Vitamin D and colon cancer

Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Review of Epidemiological, Preclinical, and Cellular Studies

BACKGROUND

Inhibition of human carcinomas has previously been linked to vitamin D due to its effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis induction. The anticancer activity of vitamin D has been confirmed by several studies, which have shown that increased cancer incidence is associated with decreased vitamin D and that dietary supplementation of vitamin D slows down the growth of xenografted tumors in mice. Vitamin D inhibits the growth of cancer cells by the induction of apoptosis as well as by arresting the cells at the G0/G1 (or) G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Aim and Key Scientific Concepts of the Review: The purpose of this article is to thoroughly review the existing information and discuss and debate to conclude whether vitamin D could be used as an agent to prevent/treat cancers. The existing empirical data have demonstrated that vitamin D can also work in the absence of vitamin D receptors (VDRs), indicating the presence of multiple mechanisms of action for this sunshine vitamin. Polymorphism in the VDR is known to play a key role in tumor cell metastasis and drug resistance. Although there is evidence that vitamin D has both therapeutic and cancer-preventive properties, numerous uncertainties and concerns regarding its use in cancer treatment still exist. These include (a) increased calcium levels in individuals receiving therapeutic doses of vitamin D to suppress the growth of cancer cells; (b) hyperglycemia induction in certain vitamin D-treated study participants; (c) a dearth of evidence showing preventive or therapeutic benefits of cancer in clinical trials; (d) very weak support from proof-of-principle studies; and (e) the inability of vitamin D alone to treat advanced cancers. Addressing these concerns, more potent and less toxic vitamin D analogs have been created, and these are presently undergoing clinical trial evaluation. To provide key information regarding the functions of vitamin D and VDRs, this review provided details of significant advancements in the functional analysis of vitamin D and its analogs and VDR polymorphisms associated with cancers.

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Five-Year Survival in Primary Colon Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

This study examined the link between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and mortality in patients with colon cancer. Using a clinical database from the University of California, serum 25(OH)D measures were averaged for the time following diagnosis until either the time of death or 5 years had elapsed. Analytical methods included the use of Generalized Additive Models (GAM), logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazards models to examine non-linear relationships and the impact of 25(OH)D on 5-year mortality. This study assessed 1,602 patients with colon cancer having a median 25(OH)D of 31.8 ng/mL and a 5-year mortality rate of 22.7%. A significant association between higher post-diagnosis vitamin D levels and decreased 5-year mortality was observed. This association persisted after adjusting for disease severity and significant demographic confounders, in both a logistic regression model for 5-year mortality (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66-0.92, p < 0.001) and a cox proportional hazards model for survival (HR = 0.94, CI: 0.88-0.99, p = 0.048). GAM illustrated a steep increase in survival probability up to a plateau, suggesting a threshold effect beyond roughly 50.0 ng/mL. This study found a potential protective role of vitamin D in the survival of colon cancer patients, supporting the correction of levels below 25 ng/mL but ideally above 50 ng/mL.

Hepatocyte vitamin D receptor functions as a nutrient sensor that regulates energy storage and tissue growth in zebrafish

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been implicated in fatty liver pathogenesis, but its role in the regulation of organismal energy usage remains unclear. Here, we illuminate the evolutionary function of VDR by demonstrating that zebrafish Vdr coordinates hepatic and organismal energy homeostasis through antagonistic regulation of nutrient storage and tissue growth. Hepatocyte-specific Vdr impairment increases hepatic lipid storage, partially through acsl4a induction, while simultaneously diminishing fatty acid oxidation and liver growth. Importantly, Vdr impairment exacerbates the starvation-induced hepatic storage of systemic fatty acids, indicating that loss of Vdr signaling elicits hepatocellular energy deficiency. Strikingly, hepatocyte Vdr impairment diminishes diet-induced systemic growth while increasing hepatic and visceral fat in adult fish, revealing that hepatic Vdr signaling is required for complete adaptation to food availability. These data establish hepatocyte Vdr as a regulator of organismal energy expenditure and define an evolutionary function for VDR as a transcriptional effector of environmental nutrient supply.

The relationship of pre-operative vitamin D and TSH levels with papillary thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE

Our goal in this study is to analyze the correlation between papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and deficiency of vitamin D.

METHODS

Patients who underwent thyroidectomy, also with available vitamin D test results preoperatively, were included in the study. The patients were separated into two different categories as having papillary thyroid carcinoma (Group 1), benign diseases (Group 2). According to the TSH (mUI/mL) level and vitamin D values, patients were categorized into four quarters.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, TSH level (mean±SDmUI/mL) was higher in Group 1 (2.04±1.55) compared to Group 2 (1.82±1.94) significantly (p=0.029). Preoperatively, vitamin D levels (mean±SD) were higher in Group 1 (15.88±10.88) than in Group 2 (12.94±10.26) significantly (p=0.011). There was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 according to the vitamin D deficiency (65.5%, 72.8%; respectively (p=0.472)). When categorized with reference to pre-operative vitamin D levels, the proportion of patients in Group 2 and Category 1 was higher significantly (p=0.031).

CONCLUSION

Although the pre-operative TSH level was significantly higher in papillary thyroid carcinoma than benign thyroid diseases, the categorical distributions of the patients according to the TSH value were similar and the TSH values overlapped. Pre-operative mean vitamin D levels were similar in both PTC and benign thyroid disease groups so PTC was not associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Adequate vitamin D level associated with reduced risk of sporadic colorectal cancer

Purpose

The effect of vitamin D level pertinent to colorectal cancer incidence, progression, or mortality risk is complicated, and study findings are mixed. Therefore, we evaluated whether serum vitamin D [25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D] is associated with the incidence of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of the relationship between serum 25(OH)D level and the risk of CRC. Age, sex, body mass index, history of polyp, disease conditions (i.e., diabetes), medications, and other eight vitamins were used as confounding factors. A total of 389 participants were enrolled in this study, including comprising 83 CRC patients without a family history and 306 healthy controls, between January 2020 and March 2021 at the Department of Colorectal Surgery and Endoscope Center at the Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Adjusted smoothing spline plots, subgroup analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to estimate the relative risk between serum 25(OH)D and sporadic CRC risk.

Results

After fully adjusting the confounding factors, it was found that circulating 25(OH)D played a protective role in patients with CRC (OR = 0.76 [0.63, 0.92], p = 0.004) and that an adequate vitamin D level was significantly associated with a reduced CRC risk compared to vitamin D deficiency or sufficiency (OR = 0.31 [0.11, 0.9], p = 0.03). According to this study, statins did not affect the potential protective effects of vitamin D (OR = 1.02 [0.97, 1.08], p = 0.44) and may account for the inverse association between serum 25(OH)D and colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

An adequate level of serum 25(OH)D was associated with a reduced CRC risk, especially for the elderly. The finding on the absence of protective effect of vitamin D in the statin use subgroup, suggests it may be one of the substantial contributing confounders, and warrants further investigation.

Dry Eye Disease: What Is the Role of Vitamin D?

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition resulting from reduced tear secretion from the lacrimal glands, increased tear water evaporation or the production of poor-quality tears. Such tear instability can lead to inflammation and damage of the ocular surface, as well as to abnormal nociception. Historically, tear substitutes and corticosteroids have been the bastion of DED therapy, but a substantial number of patients still suffer from residual symptoms even after being treated with traditional treatments. Aiming to find safe and effective alternative therapies, recent efforts have been focused on the role of vitamin D in the cellular physiology of the eye. Possibly because of its positive effect in modulating the immune and inflammatory responses, the systemic supplementation of vitamin D seems, indeed, to be an effective therapeutic strategy, especially, but not only, for patients affected by DED that does not respond to conventional treatments. In this context, this review focuses on the literature reporting on the pathogenesis and treatment of DED, with a special emphasis on the recent investigations reporting on the potential role of the systemic administration of vitamin D as a therapeutic approach in the management of such condition.

Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analyses Identify Intersection Genes of Vitamin D3 and COVID-19 as Potential Therapeutic Targets

Purpose: The persistent pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the discovery of gastrointestinal transmission routes and the possible susceptibility of cancer patients to COVID-19 have forced us to search for effective pathways against stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD)/COVID-19. Vitamin D3 (VD3) is a steroid hormone with antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the possible functional role and potential mechanisms of action of VD3 as an anti-COVID-19 and anti- STAD. Methods: Clinicopathological analysis, enrichment analysis and protein interaction analysis using bioinformatics and network pharmacology methods. Validate the binding activity of VD3 to core pharmacological targets and viral crystal structures using molecular docking. Results: We revealed the clinical characteristics of STAD/COVID-19 patients. We also demonstrated that VD3 may be anti- STAD/COVID-19 through antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory pathways. Molecular docking results showed that VD3 binds well to the relevant targets of COVID-19, including the spike RBD/ACE2 complex and main protease (Mpro, also known as 3CLpro). We also identified five core pharmacological targets of VD3 in anti-STAD/COVID-19 and validated the binding activity of VD3 to PAI1 by molecular docking. Conclusion: This study reveals for the first time that VD3 may act on disease target gene SERPINE1 through inflammatory and viral related signaling pathways and biological functions for the therapy of STAD/COVID-19. This may provide a new idea for the use of VD3 in the treatment of STAD/COVID-19.

Micro-RNAs in Response to Active Forms of Vitamin D3 in Human Leukemia and Lymphoma Cells

Non-coding micro-RNA (miRNAs) regulate the protein expression responsible for cell growth and proliferation. miRNAs also play a role in a cancer cells’ response to drug treatment. Knowing that leukemia and lymphoma cells show different responses to active forms of vitamin D₃, we decided to investigate the role of selected miRNA molecules and regulated proteins, analyzing if there is a correlation between the selected miRNAs and regulated proteins in response to two active forms of vitamin D₃, calcitriol and tacalcitol. A total of nine human cell lines were analyzed: five leukemias: MV-4-1, Thp-1, HL-60, K562, and KG-1; and four lymphomas: Raji, Daudi, Jurkat, and U2932. We selected five miRNA molecules—miR-27b, miR-32, miR-125b, miR-181a, and miR-181b—and the proteins regulated by these molecules, namely, CYP24A1, Bak1, Bim, p21, p27, p53, and NF-kB. The results showed that the level of selected miRNAs correlates with the level of proteins, especially p27, Bak1, NFκB, and CYP24A1, and miR-27b and miR-125b could be responsible for the anticancer activity of active forms of vitamin D₃ in human leukemia and lymphoma.

Contributing factors common to COVID‑19 and gastrointestinal cancer

The devastating complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) result from the dysfunctional immune response of an individual following the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Multiple toxic stressors and behaviors contribute to underlying immune system dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 exploits the dysfunctional immune system to trigger a chain of events, ultimately leading to COVID-19. The authors have previously identified a number of contributing factors (CFs) common to myriad chronic diseases. Based on these observations, it was hypothesized that there may be a significant overlap between CFs associated with COVID-19 and gastrointestinal cancer (GIC). Thus, in the present study, a streamlined dot-product approach was used initially to identify potential CFs that affect COVID-19 and GIC directly (i.e., the simultaneous occurrence of CFs and disease in the same article). The nascent character of the COVID-19 core literature (~1-year-old) did not allow sufficient time for the direct effects of numerous CFs on COVID-19 to emerge from laboratory experiments and epidemiological studies. Therefore, a literature-related discovery approach was used to augment the COVID-19 core literature-based ‘direct impact’ CFs with discovery-based ‘indirect impact’ CFs [CFs were identified in the non-COVID-19 biomedical literature that had the same biomarker impact pattern (e.g., hyperinflammation, hypercoagulation, hypoxia, etc.) as was shown in the COVID-19 literature]. Approximately 2,250 candidate direct impact CFs in common between GIC and COVID-19 were identified, albeit some being variants of the same concept. As commonality proof of concept, 75 potential CFs that appeared promising were selected, and 63 overlapping COVID-19/GIC potential/candidate CFs were validated with biological plausibility. In total, 42 of the 63 were overlapping direct impact COVID-19/GIC CFs, and the remaining 21 were candidate GIC CFs that overlapped with indirect impact COVID-19 CFs. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that COVID-19 and GIC share a number of common risk/CFs, including behaviors and toxic exposures, that impair immune function. A key component of immune system health is the removal of those factors that contribute to immune system dysfunction in the first place. This requires a paradigm shift from traditional Western medicine, which often focuses on treatment, rather than prevention.

Emerging Therapeutic Potential of SIRT6 Modulators

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is an NAD⁺-dependent protein deacylase and mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase of the sirtuin family with a wide substrate specificity. In vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that SIRT6 overexpression or activation has beneficial effects for cellular processes such as DNA repair, metabolic regulation, and aging. On the other hand, SIRT6 has contrasting roles in cancer, acting either as a tumor suppressor or promoter in a context-specific manner. Given its central role in cellular homeostasis, SIRT6 has emerged as a promising target for the development of small-molecule activators and inhibitors possessing a therapeutic potential in diseases ranging from cancer to age-related disorders. Moreover, specific modulators allow the molecular details of SIRT6 activity to be scrutinized and further validate the enzyme as a pharmacological target. In this Perspective, we summarize the current knowledge about SIRT6 pharmacology and medicinal chemistry and describe the features of the activators and inhibitors identified so far.

Lithocholic acid-based design of noncalcemic vitamin D receptor agonists

The hypercalcemic effects of the hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (calcitriol) and most of known vitamin D metabolites and analogs call for the development of non secosteroidal vitamin D receptor (VDR) ligands as new selective and noncalcemic agonists for treatment of hyperproliferative diseases. We report on the in silico design and stereoselective synthesis of six lithocholic acid derivatives as well as on the calcemic activity of a potent LCA derivative and its crystallographic structure in complex with zVDR LBD. The low calcemic activity of this compound in comparison with the native hormone makes it of potential therapeutic value. Structure-function relationships provide the basis for the development of even more potent and selective lithocholic acid-based VDR ligands.

The Two-Faced Role of SIRT6 in Cancer

Simple Summary

Cancer therapy relies on the employment of different strategies aimed at inducing cancer cell death through different mechanisms, including DNA damage and apoptosis induction. One of the key regulators of these pathways is the epigenetic enzyme SIRT6, which has been shown to have a dichotomous function in cell fate determination and, consequently, cancer initiation and progression. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the role of SIRT6 in cancer. We show that it can act as both tumor suppressor and promoter, even in the same cancer type, depending on the biological context. We then describe the most promising modulators of SIRT6 which, through enzyme activation or inhibition, may impair tumor growth. These molecules can also be used for the elucidation of SIRT6 function, thereby advancing the current knowledge on this crucial protein.

Abstract

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is a NAD⁺-dependent nuclear deacylase and mono-ADP-ribosylase with a wide spectrum of substrates. Through its pleiotropic activities, SIRT6 modulates either directly or indirectly key processes linked to cell fate determination and oncogenesis such as DNA damage repair, metabolic homeostasis, and apoptosis. SIRT6 regulates the expression and activity of both pro-apoptotic (e.g., Bax) and anti-apoptotic factors (e.g., Bcl-2, survivin) in a context-depending manner. Mounting evidence points towards a double-faced involvement of SIRT6 in tumor onset and progression since the block or induction of apoptosis lead to opposite outcomes in cancer. Here, we discuss the features and roles of SIRT6 in the regulation of cell death and cancer, also focusing on recently discovered small molecule modulators that can be used as chemical probes to shed further light on SIRT6 cancer biology and proposed as potential new generation anticancer therapeutics.

Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Gene Polymorphism in Patients Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly occurring neoplasias in humans. The prevalence of CRC rates is still rising. Although the exact background of the disease still remains unknown, it is believed that CRC may not only be a result of environmental factors, but also genetic ones. One of the mechanisms underlying CRC might be the vitamin D pathway, as CRC is the most closely linked neoplasia to vitamin D deficiency. This study shows a possible association of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI with CRC susceptibility. A total of 103 patients diagnosed with CRC (61 men and 42 women, aged 57-82 years) and 109 healthy people (50 men and 59 women, aged 47-68 years) were genotyped using PCR-RFLP for FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI. None of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) individually increased or decreased the risk of CRC. The evaluation of haplotypes revealed two that might enhance the likelihood of CRC development: taB (OR = 30.22; 95% CI 2.81-325.31; p = 0.01) and tAb (OR = 3.84; 95% CI 1.29-11.38; p = 0.01). In conclusion, genotyping is an easy and robust procedure that needs to be performed only once in a lifetime. A creation of a relevant SNP's panel might contribute to the identification of the groups that are at the greatest risk of CRC.

Molecular mechanisms from insulin-mimetic effect of vitamin D: treatment alternative in Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a complex and multifactorial disease with a global prevalence that exceeds 425 million people. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by a state of insulin resistance, which leads to metabolic alterations that aggravate the state of health of people. Vitamin D deficiency appears to play an important role in the triggering mechanisms of insulin resistance. In this review, an analysis is made of the biochemical mechanisms associated with the insulin-mimetic effect of vitamin D, its supplementation being a possible nutritional strategy for the T2DM treatment. The current scientific evidence is extensive regarding the dose of vitamin D used for an insulin-mimetic effect. However, clinical trials and systematic reviews show statistical differences on glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin levels of patients with T2DM, associated with activation mechanisms of transcription factors related to genes of the glucide metabolism and the insulin receptor, and the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ insulin concentrations. Likewise, an indirect mechanism associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects has been shown that also leads to sensitivity to the insulin receptor. The use of a specific dose of vitamin D could be an effective alternative in the T2DM treatment, which would reduce the risk of complications derived from hyperglycemia.

Novel therapeutic regimens for urethane-induced early lung cancer in rats: Combined cisplatin nanoparticles with vitamin-D3

Lung cancer remains incurable; therefore, novel therapeutical approaches are of great demand. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of cisplatin nanoparticles combined with vitamin-D₃ on urethane-induced early lung cancer in rats and to clarify the underlying signaling mechanisms. Early lung cancer was induced in male Wistar rats by urethane. Rats were divided into six groups: I-control, II-cancer untreated, III-cancer + free cisplatin, IV-cancer + cisplatin nanoparticles, V-cancer + free cisplatin + vitamin-D₃ , VI-cancer + cisplatin nanoparticles + vitamin-D₃ . Inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated together with the levels of tumor marker CK-19 along with histological assessment. Treatment of lung cancer with either free or nanoparticles of cisplatin alone demonstrated significant suppression in the expression of inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and tumor markers compared to rats with lung cancer. Moreover, vitamin-D₃ supplementation with either cisplatin forms lead to a further decrease of all markers, markedly with cisplatin nanoparticles. The present study shows the synergistic effect of cisplatin-nanoparticles combined with vitamin-D₃ as a new therapy regimen against lung cancer. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer duration are needed to confirm these results.

Role of Vitamin D in Colorectal Cancer: A Holistic Approach and Review of the Clinical Utility

Vitamin D is well known for its effects on the homeostasis of calcium and phosphorus. Lately, considerable research has brought the extra-skeletal role of vitamin D under the spotlight, including its anti-cancer activity. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most extensively studied neoplasia that has been observed to be affected by vitamin D; the list includes breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. This review aims to shine a light on the influence of vitamin D over CRC and to further understand its ability to be used as a potential economical treatment for CRC patients. For this review, PubMed was used as the main database for the literature search. Studies on the role of vitamin D on CRC within 10 years and all of the study types were included. Post the extensive research over PubMed, it was noted that vitamin D, through its effect on multiple pathways, especially Wnt/β-catenin, apoptosis, and inflammation, hinders the progression of CRC carcinogenesis. High levels of this steroid hormone can delay the progression and may provide a cost-effective way of treating CRC patients. Further research and additional human trials are still due to bring about more knowledge on this topic. In conclusion, high serum levels of vitamin D are associated with a lower risk of incidence and progression of CRC.

Inhibition of lung cancer by vitamin D depends on downregulation of histidine-rich calcium-binding protein

Introduction

Intrinsic vitamin D affects the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and tumorigenesis of lung cancer by regulating tumor signaling pathways. Histidine-rich calcium-binding protein (HRC) maintains Ca²⁺ homeostasis, which plays crucial roles in the occurrence and development of cancer.

Objectives

Our study aims to investigate the ability of vitamin D in the regulation of HRC and the role of HRC playing in lung cancer.

Methods

We investigated the effects of vitamin D on lung cancer and the underlying mechanisms, by measuring HRC and vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression in lung cancer, paracancer, and normal tissues from patients using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real time RT-PCR. We transfected H460 lung cancer cells (supplemented or not with vitamin D) with PX458-HRC and pcDNA3.1-HRC plasmids and injected mice with lung cancer cells harboring pcDNA3.1-vector or pcDNA3.1-HRC plasmids.

Results

Vitamin D inhibited HRC expression and H460 cell migration and proliferation, and promoted apoptosis compared with controls. The expression of HRC and VDR was significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in lung cancer versus paracancer or normal tissues. Cell proliferation and migration were reduced, apoptotic cells were more and tumors were smaller in mice treated with vitamin D/cholecalciferol cholesterol emulsion (CCE) than in vitamin D/CCE+HRC^+/+ mice.

Conclusion

Vitamin D inhibited lung cancer tumor growth, migration, and proliferation by downregulating HRC.

Vitamin D Signaling in Inflammation and Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Vitamin D and its active metabolites are important nutrients for human skeletal health. UV irradiation of skin converts 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3, which metabolized in the liver and kidneys into its active form, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Apart from its classical role in calcium and phosphate regulation, scientists have shown that the vitamin D receptor is expressed in almost all tissues of the body, hence it has numerous biological effects. These includes fetal and adult homeostatic functions in development and differentiation of metabolic, epidermal, endocrine, neurological and immunological systems of the body. Moreover, the expression of vitamin D receptor in the majority of immune cells and the ability of these cells to actively metabolize 25(OH)D3 into its active form 1,25(OH)₂D3 reinforces the important role of vitamin D signaling in maintaining a healthy immune system. In addition, several studies have showed that vitamin D has important regulatory roles of mechanisms controlling proliferation, differentiation and growth. The administration of vitamin D analogues or the active metabolite of vitamin D activates apoptotic pathways, has antiproliferative effects and inhibits angiogenesis. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview on the effects of vitamin D and its receptor (VDR) in regulating inflammation, different cell death modalities and cancer. It also aims to investigate the possible therapeutic benefits of vitamin D and its analogues as anticancer agents.

