The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a regulatory system that plays an essential role in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Plasma renin activity (PRA) is a strong and independent predictor of outcome, also in the presence of ACE inhibitors (ACE-i) and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Recently, it has been shown that vitamin D regulates renin transcription by activating the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Thus, specific activation of the VDR represents a novel target for therapeutic intervention in CHF. Currently, clinical data are lacking. The investigators aim to investigate the effect of the administration of vitamin D in patients with CHF.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
101
2000 IU vitamin D daily, for 6 weeks
University Medical Center Groningen
Groningen, Provincie Groningen, Netherlands
Plasma Renin Activity
The primary endpoint of this study is the PRA after 6 weeks of treatment with vitamin D compared to the PRA after 6 weeks without treatment.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Safety endpoints are biochemical indices of kidney function and bone homeostasis
Time frame: 6 weeks
To evaluate the effect of vitamin D administration on plasma values of additional markers of renin-angiotensin system activity, including angiotensin II, angiotensin converting enzyme activity and chymase activity
Time frame: 6 weeks
To evaluate the effect of vitamin D administration on different markers of the vitamin D cascade, such as vitamin D, calcium, phosphate and PTH (parathyroid hormone)
Time frame: 6 weeks
To evaluate the effect of vitamin D administration on plasma levels of NT-proBNP
Time frame: 6 weeks
To evaluate the effect of vitamin D administration on urinary levels of markers of glomerular and tubular damage
Time frame: 6 weeks
To evaluate the effect of vitamin D administration on extracellular matrix markers (PIIINP, PICP, PINP) and degradation markers (MMP1, MMP9, TIMP1, MMP1/TIMP1-complex)
Time frame: 6 weeks
To evaluate the effect of vitamin D administration on NYHA-class
Time frame: 6 weeks
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