Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and IgE - a significant but nonlinear relationship

Allergy. 2009 Apr;64(4):613-620. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01865.x.

Abstract

Background: Hormonal vitamin D system affects the determination of T-cell responses. It is unknown if there is an association between vitamin D status and allergic conditions. Our aim was to investigate differences in serum IgE concentrations by vitamin D status [measured by 25(OH)D] and by a genetic variation in a key vitamin D activation enzyme (CYP27B1) previously shown to be associated with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: 9377 participants in the 1958 British birth cohort completed a biomedical assessment at 45 years of age ; 7288 eligible participants had data on 25(OH)D and IgE, with 6429 having further information on CYP27B1 genotype ()1260C>A).

Results: There was a nonlinear association between 25(OH)D and IgE (P-value for curvature = 0.0001). Compared with the reference group with the lowest IgE concentrations [25(OH)D 100-125 nmol/l], IgE concentrations were 29% higher (95% CI 9-48%) for participants with the 25(OH)D <25 nmol/l, and 56% higher (95% CI 17-95%) for participants with 25(OH)D >135 nmol/l (adjusted for sex, month, smoking, alcohol consumption, time spent outside, geographical location, social class, PC/TV time, physical activity, body mass index and waist circumference). CYP27B1 genotype was associated with both 25(OH)D (difference for A vs. C allele: 1.88%, 95% CI 0.37-3.4%, P = 0.01) and IgE concentrations ()6.59%, )11.6% to )1.42%, P = 0.01).

Conclusions: These data suggest that there may be a threshold effect with both low and high 25(OH)D levels associated with elevated IgE concentrations. The same CYP27B1 allele that is protective of diabetes was associated with increased IgE concentrations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase / genetics
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / blood

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D
  • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase