Low vitamin D status is associated with low cord blood levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin‐10

Abstract

The cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays a pivotal regulatory role in tolerizing exogenous antigens. Experimental data indicate that low cellular availability of the vitamin D hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] results in a down-regulation of IL-10 concentrations. The tissue production of an adequate amount of 1,25(OH)2D depends on a high circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level. The present study was thus aimed at evaluating the associations between season of birth, vitamin D status, and the allergy risk markers IL-10 and total immunoglobulin (IgE) in newborns. Cord blood was obtained from 49 infants born during the summer half year (mid-April to mid-October, geographic latitude 51 degrees N) and from 47 infants born during the winter half year (mid-October to mid-April, geographic latitude of 51 degrees N). Serum levels of 25-OHD were 99% higher, and IL-10 levels were 43% higher in the summer half year compared with the winter half year (p < 0.001 and p = 0.018). Moreover, the ratio of IL-10 to total IgE was 124% higher in the summer half year compared with the winter half year (p = 0.039). Serum levels of 25-OHD were correlated with IL-10 levels (r = +0.22; p < 0.05). Mothers' age, gestational ages, birth weights and serum 1,25(OH)2D levels did not differ between study groups. We conclude that the low vitamin D status of infants born in winter may at least in part adversely affect biomarkers of allergy risk.

1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 promotes IL‐10 production in human B cells

“…At the molecular level, a link between vitamin D and IL-10 is evident. Human serum levels of pro-vitamin D correlate with those of IL-10 [13] and intact IL-10 signaling is essential for the vitamin D-mediated protection in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis [43].…”

“…Nutritional supplementation with the calcitriol precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 , leads to increased serum IL-10 levels in vivo [12]. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 in cord blood correlate to IL-10 levels and inversely to total IgE titers [13].…”

Association Between Low Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Depression in a Large Sample of Healthy Adults: The Cooper Center Longitudinal Study

“…13,14 Inflammation caused by increased cytokines can affect glial cell functions and damage neurons. 15 Finally, 2 longitudinal studies have shown that vitamin D status at baseline is associated with the development of depression over time, suggesting that low vitamin D levels may predict the development of future depression.…”

“…There is also emerging evidence of neuroprotective roles for vitamin D through antioxidant pathways, enhanced nerve conduction, neurotransmitter targets, neuronal calcium regulation, and effects on inflammation. 6,[10][11][12][13][14][15] Emerging data suggest that elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the brain may be associated with depression. 15 In human studies, an inverse correlation was found between vitamin D status and inflammation markers, and a positive correlation was found with anti-inflammatory cytokines For personal use.…”

“…9 In addition, vitamin D may have an effect on neurotransmitters, inflammatory markers, calcium homeostasis in the brain, and nerve growth factor synthesis. 6,[10][11][12][13][14][15] Vitamin D receptor knockout mice exhibit depression-like behaviors such as poorer performance on swim tests, less activity, and more anxiety than wild-type controls. 16 Thus, these data on animals and humans suggest that vitamin D may have a role in depression.…”