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Related Concept Videos

Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...

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Vitamin D in oncology.

Jann Arends1

  • 1Tumor Biology Center, Freiburg University, Germany. arends@tumorbio.uni-freiburg.de

Forschende Komplementarmedizin (2006)
|September 22, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D deficiency affects 1 billion people and is linked to cancer. More research is needed to confirm if vitamin D supplements prevent cancer, despite its anti-tumor properties.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • The vitamin D system is evolutionarily conserved, linking sun exposure to endocrine functions.
  • The active hormone, calcitriol, regulates gene expression via the vitamin D receptor.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is a global epidemic, linked to adverse health effects, including cancer predisposition and poorer prognosis in cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the vitamin D system in health and disease.
  • To explore the potential of vitamin D and its active hormone, calcitriol, as anticancer agents.
  • To highlight the need for further research into vitamin D supplementation for cancer prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on the vitamin D system, deficiency, and cancer.

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  • Analysis of the anti-tumor properties of calcitriol.
  • Discussion of current recommendations for sun exposure and vitamin D intake.

    • Main Results:

    • Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and associated with negative health outcomes, including cancer.
    • Calcitriol exhibits anti-tumor activity, prompting investigation as an anticancer agent.
    • Evidence is insufficient to confirm that current vitamin D supplementation doses prevent cancer, though they benefit musculoskeletal health.

    Conclusions:

    • Increased sensible sun exposure and adequate vitamin D intake are recommended.
    • Interventional studies evaluating vitamin D supplementation in cancer patients are a high priority due to potential benefits and low risk.