Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism (VDR) with vitamin D deficiency, metabolic and inflammatory markers in Egyptian obese women

Vitamin D deficiency might contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and could cause immune disturbance. The aim of this study is to analyze the associations between Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in Egyptian obese women. The study included 201 obese women with vitamin D deficiency and 249 obese matched age healthy controls with sufficient vitamin D levels. Their age ranged between 25 and 35 years. Inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) and serum 25(OH) D were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin resistance (IR) was determined by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms of FokI, ApaI, and TaqI were studied by PCR using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Obese women with vitamin D deficiency had significant higher values of inflammatory and metabolic parameters compared to controls. Multivariable-logistic regression showed associations between 25(OH) D deficiency and metabolic components when comparing cases with controls. Moreover, cases carrying polymorphic alleles showed significant lower levels of serum 25(OH) D and higher HOMA-IR, blood pressure levels and lipid parameters compared to those with the wild type homozygote in obese cases with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency in Egyptian obese women with vitamin D deficiency is associated with abnormal metabolic components and abnormal inflammatory biomarkers. Moreover, VDR polymorphisms play important role in immune and inflammation status.