Intracranial volume inversely correlates with serum 25(OH)D level in healthy young women

Abstract

Objectives

Vitamin D is important in normal brain development. In animals low vitamin D level is associated with brain morphological alterations including enlargement of the brain. Whether a similar association exists in humans is unknown. Here we investigated the relationship between vitamin D and total intracranial volume as well as total volume of the cortical grey and cerebral white matter and that of the ventricles in young healthy women.

Methods

To assess volumes we applied semi-automatic user-independent MR volumetry. For the vitamin D measurements automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used.

Results

We found a significant negative correlation between vitamin D and total intracranial volume as well as total cortical grey and cerebral white matter volumes.

Discussion

This association may reflect a trait-like relationship between vitamin D and brain size possibly determined in early development.

Keywords:

• 25(OH)D
• Vitamin D
• Intracranial volume
• Brain volumetry
• MRI

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants SROP-4.2.1.B-10/2/KONV-2010-0002, SROP-4.2.2/A-11/1/KONV-2012-0017) and PTE ÁOK-KA-2013/34039. NK was supported by a grant of OTKA- PD103964.