Vitamin D reduces stroke mortalityCombined 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and physical activity on mortality in US stroke survivors: findings from the NHANES.
We carefully assessed how vitamin D levels and physical activity influence mortality among individuals who have survived a stroke. Analyzing data from 677 stroke survivors from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey over several years, we examined both the individual and combined effects of vitamin D and physical activity on overall mortality risk.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, as well as from non-major adverse cardiovascular events (non-MACE). More specifically, individuals with high levels of vitamin D had significantly lower mortality rates compared to those with low levels. Moreover, being physically active showed similar protective effects against these mortality risks.
When we looked at individuals with both high 25(OH)D levels and who engaged in physical activities, they demonstrated the lowest risk of all-cause mortality and non-MACE events. This suggests a synergistic effect between vitamin D and physical activity that could improve longevity in stroke survivors. These insights may help shape future strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Read More
Vitamin D enhances stroke recoveryVitamin D ameliorates memory function in association with reducing senescence and upregulating neurotrophin mRNA expression in transient global cerebral ischemic injury model in rats.
In a controlled study involving rats, we explored the impact of vitamin D on memory function after a stroke-inducing procedure called bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. This method mimics the effects of transient global cerebral ischemia, a condition where the brain suffers from reduced blood flow.
The rats were divided into four groups: one group did not receive any vitamin D, while the other groups were given varying doses of the vitamin over a period of ten days. We tested their spatial memory using the Morris water maze, which is a commonly used method to assess cognitive function in animals.
Our results revealed that rats treated with vitamin D showed significant improvements in memory function compared to those who did not receive the vitamin. We also found that vitamin D treatment contributed to lower levels of markers associated with aging and senescence, specifically p16 and p21, while enhancing the expression of beneficial nerve growth factor (NGF) in the hippocampus.
Overall, our study suggests that vitamin D not only assists in repairing memory function but also helps mitigate some of the harmful effects related to aging in the context of stroke.
Read More
Vitamin D3 aids stroke recovery1,25-D3 ameliorates ischemic brain injury by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis: Involvement of vitamin D receptor and p53 signaling.
We explored the potential of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, commonly known as Vitamin D3, to alleviate brain injuries caused by stroke. This study utilized a model involving middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion in rats to examine how Vitamin D3 interacts with endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis, two critical processes often triggered by stroke.
Our findings revealed that Vitamin D3 significantly reduced the size of brain tissue damage and improved overall nerve function following ischemic events. We noticed improvements in neuron structure and a decrease in cell death, which was evidenced by various staining techniques used in our analyses.
On a molecular level, Vitamin D3 treatment resulted in increased expression of the Vitamin D receptor, alongside reductions in markers linked to endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis. Notably, when we blocked the receptor with a specific antagonist, the protective effects of Vitamin D3 were partially diminished.
Thus, we can conclude that Vitamin D3 may assist in protecting the brain from stroke-related injuries by modulating stress responses and reducing cell death. Overall, this study underscores the promise of Vitamin D3 in addressing the damaging effects of ischemic stroke.
Read More
Vitamin D3 protects neurons from strokeVitamin D alleviates neuronal injury in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion via enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway to counteract NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis.
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin D3 (specifically, 1,25-vitamin D3) for protecting the brain during events such as strokes caused by impaired blood flow, known as cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). In this study, rats received vitamin D3 supplementation for a week before undergoing a procedure that mimicked a stroke. The results were striking; those treated with vitamin D3 showed significant improvements in neurological function, with reduced areas of brain damage and more surviving neurons.
We also tested the effects of vitamin D3 on rat cortical neurons in a laboratory setting, specifically observing its influence on cell survival during oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (a model for stroke). The vitamin D3 treatment not only improved cell viability but also appeared to reduce cell death and inflammation. Our analyses revealed that vitamin D3 boosts important protective proteins in the brain, which help combat oxidative stress and inhibit pathways linked to inflammatory cell death.
Overall, our findings strongly suggest that vitamin D3 could be a valuable resource in stroke management by protecting neurons through its antioxidant actions and reduction of harmful inflammation.
Read More
Vitamin D3 aids stroke recovery1,25-D3 attenuates cerebral ischemia injury by regulating mitochondrial metabolism the AMPK/AKT/GSK3β pathway.
We investigated the impact of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, commonly known as vitamin D3, on stroke recovery, particularly focusing on its effects on brain function after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Using a model called middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), we aimed to understand how vitamin D3 influences mitochondrial health and signaling pathways crucial for brain recovery.
Our findings revealed that vitamin D3 effectively reduced the size of brain damage and improved neurological function in rats. We noted significant changes in various metrics, including a decrease in markers associated with cell death. Specifically, vitamin D3 activated important signaling pathways—AMPK, AKT, and GSK-3β—essential for promoting brain health post-stroke.
Furthermore, vitamin D3 enhanced the expression of factors that support blood vessel growth and decrease oxidative stress, both vital for neuronal protection. Some blocking effects of pyridoxal-5-phosphate suggested that vitamin D3 acts through specific receptors to achieve these protective benefits. This research highlights vitamin D3 as a promising treatment direction for stroke rehabilitation by regulating mitochondrial metabolism and promoting neuronal survival.
Read More