"Role of vitamin D in Egyptian cardiovascular patients with type II diabetes mellitus"

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for almost one-third of all deaths. In Egypt, CVDs account for 40% of all deaths. CVD is a multifactorial disorder influenced by genetics, environmental factors and risk factors. Inflammation plays a key role in the production of atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and lifestyle factors such as nutrition (diet), exercise, smoking, and psychosocial stress are the most significant CVD risk factors.

VitD is essential for a variety of functions besides bone health, such as cardiovascular health. The VDR polymorphism has been proposed as a potential new genetic marker for cardiovascular disease, as the disease has been linked to low VitD levels. Although, several studies in recent years have attempted to elucidate the possible relationship between VitD levels, VDR gene polymorphisms, and CVD, but the findings are still controversial, moreover existence significant differences have been observed between SNPs and the ethnic groups studied, highlighting the need for further research into the proposed triangular relationships between SNPs, VitD, and CVD in different ethnic populations. The objective of this study was to assess and correlate vitamin D level and frequency of the VDR gene polymorphisms (rs2228570 FokI and rs1544410