Relationship Between Serum Vitamin D and Atherosclerosis in Hemodialysis Patients

Vitamin D is made of two types, named ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is produced by converting ergosterol, a fungi and plants sterol, when it is exposed to light from the sun. Vitamin D3 is made differently, as it is formed in animal skin such as human skin with the help of 7-dehydrocholesterol when the skin is exposed to sunlight (UVB radiation).

Samples were collected by measuring the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) with a Mind ray Real time ultrasound scanner DC-6 doppler machine that has a probe at a frequency of 7.5 MHz. The measurement was done from three different sites each 1 cm proximal to the carotid bulb. The average of three values was taken to determine the final value. If CIMT \> 0.8 mm, it was defined as thickened. The measurements adhered to the Mannheim CIMT Consensus (2004-2006)