Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in Systemic Inflammatory Markers Across Chronic Endocrine Diseases

Authors

  • Abdul Ghafoor Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan. Author
  • Aiman Javed District Headquarter Hospital, Bahawalnagar, Pakistan. Author
  • Muhammad Hussain University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/ppkpr715

Keywords:

C-reactive protein, Endocrine System Diseases, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Hypothyroidism, , Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Vitamin D

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroid that plays an essential role in calcium homeostasis and skeletal health. Recent findings have also linked vitamin D to immune modulation and inflammatory regulation in endocrine dysfunctions. Chronic endocrine disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and hypothyroidism often exhibit persistent low-grade systemic inflammation, which may be exacerbated by vitamin D deficiency.

Objective: To assess the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and systemic inflammatory markers in patients diagnosed with T2DM, PCOS, and hypothyroidism.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare center between January and June 2024, including 120 patients aged 25–50 years with a clinical diagnosis of T2DM, PCOS, or hypothyroidism. Participants were categorized into three groups based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels: deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), and sufficient (>30 ng/mL). Inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA for group comparisons and Pearson correlation to assess associations, with p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: CRP (12.5 ± 5.4 vs. 5.6 ± 2.3 mg/L; p = 0.01), ESR (40.5 ± 17.6 vs. 27.6 ± 10.1 mm/h; p = 0.03), and NLR (4.1 ± 1.4 vs. 2.9 ± 1.0; p = 0.02) were significantly higher in vitamin D-deficient patients compared to those with sufficient levels. Strong negative correlations were noted between 25(OH)D and CRP (r = –0.46, p < 0.01), ESR (r = –0.40, p = 0.01), and NLR (r = –0.41, p = 0.01), particularly in PCOS patients where NLR had the strongest inverse correlation (r = –0.41, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with elevated systemic inflammatory markers across T2DM, PCOS, and hypothyroidism. Routine screening and correction of vitamin D status may aid in mitigating inflammation in these endocrine disorders.

 

Author Biographies

  • Abdul Ghafoor, Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan.

    Department of Medicine, Bolan Medical College, Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan.

  • Aiman Javed, District Headquarter Hospital, Bahawalnagar, Pakistan.

    Department of Gynaecology/Nursing, District Headquarter Hospital, Bahawalnagar, Pakistan.

  • Muhammad Hussain, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

    School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

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Published

2025-05-21