Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Endothelial Function in Obese Adolescents

Endothelial function was assessed by FMD, via a high-resolution Doppler ultrasonography examination of the right brachial artery. FMD was calculated as the maximal percentage increase in brachial artery diameter (BAD) from baseline after the release of cuff occlusion.

25(OH)D was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Total 25(OH)D concentrations of each sample was calculated using internal standard, 25(OH)D_2 and 25(OH)D_3.

Total cholesterol levels were measured by an enzymatic colorimetric assay.

Total triglyceride levels were measured by an enzymatic colorimetric assay.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a health index for comparing weight to height. BMI is a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by his or her height in meters squared. The body mass index is an indication if a person is at a suitable weight for his height on an approximation of body fat. A body mass index of under 20 is considered to be underweight, while a body mass index between 20 to 25 is considered healthy. A body mass index in the range of 25 to 30 is regarded as overweight. A body mass index over 30 is regarded as obese.

The IPAQ short form used asked 7 questions about activities in the last 7 days, covering vigorous physical activities, moderate activities, walking, and sitting, asking for days per week, hours per day or minutes per day. The score is reported in metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes per week. Possible scores could range from 0 (inactive) to greater than 3000 MET-minutes/week (highly active). The definition of high activity was vigorous intensity activity on at least 3 days achieving a minimum total activity of at least 1500 MET-minutes/week OR 7 days of any combination of walking, moderate-intensity or vigorous-intensity activities achieving a minimum total physical activity of at least 3000 MET-minutes/week. Therefore a score of > 3000 MET-minutes/week was possible.

Calcium intake was measured using the validated Short Calcium Questionnaire (SCQ). This questionnaire is in the form of an spreadsheet, and asks the participant to enter the number of servings per week of various food items and vitamin or mineral supplements. The spreadsheet calculates the daily calcium intake (mg/day) from the data entered.

A parathyroid hormone (PTH) blood test measures the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood. This test is used to help identify hyperparathyroidism, to find the cause of abnormal calcium levels, or to check the status of chronic kidney disease. PTH controls calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. PTH was measured by a two-site chemiluminescent immunometric assay.

Plasma glucose was measured by hexokinase enzymatic assay.

Serum insulin was measured using commercial electrochemiluminescence immunoassay kits.

This calculation measures insulin resistance, and requires U.S. standard units. The healthy range is 0.5 to 1.4. Less than 1.0 means the subject is insulin-sensitive, which is optimal. Above 1.9 indicates early insulin resistance. Above 2.9 indicates significant insulin resistance. The HOMA-IR was calculated as: HOMA-IR = fasting serum glucose (mmol/L) x fasting insulin (mU/mL)/22.5.

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test may be used to help evaluate an individual for risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that increases in the blood with inflammation. Studies have suggested that a persistent low level of inflammation plays a major role in atherosclerosis, the narrowing of blood vessels due to build-up of cholesterol and other lipids, which is often associated with CVD. The hs-CRP test accurately measures low levels of C-reactive protein to identify low but persistent levels of inflammation and thus helps predict a person's risk of developing CVD. hs-CRP was measured using particle-enhanced immunonephelometry.

The test for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is used as part of a lipid profile to predict an individual's risk of developing heart disease. A desirable level is <3.36 mmol/L; borderline high is 3.36 - 4.11 mmol/L; high is >/= 4.14 mmol/L. LDL cholesterol was calculated as: LDL = Total cholesterol - HDL cholesterol - Triglycerides/5.

Total HDL cholesterol levels were measured by an enzymatic colorimetric assay. The test for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is used along with other lipid tests to screen for unhealthy levels of lipids and to determine the risk of developing heart disease. If a subject has a negative risk factor, a desirable HDL level would be >/= 1.55 mmol/L.

Urine calcium/creatinine ratio (unit mg/g) on random urine sample was calculated by dividing calcium in mg by creatinine in g.

The cuff of a sphygmomanometer was placed on the forearm and inflated to 50 mm Hg above the participant's systolic blood pressure for a period of 5 min. The increase in resting brachial blood flow was calculated as the maximum flow recorded in the first 15 seconds after cuff deflation and expressed as a percentage increase from baseline reactive. Higher values are considered normal or improved endothelial function.