Abstract
Aim: Allergic disorders constitute a major health problem in the modern world. Hypersensitivity to various allergens mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) forms the pathologic basis of allergies. The emerging role of vitamin D in immunity makes it a potential preventative and therapeutic agent against allergies. The present study explored the link between serum vitamin D and IgE levels in local patients with known allergies.
Material and Methods: Eighty subjects were recruited for this cross-sectional study and segregated into Group 1 (non-allergic control subjects, n=41)) and Group 2 (allergic subjects, n=39). Complete blood count (CBC), serum IgE and serum vitamin D with its associated biochemical markers, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphate were determined for comparison between the two groups. Basic demographic data, medical history and sun exposure duration were also recorded.
Results: IgE levels (Group 1, 87.13 IU/L +/- 57.66 vs. Group 2, 1542.54 IU/L +/- 1239.79; p=0.000) and eosinophil count (Group 1, 2.80% +/- 1.83 vs. Group 2, 4.61% +/- 4.19; p=0.014) were significantly higher in patients with allergies. No difference was observed between the groups in serum vitamin D levels and other mark- ers. In patients with allergies, serum vitamin D was inversely related to serum IgE (r=-0.374, p= 0.019).
Discussion: High serum vitamin D is associated with low IgE levels in patients suffering from allergic conditions, suggesting a potential interplay between aller- gic mechanisms and vitamin D. Further studies are warranted to clarify the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and clinical management of allergic disorders.