8 ways that Cancer might be prevented by Vitamin D

Potential Molecular Mechanisms of the Anti-cancer Activity of Vitamin D

Anticancer Research 39: 3353-3363 (2019). doi: 10.21873/anticanres. 13478

DOROTA SKRAJNOWSKA and BARBARA BOBROWSKA-KORCZAK

Department of Bromatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

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Vitamin D, or more precisely its active metabolite calcitriol (1,25-(OH)2D3), plays a fundamental role in bone metabolism and differentiation as well as in intestinal absorption of calcium and regulation of calcium-phosphate metabolism. Recent decades have brought about the discovery of the role of calcitriol in processes regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis. This creates the potential for numerous therapeutic applications of vitamin D in diseases associated with autoaggressive immune responses or in cancer. This study presents selected issues regarding current knowledge of the anti-cancer mechanisms of vitamin D.

Sections = ways

Vitamin D - Cell Cycle Regulation

Nuclear Vitamin D Receptor (nVDR)

Vitamin D - Apoptosis Induction

Vitamin D - Inhibition of Invasiveness and Metastasis of Tumours

Vitamin D - Angiogenesis Inhibition

Inhibition of Hedgehog (Hh) Signaling by Vitamin D

Interaction of p53 and VDR Signaling

Vitamin D - Interaction of Photocarcinogenesis

Conclusion

On the basis of current data, it cannot be stated conclusively whether intake of vitamin D may offer protection against cancer. The presence of the VDR throughout the body and the effect of vitamin D on the cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, Hh signaling, interaction of p53 and photocarcinogenesis unquestionably suggest such a potential. However, further research is required, first to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action of this vitamin, and secondly to determine a specific dose and time of intake necessary to achieve an anticancer effect.