Role of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 pathway in chronic urticaria: Findings from a hospital-based case-control study

Background

Previous research has linked dysregulation of the vitamin D pathway to skin diseases. In this study, we sought to explore the genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), alongside the estimation of serum vitamin D and VDBP levels in Chronic Urticaria (CU) patients.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from all participants (n = 200) to assess serum vitamin D, VDBP, and total IgE levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, DNA was extracted from the blood samples for analysis of VDR (rs1544410, rs2228570) and VDBP (rs7041) polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

Results

CU patients exhibited elevated levels of total IgE (208.29 ± 151.293 vs. 125.91 ± 73.13 IU/ml) and VDBP (570.59 ± 158.74 vs. 314.408 ± 140.31 μg/ml) (p-value < 0.0001), as compared to controls. Further, such patients also showed lower vitamin D levels (14.57 ± 8.71 vs. 20.022 ± 8.9 ng/ml, p-value < 0.0001). Additionally, we observed that the ‘G’ and ‘C’ alleles of VDBP rs7041 and VDR rs2228570, respectively, might be a potential risk factor for the progression of CU.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the potential involvement of VDR and VDBP genetic variants in the pathogenesis of Chronic Urticaria (CU). While no significant associations were observed between these genetic variants and serum levels of vitamin D or VDBP, the identified genetic variations may play a role in increasing CU susceptibility within the Kashmiri population. Further research, including Mendelian randomization studies, is required to confirm any causal relationships.