Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphism and Cancer: An Update

[Vitamin D and polymorphisms of VDR and GC genes in the severity and mortality from COVID-19. A systematic review]

Introduction

Previous studies have pointed to a possible relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of the disease promoted by SARS-CoV-2, reducing respiratory and cardiovascular complications caused by a hyperreaction of the immune system known as "cytokine storm". This vitamin exerts multiple functions that depend on the presence and levels of different proteins, such as the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and the existence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the genes that encode these proteins. The objective of this review is to assess whether some VDR and GC SNPs are risk factors for the most severe forms of COVID-19 disease and whether they condition the response to vitamin D supplementation. A search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scielo, finding that genotypes in patients affected by COVID-19, were rarely performed, although some studies find a relationship between different alleles and the severity of the disease. The ApaI polymorphism of the VDR gene stands out, as the minor allele "a" increases the risk of mortality from COVID-19 (OR = 11.828, CI: 2,493-56,104, p = 0.002). Results divergency in the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation suggest the need for a larger number of studies. In conclusion, the study of VDR and GC polymorphisms seems essential to effectively treat vitamin D deficiency and particularly to protect against COVID-19. Well-designed studies are needed to elucidate whether plasma vitamin D levels play a role of casuality or causality.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and risk of breast cancer in Iranian women

Objectives

Vitamin D deficiency is a driving force of common cancers like breast cancer. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) can play a tumor suppressor role by helping the precise function of vitamin D in cells such as modulation TGF-β signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate the association of VDR gene variants and susceptibility to breast cancer in Iranian women.

Methods

Genomic DNAs were isolated from blood samples of 161 women with breast cancer and 150 healthy women. After amplification of five positions of VDR gene, the prepared amplicons were digested with TaqI, ApaI, BsmI, Cdx2, and FokI restriction enzymes.

Results

Subsequently, the digested products were electrophoresed on the 1.5% agarose gel. Odds ratios (ORs) for breast cancer were calculated for genotypes and estimated haplotypes. Binary logistic regression analysis showed FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410), and ApaI (rs7975232) polymorphisms had the significant distribution in patients than to the normal group. Analysis of linkage disequilibrium for all pairs of SNPs showed that D'-value between SNP TaqI and SNP BsmI was significantly (p ≤ 0.05). We observed that four major haplotypes of ApaI, BsmI, FokI, Cdx2, and TaqI SNPs significantly were in high frequency than predicted frequency. Among these four haplotypes, CGTAT haplotype was in a higher significant association than others with breast cancer risk (p-value = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our results showed that FokI, BsmI, and ApaI of VDR polymorphisms associated with the risk of breast cancer in Iranian population.

The role of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in gestational diabetes mellitus susceptibility: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease during pregnancy. The association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms with GDM is still controversial. This study aimed to assess the associations between VDR polymorphisms and GDM risk.

METHODS

We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase electronic database for all eligible studies published from Jan 1, 1980 to December 31, 2020 to conduct a Meta-analysis. We analyzed four VDR polymorphisms: BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), TaqI (rs731236), and FokI (rs2228570).

INCLUSION CRITERIA

(1) The data can be evaluated; (2) case-control study; and (3) meeting the Hardy-Weinberg's law.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

(1) Insufficient or extractable data; (2) Severe publication bias in the data; and (3) duplicate publications. We eventually included 15 studies in seven articles, including 2207 cases and 2706 controls.

RESULTS

We eventually included 15 studies in seven articles, including 2207 cases and 2706 controls. The data showed that ApaI (rs7975232) VDR gene polymorphism was related with the risk of GDM for the comparison of CC vs AA and recessive model in overall population and FokI (rs2228570) VDR gene polymorphism was associated with the risk of GDM for recessive model in overall population. BsmI (rs1544410) polymorphism was not related with the risk of GDM in overall population. However, in the analysis of subgroups grouped by race, BsmI (rs1544410) has certain correlations. And, the data suggested the TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism was not associated with GDM.

