Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a critical global health issue, further complicated by drug-resistant forms like extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).Vitamin D deficiency is known to be associated with many infectious and metabolic disorders. Vitamin D related receptors have been reported in multiple tissues, where they play key role in immune system modulation. High prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in pulmonary TB patients indicates that Vitamin D is a risk factor for development of XDR-TB. Previous studies have shown that soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) may be used as TB treatment efficacy marker. suPAR is cellular receptor for serine protease urokinase plasminogen activator. Bacterial endotoxins and cytokines of innate immune system stimulate secretion of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in monocytes and neurophils. Serum suPAR levels are elevated when TB is active and decreases when patient responds positively to therapy. Objective: To correlate between serum levels of vitamin D, known for its immune-regulating properties, and suPAR, an inflammation marker, in XDR-TB patients. Design: The study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, VIMS, Ballari, Karnataka. The study subjects were selected from district TB hospital of VIMS, Ballari. Controls: 36 age and sex matched healthy controls from the community selected. Case: 36 cases diagnosed with XDR-TB from District TB hospital, VIMS, Ballari. Methodology: Hb%, CBC, ESR, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Blood Urea, Serum Creatinine, Serum Albumin, Serum Calcium, Serum Phosphorus were measured by standard procedures and Vitamin D levels by ELISA. Serum suPAR levels were measured by Quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Results: A significant inverse correlation was found between serum Vitamin D and suPAR levels, indicating that lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher immune activation and inflammation. Conclusion: The study suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased inflammation in XDR-TB patients, highlighting the potential benefits of vitamin D monitoring and supplementation in managing this condition. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic implications of vitamin D in TB.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a critical global health issue, further complicated by drug-resistant forms like extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).Vitamin D deficiency is known to be associated with many infectious and metabolic disorders. Vitamin D related receptors have been reported in multiple tissues, where they play key role in immune system modulation. High prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in pulmonary TB patients indicates that Vitamin D is a risk factor for development of XDR-TB. Previous studies have shown that soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) may be used as TB treatment efficacy marker. suPAR is cellular receptor for serine protease urokinase plasminogen activator. Bacterial endotoxins and cytokines of innate immune system stimulate secretion of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in monocytes and neurophils. Serum suPAR levels are elevated when TB is active and decreases when patient responds positively to therapy. Objective: To correlate between serum levels of vitamin D, known for its immune-regulating properties, and suPAR, an inflammation marker, in XDR-TB patients. Design: The study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, VIMS, Ballari, Karnataka. The study subjects were selected from district TB hospital of VIMS, Ballari. Controls: 36 age and sex matched healthy controls from the community selected. Case: 36 cases diagnosed with XDR-TB from District TB hospital, VIMS, Ballari. Methodology: Hb%, CBC, ESR, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Blood Urea, Serum Creatinine, Serum Albumin, Serum Calcium, Serum Phosphorus were measured by standard procedures and Vitamin D levels by ELISA. Serum suPAR levels were measured by Quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Results: A significant inverse correlation was found between serum Vitamin D and suPAR levels, indicating that lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher immune activation and inflammation. Conclusion: The study suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased inflammation in XDR-TB patients, highlighting the potential benefits of vitamin D monitoring and supplementation in managing this condition. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic implications of vitamin D in TB.