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Published on: December 19, 2019
Vitamin D in cutaneous carcinogenesis: part I
Jean Y Tang1, Teresa Fu, Christopher Lau
1Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. tangy@stanford.edu
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|October 16, 2012
Summary
Vitamin D may protect against skin cancer, despite sun exposure being a risk factor. Research suggests current vitamin D intake may be too low for optimal cancer prevention and health.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is a known skin cancer risk factor.
- UV exposure is also the primary source of vitamin D synthesis in the body.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of vitamin D in the epidermis.
- To examine the role of vitamin D in keratinocyte-derived tumors.
- To discuss the potential role of vitamin D in skin cancer prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiologic studies.
- Literature review of laboratory studies.
- Analysis of noncalcemic actions of vitamin D.
Main Results:
- Epidemiologic and laboratory studies suggest vitamin D may have a protective effect against skin cancer.
- Noncalcemic actions of vitamin D indicate potential roles in cancer prevention.
- Current recommended vitamin D intake may be insufficient for optimal health and cancer prevention.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D may play a protective role in skin cancer prevention.
- Further research is warranted to determine optimal vitamin D intake for cancer prevention.
- Understanding vitamin D's role in the epidermis and keratinocyte tumors is crucial for developing preventive strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role 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).
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).
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:35Mutations
Mutations are changes in the sequence of DNA. These changes can occur spontaneously or they can be induced by exposure to environmental factors. Mutations can be characterized in a number of different ways: whether and how they alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, whether they occur over a small or large area of DNA, and whether they occur in somatic cells or germline cells.
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
01:39Mutations
Overview
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...