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Association between hematological profile and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and FokI polymorphism in individuals with cystic fibrosis

Associação do perfil hematológico com os valores séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D e polimorfismo FokI em indivíduos com fibrose cística

ABSTRACT

Objective

The present study aimed at investigating the association between hematological profile and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and Fokl polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene in individuals with Cystic Fibrosis.

Methods

A cross-sectional study that involved 18 men and women aged 0-25 years with Cystic Fibrosis. Socio-demographic information and the factors associated with sun exposure were obtained. Weight, height, and arm circumference were also measured. Blood sample was collected for the analysis of biochemical parameters (25[OH]D, parathyroid hormone, and calcium levels and blood count) and for the validation of the presence of FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene.

Results

Among the participants, 33.33% (n=6) had vitamin D deficiency (19.60±6.180 ng/mL), and 27.8% (n=5) presented with anemia and low weight for age. In terms of genotype, 5.6% (n=1) presented with the FF genotype, 72.3% (n=13) had the Ff genotype, and 22.2% (n=4) had the ff genotype. Serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with hemoglobin (p=0.008) and hematocrit (p=0.019) levels and leukocyte count (p=0.0114). No association was observed between 25(OH)D levels and the genotypes (FF, Ff, and ff) (p=0.2451). In addition, an association was observed between FokI polymorphism and the total leukocyte count (p=0.01).

Conclusion

An association was observed between serum 25(OH)D levels and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and leukocyte count in individuals with Cystic Fibrosis. Moreover, FokI polymorphism was associated with total leukocyte count.

Keywords
Cystic fibrosis; Hemoglobins; Polymorphism; genetic; Vitamin D

RESUMO

Objetivo

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo investigar a associação do perfil hematológico com os valores séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D e polimorfismo FokI do gene receptor da vitamina D em indivíduos com fibrose cística, acompanhados em um centro de referência do Nordeste Brasileiro.

Métodos

Trata-se de estudo transversal, realizado com 18 indivíduos com fibrose cística, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre zero e 25 anos. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas e investigados fatores associados à exposição solar. Também foram aferidas medidas antropométricas de peso, estatura e circunferência do braço. O sangue foi coletado para análise dos parâmetros bioquímicos (25-hidroxivitamina D, paratormônio, cálcio e hemograma) e verificação da presença do polimorfismo FokI do gene receptor da vitamina D.

Resultados

Da amostra total, 33,33% (n=6) apresentaram insuficiência/deficiência de vitamina D (19.60 ±6.180 ng/ml), e 27,8% (n=5) acusaram anemia e baixo peso para a idade. No tocante aos genótipos, 5,6% (n=1) apresentaram genótipo FF, 72,3% (n=13) apresentaram genótipo Ff e 22,2% (n=4) apresentaram genótipo ff. Houve associação entre os valores séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D e os de hemoglobina (p=0.008), hematócrito (p=0.019) e leucócitos (p=0.0114). Não houve associação entre os valores de 25-hidroxivitamina D e os genótipos (FF, Ff e ff) (p=0.2451). Além disso, houve associação entre o polimorfismo FokI e a contagem total de leucócitos (p=0.01).

Conclusão

O presente estudo encontrou associação entre os valores séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D e os de hemoglobina, hematócrito e leucócitos nos indivíduos analisados. Além disso, encontrou-se associação do polimorfismo FokI com a contagem total de leucócitos.

Palavras-chave
Fibrose cística; Hemoglobinas; Polimorfismo genético; Vitamina D

INTRODUCTION

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a fatal autosomal recessive disease that is more common in Caucasians and caused by mutations in the CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. The dysfunction in this channel leads to changes in the viscosity, volume, and concentration of salt in the body fluids, leading to the formation of thick secretions, which prevent the hydration of the airways and create a favorable environment for bacterial colonization, chronic inflammation, and eventually respiratory insufficiency [11 Haack A, Aragão GG, Novaes MR. Pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis and drugs used in associated digestive tract diseases. World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19(46):8552-61. http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8552
https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8552...

