Vitamin D and Its Role in Cancer and Immunity: A Prescription for Sunlight

Abstract

Vitamin D has been recognized for more than a century as essential for the normal development and mineralization of a healthy skeleton. More extensive roles for vitamin D were suggested by the discovery of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in tissues that are not involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism. VDR has been discovered in most tissues and cells in the body and is able to elicit a wide variety of biologic responses. These observations have been the impetus for a reevaluation of the physiologic and pharmacologic actions of vitamin D. Here, we review the role of vitamin D in regulation of the immune system and its possible role in the prevention and treatment of cancer and immune-mediated diseases.

No association between <i>Vitamin D receptor</i> gene polymorphisms and nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a Chinese Han population

“…The main steps involved in the modulation of gene transcription by the VDR include binding of ligand, heterodimerization with retinoid X receptor (RXR), binding of the heterodimer to vitamin D receptor elements (VDREs), and recruitment of other nuclear proteins into the transcriptional pre-initiation complex. Therefore, genetic changes of the VDR gene could induce serious defects of gene activation, influencing calcium metabolism, cell proliferation, and immune function (9). Previous studies also implied that polymorphisms in the gene of VDR were associated with disease susceptibility, such as cancer, immune dysfunction and chronic disease.…”

“…VDR has been found in most tissues and cells and it could arise in a wide variety of biologic responses to 1 α ,25(OH) 2 D 3 . The functional roles of VDR suggest that vitamin D plays additional roles in cellular differentiation and the control of proliferation in a variety of cell types (9).The VDR gene (VDR) is located on chromosome 12q12-q14. Two common VDR SNPs were investigated intensively for association with various human traits, including Fok I (in exon 2) and Bsm I (in intron 8), (rs10735810, and rs1544410, respectively) (10,11).…”

Evolutionary perspective in skin color, vitamin D and its receptor

“…Interestingly, both MC1R and the VDR are strongly implicated in immune system regulation, with obvious fitness consequences. 22,23 The MC1R gene reveals a significant molecular signature of selection as humans diverged from chimpanzees, with an excess of amino acid substitutions. 24 This pattern is consistent with directional selection on the MC1R gene as the human lineage adapted to the increased UV radiation on exposed skin.…”

Nutrition and immunity in cancer

“…Vitamin E in addition to its well known anti-oxidant functions, modulates the activity of microsomal enzymes, inhibits protein kinase C and induces apoptosis, thus acting on tumour growth and cellular proliferation 36 -40 . Vitamin D has antiproliferative effects, promoting cellular differentiation similar to neoplasic processes; it has also been associated to UV-radiation protection 41 . Table 1 presents a list of nutrients that have been associated with the development of different types of cancers either by enhancing the immune system or by exerting an immunosuppressive effect.…”