High dose of dietary vitamin D3 modulated the yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) splenic innate immune response after Edwardsiella ictaluri infection

Vitamin D₃ (VD₃) has been shown to modulate the innate immune response in mammals but this has been rarely reported in fish. The current study found that increasing dietary VD₃ content can reduce the density of yellow to dark brown pigmented macrophage aggregates (PMAs) in the spleens of yellow catfish infected with Edwardsiella ictaluri. The results of next-generation sequencing showed that a high dose of dietary VD₃ (16,600 IU/kg) mainly affected the splenic immune response during Edwardsiella ictaluri infection via negative regulation of 'NF-κΒ transcription factor activity', 'NIK/NF-κΒ signaling' and the 'i-kappab kinase/NF-κΒ signaling' pathways. Follow-up qPCR showed that dietary VD₃ increased the expression of NF-κΒ inhibitor iκb-α, decreased the expression of nf-κb p65, il-6, il1-β and tnf-α, and down-regulated the expression of nik, ikks and nf-κb p52 in the NIK/NF-kappaB signaling pathway. The above results indicate that dietary VD₃ can modulate the splenic innate immune response of yellow catfish after Edwardsiella ictaluri infection by inhibiting the NF-κB activation signaling pathways.

Small-molecule activating SIRT6 elicits therapeutic effects and synergistically promotes anti-tumor activity of vitamin D3 in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer death; however, targets with broad anti-CRC effects are limited. Sirtuin6 (SIRT6) is a conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent deacetylase that is widely pathologically downregulated in CRC, but its pharmacological effect in CRC remains undefined due to the lack of small-molecule SIRT6 activators. We searched for a compound activating SIRT6 and investigated its anti-CRC effect in various models. Methods: We identified an allosteric SIRT6 activator, MDL-811. Its ability to enhance SIRT6 deacetylation at protein and cellular levels was evaluated by Fluor de Lys (FDL) and western blots. We assessed the proliferation of 26 CRC cell lines and patient-derived organoids (PDOs) treated with MDL-811. In vivo efficacy of MDL-811 was evaluated in HCT116 cell line- and patient-derived xenografts as well as a spontaneous CRC model. RNA sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR assays were performed to analyze gene expression changes in MDL-811-treated HCT116 cells. Along with controls in SIRT6-overexpressing HCT116 cells, the SIRT6-mediated histone H3 deacetylation at the Cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 (CYP24A1) gene locus was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) in MDL-811-treated HCT116 cells. A combination therapy against CRC based on the downstream gene of SIRT6 activation was evaluated in cells and mouse models. Results: MDL-811 significantly activated SIRT6 histone H3 deacetylation (H3K9Ac, H3K18Ac, and H3K56Ac) in vitro and had broad antiproliferative effects on diverse CRC cell lines and PDOs. More importantly, the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of MDL-811 was demonstrated across cell line- and patient-derived xenografts and in the APC^min/+ spontaneous CRC model. Mechanically, we identified a new downstream target gene of SIRT6 in CRC, CYP24A1. Based on these findings, a combination drug strategy with MDL-811 to synergistically enhance the anti-CRC effect of vitamin D₃ was validated in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Our data provide proof of concept that targeting SIRT6 using a small-molecule activator is an attractive therapeutic strategy for CRC and that MDL-811 could be a promising lead compound for further preclinical and clinical studies of treatments for CRC.

Effects of an Omega-3 and Vitamin D Supplement on Fatty Acids and Vitamin D Serum Levels in Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trials in Healthy and Crohn's Disease Populations

Two trials separately measured the bioavailability and impact on inflammation of a supplement taken daily containing 510 mg Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 344 mg Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 1000 IU of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D; 25(OH)D), for healthy and Crohn’s disease (CD) populations. Both trials were double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled with cross-over. Participants were randomly allocated to groups A (placebo then supplement) or B (supplement then placebo). Both included a washout. Fatty acid (N-3 PUFAs) and vitamin D serum levels, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), and stool calprotectin were measured before and after each treatment period. Outcome measures were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models, including terms for treatment, period, and a treatment-by-period interaction. The supplement significantly increased serum levels in healthy and CD groups for EPA (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), Docosapentaenoic acid (p < 0.001 and 0.005), DHA (p < 0.001 and 0.006), the omega-3 index (p < 0.001 and 0.001), and (vitamin D (p < 0.001 and 0.027). CRP and calprotectin measures showed no evidence of a treatment effect on inflammation; however, model estimation was imprecise for both outcomes, hence further research is required to elucidate potential inflammation effects. The nutrient supplement increased serum levels of key N-3 PUFAs and vitamin D in both populations, showing the preparation was readily bioavailable.

CYP27B1 Gene Polymorphism rs10877012 in Patients Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly occurring cancer worldwide. Intestinal cells are CYP27B1 gene expression sites and, as a consequence, they are capable of converting pro-vitamin D into the active paracrine and autocrine forms. It was demonstrated that rs10877012 polymorphism in the CYP27B1 gene influenced the circulating vitamin D level. This provided a rationale for determining the role that this polymorphism plays in the risk of developing colon cancer. In this study, we investigated the association of rs10877012 (T/G) polymorphism in the CYP27B1 gene with CRC susceptibility. The study population (n = 325) included CRC patients (n = 106) and healthy controls (n = 219). DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes and analyzed for the CYP27B1 polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. We found an association between the presence of the T allele at the polymorphic site (odds ratio (OR) = 2.94; 95% CI 1.77–4.86; p < 0.0001) and a decreased CRC incidence.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-Alpha-Hydroxylase (CYP27B1) Gene: The Risk of Malignant Tumors and Other Chronic Diseases

: Vitamin D is widely known for its roles in the promotion of apoptosis and differentiation, with simultaneous inhibition of proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Modern literature lacks complete information on polymorphisms in CYP27B1, the only enzyme capable of vitamin D activation. This review presents gathered data that relate to genetic variants in CYP27B1 gene in correlation to multiple diseases, mostly concerning colorectal, prostate, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers, as well as on other pathologies, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, oral lichen planus, or multiple sclerosis.

Noninvasive Detection of Colorectal Carcinomas Using Serum Protein Biomarkers

BACKGROUND

A major roadblock to reducing the mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) is prompt detection and treatment, and a simple blood test is likely to have higher compliance than all of the current methods. The purpose of this report is to examine the utility of a mass spectrometry-based blood serum protein biomarker test for detection of CRC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood was drawn from individuals (n = 213) before colonoscopy or from patients with nonmetastatic CRC (n = 50) before surgery. Proteins were isolated from the serum of patients using targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We designed a machine-learning statistical model to assess these proteins.

RESULTS

When considered individually, over 70% of the selected biomarkers showed significance by Mann-Whitney testing for distinguishing cancer-bearing cases from cancer-free cases. Using machine-learning methods, peptides derived from epidermal growth factor receptor and leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 were consistently identified as highly predictive for detecting CRC from cancer-free cases. A five-marker panel consisting of leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy-chain family member 4, hemopexin, and superoxide dismutase 3 performed the best with 70% specificity at over 89% sensitivity (area under the curve = 0.86) in the validation set. For distinguishing regional from localized cancers, cross-validation within the training set showed that a panel of four proteins consisting of CD44 molecule, GC-vitamin D-binding protein, C-reactive protein, and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy-chain family member 3 yielded the highest performance (area under the curve = 0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

The minimally invasive blood biomarker panels identified here could serve as screening/detection alternatives for CRC in a human population and potentially useful for staging of existing cancer.

Redesigning the T-probe for mass spectrometry analysis of online lysis of non-adherent single cells

Single cell mass spectrometry (SCMS) allows for molecular analysis of individual cells while avoiding the inevitable drawbacks of using cell lysate prepared from populations of cells. Based on our previous design of the T-probe, a microscale sampling and ionization device for SCMS analysis, we further developed the device to perform online, and real time lysis of non-adherent live single cells for mass spectrometry (MS) analysis at ambient conditions. This redesigned T-probe includes three parts: a sampling probe with a small tip to withdraw a whole cell, a solvent-providing capillary to deliver lysis solution (i.e., acetonitrile), and a nano-ESI emitter in which rapid cell lysis and ionization occur followed by MS analysis. These three components are embedded between two polycarbonate slides and are jointed through a T-junction to form an integrated device. Colon cancer cells (HCT-116) under control and treatment (using anticancer drug irinotecan) conditions were analyzed. We detected a variety of intracellular species, and structural identification of selected ions was conducted using tandem MS (MS2). We further conducted statistical analysis (e.g., PLS-DA and t-test) to gain biological insights of cellular metabolism. Our results indicate that the influence of anticancer drugs on cellular metabolism of live non-adherent cells can be obtained using the SCMS experiments combined with statistical data analysis.