2 Woestenenk JW, Castelijns SJAM, Van der Ent CK, Houwen RHJ. Dietary intake in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Clin Nutr. 2014;33(3):528-32. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2013.07.011
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-33 Sexauer WP, Hadeh A, Ohman-Strickland PA, Zanni RL, Varlotta L, Holsclaw D, et al. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with pulmonary dysfunction in cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros. 2015;14(4):497-506. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2014.12.006
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].

The incidence of the disease varies according to ethnicity, that is, from 1/1800 to 1/5000 live births in Caucasians in Europe, the United States, and Canada, 1/14000 in Afro-Americans, and 1/40000 in Finns. This is a rare disease among Asians and Africans. In Brazil, the incidence is approximately 1/7000. However, it is subjected to regional variations [11 Haack A, Aragão GG, Novaes MR. Pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis and drugs used in associated digestive tract diseases. World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19(46):8552-61. http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8552
https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8552...
].

For more than 37 years, the median survival of these individuals increased from 10 years to 12 years, and one of the main contributing factors in the increase was the understanding of the role of nutrition in the general health state of these individuals [44 Engelen MPKJ, Schroder R, Van der Hoorn K, Deutz NEP, Com G. Use of body mass index percentile to identify fat-free mass depletion in children with cystic fibrosis. Clin Nutr. 2012;31(6):927-33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2012.04.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2012.04.0...
].

Nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of CF because it influences the survival and quality of life of the patients. Approximately 90% of patients present with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, resulting in poor digestion and absorption of nutrients, and consequently steatorrhea and poor stunted growth. Fat loss through feces carries the risk of liposoluble vitamin deficiency, including vitamin D. In addition, these patients have increased energy expenditure due to the nature of the disease and the frequency and severity of infections and chronic pulmonary inflammation. Thus, the importance of nutrition in these patients is reinforced [11 Haack A, Aragão GG, Novaes MR. Pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis and drugs used in associated digestive tract diseases. World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19(46):8552-61. http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8552
https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8552...

2 Woestenenk JW, Castelijns SJAM, Van der Ent CK, Houwen RHJ. Dietary intake in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Clin Nutr. 2014;33(3):528-32. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2013.07.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2013.07.0...
-33 Sexauer WP, Hadeh A, Ohman-Strickland PA, Zanni RL, Varlotta L, Holsclaw D, et al. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with pulmonary dysfunction in cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros. 2015;14(4):497-506. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2014.12.006
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2014.12.00...
,55 Delgado AFD, Cardoso AL, Zamberlan P. Nutrologia básica e avançada. Barueri: Manole; 2010.].

With regard to minerals, iron deficiency is frequent in patients with CF and is multifactorial [55 Delgado AFD, Cardoso AL, Zamberlan P. Nutrologia básica e avançada. Barueri: Manole; 2010.]. However, in adults with CF, iron deficiency is mainly functional due to chronic inflammation [66 Uijterschout L, Nuijsink M, Hendriks D, Vos R, Brus F. Iron deficiency occurs frequently in children with cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014;49(5):458-62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppul.22857
https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.22857...
]. In children with CF, anemia can be due to malnutrition or inadequate erythropoiesis or both [22 Woestenenk JW, Castelijns SJAM, Van der Ent CK, Houwen RHJ. Dietary intake in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Clin Nutr. 2014;33(3):528-32. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2013.07.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2013.07.0...
].

