Inverse association of serum vitamin D in relation to carotid intima-media thickness in Chinese postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D level and carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) in Chinese postmenopausal women. Methods: Nine hundred and twenty six Chinese postmenopausal women without carotid artery plaque or history of cardiovascular disease were selected for analysis. Measurements of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25(OH)D 3) concentration and C-IMT were made by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and B-mode ultrasound, respectively. Trend analysis was conducted according to tertiles of C-IMT. Results: The median serum 25(OH)D 3 level was 11.03 ng/mL, with an interquartile range of 8.22-14.70. A decreasing trend of serum 25(OH)D 3 level was accompanied by increased C-IMT tertiles (P for trend = 0.001). Correlation analysis found an inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D 3 level and C-IMT (r = -0.113, P = 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, multiple regression analysis showed that serum 25(OH)D 3 level independently and negatively associated with C-IMT (Standard β = -0.112, P < 0.001). Moreover, the inverse correlation of serum 25(OH)D 3 with C-IMT was also found in a subgroup of women with normal glucose tolerance, blood pressure and body mass index, and without undergoing lipid-lowering therapy (standard β = -0.140, P = 0.018). Conclusions: Serum 25(OH)D 3 level was inversely correlated with C-IMT in Chinese postmenopausal women.