Association of hepatitis B vaccine response to vitamin D supplementation and ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure during different time intervals in experimental animals

Abstract

The implications of vitamin D deficiency on the immune system have become clearer in recent years, being associated with less immune response following HBV vaccine. We aimed to elucidate the effect of vitamin D supplementation and UVB exposure on short- and long-term performance of hepatitis B vaccine. Forty-five male rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups that were immunized with recombinant HBsAg. The first group (group I) represented a negative control group, whereas group III rabbits were administered with commercially available 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D as an alternative for UVB exposure in group II. Results showed that vitamin D concentrations were significantly higher in UVB exposed group compared to both negative control and vitamin D-supplemented groups during short- and long-time intervals. In addition, means of anti-HBsAg isotypes’ levels and anti-HBsAg IgG avidity% were significantly higher in negative control group compared to other groups during short- and long-time intervals. Moreover, vitamin D serum concentration was positively correlated with anti-HBsAg IgG level and avidity % in both negative control and vitamin D-supplemented groups, while it was negatively correlated with anti-HBsAg IgM level in negative control group. It can be concluded from the above results that UVB radiation may have both augmenting and suppressive effects and that circulating serum vitamin D concentration may have a positive association with premium immune modulation following HBV vaccination.

Vitamin D–VDR Novel Anti-Inflammatory Molecules—New Insights into Their Effects on Liver Diseases

“…Adequate vitamin D levels are closely related to the development of effective vaccine responses against HBV. The influence of vitamin D supplementation on the course of short- and long-term HBV vaccination was investigated in a recent study [ 69 ]. This showed that vitamin D levels were positively associated with anti-HBsAg IgG levels and the percent avidity in patients receiving vitamin D supplementation [ 69 ].…”

“…The influence of vitamin D supplementation on the course of short- and long-term HBV vaccination was investigated in a recent study [ 69 ]. This showed that vitamin D levels were positively associated with anti-HBsAg IgG levels and the percent avidity in patients receiving vitamin D supplementation [ 69 ]. In contrast, another study examining the effect of oral vitamin D 3 supplementation on HBV vaccination showed that vitamin D supplementation starting 3 days after vaccination had no effect on the vaccination response [ 70 ].…”

Correlation Between Vitamin D Status and HBsAg Antibody Levels in Indonesian Adolescents Immunised Against Hepatitis B

“…One study suggests that vitamin D status might play a role in the persistence of anti-HBs antibodies and the durability of protection following primary vaccination with a recombinant HB vaccine. 12,14 Conversely, another study reveals a significant and inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and HBV-DNA. 14,15 However, a separate study contends that vitamin D status has no bearing on the anti-HBs titer in children who received hepatitis B virus vaccination during infancy.…”

“…12,14 Conversely, another study reveals a significant and inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and HBV-DNA. 14,15 However, a separate study contends that vitamin D status has no bearing on the anti-HBs titer in children who received hepatitis B virus vaccination during infancy. 16 Some studies even report a lack of connection between vitamin D levels and HBV viral infection.…”

“…30 Nevertheless, there is a solitary study that revealed a positive correlation between vitamin D concentration and IgG avidity percentages in a negative control group. 14 Another study discovered a significant and inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and HBV-DNA. 15 However, a separate study did not find vitamin D levels to be a significant factor in determining higher anti-HBs titers in infants receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.…”