Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased IL-17 and TNFα levels in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: Recent studies revealed a strong association between vitamin D (VD) status and chronic heart failure (CHF). It is now commonly considered that proinflammatory immune response underlies CHF development.

Objective: Since VD expresses anti-inflammatory properties, we investigated its impact on cytokines implicated in CHF, such as TNFα and IL-17, in patients suffering from CHF.

Methods: Blood was obtained from forty patients with CHF secondary to hypertension and/or coronary heart disease. VD status, IL-17 and TNFα levels were assessed using 25-hydroxy VD3 EIA and cytokine ELISAs. Clinical assessment and echocardiography was also performed.

Results: Elderly patients with CHF in Nis (Southeast Europe, latitude 43ºN) exhibited 25-hydroxy VD3 levels below normal. Our data identified that patients with CHF secondary to hypertension have significantly lower 25-hydroxy VD3, increased TNFα and IL-17A levels in comparison to donors with CHF secondary to coronary disease.

Conclusion: This study reveals that even in regions with a lot of sunny days VD deficiency represents a concerning issue. Data suggest that impaired VD status contributes to high IL-17 and TNFα levels and thereby may support CHF development.