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.
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.
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IgG4-RD case report findingsIgG4-RD-Associated Mikulicz Syndrome Without Classic Systemic Involvement-A Case Report.
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.
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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.
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.
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Vitamin D impacts autoimmune treatmentEriocalyxin B ameliorated experimental autoimmune prostatitis via modulation of macrophage polarization through gut microbiota-mediated vitamin D alteration.
We investigated the effects of Vitamin D modulation on autoimmune prostatitis using a mouse model. In this study, we focused on how changes in gut microbiota influence the immune response, specifically looking at how vitamin D can help shift macrophage polarization—key players in the immune system—from a pro-inflammatory state (M1) to a more healing state (M2).
We observed that treatment with Eriocalyxin B (EriB), known for its anti-inflammatory properties, significantly reduced prostate inflammation in these mice. Our findings indicate that EriB not only altered the gut microbiome but also enhanced the absorption of vitamin D, contributing to a shift in macrophage phenotype. This suggests that the immune state of macrophages, altered through gut bacteria and vitamin D levels, plays a crucial role in managing autoimmune prostatitis.
Notably, fecal transplantation from EriB-treated mice resulted in a marked reduction in inflammatory markers and further supported the macrophage polarization effect. This is the first time we connected gut microbiota and vitamin D as pivotal factors in the treatment of autoimmune disorders like chronic prostatitis, highlighting a new therapeutic pathway. Overall, our research emphasizes the importance of vitamin D in modulating autoimmune responses through gut health.
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Combination therapy shows promiseTargeting aryl hydrocarbon receptor functionally restores tolerogenic dendritic cells derived from patients with multiple sclerosis.
We observed a fascinating interplay between vitamin D3 and immune responses in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disorder that leads to significant neurological damage. Our focus was on a type of immune cell called tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs), which help maintain a balance in the immune system. In our study, we used monocytes from both healthy donors and treatment-naive MS patients to assess how these cells behaved under different conditions.
Our findings revealed that tolDCs derived from MS patients had reduced tolerogenic properties when compared to their healthy counterparts. To our surprise, we found that direct activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a key player in immune regulation, could restore the tolerogenic features of MS patient-derived tolDCs. Furthermore, when we combined this approach with a treatment known as dimethyl fumarate (DMF), the results were even more promising.
The combination therapy of DMF and vitamin D3-tolDCs not only improved the tolerogenic effects but also showed better results in an experimental model of MS than using either treatment alone. This suggests that we may have a novel and effective strategy for enhancing immune tolerance in autoimmune diseases like MS.
Overall, our research indicates that vitamin D3, when used alongside DMF, could offer a new pathway for treatment, potentially minimizing the need for broader immunosuppression. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for better management of autoimmune conditions in the future.
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