Fig. 3

We validated the expression of vitamin D binding protein (DBP) in plasma. a Western blotting in controls and Lenke type 5 patients. b Density analysis of the patients with AIS (Lenke type 3–6; n = 20) plasma vs. control (n = 5). The expression of DBP in plasma was significantly increased in the patients with operatively treated Lenke 4, 5 and 6 AIS compared to control subjects (** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05). c This shows a significant correlation between DBP expression and Cobb angles in thoracolumbar/lumbar curvatures (r = 0.43, p = 0.03)