Vitamin D levels associated with enhanced immune response against hepatitis B virus: Study

A recent study by Catharina Gerhards and colleagues looked in depth into the intricate relationship between vitamin D levels and immune response in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The key findings of this study were published in the recent edition of Nutrition journal.

This study was conducted from January 1, 2013 to February 1, 2023 and highlighted on how vitamin D influences the innate and adaptive immune parameters which are crucial for managing these viral infections. The findings of the study offer critical insights into the immune dynamics of CHB and CHC patients. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers, complements and T lymphocyte subsets were analyzed from laboratory data including serum vitamin D levels that uncovered compelling evidence.

Among the key findings, this study observed a significant reduction in the percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in both CHB and CHC patients when compared to the control group. The percentage of CD8+ cells showed an increase in this patient group. Also, a substantial decrease in vitamin D levels was observed specifically in CHB patients.

Further analysis revealed a notable correlation between vitamin D levels and various immune parameters. In CHB patients, vitamin D deficiency expressed a moderate negative influence on CD8 cell count and was associated with decreased antibody production. The positive ratio of HBV DNA and HBsAg decreased with increasing serum vitamin D levels.