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Serum C3 epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and its determinants in adults: a national health examination survey in Thais

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Abstract

Summary

A high percentage have detectable C3 epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (3-epi-25(OH)D3) in the population of Thai National Health Examination Survey IV.

Introduction

C3 epimers of vitamin D have recently been shown to contribute significantly to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in an infant population. However, the findings in the general adult population are unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to determine the percentage of the C3 epimer of 25(OH)D (3-epi-25(OH)D) and its determinants in an adult population.

Methods

A subsample of 1148 sera randomly selected from the Thai National Health Examination Survey IV (2009) samples were measured for serum 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D2, and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 by LC-MS/MS method. The relative 3-epimer contribution (%) was used to express the amount of 3-epimer-25(OH)D3 as a percentage of total 25(OH)D3 (the sum of 25(OH)D3, and 3-epi-25(OH)D3).

Results

A high proportion of subjects had detectable 3-epi-25(OH)D3 that was <10 % of the total 25(OH)D levels. Since the level of total 25(OH)D2 is low, only a minority of subjects had detectable 3-epi-25(OH)D2. Multivariate analysis suggested that age, male gender, and rural residence were independently related to the 3-epi-25(OH)D3/total 25(OH)D3 ratio.

Conclusions

A high percentage of Thai adults had detectable 3-epi-25(OH)D3 that was <10 % of the total 25(OH)D levels. Age, gender, and living in a rural area were associated with the relative amount of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 to total 25(OH)D3.

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Acknowledgments

The 4th Thai National Health Examination Survey (NHES-IV) was conducted by the National Health Examination Survey Office, Health Systems Research Institute, Thailand. The NHES-IV study group includes the following: National Health Examination Survey Office: Wichai Aekplakorn, Rungkarn Inthawong, Jiraluck Nonthaluck, Supornsak Tipsukum, and Yawarat Porrapakkham; Northern region: Suwat Chariyalertsak, Kanittha Thaikla (Chiang Mai University), Wongsa Laohasiriwong, Wanlop Jaidee, Sutthinan Srathonghon, Ratana Phanphanit, Jiraporn Suwanteerangkul, and Kriangkai Srithanaviboonchai; Northeastern region: Pattapong Kessomboon, Somdej Pinitsoontorn, Piyathida Kuhirunyaratn, Sauwanan Bumrerraj, Amornrat Rattanasiri, Suchad Paileeklee, Bangornsri Jindawong, Napaporn Krusun, and Weerapong Seeupalat (Khon Kaen University); Southern region: Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, Rassamee Sangthong, and Mafausis Dueravee (Prince of Songkla University); Central region: Surasak Taneepanichskul, Somrat Lertmaharit, Vilai Chinveschakitvanich, Onuma Zongram, Nuchanad Hounnaklang, and Sukarin Wimuktayon (Chulalongkorn University); and Bangkok region: Panwadee Putwatana, Chalermsri Nuntawan, and Karn Chaladthanyagid (Mahidol University). The Thai National Health Examination Survey IV was supported by: the Health Systems Research Institute; Bureau of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health; Thai Health Promotion Foundation; and the National Health Security Office, Thailand. We thank Professor Dr. Amnuay Thithapandha for his help in editing the manuscript. This study was supported by the National Science and Technology Development Agency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    L. Chailurkit & B. Ongphiphadhanakul

  2. Department of Community Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    W. Aekplakorn

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  1. L. Chailurkit
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  2. W. Aekplakorn
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  3. B. Ongphiphadhanakul
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Correspondence to L. Chailurkit.

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Chailurkit, L., Aekplakorn, W. & Ongphiphadhanakul, B. Serum C3 epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and its determinants in adults: a national health examination survey in Thais. Osteoporos Int 26, 2339–2344 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-015-3125-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-015-3125-y

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