Cholecalciferol plus calcium suppresses abnormal PBMC reactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Context

The active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D], is a potent modulator of immune cells in vitro.

Objective

Our objective was to determine whether the sun-dependent nutrient, cholecalciferol, can alter disease-associated cellular immune abnormalities in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design

This was an open-label, 12-month, randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Patients with MS were recruited from the MS Clinic at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto.

Patients

Forty-nine patients were matched (for age, sex, disease duration, disease-modifying drug, and disability) and enrolled (treated n = 25; control n = 24). Four patients were lost to follow-up (n = 2 from each group).

Intervention

Treated patients received in

SUBMITTER: Kimball S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3417163 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature