Influence of vitamin D treatment on the genomic instability of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: The number of people with diabetes is increasing due to population growth, aging, urbanization, and increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity. In Brazil, at the end of the 80s, a multicenter study showed that the prevalence of DM2 occurred at about 8% of the population, data confirmed by WHO. There is a strong link between type 2 diabetes and the presence of DNA damage, mainly related to the persistence of hyperglycemic state and excessive production of free radicals. Objective: Knowing that vitamin D has beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of vitamin D supplementation in the modulation of genomic instability and other parameters evaluated in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients Materials and Methods: We evaluated 79 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, registered in the Integrated Clinic of University of Southern Santa Catarina. Participants received 4000UI vitamin D3 (25(OH)D) supplementation daily for eight weeks. To perform the comet assay, doses of 25(OH)D and fasting glucose blood collection was performed at the beginning, at the end of supplementation, and after 4 weeks at the end of supplementation. Results: Vitamin D3 supplementation for eight weeks proved to be enough to significantly increase blood levels of 25(OH)D (P<0,0001/ Wilcoxon) and reduce fasting blood glucose levels (P<0,001/ Wilcoxon), showing significant reduction after treatment. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in the amount of 25 ( OH) D 4 weeks after the end of supplementation , but values still remained higher than before the start of supplementation. The increased plasma levels of 25 (OH) D associated with the glycemic control has shown to be able to significantly reduce DNA damage in patients with DM2 (P<0,0001/ Wilcoxon). Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation showed influence in fasting blood glucose levels and reduce the DNA damage. Use of vitamin D supplementation can be an ally in the health modulation type 2 diabetic patients.