Vitamin D receptors (VDR), hydroxylases CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 and retinoid-related orphan receptors (ROR) level in human uveal tract and ocular melanoma with different melanization levels

In recent years, a significant number of studies have investigated the preventive role of vitamin D in a number of different neoplasms. In this study, we analyze various components of the vitamin D signaling pathways in the human uveal tract and uveal melanoma, including analysis of the expression of vitamin D receptors (VDR), the activating and inactivating hydroxylases, respectively, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, and the retinoic acid-related orphan receptors (ROR) α (RORα) and γ (RORγ) in these tissues. We further analyzed the expression of VDR, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, and ROR in relation to melanin levels, clinical stage and prognosis. Our study indicated that the uveal melanoma melanin level inversely correlated with VDR expression. We further showed that vitamin D is metabolized in uveal melanoma. This is significant because until now there has been no paper published, that would describe presence of VDR, hydroxylases CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, and RORα and RORγ in the human uveal tract and uveal melanomas. The outcomes of our research can contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods in uveal tract disorders, especially in uveal melanoma. The presented associations between vitamin D signaling elements and uveal melanoma in comparison to uveal tract encourage future clinical research with larger patients' population.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Vitamin D in Experimental c-MET-β-Catenin-Driven Hepatocellular Cancer

Aberrant activation of β-catenin signaling is frequently observed in hepatocellular cancer. Although Wnt/β-catenin signaling can be targeted by vitamin D, therapeutic use of vitamin D for this purpose is not currently established. We evaluated the therapeutic use of vitamin D or its analogs using a synthetic transgenic mouse of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by mutant β-catenin, and MET overexpression in which 75% of mice develop well-differentiated HCC within 8 weeks in the absence of fibrosis. Vitamin D receptor expression was similar in both tumoral and nontumoral tissue. There was no significant difference in overall survival, or in tumor progression assessed by imaging, biochemical, or tumor cell burden assessments in mice receiving a vitamin D-supplemented diet containing 12.0 IU VD/g (HVD) compared with a standard diet (SD) containing 2.3 IU VD/g. Furthermore, systemic treatment with calcitriol [vitamin D analog 1α,25(OH)₂D₃] or EB1089 (synthetic vitamin D analog) by intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks prolonged median survival but did not increase overall survival compared with controls. Although tumor formation was delayed in males compared with that in females, there was no difference in overall survival between males and females. In conclusion, although 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ is reported to inhibit β-catenin signaling, as well as proliferation, migration, and differentiation in cancer cells, neither dietary supplementation with vitamin D nor treatment with vitamin D analogs altered the formation or growth of HCC associated with β-catenin activation. These results conclusively demonstrate the lack of utility of targeting vitamin D for therapy of HCC in this setting.

Growth inhibition and apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells induced by Vitamin D-Nanoemulsion (NVD): involvement of Wnt/β-catenin and other signal transduction pathways

BACKGROUND

More than the two decades, the question of whether vitamin D has a role in cancer frequency, development, and death has been premeditated in detail. Colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers have been a scrupulous spot of center, altogether, these three malignancies report for approximately 35% of cancer cases and 20% of cancer demises in the United States, and as such are a chief public health apprehension. The aim was to evaluate antitumor activity of Vitamin D-Nanoemulsion (NVD) in colorectal cancer cell lines and HCT116 xenograft model in a comprehensive approach.

METHODS

Two human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29 (gained from College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, KSA were grown. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide protocol were performed to show the impact of NVD and β-catenin inhibitor (FH535) on the viability of HCT116 and HT29 cell lines. Apoptosis/cell cycle assay was performed. Analysis was done with a FACScan (Becton-Dickinson, NJ). About 10,000 cells per sample were harvested and Histograms of DNA were analyzed with ModiFitLT software (verity Software House, ME, USA). Western blotting and RT-PCR were performed for protein and gene expression respectively in in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

We found that NVD induced cytotoxicity in colorectal cells in a dose-dependent manner and time dependent approach. Further, our data validated that NVD administration of human colorectal cancer HCT116 and HT29 cells resulted in cell growth arrest, alteration in molecules regulating cell cycle operative in the G2 phase of the cell cycle and apoptosis in a dose dependent approach. Further our results concluded that NVD administration decreases expression of β-catenin gene, AKT gene and Survivin gene and protein expression in in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that targeting β-catenin gene may encourage the alterations of cell cycle and cell cycle regulators. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway possibly takes part in the genesis and progression of colorectal cancer cells through regulating cell cycle and the expression of cell cycle regulators.

Molecular evidence of role of vitamin D deficiency in various extraskeletal diseases

BACKGROUND

Role of vitamin D is not only limited to skeletal system but various other systems of the body, such as immune system, endocrine system, and cardiopulmonary system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It is supported by the confirmations of systems-wide expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), endocrinal effect of calcitriol, and its role in immune responses.

RESULTS

Expression of VDR in various systems, immunoregulatory and hormonal response of vitamin D and deficiency of vitamin D may establish various pathologies in the body.

CONCLUSION

This review provides molecular evidence of relation of vitamin D with extra skeletal.

Vitamin D potentiates anti-tumor activity of 5-fluorouracil via modulating caspase-3 and TGF-β1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma-induced in rats

We investigated the role of vitamin D (Vit D) alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into a control group and 4 groups that received TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p.) twice per week for 16 weeks. These 4 groups were further divided as follows: HCC group; 5-FU group (75 mg/kg, i.p., once weekly for 3 weeks starting from the 12th week); Vit D group (200 IU/kg daily by oral tube for 16 weeks); and 5-FU + Vit D group (received the previously mentioned dosage regimens of 5-FU and Vit D). HCC was detected by histopathological changes in liver sections and the elevation of serum α-fetoprotein (AFP). Treatment with 5-FU + Vit D significantly decreased gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NrF2) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) at both the gene and protein level and serum AFP concentrations in comparison with their corresponding monotherapy. Moreover, 5-FU + Vit D treatment enhanced apoptosis by increasing caspase-3 gene and protein expression. Conclusively, Vit D enhances antitumor activity of 5-FU in an HCC-induced model and improves liver function of treated animals. Combination therapy in a TAA-induced HCC rat model was more effective than 5-FU or Vit D through the modulation of TGF-β1, caspase-3, and NrF2 expressions.

Are Serum Vitamin D Levels Associated With Dry Eye Disease? Results From the Study Group for Environmental Eye Disease

Objectives

Dry eye disease (DED) is an increasingly important public health problem in Korea. Previous studies conducted in Korea have reported inconsistent results regarding the protective effects of vitamin D on DED, and these discrepancies may be related to the relatively simple questionnaire that has been used. Thus, we evaluated the association of serum vitamin D levels with DED using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI).

Methods

The present study evaluated data from participants in the Study Group for Environmental Eye Disease (2014-2015). This group included data from 752 participants, and data from 740 participants (253 men and 487 women) were analyzed in the present study. DED severity was evaluated using the OSDI.

Results

Higher serum vitamin D levels were associated with a non-significantly reduced risk of DED in the crude analysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.991; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.971 to 1.011) and in the adjusted analysis (OR, 0.988; 95% CI, 0.966 to 1.010). In the crude analysis of no/mild DED vs. moderate/severe DED, men exhibited a decreased risk with increasing serum vitamin D levels (OR, 0.999; 95% CI, 0.950 to 1.051), while women exhibited an increased risk (OR, 1.003; 95% CI, 0.979 to 1.027). In these analyses, we found no significant associations.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study support previous reports that serum vitamin D levels are not associated with DED.

