Increased vitamin D binding protein levels are associated with irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Objectives There is no reliable and valid biomarker to identify Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its subtypes. The aim of this study is to explore potential serum biomarkers that may be associated with IBS subtypes, particularly in the vitamin D pathway. Methods The study population comprised 75 IBS patients and 79 controls. Patients divided into IBS subtypes. Routine biochemical parameters, 25-OH-vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) serum levels were compared between IBS subtypes and controls. Factors related to IBS subtypes were examined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Vitamin D levels were lower; VDBP and VDR were higher in all IBS patients than in controls (p<0.001; 0.047 and 0.029, respectively). According to logistic regression analysis, VDBP was a disease-related parameter as much as vitamin D in all IBS subtypes. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were higher especially in diarrhea-dominant IBS (IBS-D) (p=0.041; 0.046) and vitamin B12 were significantly lower in constipation-dominant IBS (IBS-C) (p=0.001). Conclusions Increased VDBP levels were associated with all IBS subtypes. Patients, especially in IBS-D, had higher serum levels of VDBP, CRP and ESR. Vitamin B12 deficiency, which we consider as a result of the disease, was more common in IBS-C.