Vitamin D is more commonly associated with poor bone formation. However, its role in health is still being investigated, particularly in terms of extra-skeletal functions. Recently, vitamin D has been associated with several diseases, including hypertension, diabetes Mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and implicated in a wide range of biological mechanisms, including muscle strengthening, cell proliferation and differentiation, and regulation of the immune system. Its association with anemia has been suggested in recent years, indicating a role in the homeostasis of iron and erythropoiesis [33 Sexauer WP, Hadeh A, Ohman-Strickland PA, Zanni RL, Varlotta L, Holsclaw D, et al. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with pulmonary dysfunction in cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros. 2015;14(4):497-506. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2014.12.006
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2014.12.00...
,77 Smith EM, Tangpricha V. Vitamin D and anemia: Insights into an emerging association. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2015;22(6):432-38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000199
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,88 Sim JJ, Lac PT, Liu ILA, Meguerditchian SO, Kumar VA, Kujubu DA, et al. Vitamin D deficiency and anemia: A cross-sectional study. Ann Hematol. 2010;89(5):447-52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00277-009-0850-3
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-009-0850-...
]. Vitamin D insufficiency has been associated with a higher prevalence of anemia among different age groups, that is, from children to healthy adults and elderly patients [99 Thomas CE, Guillet R, Queenan RA, Cooper EM, Kent TR, Pressman, et al. Vitamin D status is inversely associated with anemia and serum erythropoietin during pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(5):1088-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.116756
https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.116756...
].

The discovery that most of the body tissues and cells contain vitamin D receptors and that several of these tissues have the enzymatic property to convert the primary form of vitamin D in the circulation to its active form has provided new insights about the function of this steroid hormone [1010 Cabral MA, Borges CN, Maia JMC, Aires CAM, Bandeira F. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency during the summer and its relationship with sun exposure and skin phototype in elderly men living in the tropics. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:1347-51. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S47058
https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S47058...
]. In addition, the concentration of 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]D) is a hundred times greater in the bone marrow than in the plasma. The clinical consequences of its deficit have been a topic of interest due to the new insights about the biological functions of vitamin D, and the hypotheses that there is an association between vitamin D and hemoglobin levels and that this phenomenon may be influenced by polymorphisms in the Vitamin D Receptor gene (VDR) have been reinforced [1111 Sezer S, Tutal E, Bilgic A, Ozdemir FN, Haberal M. Possible influence of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms on recombinant human erythropoietin requirements in dialysis patients. Transplant Proc. 2007;39(1):40-4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.10.214
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2...
,1212 Amato M, Pacini S, Aterini S, Punzi T, Gulisano M, Ruggiero M. Iron indices and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in hemodialysis patients. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. 2008;15(2):186-90. http://dx. doi.org/10.1053/j.ackd.2008.01.013
https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ackd.2008.01.0...
]. Currently, these polymorphisms have been associated with renal insufficiency, diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases [1313 Perlstein TS, Pande R, Berliner N, Vanasse GJ. Prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in subgroups of elderly persons with anemia: Association with anemia of inflammation. Blood. 2011;117(10):2800-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1182/blood-2010-09-309708].

Studies have indicated the existence of several Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) in the VDR gene. Several of these polymorphisms alter the activity of the VDR proteins [1414 MacKawy AMH, Badawi MEH. Association of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome components in type 2 diabetic Egyptian patients. Meta Gene. 2014;2:540-56.], which include ApaI, BsmI, and TaqI (within exons 8 and 9) as well as FokI (located in exon 2) [1515 Schuch NJ, Garcia VC, Vívolo SR, Martini LA. Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and the components of metabolic syndrome. Nutr J. 2013;12(96):1-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-12-96
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-12-96...
].

Thus, this study aimed at assessing the association between the hematological profile and serum 25(OH)D and FokI polymorphism of the VDR gene in individuals with CF who visited a referral center in northeastern Brazil.

METHODS

Characteristics of the participants and study design

This cross-sectional observational study included a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 22 men and women aged 0-25 years who were diagnosed with CF. These patients were followed-up at the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley da Universidade da Paraíba (HULW-UFPB, Lauro Wanderley University Hospital – Federal University of Paraíba) in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba. Informed consent was obtained from the patients or caregivers, and patients aged 12-18 years signed an assent term. Individuals who presented with biochemical alterations that indicate liver or renal insufficiencies and/or chronic diseases that alter vitamin D metabolism were excluded from the study.

Data were collected between May 2016 and September 2016. In terms of the seasons of the study region, the four seasons of the year were not well defined, since the region has the characteristics of summer throughout the year, with some months with more rainy or cloudy days and with temperatures ranging from 23º to 34ºC.