Antitumoral effects of the alkynylphosphonate analogue of calcitriol EM1 on glioblastoma multiforme cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the worst and most common brain tumor, characterized by high proliferation and invasion rates. The current standard treatment is mainly based on chemoradiotherapy and this approach has slightly improved patient survival. Thus, novel strategies aimed at prolonging the survival and ensuring a better quality of life are necessary. In the present work, we investigated the antitumoral effect of the novel analogue of calcitriol EM1 on GBM cells employing in vitro, in silico, and in vivo assays. In vitro, we demonstrated that EM1 treatment selectively decreases the viability of murine and human tumor cells without affecting that of normal human astrocytes. The analysis of the mechanisms showed that EM1 produces cell cycle arrest in the T98G cell line, which is accompanied by an increase in p21, p27, p57 protein levels and a decrease in cyclin D1, p-Akt-S473, p-ERK1/2 and c-Jun expression. Moreover, EM1 treatment also exerts in GBM cells anti-migratory effects and decreases their invasive capacity by a reduction in MMP-9 proteolytic activity. In silico, we demonstrated that EM1 is able to bind to the vitamin D receptor with greater affinity than calcitriol. Finally, we showed that EM1 treatment of nude mice administered at 50ug/kg body weight during 21days neither induces hypercalcemia nor toxicity effects. In conclusion, all the results indicate the potential of EM1 analogue as a promising therapeutic alternative for GBM treatment.

JMJD3 suppresses stem cell-like characteristics in breast cancer cells by downregulation of Oct4 independently of its demethylase activity

Epigenetic regulator JMJD3 plays an important role in both tumor progression and somatic cell reprogramming. Here, we explored the effect of JMJD3 on the stem cell-like characteristics of breast cancer and its underlying mechanism involving stemness-related transcription factor Oct4. Our data revealed that, in breast cancer cells lines and an orthotopic xenograph mouse model of breast cancer, ectopic overexpression of JMJD3 suppressed stem cell-like characteristics of breast cancer cells, whereas knockdown of JMJD3 promoted these characteristics. Oct4 mediated the suppressive effects of JMJD3 on the stemness of breast cancer cells. The inhibitory effect of JMJD3 on Oct4 was independent of demethylase activity, but mediated via degradation of PHF20. Furthermore, we applied an agonist of the vitamin D receptor, paricalcitol, and found that it induced JMJD3 in breast cancer cells. Our data showed that administration of paricalcitol suppressed stem cell-like characteristics and Oct4 expression. Taken together, JMJD3 inhibits the stem cell-like characteristics in breast cancer by suppression of stemness factor Oct4 in a PHF20-dependent manner. Administration of paricalcitol leads to upregulation of JMJD3 that suppresses Oct4 expression and the stem cell-like characteristics in breast cancer.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and lung cancer risk in never-smoking postmenopausal women

PURPOSE

Vitamin D has been implicated in lowering lung cancer risk, but serological data on the association among never-smoking women are limited. We report results examining the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations with lung cancer risk among female never smokers. We also examined whether the association was modified by vitamin D supplementation and serum vitamin A concentrations.

METHODS

In the Women's Health Initiative, including the calcium/vitamin D (CaD) Trial, we selected 298 incident cases [191 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) including 170 adenocarcinoma] and 298 matched controls of never smokers. Baseline serum 25(OH)D was assayed by a chemiluminescent method. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for quartiles and predefined clinical cutoffs of serum 25(OH)D concentrations.

RESULTS

Comparing quartiles 4 versus 1 of serum 25(OH)D concentrations, ORs were 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61-1.84] for all lung cancer, 0.94 (95% CI 0.52-1.69) for NSCLC, and 0.91 (95% CI 0.49-1.68) for adenocarcinoma. Comparing serum 25(OH)D ≥ 75 (high) versus <30 nmol/L (deficient), ORs were 0.76 (95% CI 0.31-1.84) for all lung cancer, 0.71 (95% CI 0.27-1.86) for NSCLC, and 0.81 (95% CI 0.31-2.14) for adenocarcinoma. There is suggestive evidence that CaD supplementation (1 g calcium + 400 IU D3/day) and a high level of circulating vitamin A may modify the associations of 25(OH)D with lung cancer overall and subtypes (p interaction <0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

In this group of never-smoking postmenopausal women, the results did not support the hypothesis of an association between serum 25(OH)D and lung cancer risk.

The endocrine vitamin D system in the gut

The active vitamin D metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) has important regulatory actions in the gut through endocrine and probably also intracrine, autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. By activating the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is expressed at a high level in the small intestine and colon, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ regulates numerous genes that control gut physiology and homeostasis. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ is a major responsible for epithelial barrier function and calcium and phosphate absorption, and the host's defense against pathogens and the inflammatory response by several types of secretory and immune cells. Moreover, recent data suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ has a regulatory effect on the gut microbiota and stromal fibroblasts. Many studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) and to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, and the possible use of VDR agonists to prevent or treat these diseases is receiving increasing interest.

Vitamin D receptor expression and associated gene signature in tumour stromal fibroblasts predict clinical outcome in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with high CRC incidence and mortality, suggesting a protective effect of vitamin D against this disease. Given the strong influence of tumour stroma on cancer progression, we investigated the potential effects of the active vitamin D metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) on CRC stroma.

DESIGN

Expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and two 1,25(OH)₂D₃ target genes was analysed in 658 patients with CRC with prolonged clinical follow-up. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ effects on primary cultures of patient-derived colon normal fibroblasts (NFs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were studied using collagen gel contraction and migration assays and global gene expression analyses. Publicly available data sets (n=877) were used to correlate the 1,25(OH)₂D₃-associated gene signature in CAFs with CRC outcome.

RESULTS

High VDR expression in tumour stromal fibroblasts was associated with better overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival in CRC, independently of its expression in carcinoma cells. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ inhibited the protumoural activation of NFs and CAFs and imposed in CAFs a 1,25(OH)₂D₃-associated gene signature that correlated with longer OS and disease-free survival in CRC. Furthermore, expression of two genes from the signature, CD82 and S100A4, correlated with stromal VDR expression and clinical outcome in our cohort of patients with CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

1,25(OH)₂D₃ has protective effects against CRC through the regulation of stromal fibroblasts. Accordingly, expression of VDR and 1,25(OH)₂D₃-associated gene signature in stromal fibroblasts predicts a favourable clinical outcome in CRC. Therefore, treatment of patients with CRC with VDR agonists could be explored even in the absence of VDR expression in carcinoma cells.

Vitamin D Receptor Genotype, Vitamin D3 Supplementation, and Risk of Colorectal Adenomas: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Despite epidemiological and preclinical evidence suggesting that vitamin D and calcium inhibit colorectal carcinogenesis, daily supplementation with these nutrients for 3 to 5 years was not found to significantly reduce the risk of recurrent colorectal adenomas in a recent randomized clinical trial.

Objective

To investigate whether common variants in 7 vitamin D and calcium pathway genes (VDR, GC, DHCR7, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, and CASR) modify the effects of vitamin D3 or calcium supplementation on colorectal adenoma recurrence.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We examined 41 candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2259 participants in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 11 clinical centers in the United States. Eligibility criteria included a recently diagnosed adenoma and no remaining colorectal polyps after complete colonoscopy. The study's treatment phase ended on August 31, 2013, and the analysis for the present study took place from July 28, 2014, to October 19, 2016.

Interventions

Daily oral supplementation with vitamin D3 (1000 IU) or calcium carbonate (1200 mg elemental calcium) or both or neither.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcomes assessed were the occurrence of 1 or more adenomas or advanced adenomas (estimated diameter, ≥1 cm; or with villous histologic findings, high-grade dysplasia, or cancer) during follow-up. Treatment effects and genotype associations and interactions were estimated as adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The effective number of independent SNPs was calculated to correct for multiple testing.