CONCLUSION

Based on the meta-analysis, VDR ApaI (rs7975232) and FokI (rs2228570) polymorphisms increase susceptibility to GDM. In the future, it can be used to diagnose and screen molecular biomarkers for GDM patients.

Vitamin D and Gastric Cancer: A Ray of Sunshine?

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, currently ranking third among cancers leading to death worldwide. Despite the recent advancements in GC research, it is most often diagnosed during the terminal stages and with limited treatment modalities contributing to its poor prognosis and a lower survival rate.

Much research has provided conflicting results between a vitamin D deficient status and the development of GC. Vitamin D is a well-known and essential hormone classically known to regulate calcium and phosphate absorption, enabling adequate mineralization of the skeletal system. However, the function of vitamin D is multidimensional. It possesses unique roles, including acting as antioxidants or immunomodulators while crossing the cell membrane, performing several intracellular functions, participating in gene regulation, and controlling the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells, including those of GC.

In light of this, it is imperative to analyze the causes of GC, review the factors that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of treatments, and discover the tools to determine prognosis, reduce mortality, and prevent GC development. In this review, we have summarized recent investigations on multiple associations between vitamin D and GC, emphasizing genetic associations, vitamin D receptors, and the prevalence of hormone deficiency in those developing this aggressive malignancy.

Association of Vitamin D receptor gene variations with Gastric cancer risk in Kashmiri population

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates cellular processes like cell cycle arrest and apoptosis which effect cancer susceptibility. VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have a significant influence on functioning of VDR protein and subsequently contribute to the risk of cancer occurrence and progression. The present case-control study was carried out between 2016 and 2020 to investigate the association of VDR BsmI/ApaITaqI SNPs with Gastric Cancer (GC) risk in ethnic Kashmiri population not only for establishing a molecular marker for GC but also to facilitate the outcomes of personalized medicine in future. The polymorphisms of BsmI and ApaI of the VDR gene were evaluated using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism followed by Di-Deoxy Sanger sequencing in 143 GC cases and 150 controls. The mean age (in years) was 53.5 ± 7.92 and 51.2 ± 8.25 and mean Body mass index was 22.68 ± 4.27 kg/m² and 23.81 ± 3.71 kg/m² for cases and controls respectively. The mean CEA levels of GC cases was 40.2 ± 10.9 ng/ml. Genotypic distribution of VDR BsmI differed significantly between GC cases and controls (GG vs GA + AA; adjusted P = 0.014) and followed dominant mode of inheritence. Stratification of VDR BsmI revealed that frequency of variant genotype (GA + AA) was significantly higher in Preobese GC cases (P = 0.001), GC patients consuming < 5 cups of salt tea/day (P < 0.0001) and with no family history of gastrointestinal cancer (P = 0.014) compared to healthy controls. ATC haplotype associated with high GC risk. In conclusion, our study suggests that VDR BsmI SNP has a significant association with increased risk of GC especially in preobese population and BsmI/ApaITaqI SNPs significantly decreased the overall survival in GC patients of Kashmiri population.

Vitamin D receptor gene ApaI and FokI polymorphisms and its association with inflammation and oxidative stress in vitamin D sufficient Caucasian Spanish children

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D has gone from being just one vitamin to being an important prohormone with multiple effects on different tissue types. The mechanism of action of the active form or calcitriol is mediated by the intracellular vitamin D receptor (VDR). The interaction of the VDR with calcitriol modulates the expression of target genes involved in cell proliferation and cytokine production. Several studies have explored the effects of vitamin D deficiency in inflammatory disorders. Furthermore, some mutations in the VDR can affect its functionality. The focus of this study was to explore associations between VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in vitamin D sufficient children.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of a Caucasian Spanish population including 155 healthy children (87 males, 68 females) aged 10 to 14 years. FokI, ApaI and TaqI SNPs of the VDR gene were genotyped. Routine biochemistry, serum levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, 8-isoprostaglandin F2α and nitrates were determined.

