• Hytinantti, Timo
• Holmlund-Suila, Elisa
• Enlund-Cerullo, Maria
• Valkama, Saara
• Mäkitie, Outi
• Sorsa, Timo
• Tervahartiala, Taina
• Hauta-Alus, Helena
• Andersson, Sture
• Rosendahl, Jenni
• Viljakainen, Heli
• Helve, Otto Matias

Abstract

<p>BACKGROUND:Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator and may play a role in the development of the fetal innate immune functions. The aim of our study was to evaluate inflammatory markers in cord blood of healthy newborns in relation to vitamin D status at birth.</p><p>METHODS: We studied the concentrations of inflammatory markers, matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) and high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in cord blood of 939 healthy term infants born to mothers of Caucasian origin. We evaluated perinatal factors that affect the concentrations of MMP-8 and hs-CRP, and further explored associations between cord blood 25(OH)D and these inflammatory biomarkers.</p><p>RESULTS: Majority (99%) of the cohort was vitamin D sufficient (&gt; 50 nmol/l or 20 ng/ml). We observed a positive correlation between cord blood 25(OH)D and MMP-8 concentrations, and between 25(OH)D and hs-CRP concentrations. After adjustment for potential confounders (parity, antenatal antibiotic treatment, gestational age, mode of delivery, and maternal prepregnancy BMI), the association of 25(OH)D with MMP-8 and hs-CRP remained significant.</p><p>CONCLUSION: Cord blood 25(OH)D correlates with inflammatory markers MMP-8 and hs-CRP. The findings may reflect the diverse immunomodulatory functions of vitamin D in the innate immune response of the newborn.</p>

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy