Vitamin D levels correlate with Metabolic Syndrome Criteria in Algerian Patients: The Ex-vivo Immuomodulatory Effect of alpha, 25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of metabolic disorders with increased risks for several diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It is associated with the presence of various inflammatory molecules. Vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism homeostasis. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this work is to investigate vitamin D levels among Algerian MetS patients and its possible outcomes on key molecules of the immune response, as well, the immunemodulatory effects of its active metabolite. METHODS: In this context, we evaluated the vitamin D status by electrochemiluminescence method, Nitric Oxide (NO) levels by the Griess method and extracellular. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) activities such as MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography in plasma of patients and healthy controls (HC). The immunmodulatory effects of the active metabolite of vitamin D (alpha-25 (OH)2D3) on the production of NO, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-beta and s-CTLA-4 was assessed by Griess method and ELISA, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of Algerian MetS patients and HC. MMPs activities were also determinated ex-vivo, while iNOS expression was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Severe vitamin D deficiency was registered in Algerian MetS patients, the deficiency was found to be associated with an elevated in vivo NO production and high MMPs activity. Interestingly,on alpha-25 (OH)2D3 declined the NO/iNOS system and IL-6 production, as well as MMPs activities. However, the ex-vivo production of IL-10, TGF-beta increased in response to the treatment. We observed in the same way, the implication of s-CTLA-4 in MetS, which was markedly up regulated with alpha-25 (OH)2D3. CONCLUSION: Our report indicated the relationship between MetS factors and Vitamin D deficiency. The ex-vivo findings emphasize its impact on maintaining regulated immune balance.