Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism Affecting Vitamin D and Beta Carotene Deficiency in Tuberculosis Patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The working mechanism of Vitamin D in tuberculosis (TB), which is influenced by the work of other vitamins and minerals, remains questionable. This is particularly the case regarding the effect of polymorphism of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. AIM: The objective of this research was to examine the differences in serum levels of 25(OH)D, retinol, beta-carotene, and calcium in TB patients compared to healthy people who have VDR gene polymorphisms (TaqI, BsmI, and FokI). METHODS: This research was a case–control study involving 176 men and women with a pair of VDR gene polymorphisms, consisting of 94 TB patients (TB group) and 82 healthy people (control group) in North Sumatera, Indonesia. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in Vitamin D levels between the TB and control groups (p = 0.001), with Vitamin D deficiency of 85.1% in the TB group and 100% in the control group. Significant differences were found in retinol levels and beta-carotene, but there were no significant differences in calcium levels (p = 0.619). Based on these results, there was a significant difference between the TBC and normal group in 25(OH)D, retinol, and beta-carotene serum. CONCLUSION: This study showed that 25(OH)D serum was higher in the TBC group than the control group, but lower in retinol and beta-carotene serum. There is no difference in calcium serum level in both groups.