The effect of serum 25(OH) vitamin D on hemogram parameters

Objective: Vitamin D that has pleiotropic hormone characteristics is a fat soluble vitamin. In general, vitamin D is known to be associated with rickets, but the studies show that vitamin D also acts on tissues and cells other than bone itself. In this study, we aimed to investigate if vitamin D has any effects on hemogram parameters or not. Methods: This retrospective study was done with the data obtained from 243 female and 59, totally 302 patients. Vitamin D level and hemogram parameters [(red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and red cell distribution width (RDW)] of patients were obtained. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to their levels of vitamin D: Group 1: < 10 ng/mL; Group 2: 10-19 ng/mL; Group 3: 20-29 ng/mL, and Group 4: 30-60 ng/mL. Results: There were no significant differences in RBC, Hb, WBC, PLT, MPV, and RDW between the groups (p>0.05). Also, there was no correlation between the hemogram parameters and vitamin D. Conclusion: According to the literature, there are a lot of studies that show the relationship between vitamin D and WBC, RBC, and PLT. However, contrary to the previous studies, we were unable to find any significant relationship between vitamin D and hemogram parameters. These results serve the idea that the effects of vitamin D on the hematopoietic system should be further investigated experimentally and clinically

IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels and their correlations with carcinoembryonic antigen in colorectal cancer patients

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently seen cancers worldwide. Currently, CEA is the most commonly used tumor marker in colorectal cancer. The changes in IGF/IGFBP equilibrium is also known to cause carcinogenesis. In this study, we aimed to monitor IGF-I/IGFBP-3 levels, the changes in IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio and correlations of these peptides with the common tumor marker CEA. Materials and methods: 55 colorectal cancer patients and 35 control group patients were included in this study. Serum CEA, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels of all specimens were measured with chemiluminescence method. Results: In colorectal cancer patients, IGF-I levels was found to be increased, IGFBP-3 levels decreased and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio was increased; when compared to control group (p < 0.05). A moderately significant correlation was found between the conventional tumor marker CEA and IGF-I and IGF-BP3 (p = 0.001, r = 0.533 and p = 0.001, r = −0.573 respectively). Conclusions: IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio seems to be increased in the colorectal cancer patients. When considered with the moderate correlation levels of these peptides with CEA, this increase in IGF-I/IGF-BP3 ratio may be useful in monitoring carcinogenesis in colorectal cancer patients among with CEA but more detailed and extensive studies in larger study groups needed to be carried out

The Role Of Serum Vitamin D Levels In Vitiligo

Introduction Vitiligo is a common acquired pigmentary skin disorder. Vitamin D is responsible for skin pigmentation, increases tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis, and exhibits immunoregulatory functions. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with many autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and alopecia areata. Few reports have evaluated serum vitamin D levels in vitiligo patients, and their results are conflicting. Aim To evaluate serum vitamin D levels of vitiligo patients and compare the results with controls. Material and methods In total, 50 vitiligo patients and 47 controls were enrolled in the study. Vitamin D levels were measured from blood samples. Group comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical methods. Results The patients had lower serum vitamin D levels than the controls, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.570). Conclusions It remains unknown whether vitamin D deficiency causes vitiligo. Larger controlled studies are required to prove whether low circulating vitamin D is a causative factor in vitiligo