The Association of Vitamin D, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) with Development in Children

Background: Short stature remains a global problem and is associated with vitamin D status. Vitamin D is also a neurosteroid with regard to neurotrophic factors but its role in development is unclear. Therefore, this study analyzed the relationships between vitamin D, NGF, GDNF, and BDNF and developmental status in children with a history of short stature (<2 years). Methods: This research is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in March 2022. The vitamin D, NGF, GDNF, and BDNF levels were measured in stored biological materials from children aged 2-4 years, and their Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) scores were also assessed. The results were analyzed via the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test for NGF, unpaired t-test, and Spearman rank correlation. Results: Among the 85 study subjects, 41.2% were short in stature, with 37% having developmental deviation. Male sex (p = 0.038) and low maternal education (p = 0.024) were associated with short stature. The mean vitamin D level was lower (p = 0.041) in children with short stature (27.65 ng/dL). The risk factors associated with short stature were vitamin D levels <= 32.7 ng/dL, GDNF levels <= 12.99 ng/mL, male sex, and low maternal education. Children with short stature (<2 years old) also demonstrated impaired problem-solving as assessed by the ASQ-3 (p = 0.005). Vitamin D was also associated with gross motor skills (p = 0.035) and personal social development (p = 0.038). Conclusions: There was no association of vitamin D with NGF, GDNF, or BDNF levels. Vitamin D levels are associated with short stature and development in children, especially gross motor skills, personal social development, and problem solving.