The Role of Vitamin D in the Pathogenesis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
10.31616/asj.2018.12.6.1127
- Author:
Shu Yan NG
1
;
Josette BETTANY-SALTIKOV
;
Irene Yuen Kwan CHEUNG
;
Karen Kar Yin CHAN
Author Information
1. Wanchi Chiropractic Clinic, Hong Kong. irenecheungyk@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Bone density;
Vitamin D;
Vitamin K;
Scoliosis
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Bone Density;
Bone Diseases, Metabolic;
Calcifediol;
Fibrosis;
Hong Kong;
Humans;
Prevalence;
Scoliosis;
Vitamin D Deficiency;
Vitamin D;
Vitamin K;
Vitamin K 2;
Vitamins
- From:Asian Spine Journal
2018;12(6):1127-1145
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Several theories have been proposed to explain the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) until present. However, limited data are available regarding the impact of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency on scoliosis. Previous studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are prevalent in adolescents, including AIS patients. A series of studies conducted in Hong Kong have shown that as many as 30% of these patients have osteopenia. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level has been found to positively correlate with bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy adolescents and negatively with Cobb angle in AIS patients; therefore, vitamin D deficiency is believed to play a role in AIS pathogenesis. This study attempts to review the relevant literature on AIS etiology to examine the association of vitamin D and various current theories. Our review suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with several current etiological theories of AIS. We postulate that vitamin D deficiency and/or insufficiency affects AIS development by its effect on the regulation of fibrosis, postural control, and BMD. Subclinical deficiency of vitamin K2, a fat-soluble vitamin, is also prevalent in adolescents; therefore, it is possible that the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is related to decreased fat intake. Further studies are required to elucidate the possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and clinical management of AIS.
