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Article Type

Article

Subject Area

Pediatrics

Abstract

Background and aim Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease caused by destruction of pancreatic islet βcells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. The D vitamins are a group of sterols that have a hormone-like function, which bind to vitamin D receptor. Vitamin D (25(OH) D) deficiency is involved in the induction of autoimmune destruction of β-cells and onset of T1DM. The majority of circulating 25(OH) D is bound to vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), which protects it from biodegradation, limits its access to target tissues, and helps its reabsorption from the kidneys. VDBP also binds fatty acids, activates macrophages, enhances the chemotactic activity of C5, and associates with immune cell surfaces. The aim of our work was to evaluate the levels of 25(OH) D and VDBP and their relation to each other in T1DM and comparing 25(OH) D level with some variables in children with T1DM. Patients and methods In this simple comparative study, 60 children with T1DM and 35 normal children were enrolled, and for them, we measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, serum VDBP, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Results 25(OH) D level was significantly lower in T1DM group than control (20.73 ± 5.69 and 41.16 ± 3.61 ng/ml, respectively) (t = 8.3 and P < 0.0001). Moreover, VDBP level was significantly lower in T1DM group than control group (203.96 ± 32.52 and 238.32 ± 34.82 μg/ml, respectively) (t = 4.7 and P < 0.0001). 25(OH)D level in T1DM had a significant positive correlation with age at onset of the disease (r=0.77) and a significant negative correlation with HbA1c % (r=-0.74) and no correlation with VDBP levels or disease duration. Conclusion 25(OH)D and VDBP levels in T1DM were significantly lower than normal children. 25(OH)D level had no correlation with VDBP levels, a positive correlation with age at onset of the disease, a negative correlation with HbA1c %, and no correlation with disease duration.

Keywords

Diabetes mellitus, vitamin D-binding protein, vitamin D

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