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Related Concept Videos

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...
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).
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...

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Vitamin D and cancer.

Laura Vuolo1, Carolina Di Somma, Antongiulio Faggiano

  • 1Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy. lauravuolo@tiscali.it

Frontiers in Endocrinology
|June 1, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D influences cancer development and progression through its role in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Studies suggest vitamin D may offer protection against various cancers, with potential links to vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variations.

Keywords:
25-hydroxy-vitamin DVitamin Dcancerimmunityinflammation

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The vitamin D system is a complex endocrine pathway with diverse physiological roles.
  • Beyond calcium and bone homeostasis, vitamin D exhibits significant non-calcemic effects on immunity, inflammation, and host defense.
  • Emerging evidence highlights vitamin D's involvement in cancer processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intricate relationship between vitamin D and cancer.
  • To summarize proposed mechanisms underlying vitamin D's potential protective effects against cancer development and progression.
  • To discuss the role of vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms in tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on vitamin D and cancer.
  • Analysis of epidemiological surveys linking sunlight exposure, vitamin D levels, and cancer incidence/mortality.
  • Examination of research on vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and cancer risk.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D functions as a transcription factor, modulating key tumorigenesis mechanisms like cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.
  • Epidemiological data indicate that higher vitamin D levels are associated with reduced cancer occurrence and mortality.
  • Preliminary research suggests specific VDR polymorphisms (Fok1, Bsm1, Taq1, Apa1, EcoRV, Cdx2) may be linked to increased cancer risk, though further investigation is required.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D plays a multifaceted role in cancer, influencing cellular mechanisms critical to tumorigenesis.
  • Both direct molecular actions and epidemiological associations support vitamin D's potential role in cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Further research into VDR polymorphisms is necessary to elucidate their precise contribution to cancer susceptibility and outcomes.