is common. In this chapter, we explore a mechanistic framework that links calcium and vitamin D status to chronic conditions including obesity, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We also update the available clinical evidence, mainly from randomized controlled trials, to provide a synthesis of evidence in favor or against these hypotheses. There is consistent data to support calcium increasing whole body fat oxidation and increasing fecal fat excretion, while there is good cellular evidence for vitamin D reducing inflammation. Clinical trials support a marginal reduction in circulating lipids and some meta-analysis support an increase in insulin sensitivity following vitamin D. However, these mechanistic pathways and intermediate biomarkers of disease do not consistently transcribe into measurable health outcomes. Cementing the benefits of calcium and vitamin D for extraskeletal health needs a reexamination of the target 25(OH)D level to be achieved and the minimum duration of future trials.