Results

Among the 2259 participants randomized, 1702 were non-Hispanic whites who completed the trial and had genotype data for analysis (1101 men; mean [SD] age 58.1 [6.8] years). The effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on advanced adenomas, but not on adenoma risk overall, significantly varied according to genotype at 2 VDR SNPs (rs7968585 and rs731236) in linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.98; r2 = 0.6). For rs7968585, among individuals with the AA genotype (26%), vitamin D3 supplementation reduced risk by 64% (RR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.69; P = .002; absolute risk decreased from 14.4% to 5.1%). Among individuals with 1 or 2 G alleles (74%), vitamin D3 supplementation increased risk by 41% (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.99-2.00; P = .05; absolute risk increased from 7.7% to 11.1%; P < .001 for interaction). There were no significant interactions of genotypes with calcium supplementation.

Conclusions and Relevance

Our findings suggest that benefits from vitamin D3 supplementation for the prevention of advanced colorectal adenomas may vary according to vitamin D receptor genotype.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00153816.

Correlation between polymorphism of vitamin D receptor TaqI and susceptibility to colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis

The meta-analysis aimed to investigate the correlation between the polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) TaqI and susceptibility of colorectal cancer.Studies were extracted from the electronic databases of PubMed and Embase. The balance of heredity was estimated by the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test, and heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran Q statistics and I test. Four assessed models, namely additive (t vs T), dominant (Tt + tt vs TT), recessive (tt vs Tt + TT), and codominant (Tt vs TT and tt vs TT), were used to evaluate the correlations and the effective results were measured as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).A total of 14 studies, including 4632 patients and 5086 controls, were enrolled in this meta-analysis. With no significant heterogeneities observed among the 4 models, the fixed-effect model was used to examine the pooled effect value. There were no significant differences among t vs T (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.94-1.09; P = .70), Tt + tt vs TT (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.96-1.15; P = .32), tt vs Tt + TT (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.87-1.17; P = .92), Tt vs TT (OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93-1.13; P = .62), and tt vs TT (OR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.85-1.17; P = .98) with respect to increasing CRC frequency.No evidence showed that TaqI polymorphisms were significantly associated with susceptibility to CRC.

Immune Modulation by Vitamin D: Special Emphasis on Its Role in Prevention and Treatment of Cancer

PURPOSE

Vitamin D has been known to be involved in mineral and bone homeostasis for many years. In the past its main use was in treating osteoporosis and rickets. In recent years it was found that vitamin D is an immune-modulating agent and may also have a role in several diseases, including autoimmune diseases. The immune-modulating effects appear to be mediated by vitamin D interaction with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) that has transcriptional effects and is expressed on various cell types, especially those of the immune system. Immunologic and rheumatologic diseases were the first to be studied, but at the moment the spotlight is on the interactions between tumor cells and vitamin D. This review focuses on four forms of cancer that apparently benefit from a vitamin D supplementation during treatment: prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers and melanoma. Several studies reported that differences exist between white and black patients, which we discuss in the review.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed for studies published in English. The search terms included vitamin D, cancer, breast, colorectal, prostate, and melanoma.

FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our findings show that vitamin D has the potential to become a valid coadjuvant in the treatment of cancer.

2017 update on the relationship between diabetes and colorectal cancer: epidemiology, potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Worldwide deaths from diabetes mellitus (DM) and colorectal cancer increased by 90% and 57%, respectively, over the past 20 years. The risk of colorectal cancer was estimated to be 27% higher in patients with type 2 DM than in non-diabetic controls. However, there are potential confounders, information from lower income countries is scarce, across the globe there is no correlation between DM prevalence and colorectal cancer incidence and the association has evolved over time, suggesting the impact of additional environmental factors. The clinical relevance of these associations depends on understanding the mechanism involved. Although evidence is limited, insulin use has been associated with increased and metformin with decreased incidence of colorectal cancer. In addition, colorectal cancer shares some cellular and molecular pathways with diabetes target organ damage, exemplified by diabetic kidney disease. These include epithelial cell injury, activation of inflammation and Wnt/β-catenin pathways and iron homeostasis defects, among others. Indeed, some drugs have undergone clinical trials for both cancer and diabetic kidney disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified diabetes-associated genes (e.g. TCF7L2) that may also contribute to colorectal cancer. We review the epidemiological evidence, potential pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic implications of the association between DM and colorectal cancer. Further studies should clarify the worldwide association between DM and colorectal cancer, strengthen the biological plausibility of a cause-and-effect relationship through characterization of the molecular pathways involved, search for specific molecular signatures of colorectal cancer under diabetic conditions, and eventually explore DM-specific strategies to prevent or treat colorectal cancer.

The role of vitamin D and VDR in carcinogenesis: Through epidemiology and basic sciences

In the last two decades vitamin D (VD) research has demonstrated new extraskeletal actions of this pre-hormone, suggesting a protective role of this secosteroid in the onset, progression and prognosis of several chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or cancer. Regarding carcinogenesis, both preclinical and epidemiological evidence available show oncoprotective actions of VD and its receptor, the VDR. However, in late neoplastic stages the VD system (VDS) seems to be less functional, which appears to be due to an epigenetic silencing of the system. In preclinical experimental studies, VD presents oncoprotective actions through modulation of inflammation, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, angiogenesis, invasive and metastatic potential, apoptosis, miRNA expression regulation and modulation of the Hedgehog signalling pathway. Moreover, epidemiological evidence points towards an oncoprotective role of vitamin D and VDR in colorectal cancer. This association is more controversial with breast, ovarian and prostate cancers, although with a few adverse effects. Nonetheless, we should consider other factors to determine the benefit of increased serum concentration of VD. Much of the epidemiological evidence is still inconclusive, and we will have to wait for new, better-designed ongoing RCTs and their results to discern the real effect of vitamin D in cancer risk reduction and therapy. The objective of this literature review is to offer an up-to-date analysis of the role of the VD and VDR, in the onset, progression and prognosis of all types of cancer. We further discuss the available literature and suggest new hypotheses and future challenges in the field of VD research.

Vitamin D receptor is a novel transcriptional regulator for Axin1

BACKGROUND

Axin1 is a scaffold protein in the β-catenin destruction complex, which, if disrupted, contributes to pathogenesis of various human diseases, including colorectal carcinogenesis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We have previously demonstrated that Salmonella infection promotes the degradation and plasma sequestration of Axin1, leading to bacterial invasiveness and inflammatory responses. Vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) appear to be important regulators of IBD and colon cancer. Although VDR and Axin1 are all involved in intestinal inflammation, it remains unclear whether these processes are related or function independently. In the current study, we hypothesize that VDR is an important regulator for the maintenance of physiological level of Axin1.

METHODS

Using the intestinal epithelial conditional VDR knockout mouse model (VDR^ΔIEC) and cultured cell lines, influences of VDR status on the expression of Axin1 was evaluated by Western blots and real-time PCR. Loss- and gain-of-function assays were used to investigate the regulation of VDR on Axin1 at the transcriptional and translational levels. Cells were treated with cycloheximide or actinomycin for molecular mechanistic studies. Candidate genomic VDR binding sites for Axin1 were tested by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Physical interactions among VDR, Axin1, and β-catenin were tested by immunoprecipitation. Cellular localization of Axin1 with different VDR status was determined by fractionation and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We found that VDR deletion led to lower protein and mRNA levels of Axin1, whereas knockdown of Axin1 did not change the expression level of VDR protein. Immunoprecipitation data did not support physical interaction between VDR and Axin1. The VDR regulation of Axin1 was through a VDR genomic binding site for Axin1 gene on the regulatory region. Fractionation data showed that cytosolic Axin1 was significantly reduced due to VDR deletion, leaving the nuclear fraction unchanged. In ileum, Axin1 was distributed in the cytosol of apical epithelium and crypts.

