Vitamin D: metabolism, molecular mechanisms, and mutations to malignancies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The role of vitamin D in preventing skin cancer is not fully understood.
• Vitamin D has shown inhibitory effects on various cancers in preclinical models.
• Neoplastic features like tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis are linked to vitamin D metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the connections between vitamin D metabolic pathways and cutaneous carcinogenesis.
• To explore the potential suppressive effects of vitamin D on skin cancer development.
• To discuss vitamin D's regulation of tumor signaling pathways in skin.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Analysis of vitamin D's effects on neoplastic behavior.
• Examination of vitamin D's modulation of cell cycle, DNA repair, and apoptosis.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D influences cell cycle, DNA repair, and apoptosis through its receptors (VDRs).
• Vitamin D metabolic pathways are connected to tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, and DNA mutagenesis.
• Vitamin D regulates multiple tumor signaling pathways relevant to skin cancer.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D may possess suppressive effects on skin cancer.
• Vitamin D's modulation of cellular processes and signaling pathways has implications for cutaneous carcinogenesis.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate vitamin D's full role in preventing skin cancer.