Abstract

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a microvascular diabetic complications that leads to renal failure worldwide. However, vitamin D is essential to maintain health of vascular system.

Objective: The target of this study was to measure the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D, systemic inflammation and endothelial function biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Material and Methods: Two hundred Saudi obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (114 males and 86 females), their body mass index (BMI) was 31-35Kg/m2and the chronicity of diabetes was 11.87±2.95 year enrolled in the present study. Smokers and patients with renal insufficiency, congestive heart failure, pregnancy, respiratory failure and hepatitis were excluded. Participants were enrolled into three equal groups: group (A) 25-OHD<20ng/ml (deficiency of vitamin D), group (B): 25-OHD=20-30 ng/ml (insufficiency of vitamin D) and group(C) 25-OHD >30ng/ml (normal vitamin D). Consent from was signed by participants.

Results: Mean values of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP were significantly greater in group(A) compared to group(B) and group(C). However, vitamin D showed a strong inverse relationship with these parameters in the three groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Level of vitamin D closely related to systemic inflammation and endothelial function biomarkers in Saudi patients with diabetic nephropathy

Keywords: Inflammatory cytokines;Diabetic nephropathy; Endothelial dysfunction; Vitamin D