Associations of Sun Exposure with 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone Levels in a Cohort of Hypertensive Patients: The Graz Endocrine Causes of Hypertension (GECOH) Study. (16th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pilz, Stefan; Kienreich, Katharina; Stückler, Daniel; Meinitzer, Andreas; Tomaschitz, Andreas
• Other Names: Tangpricha Vin Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of endocrinology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-02-16
• Subjects: Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Endocrinology; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Endocrine System Diseases -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/732636
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8337

Abstract

Abstract : Sunlight-induced vitamin D, synthesis in the skin is the major source of vitamin D, but data on the relationship of sun-related behaviour with vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are relatively sparse. We evaluated whether habitual sun exposure is associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and PTH levels and whether there exist seasonal variations. We examined 111 hypertensive patients in Austria (latitude 47 ° N). Frequent sunbathing at home and outdoor sports were associated with higher 25(OH)D levels (P < 0.05 for both). Red or blond scalp hair as a child, memory of sunburns, preferring sunbathing, frequent stays on the beach or in open-air pools, and solarium use were associated with lower PTH levels (P < 0.05 for all). Multiple linear regression analyses including age, sex, and body mass index showed that sun exposure score was significantly associated with 25(OH)D (beta coefficient = 0.27 ; P = 0.004 ) and by trend with PTH (beta coefficient = − 0.16 ; P = 0.09 ). These associations were more prominent in summer in which 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher compared to winter. Translation of these findings into recommendations for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency remains a challenge for the future.