Estimation of vitamin D levels in patients with pemphigus vulgaris. (10th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: EL‐Komy, M.H.M.; Samir, N.; Shaker, O.G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Volume 28:Number 7(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 859
• Page End: 863
• Publication Date: 2013-05-10
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12179
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0926-9959

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en" id="jdv12179-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jdv12179-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Keratinocyte acantholysis as a result of pathogenic Dsg3‐antibodies production by B cells leads to Pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Vitamin D, through its participation in several immune modulatory functions including B cells apoptosis, Th2 cell differentiation, apoptotic enzyme regulation and Tregs functions, may be actively involved in the immune regulation of PV.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdv12179-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To evaluate Vitamin D status in PV patients in comparison to controls in an attempt to determine its role in this autoimmune disease.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdv12179-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Using ELISA technique, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was determined for 34 pemphigus vulgaris patients and 20 healthy volunteers. Phosphorus and parathormone were also determined in the patient group.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdv12179-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>25OHD was significantly lower in patients than controls (<italic>P</italic> = 0.008). There was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding suboptimal Vit. D levels (<italic>P</italic> = 0.007).</p> </sec> <sec id="jdv12179-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Patients with PV have significantly lower serum vitamin D levels in comparison to controls and that these low levels were not related to age, BMI or pattern of sun exposure. The associated Vitamin D insufficiency in patients with PV may possibly exacerbate their disease through various immune related mechanisms.</p> </sec> </abstract>