Vitamin D reserve is higher in women with endometriosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: An immune-mediated defect in recognition and elimination of endometrial fragments refluxed in the peritoneal cavity has been hypothesized to play a crucial role in endometriosis development. Since vitamin D is an effective modulator of the immune system, we have hypothesized that the vitamin D status may have a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. METHODS: Women of reproductive age selected for surgery for gynecological indications were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D 3 , 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D 3 and Ca 21 were assessed. RESULTS: Eighty-seven women with endometriosis and 53 controls were recruited. Mean (+ + + + + SD) levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D 3 in women with and without endometriosis were 24.9 + + + + + 14.8 ng/ml and 20.4 + + + + + 11.8, respectively (P 5 0.05). The Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) for endometriosis in patients with levels exceeding the 75th percentile of the serum distribution of the molecule (28.2 ng/ml) was 4.8 (1.7-13.5). A positive gradient according to the severity of the disease was also documented. A trend towards higher levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D 3 and Ca 21 was observed in women with endometriosis, but differences did not reach statistical significance. As expected, serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D 3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D 3, but not Ca 21 , are influenced by the season (P < 0.001, P 5 0.004, P 5 0.57, respectively), while levels of the three molecules did not vary according to the phase of the menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Endometriosis is associated with higher serum levels of vitamin D.

Highly prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Brazilian women of reproductive age

“…(33), but conflict with Somigliana and cols. 's findings that women with endometriosis had higher 25(OH)D concentrations, and that the severity of the endometriosis was associated with the 25(OH)D concentrations (34). Moreover, another study found high concentrations of 1,25(OH) D in women with endometriosis, although there was no significant difference when their concentrations were compared to 25(OH)D concentrations in women without endometriosis (35).…”

Value of follicular fluid vitamin D in predicting the pregnancy rate in an IVF program

“…Levels of the vitamin were reported to be increased in endometriosis [8]. The relationship between vitamin D and steroidogenesis was affected by calcium homeostasis and the direct regulation of the expression of the aromatase gene [9].…”

Diet and Risk of Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study

“…A study on the effects of vitamin D and calcium intake on endometriosis by Somigliana et al (2007) indicated that endometriosis is associated with high vitamin D intake (14).…”