Circulating vitamin D binding protein levels are not associated with relapses or with vitamin D status in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: A low vitamin D status has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Most circulating vitamin D metabolites are bound to vitamin D binding protein (DBP). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore whether there is an association between MS and DBP. METHODS: We compared DBP concentrations in blood samples of controls (n = 30) and subjects with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) during remission (n = 29) and relapse (n = 15). Furthermore, we explored correlations of DBP with 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels (1,25(OH)2D), and the effect of high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation on DBP levels in RRMS patients (n = 15). RESULTS: DBP-concentration did not differ between the sub-groups measured, and there was no correlation between DBP and vitamin D metabolite concentration within the physiological range. Upon supplementation of high doses vitamin D3, DBP concentration remained unaltered. After supplementation, serum 1,25(OH)2D(R = 0.517, p = 0.049), but not 25(OH)D, correlated positively with DBP. CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between DBP, MS, and vitamin D status within the physiological range. After high-dose vitamin D supplementation, DBP concentrations may be relevant for vitamin D metabolism.