Regulatory T cell function correlates with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, but not with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone and calcium levels in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Vitamin D is a potent immune modulator in multiple sclerosis (MS), but was primarily identified for its effects on calcium homeostasis. It is uncertain whether these calcaemic functions of vitamin D are critically involved in its immune modulating potential. We earlier reported a correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and regulatory T cell (Treg) function. In the present study, the correlation of serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), and total calcium with Treg number and functionality and the proportions of other T helper cell subsets was assessed in 29 relapsing remitting MS patients. In contrast to serum 25(OH)D levels, serum concentrations of neither 1,25(OH)2D, nor PTH and total calcium correlated significantly with Treg function or Th1/Th2 ratio. None of the parameters correlated with the relative and absolute number of Tregs. Interestingly, the serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D correlated positively with the proportion of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. These results suggest that the serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D, PTH, and total calcium are not critically involved in the correlation between vitamin D status and T cell regulation.