Journal
ARTHRITIS RESEARCH & THERAPY
Volume 14, Issue 5, Pages -Publisher
BIOMED CENTRAL LTD
DOI: 10.1186/ar4060
Keywords
-
Categories
Funding
- Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale (FRM)
- Agence Nationale pour la Recherche sur le Sida et les Hepatites (ANRS)
- Societe Nationale Francaise de Medecine Interne (SNFMI)
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a T and B cell-dependent autoimmune disease characterized by the appearance of autoantibodies, a global regulatory T cells (Tregs) depletion and an increase in Th17 cells. Recent studies have shown the multifaceted immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D, notably the expansion of Tregs and the decrease of Th1 and Th17 cells. A significant correlation between higher disease activity and lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels [25(OH)D] was also shown. Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated the safety and the immunological effects of vitamin D supplementation (100 000 IU of cholecalciferol per week for 4 weeks, followed by 100 000 IU of cholecalciferol per month for 6 months.) in 20 SLE patients with hypovitaminosis D. Results: Serum 25(OH)D levels dramatically increased under vitamin D supplementation from 18.7 +/- 6.7 at day 0 to 51.4 +/- 14.1 (p<0.001) at 2 months and 41.5 +/- 10.1 ng/mL (p<0.001) at 6 months. Vitamin D was well tolerated and induced a preferential increase of nave CD4(+) T cells, an increase of regulatory T cells and a decrease of effector Th1 and Th17 cells. Vitamin D also induced a decrease of memory B cells and anti-DNA antibodies. No modification of the prednisone dosage or initiation of new immunosuppressant agents was needed in all patients. We did not observe SLE flare during the 6 months follow-up period. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests the beneficial role of vitamin D in SLE patients and needs to be confirmed in randomized controlled trials.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available