The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62989

Barbara L. Greenberg, MSc, PhD¹, Jennie Lou, MD, MSc², and Rob Farrar-Koch². (1) Nova Southeastern University, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, 561-352-3174, blgreenberg@adelphia.net, (2) Master of Public Health Program, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S. University Dr. HPD 1578, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), affects over 2.5 million people. Limited data suggest a role for micronutrients and MS. Defective CNS myelin production and maintenance characterize MS pathophysiology and clinical manifestation. Evidence suggests that cell-mediated autoimmunity is important in disease pathogenesis, specifically cytokine production. Experimental data suggest the active form of vitamin D can prevent or suppress MS progression, by impacting on cytokine production. MS patients may be genetically predisposed to developing abnormal vitamin D metabolism. Vitamin D must first be metabolized in the liver to 25-hydroxy D3 and then in the kidney to the final active, hormonal form 1,25-dihydorxy D3. There are no reported data on vitamin D profiles in the MS population. Methods: 60 adult MS patients and 40 adult non-MS controls are eligible. Dietary intake is based on the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and laboratory serum vitamin D metabolites are assayed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: To date, serum vitamin D results are available for 5 cases and 8 controls. FFQ data are not yet available. For cases and controls the mean level of 1,25 dihydroxy D, the final active form, was 44 versus 66.5 pg/ml respectively and for 25 hydroxy D, the major liver metabolite, 41 and 34.5 ng/l respectively. Discussion: Compared to the controls, MS patients have less active, hormonal vitamin D, the form metabolized in the kidney. These preliminary data support a possible metabolic alteration for vitamin D in the MS populations.

Learning Objectives:

• to recognize the importance of Vitamin D in autoimmune disorder.

Keywords: Nutrition, Vitamins

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.