Vitamin D and colorectal cancer: molecular, epidemiological and clinical evidence. Issue 9 (9th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dou, Ruoxu; Ng, Kimmie; Giovannucci, Edward L.; Manson, JoAnn E.; Qian, Zhi Rong; Ogino, Shuji
• Is Part Of: British journal of nutrition. Volume 115:Issue 9(2016)
• Page Start: 1643
• Page End: 1660
• Publication Date: 2016-03-09
• Subjects: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, -- P450 hydroxylases, -- Vitamin D supplementation; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 572.4
• DOI: 10.1017/S0007114516000696
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1145

Abstract

Abstract: In many cells throughout the body, vitamin D is converted into its active form calcitriol and binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which functions as a transcription factor to regulate various biological processes including cellular differentiation and immune response. Vitamin D-metabolising enzymes (including CYP24A1 and CYP27B1) and VDR play major roles in exerting and regulating the effects of vitamin D. Preclinical and epidemiological studies have provided evidence for anti-cancer effects of vitamin D (particularly against colorectal cancer), although clinical trials have yet to prove its benefit. In addition, molecular pathological epidemiology research can provide insights into the interaction of vitamin D with tumour molecular and immunity status. Other future research directions include genome-wide research on VDR transcriptional targets, gene–environment interaction analyses and clinical trials on vitamin D efficacy in colorectal cancer patients. In this study, we review the literature on vitamin D and colorectal cancer from both mechanistic and population studies and discuss the links and controversies within and between the two parts of evidence.