Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Irisin, Telomerase, Klotho, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) in Elderly: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Diniwati Mukhtar (Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, YARSI University)
Nunung Ainur Rahmah (Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, YARSI University, Jakarta)
Sri Wuryanti (Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, YARSI University)
Himmi Marsiati (Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, YARSI University and Department of Biomedical Science Doctoral, Graduate School, YARSI University)
Desi Ariyani Haddad (Doctoral Candidate, Department of Biomedical Science Doctoral, Graduate School, YARSI University)
Sabarina Elfrida Manik (Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, YARSI University Jakarta)
Linda Weni (Department of Biomedical Science Doctoral, Graduate School, YARSI University, Jakarta)
Bistamy Muhammad Nursabur (Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran)
Andrea Ivana Allicia Hutabarat (Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran)
Switania Putri Puspita (Akademi Teknologi Maritim Patimban Subang)

Althea Medical Journal
Vol 12, No 3 (2025)

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in aging by regulating mitochondrial function, inflammation, oxidative stress, and telomere stability. Vitamin D deficiency is common among the elderly and is linked to accelerated aging. Biomarkers such as irisin, telomerase, klotho, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are associated with aging processes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on these biomarkers in elderly individuals.Methods: This quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study was conducted in Kadugadung Village, Banten, Indonesia from Maret to September 2024.  A total of 47 healthy elderly individuals (≥60 years) were recruited using purposive sampling. The treatment group (n=25) received 800 IU/day of vitamin D for 20 days, whereas the control group (n=22) received none. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to measure serum irisin, telomerase activity, klotho, and TNF-α. Baseline variables included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood glucose, cholesterol, and uric acid. Data were analyzed using paired and independent statistical tests.Results: Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased serum irisin levels (p=0.016), meanwhile no significant changes were observed in telomerase activity (p=0.128), klotho (p=0.819), or TNF-α (p=0.098). In the treatment group, blood glucose was correlated positively with TNF-α (r=0.423, p<0.05), whereas cholesterol was correlated negatively with TNF-α (r=-0.51, p<0.01). Furthermore, telomerase activity was correlated positively with irisin (r=0.348, p<0.05)Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation at 800 IU/day significantly enhances serum irisin, but does not affect telomerase, klotho, or TNF-α. These findings suggest a potential role of vitamin D in modulating aging-related biomarkers. Correction Notice: This article has been corrected. See the Erratum published in Althea Medical Journal, Volume 12, Number 4 (2025).