Vitamin D3 and the Stress-axis in MS

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have an increased risk of developing a major depression. The investigators observed a protective effect of high vitamin D levels on the risk of depression in MS. This might be driven by the effect of vitamin D on the stress-axis. Therefore, the main goal of the present study is to assess whether high dose vitamin D supplementation results in a suppression of the stress-axis, as measured by decreased levels of cortisol.

The lifetime incidence of a major depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is 50%. (Patten et al. Neurology 2003; 61(11):1524-7) Our group reported a negative correlation between vitamin D status and depression score of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in a cross-sectional dataset of Dutch MS patients. (Knippenberg et al. Acta Neurol Scand 2011; 124(3):171-5) This suggests an interaction between vitamin D and biological mechanisms affecting susceptibility to depression. Currently, we have two main hypotheses: 1) Vitamin D regulates the hypothalamic stress axis in MS. Based on our findings that cortisol releasing hormone (CRH)-positive hypothalamic neurons in the brains of MS patients stained positive for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1,25(OH)2D-24-hydroxylase (24-OHase). (smolders et al. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2013;72(2):91-105) 2) Vitamin D affects T cell cytokine profile and hereby the odds of developing depression. Also in non-MS depressed patients increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are detected (Maes et al. Metab Brain Dis 2009; 24: 27-53). Vitamin D3 has shown to be a potent promotor of T cell regulation both in vitro and in vivo. (Smolders et al. J Neuroimmunol 2008;194:7-17 and Smolders et al. PLoS One 2010;5:e15235) The main goal of this study is to assess whether supplementation of high doses vitamin D3 results in a suppression of saliva cortisol day-curves in subjects with multiple sclerosis, and we will explore whether the pro-inflammatory cytokine profile of T lymphocytes is regulated.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female
* Relapsing Remitting MS
* At start of study \> 6 weeks in clinical remission of disease
* Age \> 18 years.
* Premenopausal
* Treated with either no immune-modulating treatment, or the currently registered MS modulating treatments: Interferon beta 1a (Rebif®), Interferon Beta 1b (Betaferon® or Avonex®), Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone®), dimethylfumarate (Tecfidera®), teriflunomide (Aubagio®)) or fingolimod (Gilenya®).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any contraindication to vitamin D according to Summary of Product Characteristics: Hypercalcaemia, hypervitaminosis D, nephrolithiasis, diseases or conditions resulting in hypercalcaemia and/or hypercalciuria (incl. primary hyperparathyroidism), severe renal impairment .
* Use of dexamethasone or other systemic glucocorticosteroids \<2 months prior to first study visit
* Supplementation of \>=1000 IU/d (25µg) vitamin D2 or D3
* Medical history of disturbed vitamin D/ calcium metabolism other than low intake
* Present clinical (major)depression
* Present treatment with anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, or neuroleptics.
* Treatment with high-dose dexamethasone for MS exacerbation during study.
* Pregnancy or the intention to become pregnant during the study period.