# Assessment of WOMAC index for knee osteoarthritis and its association with serum vitamin - D and serum cytokine profile

## TL;DR

The study finds that low vitamin D levels in people with knee osteoarthritis are linked to higher inflammation and worse joint function.

## Contribution

This study is the first to show a direct link between vitamin D deficiency, inflammatory cytokines, and functional outcomes in knee osteoarthritis patients.

## Key findings

- Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher IL-6 and TNF-α levels in knee OA patients.
- Lower vitamin D levels correlate with worse WOMAC scores in knee OA patients.
- Deficient vitamin D may worsen inflammation and functional status in knee osteoarthritis.

## Abstract

Vitamin D has immuno-modulatory and potential cartilage-regenerative effects. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the association
between serum vitamin D levels, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis
(OA). In this cross-sectional analysis of 84 patients with bilateral knee OA, serum vitamin D, IL-6, TNF-α levels and WOMAC scores
were recorded. Patients with vitamin D deficiency exhibited significantly higher IL-6 and TNF-α levels and worse WOMAC scores.
Data shows that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased inflammation and poorer functional outcomes in knee OA.