Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Increased IL-17 and Tnfα Levels in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Background: Recent studies revealed a strong association between vitamin D (VD) status and chronic heart failure (CHF). It is now commonly considered that proinflammatory immune response underlies CHF development. Objective: Since VD expresses anti-inflammatory properties, we investigated its impact on cytokines implicated in CHF, such as TNF alpha and IL-17, in patients suffering from CHF. Methods: Blood was obtained from forty patients with CHF secondary to hypertension and/or coronary heart disease. VD status, IL-17 and TNF alpha levels were assessed using 25-hydroxy VD3 EIA and cytokine ELISAs. Clinical assessment and echocardiography was also performed. Results: Elderly patients with CHF in Nis (Southeast Europe, latitude 43 degrees N) exhibited 25-hydroxy VD3 levels below normal. Our data identified that patients with CHF secondary to hypertension have significantly lower 25-hydroxy VD3, increased TNF alpha and IL-17A levels in comparison to donors with CHF secondary to coronary disease. Conclusion: This study reveals that even in regions with a lot of sunny days VD deficiency represents a concerning issue. Data suggest that impaired VD status contributes to high IL-17 and TNF alpha levels and thereby may support CHF development. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2012;98(3):259-265)