Investigation of vitamin D levels in patients with inactive hepatitis B virus carrier

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate vitamin D levels in inactive hepatitis B virus carriers. Materials and methods: A total of 81 patients with inactive hepatitis B virus carrier state were enrolled at the study. Serum calcium (Ca++), phosphorus (PO4), total protein, albumin, parathormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) were determined. Serum vitamin D concentration was classified as lacking when it was less than 50 nmol/l (20 ng/ml), insufficient when it was 52.5-72.5 nmol/l (21-29 ng/ml), and sufficient when it was more than 75 nmol/l (30-100 ng/ml). Results: The mean 25OHD level was found to be 131.7±50.0 nmol/l. Deficiency and insufficiency was seen in one (1.2 %) and nine (11.1 %) inactive hepatitis B virus carriers, respectively. All the patients have normal serum PTH and albumin levels. Total Ca++ and PO4 were low in ten and eight patients, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin D may cause the stimulation of antiviral immune response and a preventive effect on necroinflammation and liver fibrosis. Therefore, it may affect course of HBV infection. The new studies with larger sample are needed to research the role of vitamin D in the course of chronic HBV infection, liver failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.