The effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum vitamin D and interleukin-6 levels in diabetes mellitus-induced rats

One of the hallmarks of DM-related inflammation is the elevated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6). Recent evidence has suggested that vitamin D, a fat-soluble secosteroid hormone, may modulate immune responses and inflammatory processes. this study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of vitamin D supplementation on serum vitamin D levels and IL-6 concentrations in DM-induced rats. An in vitro study was conducted on 15 DM-induced rats, divided into three groups: DM without treatment, DM treated with oral vitamin D at 415 IU, and DM treated with oral vitamin D at 1100 IU. Serum vitamin D and IL-6 levels were measured post-treatment. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in serum vitamin D levels among the groups (p = 0.016). ANOVA indicated significant differences in IL-6 levels among groups (p=0.017). Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between serum vitamin D and IL-6 levels (r= -0.542, p=0.037). The findings suggest that higher doses of vitamin D may have more pronounced anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting its potential role in managing inflammation in diabetes mellitus. Keywords: diabetic rat, interleukin-6, Vitamin D