The study was approved by the research ethics committee of the HULW-UFPB (CAAE nº 52248815.9.0000.5183). The study was in accordance with Resolution no 466/12 of the National Health Council/Ministry of Health.

Initially, all participants or guardians answered a questionnaire, which included personal data (name, date of birth, family income, and education level) as well as information on skin phototype, average time of exposure to the sun, use of pharmaceutical products, and clothing. The questionnaire was used by trained researchers.

Nutritional status was assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI) for age and Arm Circumference (AC). BMI was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. The Arm Circumference (AC) was measured utilizing a stretchable anthropometric tape measure. The measurement was made at the midpoint between the acromion and the olecranon [1616. Cuppari L, Schor N. Guia de nutrição: nutrição clínica no adulto. Barueri: Manole; 2002.]. BMI measurements were classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 and 2007 [1717 Ministério da Saúde (Brasil). Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde. Departamento de Atenção Básica. Orientações para a coleta e análise de dados antropométricos em serviços de saúde: Norma Técnica do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional – SISVAN. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2011 [acesso 2018 abr 13]. Disponível em: http://189.28.128.100/dab/docs/portaldab/publicacoes/orientacoes_coleta_analise_dados_antropometricos.pdf
http://189.28.128.100/dab/docs/portaldab...
] charts for patients aged less than 5 years. For the classification of patients older than 18 years, the values proposed by the WHO [1818 World Health Organization. Physical status: The use and interpretation of anthropometry. Geneva: WHO; 1995 [cited 2018 Apr 13]. Available from: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/37003/WHO_TRS_854.pdf;jsessionid=5ADBB0B78B37ACB361472CC2458313CO?sequence=
http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handl...
] were used. The percentile table proposed by Frisancho was used as a reference for the classification of AC [1919 Frisancho AR. Anthropometric standards for the assessment of growth and nutritional status. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press; 1990.].

Biochemical assessment

Participants were instructed to fast for 12 hours. All analyses were performed in the clinical analysis laboratory at the HULW-UFPB in João Pessoa. Analysis of calcium levels and blood count was carried with the Wiener commercial kits using a CMD 800i analyzer (Wiener Lab Group, Argentina) or Sysmex XN1000 (Sysmex, Brazil), which was in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The recommended reference values by the manufacturer were used. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and 25(OH)D levels were determined by chemiluminescence using the Abbott Architect i2000 apparatus.

The serum concentration of 25(OH)D was classified based on the recommendation by the Endocrine Society. Serum concentrations between 20ng/mL and 29ng/mL (50-75nmol/L) were considered within normal limits, and those below 20ng/mL (50nmol/L) were considered below the normal range [2020 Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Gordon CM, Hanley DA, Heaney RP, et al. Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(7):1911-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/jc.2011-0385
https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2011-0385...
]. The reference values stipulated for calcium were 8.8-11.0mg/dL, and those for PTH were 15.0-68.3pg/mL. The cut-off hemoglobin level that was used for the diagnosis of anemia was 12ng/dL.

Identification of the VDR FokI genotype

DNA was extracted from 4mL of whole blood obtained through venous puncture using sterile tubes containing 7.2mg of K3EDTA. The extraction of genomic DNA was performed according to a previously described methodology [2121 Miller AS, Dykes DD, Polesky HF. A simple salting out procedure for extracting DNA from human nucleated cells. Nucleic Acids Res. 1988;16(3):1215.].

The genotypes were determined using PCR-RFLP. The primers used were 5’-AGCTGGC CCTGGCACTGACTCTGCTCT-3’ (sense) and 5-A TGGAAACACCTTGCTTCTTCTCCCTC-3’ (antisense), and amplification was carried out under the following conditions: initial denaturation at 94°C for 5 minutes, 35 cycles of denaturation (30 seconds at 94°C), annealing (30 seconds at 60°C), and extension (30 seconds at 72°C) with an extra final extension step of 10 minutes. The 265-pb product was digested with FokI, which recognizes and cleaves the polymorphic allele f, generating two fragments (196bp and 69bp), whereas the ancestral allele F remains at 265pb. The genotypes were analyzed via electrophoresis using 10% polyacrylamide gel and staining with 0.5% silver nitrate [2222 Chiu KC, Chuang LM, Yoon C. The vitamin D receptor polymorphism in the translation initiation codon is a risk factor for insulin resistance in glucose tolerant Caucasians. BMC Med Genet. 2001;2(1):2. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2350-2-2
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2350-2-2...
].

