MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal)
Vol. 8 No. 4 (2026): MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal)

The Role of Vitamin D in TNF-α Levels in Pulmonary TB Patients

Sahidan, Sahidan (Unknown)
Sulistyasmi, Wiwit (Unknown)
Farizal, Jon (Unknown)
Hartini, Supri (Unknown)
Ujiani, Sri (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem, with immune responses particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) playing a key role in disease progression. Vitamin D, synthesized through sunlight exposure, has been suggested to modulate immune responses; however, its effect on TNF-α in TB patients remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sunlight exposure on TNF-α levels in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted among 60 TB patients divided into control and intervention groups. TNF-α levels were measured before and after intervention and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed a slight increase in mean TNF-α levels after sunlight exposure; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.475). Increased variability in TNF-α levels after the intervention suggests heterogeneous individual responses. These findings indicate that sunlight exposure may have a limited effect on TNF-α modulation in TB patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and comprehensive biomarker assessments are needed to clarify the relationship between sunlight exposure, vitamin D, and immune responses in tuberculosis.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

medica

Publisher

Subject

Chemistry Dentistry Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal), with registered number ISSN 2622-6596 (Print), 2622-660X (Online) is an Open Access and peer-reviewed journal presenting timely research on all aspects of health that other media have not published. Managed by the Borneo Scientific Publishing, ...