The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and increased mean platelet volume in renal transplant recipients

Abstract

Vitamin D is a steroidal hormone produced by skin under the impact of sunlight. Vitamin D plays a role in vital events as cellular growth, proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, membrane transport, cellular adhesion, and immune system function. Vitamin D deficiency is claimed to affect mean platelet volume (MPV) by its impact on inflammatory system. In various studies increased MPV has been shown to be related to vascular diseases as venous thromboembolism, hypertension, and coronary artery disease To our knowledge, there is no study about the relation between vitamin D and MPV in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The aim of this study is to determine the relation between vitamin D levels, MPV and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in KTRs. Ninety two out of 150 patients whose vitamin D levels were measured were admitted to our clinic between November-December 2015. Patients’ data were retrospectively gathered. Patients were grouped in two categories according to vitamin D levels: Group I vitamin <20 ng/mL (n:63) and Group II vitamin D >20 ng/mL (n:29). Any correlation between MPV, CVD, and vitamin D was not detected. In our study, 68.5% of the patients had vitamin D deficiency. This incidence was similar to that found in other studies.In correlation analysis any correlation was not determined between vitamin D levels and MPV (rs=0.16, p=0.60). MPV did not correlate with CVD (p=0.19). Although there is great interest in vitamin D and MPV, it is unclear whether vitamin D deficiency causes inflammation and MPV can be used as a marker of vitamin D deficiency in KTRs. When vitamin D replacement is performed, it should be noted that there may be adverse effects due to accumulation of vitamin D, as well as the positive effects expected from this treatment. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to address the relationship between vitamin D deficiency, MPV and CVD. © 2017, Logos Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.