Approved Research

Exposure to vitamin D deficiency and risk of ankylosing spondylitis: a cohort study using the UK Biobank database

Lay summary

Aims: Using Biobank database, we will use the cohort study design to investigate the relationship between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and vitamin D deficiency, infer their relationship, and analyze the etiology of AS. Ultimately, the study aims to provide a new scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of AS.

Scientific rationale: Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a potential risk factor for the advancement of various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Consequently, it is possible that vitamin D could also have a role in immune-mediated AS. Vitamin D supplements are thought to provide protection against AS, nevertheless, the exact relationship between vitamin D and AS has yet to be confirmed. Therefore, large population cohort study is needed to explore the effects of vitamin D deficiency on the onset and prognosis of AS

Project duration: The whole study will be about 36 months, 2023.4-2023.7 to apply for UK Biobank to obtain data, 2023.8-2023.9 to preliminarily sort baseline data, 2023.9-2024.10 to conduct retrospective cohort study with UK Biobank, 2024.11-2026.3 to analyze data and obtain results.

Public health impact: To study the relationship between multiple factors and AS provides valuable insights for revealing the etiology, and is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. By studying the changes of vitamin D in the population for a long time, we can get stronger evidence that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for AS. Defining the risk factors of AS and controlling these factors during the treatment of AS can reduce the harmfulness of the disease.