Résumé:
Vitamin D is a hormone mainly synthesized in the epidermis layer under ultraviolet radiation’s stimulation. Beyond its major role in phosphocalcic metabolism, this molecule has immunomodulatory effects via its action on immune cells, and is involved in many autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the synovial membrane and leading to osteo-cartilaginous destruction. The aim of this study is to demonstrate a possible correlation between calcitriol deficiency and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity. To this end, 30 patients with RA (17 women and 13 men) were dosed with vitamin D via ELFA method, and evaluated for CRP (C-Reactive Protein), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and DA28 (Disease Activity Score). Then, a comparison was made between these parameters (CRP, ESR, DAS28) and 25(OH) D. Based on the results, a predominance of vitamin D deficiency in patients with PR was found (15% under 30 ng/ml, 60% deficiency, 20% insufficiency, 5% above 30 ng/ml). A negative correlation was also observed between CRP, DAS28 and vit-D. No correlation was observed between this vitamin and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESR. Upon this, it has been concluded that vitamin D deficiency may be considered as a risk factor for the development of RA. This vitamin acts positively, by its tolerogenic effects, on the activity of the disease by reducing its severity and minimizing the degree of inflammation. Vitamin D supplementation could be considered as a complementary solution to standard rheumatoid arthritis treatments to reduce joint damage, minimize pain and improve quality of life of the patients.