Statistical analysis

Data were expressed in percentage, mean, and standard deviation. All data were tested for normality and homogeneity using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Levene’s test, respectively. Differences between the groups were tested using the independent Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Bivariate analysis was carried out to evaluate the statistical associations between the variables and serum 25-(OH)D levels in the insufficient/deficient and sufficient groups using the Spearman chi-squared test and Pearson’s correlation test. The Spearman chi-squared test was used to verify the influence of the dominant allele (F). All statistical analyses were performed using Instat and SPSS version 21 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, released 2012 IBM SPSS statistics for windows, version 21, Armonk, New York, IBM Corp.) using a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

Among the 22 participants, 18 were finally included in the analysis due to the loss of 18.2% (n=4) of the sample due to problems related to data collection or refusal to participate in the research. No biochemical changes that indicated hepatic or renal insufficiency were observed in the participants. In addition, the presence of chronic diseases that alter the metabolism of vitamin D was not observed.

The sample included individuals with an average age of 10.61±6.57 years, of which 55.60% (n=10) were men and 44.40% (n=8) were women (Table 1). Table 2 shows the mean serum 25(OH)D levels of the general population, which are within normal range (mean: 34.63±13.768ng/dL), and 33.33% (n=6) had a serum 25-(OH)D level of 30ng/dL. In relation to the genotypes, 5.6% (n=1) presented with the FF genotype, 72.30% (n=13) presented with the Ff genotype, and 22.20% (n=4) presented with ff genotype. In addition, the prevalence rate for anemia and low weight for age was 27.80% (n=5). Data are not presented.

Table 1
Characteristics of the participants and association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and the sociodemographic data of individuals with cystic fibrosis. João Pessoa (PB), Brazil, 2016).
Table 2
Biochemical variables according to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in individuals with cystic fibrosis. João Pessoa (PB), Brazil 2016.

A lower level of serum hemoglobin (p=0.008) and hematocrit (p=0.019) was observed in the deficient group, and these values were positively correlated with the levels of 25(OH)D (0.592ng/dL and 0.512ng/dL, respectively). In addition, these individuals had higher leukocyte count (p=0.0114) (Table 2).

Based on the analysis, no association was observed between the genotypes (FF, Ff, and ff) and 25-(OH)D levels (p=0.2451) (Table 3). An association was observed between the genotype FF/Ff and total leukocyte count (p=0.01) (Table 4).

Table 3
Association between genotypes and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in individuals with cystic fibrosis. João Pessoa (PB), Brazil, 2016.
Table 4
Biochemical variables in accordance with the allelic distribution of the VDR FokI polymorphism in individuals with cystic fibrosis. João Pessoa (PB), Brazil, 2016.

DISCUSSION

Studies on the association between hematological profile and serum 25-(OH)D levels and the FokI polymorphism of the VDR gene in individuals with CF. Thus, this is the first study that evaluated this association. In addition, because CF is a rare disease, a sample of 18 patients is representative, and the results found are relevant.

Based on the data obtained in the present study, an association was observed between serum 25-(OH)D levels and hemoglobin (p=0.008) and hematocrit (p=0.019) levels and total leukocyte count (p=0.0114). Individuals with 25-(OH)D deficiency had lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and increased total leukocyte count than those with normal hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and total leukocyte count. In addition, no correlation was observed between the genotypes (FF, FF, and ff) and the serum 25-(OH)D levels (p=0.2451).

