Vitamin D status and VDR gene polymorphism in children with gastroduodenal pathology

The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the development of diseases has been established. It exerts its influence on the body through its connection with vitamin D receptors (VDR). The VDR gene is found in most tissues of our body, including the digestive system. Aim - to study the association of gastroduodenal diseases with hypovitaminosis D and VDR gene polymorphism in children. Materials and methods. 104 children with gastroduodenal pathology aged 6-17 years (main group) and 38 practically healthy patients admitted for elective surgical intervention for inguinal hernia (control group) were examined. The level of vitamin D and VDR gene polymorphism were determined in all children. For comparison between groups, Fisher's exact p-value (two-tailed) and Pearson's chi-square test (χ²) were used. The results of the comparison between groups were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Results. In children with gastroduodenal pathology, a normal level of vitamin D (≥30 ng/ml) was found in 21 (20.2%) patients, and a reduced level in 83 (79.8%). In patients with normal and reduced levels of vitamin D, the chi-square test for ApaI polymorphism genotypes was χ²=0.295, p>0.05, and for TaqI VDR gene polymorphism it was χ²=5.099, p>0.05, while Fisher's exact test for the presence of the Tt genotype of TaqI polymorphism was p=0.0465. The distribution of actual frequencies of ApaI VDR gene polymorphism genotypes between the main and control groups, due to the difference in the distribution of AA and aa genotypes according to the chi-square test, showed significant differences - χ²=8.317, p=0.016. For TaqI VDR gene polymorphism, the empirical value of the chi-square test was 3.931, p=0.14. Conclusions. Children with gastroduodenal pathology need vitamin D level correction. The Tt genotype of TaqI VDR gene polymorphism is a likely predictor of vitamin D deficiency in children with gastroduodenal pathology. In children with the AA genotype of ApaI VDR gene polymorphism, an inverse relationship is observed regarding the likelihood of developing gastroduodenal diseases, while with the aa genotype, there is a direct positive association. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. Informed consent was obtained from the children's parents for conducting the research. No conflict of interest was declared by the author.