Saccharomyces boulardii in Crohn's disease: effect on anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies and intestinal permeability.

To the Editor: Van Ranst et al found that being born in June is associated with a reduced risk of the later development of Crohn’s disease. They mentioned seasonal infection rates as a possible cause. There is an additional possibility that might be worth considering. Vitamin D modulates the immune system. The hormonally active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which in turn regulates gene expression through vitamin D responsive elements (VDREs) in the promoter regions of target genes. Many different types of immune cells contain VDRs, enabling 1,25(OH)2D3 to play multiple roles in the regulation of the immune system. This includes the development of self-tolerance. The modulation of the immune system by 1,25(OH)2D3 may play a role in susceptibility to Crohn’s disease, as evidenced by the findings of a linkage between a VDR polymorphism and the risk of developing Crohn’s disease. Individuals born in June might get higher than average exposure to sunlight during the first few months after birth. This might play a role in the development of self-tolerance with respect to susceptibility to Crohn’s disease.

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