Endocrine Abstracts

Results of several clinical studies have suggested that there is an excess risk of cardiovascular disease in persons with vitamin D deficiency.

We examined association between serum levels of vitamin D - 25(OH)D and select cardiovascular risk factors in 254 postmenopausal women at a mean age of 55.38±205 years.

Vitamin D levels, lipoproteins, TNF-α, Interleukin 6, adiponectin, insulin (using RIA methods) and glucose were assessed in fasting blood samples of healthy postmenopausal women. Total body fat mass was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

The mean vitamin D level was 24.±11.5 ng/ml. The group with vitamin D level <15 ng/ml vs group with vitamin D level ≥40 ng/ml demonstrated significant elevated percent of total body fat (P<0.033), higher levels of Interleuki n 6 (16.12±5.3 vs 14.03±3.16 pg/ml, P< 0.08) and decrease level of adiponectin (12.93±7.4 vs 15.83±6.8 μg/ml, P<0.036). An inverse correlations between vitamin D and % of total body fat (P<0.0004, r=−0.198, n=254) and interleukin 6 (P<0.017, r=−0.147, n=254) were observed in total group.

Vitamin D deficit is associated with cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.