CONCLUSION

VDR is important for the maintenance of physiological level of Axin1. The discovery of Axin1 as a VDR target gene provides novel and fundamental insights into the interactions between the VDR and β-catenin signaling pathways.

Friend or foe? The tumour microenvironment dilemma in colorectal cancer

The network of bidirectional homotypic and heterotypic interactions established among parenchymal tumour cells and surrounding mesenchymal stromal cells generates the tumour microenvironment (TME). These intricate crosstalks elicit both beneficial and adverse effects on tumour initiation and progression unbalancing the signals and responses from the neighbouring cells. Here, we highlight the structure, activities and evolution of TME cells considering a novel colorectal cancer (CRC) classification based on differential stromal composition and gene expression profiles. In this scenario, we scrutinise the molecular pathways that either change or become corrupted during CRC development and their relative prognostic value. Finally, we survey the therapeutic molecules directed against TME components currently available in clinical trials as well as those with stronger potential in preclinical studies. Elucidation of dynamic variations in the CRC TME cell composition and their relative contribution could provide novel diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and allow more personalised therapeutic strategies.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D and TSH as Risk Factors or Prognostic Markers in Thyroid Carcinoma

Objective

The increasing incidence of thyroid nodules demands identification of risk factors for malignant disease. Several studies suggested the association of higher TSH levels with cancer, but influence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is controversial. This study aimed to identify the relationship of thyroid cancer with higher TSH levels and hypovitaminosis D and to evaluate their influence on prognostic characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 433 patients submitted to thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules. Patients were categorized according to quartiles of TSH and 25OHD levels. Clinicopathological features were analyzed.

Results

Subjects with thyroid carcinomas were more frequently male and younger compared to those with benign disease. Their median TSH levels were higher and adjusted odds-ratio (OR) for cancer in the highest-quartile of TSH (> 2.4 mUI/mL) was 2.36 (1.36–4.09). Although vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was prevalent in our cohort (84%), no significant differences in 25OHD levels or quartile distribution were observed between benign and malignant cases. Among 187 patients with PTC, analyses of prognostic features revealed increased risk of lymph nodes metastases for subjects with highest-quartile TSH levels (OR = 3.7, p = 0.029). Decreased 25OHD levels were not overtly associated with poor prognosis in PTC.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional cohort, higher TSH levels increased the risk of cancer in thyroid nodules and influenced its prognosis, particularly favoring lymph nodes metastases. On the other hand, no association was found between 25OHD levels and thyroid carcinoma risk or prognosis, suggesting that serum 25OHD determination may not contribute to risk assessment workup of thyroid nodules.

The UVB1 Vitamin D analogue inhibits colorectal carcinoma progression

Vitamin D has been shown to display a wide variety of antitumour effects, but their therapeutic use is limited by its severe side effects. We have designed and synthesized a Gemini vitamin D analogue of calcitriol (UVB1) which has shown to display antineoplastic effects on different cancer cell lines without causing hypercalcemia. The aim of this work has been to investigate, by employing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays, whether UVB1 inhibits human colorectal carcinoma progression. We demonstrated that UVB1 induces apoptotic cell death and retards cellular migration and invasion of HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. Moreover, the analogue reduced the tumour volume in vivo, and modulated the expression of Bax, E-cadherin and nuclear β-catenin in tumour animal tissues without producing toxic effects. In silico analysis showed that UVB1 exhibits greater affinity for the ligand binding domain of vitamin D receptor than calcitriol, and that several characteristics in the three-dimensional conformation of VDR may influence the biological effects. These results demonstrate that the Gemini vitamin D analogue affects the growth of the colorectal cancer and suggest that UVB1 is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of this disease.

Commonalities in the Association between PPARG and Vitamin D Related with Obesity and Carcinogenesis

The PPAR nuclear receptor family has acquired great relevance in the last decade, which is formed by three different isoforms (PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPAR ϒ). Those nuclear receptors are members of the steroid receptor superfamily which take part in essential metabolic and life-sustaining actions. Specifically, PPARG has been implicated in the regulation of processes concerning metabolism, inflammation, atherosclerosis, cell differentiation, and proliferation. Thus, a considerable amount of literature has emerged in the last ten years linking PPARG signalling with metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and, more recently, cancer. This review paper, at crossroads of basic sciences, preclinical, and clinical data, intends to analyse the last research concerning PPARG signalling in obesity and cancer. Afterwards, possible links between four interrelated actors will be established: PPARG, the vitamin D/VDR system, obesity, and cancer, opening up the door to further investigation and new hypothesis in this fascinating area of research.

The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention

Vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol, is the precursor to the active steroid hormone 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol; 1, 25(OH)2D3). The main physiological role for 1, 25(OH)2D3 is to regulate calcium and inorganic phosphate homeostasis for bone health. More recently, vitamin D has been investigated for its effects in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Preclinical data strongly support a role for vitamin D in the prevention of cancer through its anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects on cells. Epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown mixed data on the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and cancer risk. This report seeks to outline results from the most recent preclinical and clinical studies investigating the potential role of vitamin D in cancer prevention.

The Use of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ as an Anticancer Agent

The notion that vitamin D can influence the incidence of cancer arose from epidemiological studies. The major source of vitamin D in the organism is skin production upon exposure to ultra violet-B. The very first observation of an inverse correlation between exposure of individuals to the sun and the likelihood of cancer was reported as early as 1941. In 1980, Garland and Garland hypothesised, from findings from epidemiological studies of patients in the US with colon cancer, that vitamin D produced in response to sun exposure is protective against cancer as opposed to sunlight per se. Later studies revealed inverse correlations between sun exposure and the occurrence of prostate and breast cancers. These observations prompted laboratory investigation of whether or not vitamin D had an effect on cancer cells. Vitamin D is not active against cancer cells, but the most active metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25D) has profound biological effects. Here, we review the anticancer action of 1,25D, clinical trials of 1,25D to date and the prospects of the future therapeutic use of new and low calcaemic analogues.

p53 directly activates cystatin D/CST5 to mediate mesenchymal-epithelial transition: a possible link to tumor suppression by vitamin D3

Cystatin D (CST5) encodes an inhibitor of cysteine proteases of the cathepsin family and is directly induced by the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Interestingly, vitamin D3 exerts tumor suppressive effects in a variety of tumor types. In colorectal cancer (CRC) cells CST5 was shown to mediate mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). Interestingly, vitamin D3 was shown to exert tumor suppressive effects in a variety of tumor types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). We recently performed an integrated genomic and proteomic screen to identify targets of the p53 tumor suppressor in CRC cells. Thereby, we identified CST5 as a putative p53 target gene. Here, we validated and characterized CST5 as a direct p53 target gene. After activation of a conditional p53 allele, CST5 was upregulated on mRNA and protein levels. Treatment with nutlin-3a or etoposide induced CST5 in a p53-dependent manner. These regulations were direct, since ectopic and endogenous p53 occupied a conserved binding site in the CST5 promoter region. In addition, treatment with calcitriol, the active vitamin D3 metabolite, and simultaneous activation of p53 resulted in enhanced CST5 induction and increased repression of SNAIL, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducing transcription factor. Furthermore, CST5 inactivation decreased p53-induced mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) as evidenced by decreased inhibition of SNAIL and of migration by p53. Furthermore, CST5 expression was directly repressed by SNAIL. In summary, these results imply CST5 as an important mediator of tumor suppression by p53 in colorectal cancer. In addition, they suggest that a combined treatment activating p53 and the vitamin D3 pathway may function via induction of CST5.