Low vitamin D levels are frequently observed in autoimmune diseases and may play a role in their pathogenesis. Anti-vitamin D antibodies, which could contribute to these deficiencies, were reviewed in a study analyzing 345 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma (SSc), primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (pAPS), and pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Vitamin D deficiency was present in 57.1% to 82.1% of patients, with serum levels ranging from 11.71 ± 7.21 to 28.4 ± 9.6 ng/mL. The prevalence of anti-vitamin D antibodies varied significantly, with rates of 87% in SSc, 11% in PV, 4% to 6.1% in SLE, and 3.5% in pAPS. Notable associations were found between these antibodies and disease markers, including anti-dsDNA antibodies in SLE and a direct link to SSc.
These findings suggest that anti-vitamin D antibodies may be involved in autoimmune disease mechanisms and progression. Their association with specific conditions and markers highlights their potential role in pathogenesis, reinforcing the importance of further investigation into their impact on vitamin D metabolism and autoimmune processes.
Reference: de Carvalho JF, Skare TL, Martinez ATA, et al. Anti-vitamin D antibodies. Autoimmun Rev. 2024 Dec 7;24(2):103718. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103718. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39653259.