The results of the present study were in accordance with those of previous studies [2323 Sakka ASE, Imam SS, Amer HA, Moustafa AS. Vitamin D deficiency and low hemoglobin level as risk factors for severity of acute lower respiratory tract infections in Egyptian children: A case-control study. Gaz Egypt Paediatr Assoc. 2014;62(1):1-7.]. When examining the interrelationships between iron and vitamin D and the hormones in pregnant adolescents, Thomas et al. [2424 Thomas CE, Guillet R, Queenan RA, Cooper EM, Kent TR, Pressman EK, et al. Vitamin D status is inversely associated with anemia and serum erythropoietin during pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(2):1088-95.] have observed that maternal 25-(OH)D level was positively associated with maternal hemoglobin level during the start of gestation as well as during delivery (p<0.01 for both). In addition, maternal 25-(OH)D level was inversely associated with erythropoietin level during the onset of gestation (p<0.05) and during delivery (p<0.001).

Recently, Silva et al. [2525 Silva AS, Issa CTM, Queiroz DJM, Persuhn DC, Araújo EPS, Gonçalves MCR. Association of hematology profile with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and Bsml polimorphism in community-dwelling older adults. Rev Nutr. 2016;29(5):655-64. http://dx.doi.org/10.159011678-98652016000500004
https://doi.org/10.159011678-98652016000...
] investigated the association between hematological profile and serum 25-(OH)D levels and the BsmI polymorphism of the VDR gene in non-institutionalized elderly patients, thus showing that vitamin D deficiency is associated with low hemoglobin levels. The influence of nutritional status on anemia was assessed in this group, and no association was observed. Thus, this result was in accordance with that of previous studies showing that serum vitamin D levels is associated with hemoglobin levels.

In recent years, the associations between vitamin D and multiple chronic and degenerative diseases have been a topic of interest. These effects have been attributed mainly to the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity of vitamin D. The cells involved in these processes express the VDR gene and can produce and respond to its active form [2626 Angel B, Lera L, Sánchez H, Oyarzún A, Albala C. FokI polymorphism in vitamin D receptor gene: Differential expression of TNFα in peripheral mononuclear cells of type 2 diabetic subjects. Meta Gene. 2016;7:1-6.].

When assessing the association between serum 25-(OH)D levels and the biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial activation in obese children, researchers found insufficient serum 25-(OH)D levels (<20ng/mL) in 5% of individuals in the control group and in 30% of obese children. In addition, in obese children with vitamin D insufficiency, the concentrations of inflammatory markers were substantially higher [2727 Codoñer-Franch P, Tavarez-Alonso S, Simo-Jorda R, Laporta-Martın P, Carratala-Calvo A, Alonso-Iglesias E. Vitamin D status is linked to biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial activation in obese children. J Pediatr. 2012;161(5):848-54.].

Studies have shown that polymorphisms of the VDR gene affect the activity of its encoding protein and, consequently, the metabolic effects mediated by vitamin D. The FokI polymorphism has been associated with increased susceptibility to gastric, prostate, liver, and breast cancer [2828 Xu H, Li S, Qiu JQ, Gao XL, Zhang P, Yang YX. The VDR gene FokI polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk. Tumour Biol. 2013;34(6):3309-16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13277-013-0826-8
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13277-013-0826-...

29 Cong L, Wang W, Liu Qi, Du J. FokI polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor ene is associated with susceptibility to gastric cancer: A case-control study. Tohoku J Exp Med. 2015;236(3):219-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1620/tjem.236.219
https://doi.org/10.1620/tjem.236.219...

30 Falleti E, Bitetto D, Fabris C, Cussigh A, Fontanini E, Fornasiere E, et al. Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma in alcoholic cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol. 2010;16(24):3016-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v16.i24.3016
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31 McKay JD, McCullough ML, Ziegler RG, Kraft P, Saltzman BS, Riboli E, et al. Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and breast cancer risk: Results from the National Cancer Institute Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2009;18(1):297-305. http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v16.i24.301610.1158/1055-9965.EPI-08-0539
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-3232 Li H, Stampfer MJ, Hollis JB, Mucci LA, Gaziano JM, Hunter D, et al. A prospective study of plasma vitamin D metabolites, vitamin D receptor polymorphisms, and prostate cancer. PLoS Med. 2007;4(3):e103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040103
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.004...
]. It has also been associated with bone mass and the components of metabolic syndrome [3333 Falchetti A, Sferrazza C, Cepollaro C, Gozzini A, Del Monte F, Masi L, et al. FokI polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene correlates with parameters of bone mass and turnover in a female population of the Italian Island of Lampedusa. Calcif Tissue Int. 2007;80(1):15-20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00223-005-0295-1
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-005-0295-...
,1414 MacKawy AMH, Badawi MEH. Association of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome components in type 2 diabetic Egyptian patients. Meta Gene. 2014;2:540-56.].

Bhanushali et al. [3434 Bhanushali A, Lajpal N, Kulkarni S, Chavan S, Bagadi S, Das B. Frequency of fokI and taqI polymorphism of vitamin D receptor gene in Indian population and its association with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Indian J Hum Genet. 2009;15(3):108-13.] have found a correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels (p<0.05) and TaqI but not with FokI (p>0.05) in healthy individuals in India.

On the other hand, in contrast to the results of a previous study mentioned above, Mackawy & Badawi [1414 MacKawy AMH, Badawi MEH. Association of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome components in type 2 diabetic Egyptian patients. Meta Gene. 2014;2:540-56.] have investigated the role of vitamin D in chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in Egyptians with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and those with or without Metabolic Syndrome (METS). Moreover, they have found out that FokI polymorphism is associated with serum 25(OH)D levels in individuals with T2DM and those with or without SM.

Previous studies on the association between the VDR FokI polymorphism and inflammatory conditions in individuals have not been carried out. However, in the present study, results showed an increased prevalence of inflammatory diseases in individuals with the FokI polymorphism, as reflected in the increase in total leukocyte count.

Moreover, only one polymorphism of the VDR gene was analyzed. Thus, other studies must be conducted to investigate the influence of other polymorphisms on the hematological profile and the metabolism of 25(OH)D in this population. In addition, as this is a cross-sectional study, a causal relationship between FokI polymorphism and total leukocyte count or serum 25(OH)D levels and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and total leukocyte count cannot be established.

Although this study provided relevant data, it has some limitations. First, its sample size was reduced. Nevertheless, this study first evaluated the proposed associations, suggesting that it is reproducible in samples with larger sample sizes of patients with CF.

CONCLUSION

Results showed that vitamin D plays a role in regulating the immune response. In the present study, 25-(OH)D insufficiency was associated with hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and total leukocyte count in individuals with CF. In addition, an association was observed between the FokI polymorphism and total leukocyte count.

CONTRIBUTORS

MLC ASSIS: Conception and design of the study, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data, drafting of the article; CGB CARTAXO: Conception and design of the study, analysis and interpretation of data, drafting of the article, review and approval of the final version of the article for submission; MJC COSTA: Conception and design of the study, analysis and interpretation of data, drafting of the article, review and approval of the final version of the article for submission; DJM QUEIROZ: Data acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data, review and approval of the final version of the article for submission; DC PERSUHN: Conception and design of the study, analysis and interpretation of data, drafting of the article, review and approval of the final version of the article for submission; MCR GONÇALVES: Conception and design of the study, analysis andinterpretation of data, drafting of the article, review and approval of the final version of the article for submission.

  • Article based on the master thesis of MLC ASSIS, entitled "Prevalência do Polimorfismo FOKI do Gene VDR em Pacientes Portadores de Fibrose Cística: Associação com Valores Hematológicos e 25-Hidroxivitamina D". Universidade Federal da Paraíba; 2017.

Como citar este artigo/How to cite this article

  • Assis MLC, Cartaxo CGB, Costa MJC, Queiroz DJM, Persuhn DC, Gonçalves MCR. Association between hematological profile and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and FokI polymorphism in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Rev Nutr. 2018;31(2):211-20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1678-98652018000200007

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Mar-Apr 2018

History

  • Received
    25 July 2017
  • Reviewed
    22 Jan 2018
  • Accepted
    06 Mar 2018
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