VDR, SOD-2, and CYP24A1 Gene Expression in Different Genotypes of BsmI SNP of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene in Individuals with Hypovitaminosis.

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem due to its implications for various diseases. Vitamin D has numerous functions, such as modulating the metabolism of cellular tissues, and it is expressed through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene that may influence gene expression modulation, which plays an important role in vitamin D metabolism.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the genotypes of BsmI single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the VDR gene on VDR, SOD2, and CYP24A1 gene expression in individuals with low serum vitamin D levels.

Black skin color but not VDR gene represent a risk factor for low serum levels of vitamin D in self-declared black individuals.

Background: The absorption of vitamin D occurs via two main pathways: first, through the biosynthesis in the skin under the exposure of UV from sunlight; and second, through the intake of certain foods. However, its levels can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, which can generate changes such as vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D), a condition that black adults have a high potential to suffer from.

Objective: The aim of this work is to study the association of skin color (self-reported: black, brown and white), food consumption, and the BsmI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) on serum levels of vitamin D in a group of adults.