Vitamin D3 aids autoimmune thyroiditisSupplementation with active vitamin D3 ameliorates experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in mice by modulating the differentiation and functionality of intrathyroidal T-cell subsets.
Highly relevant to autoimmune research
We observed that vitamin D3 supplementation may play a significant role in managing autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition often marked by thyroid inflammation. In this study, researchers induced autoimmune thyroiditis in female mice and administered vitamin D3 to evaluate its effects on the disease.
After eight weeks of treatment, the results showed a notable reduction in thyroid damage and lower levels of thyroid autoantibodies in the mice receiving vitamin D3. Specifically, the vitamin appeared to inhibit the activity of certain inflammatory immune cells, which are typically elevated in autoimmune conditions. At the same time, it seemed to support the activity of regulatory immune cells that help keep inflammation in check.
This study highlights the potential of vitamin D3 as a therapeutic option to mitigate the effects of autoimmune thyroiditis, suggesting that it could help balance the immune response in affected individuals. As researchers continue to delve into the role of vitamin D in autoimmune disorders, findings like these support the notion that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels might be crucial for immune health.
Read More
Vitamin D3 mitigates autoimmune thyroiditisSupplementation with active vitamin D3 ameliorates experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in mice by modulating the differentiation and functionality of intrathyroidal T-cell subsets.
High relevance to thyroiditis treatment
Our research aimed to understand how vitamin D3 affects autoimmune thyroiditis, particularly in the context of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is characterized by low levels of vitamin D3 in patients. We induced a model of autoimmune thyroiditis in female mice and treated them with vitamin D3 to see if it could alleviate the symptoms of this condition.
After 8 weeks of treatment, we observed that vitamin D3 significantly improved the condition of the thyroid in these mice. The inflammation that commonly accompanies autoimmune thyroiditis decreased, and levels of thyroid autoantibodies, which indicate the severity of the disorder, also dropped. Notably, the application of vitamin D3 inhibited the activity of harmful immune cells while promoting the function of protective cells, providing a better balance in the immune response.
Overall, our findings suggest that vitamin D3 supplementation could be a promising strategy to manage autoimmune thyroiditis by restoring immune balance and reducing inflammation. This not only enhances our understanding of the disease but also opens up potential avenues for treatment in humans facing similar issues with autoimmune disorders.
Read More
IgG4-RD case report findingsIgG4-RD-Associated Mikulicz Syndrome Without Classic Systemic Involvement-A Case Report.
Vitamin D3 used with corticosteroids
We explored an intriguing instance of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) manifesting as Mikulicz syndrome in an 85-year-old male patient. This condition usually involves significant systemic symptoms, yet our patient exhibited primarily local manifestations, specifically bilateral dacryoadenitis and orbital pseudotumor, without major organ complications.
Interestingly, despite normal serum IgG4 levels, which were below 135 mg/dL, the clinical and imaging findings strongly suggested the diagnosis of IgG4-RD. This scenario underscores the importance of undertaking a biopsy for accurate diagnosis. Histopathological examination revealed notable signs, such as a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and storiform fibrosis, with a considerable percentage of IgG4-positive cells, ultimately confirming our diagnosis.
We observed that treatment with prednisone, alongside azathioprine for long-term control, was effective. To mitigate the risk of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, we added calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation. Remarkably, the patient showed significant clinical improvement within just 24 hours, with resolution of orbital and glandular symptoms over the following year. There was a complete recovery of vision and no relapses, with only minor dry eye as a long-term concern.
This case demonstrates the necessity of considering IgG4-RD even when serum IgG4 levels are normal and highlights the role of histopathology in diagnosis. Furthermore, it showcases the effectiveness of corticosteroids as a first-line treatment in managing this condition.
Read More
Calcitriol improves immune regulationCalcitriol Treated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulated Immune Response in Collagen-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in BALB/c Mice.
Study relevant to autoimmune therapy.
We examined the effects of calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D3, on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a model of rheumatoid arthritis. To do this, we induced arthritis in BALB/c mice and divided them into three groups: those without treatment, those treated with untreated MSCs, and those treated with calcitriol-exposed MSCs.
After conducting our experiments, we found that MSCs treated with calcitriol demonstrated improved regulatory functions and inhibited inflammatory responses more effectively than untreated MSCs. Specifically, we observed differences in the behavior of immune cells, with calcitriol-treated cells showing reduced levels of certain inflammatory cytokines, like INF-γ and IL-17, while increasing beneficial cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β.
These findings suggest that vitamin D3 may play an important role in moderating the immune response in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, potentially offering a pathway for more effective treatment options.
Read More
Vitamin D3 aids immune balance1,25(OH)D-treated mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells alleviate autoimmune hepatitis in mice by improving TFR/TFH imbalance.
Directly investigates vitamin D3 effects
We aimed to understand how vitamin D3, specifically its active form 1,25(OH)D, affects autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), a complex autoimmune disease that causes liver damage. Researchers focused on the role of a special type of immune cell known as dendritic cells (DCs), which are influenced by vitamin D3 to promote a more balanced immune response.
Through our investigation using a mouse model, we observed that injecting these vitamin D3-modulated dendritic cells, which overexpress a molecule called PD-L1, significantly lessened liver injury and severity of autoimmune hepatitis. This treatment appeared to correct the imbalance between two types of T cells: regulatory T cells (TFR) and follicular helper T cells (TFH).
By increasing the TFR population and restoring their balance with TFH cells, vitamin D3 treatment helped regulate this immune response. Additionally, the infusion boosted the production of anti-inflammatory substances while decreasing those linked to inflammation, suggesting a potential new avenue for treating autoimmune hepatitis. Overall, these findings indicate that vitamin D3-modulated dendritic cells could be a promising strategy for managing autoimmune conditions like AIH.
Read More