Vitamin D and functional arterial parameters in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

PurposeOur cross sectional study aimed to identify the relation between vitamin D level and functional arterial parameters in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.Material and methods100 postmenopausal women at age 50–65 with diagnosed metabolic syndrome were included in this study. Laboratory tests were performed to determine lipid profile, serum glucose, creatinine, C-reactive protein, serum levels of 25(OH) D, ionized calcium and urine albumin/creatinine ratio. Also non-invasive assessment of arterial function (arterial stiffness, flow-mediated dilatation and carotid artery ultrasound examinations) was performed.ResultsThe mean vitamin D blood concentration was 47.4 ± 16.9 nmol/l. The prevalence of modest insufficiency and deficiency of vitamin D was 62%. Vitamin D concentration in samples assembled from January to March was significantly lower than concentration levels from September to November. No significant relationship was observed between vitamin D and endothelial function, arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness. Week negative correlation was stated between mean arterial pressure and 25(OH) D concentration (p = 0.04). A positive correlation was found between high density lipoprotein cholesterol and vitamin 25(OH) D (r = 0.3, p < 0.05). No significant difference between 25(OH) D and other lipoproteins, calcium ions, glucose, albumin/creatinine ratio and C-reactive protein blood concentrations were found.ConclusionsThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome is high. No relation was found between vitamin D levels and parameters that indicate atherosclerotic vascular lesions. Nevertheless our study revealed the relation between concentrations of vitamin D and mean blood pressure and high density lipoprotein cholesterol.