A twenty year old male comes into the ER with a severe asthma event– screening suggests the severity of the event may be due to vitamin D deficiency (history of infection susceptibility and unusual levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3, collagen type I, collagen type XIII, IL1 receptor-like 1, and 5-lipoxygenase) but the patient consumes recommended levels of vitamin D and works as a life guard in the summer. Kidney function is normal and serum levels indicate that there is no problem with absorption. 

How could this patient have symptoms associated with vitamin D deficiency without actually a deficiency in vitamin D? (What is a molecular cause of his symptoms?)

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Given the presented scenario where the patient exhibits symptoms suggestive of vitamin D deficiency despite apparently adequate intake and exposure a ... View the full answer