RESULTS

The homozygous major allele AA in the FokI SNP was associated with increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in a recessive inheritance mode (P=0.025). The minor allele A of ApaI was significantly associated with decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α in an additive mode (P=0.016 and P=0.020 respectively). No significant associations were observed between the TaqI SNP and any of the parameters evaluated. Haplotype analysis confirmed the significance of the relationships between ApaI and FokI SNPs and parameters associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variations of VDR are associated with subtle changes in metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. These results may provide a better understanding of the relationships between vitamin D and these clinical parameters.

TaqI and ApaI Variants of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Increase the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in a Saudi Population

Background:

Polymorphisms in the gene encoding the vitamin D receptor (VDR) affect the protective role of vitamin D against many types of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC).

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of four major polymorphisms of the VDR gene (ApaI, TaqI, BsmI and FokI) on the risk of CRC in a Saudi population.

Materials and Methods:

This case–control study recruited 132 CRC patients from the oncology clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital and 124 healthy controls from the blood bank at King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between September 2017 and August 2018. All participants were Saudis and aged 20–80 years. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from the peripheral blood cells and amplified with polymerase chain reaction. The resulting fragments were digested with different endonucleases to reveal the genotypes using the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The genotype distribution and allele frequency, odds ratio (OR), risk ratio (RR) and P values were determined with contingency table analysis following Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium equation.

Results:

For the ApaI single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs7975232), only the heterozygous (Aa) genotype increased the risk of CRC (OR = 3.4, RR = 2.3, and P < 0.0001), whereas the TaqI SNP (rs731236) carriers with either the heterozygous (Tt) or homozygous (tt) genotype displayed an increased risk for the disease (OR = 6.18, RR = 4, P < 0.0001; OR = 3, RR = 2.4, P = 0.02, respectively). In contrast, heterozygous (Bb) and homozygous (bb) carriers of the BsmI SNP (rs1544410) had significantly lower risk for CRC (P < 0.0001). Finally, for the FokI SNP (rs2228570), there was no association with CRC risk.

Conclusion:

This study found that VDR SNPs ApaI and TaqI increase the risk of CRC, whereas BsmI reduces the risk of CRC in the selected Saudi population. Therefore, ApaI and TaqI SNPs could potentially be used as a diagnostic biomarker for CRC. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these variants increase or decrease the risk of CRC need to be investigated.

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.

Association between Vitamin D Receptor Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Colorectal Cancer in the Thai Population: A Case-Control Study

Vitamin D and its cognate intracellular nuclear receptor, namely, vitamin D receptor (VDR), are involved in the regulation of a variety of body metabolic processes, immune function, and oncogenesis. A large number of studies demonstrated the association of low vitamin D levels and variations in five common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), FokI, BsmI, Tru9I, ApaI, and TaqI, with the risk of several cancers, including colorectal cancers. However, these associations vary among different populations. This case-control study was aimed at analysing whether common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis in the Thai population. We enrolled 364 Thai participants from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between 2014 and 2015. Half of the participants underwent colonoscopy and showed a normal colon without polyps (control group) and another half were newly diagnosed patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) by colonoscopy during the index period, were under treatment, or were followed up at the outpatient clinic (case group). Differences in allele and genotype frequencies of five common VDR SNPs, between the case and control groups, were the primary outcome measures. Differences in haplotype frequencies of the five SNPs between the case and control groups were the secondary outcome measures. Among the 364 participants, baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the case and control groups, except for the higher proportion of males in the CRC group. The mean vitamin D level was also not significantly different between the case and control groups (24.6 ± 9.1 vs. 25.3 ± 10.6 ng/mL, p = 0.52). None of the five VDR SNPs was associated with CRC development (p > 0.05). However, haplotype analysis of these polymorphisms demonstrated that the AGGT haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of CRC (odds ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.81, p = 0.01). The AGGT haplotype was associated with a lower risk of CRC in the Thai population. This genetic linkage might support the role of vitamin D in colorectal carcinogenesis. However, this finding requires further study within a larger population and a multivariate analysis of other established risk factors.

Vitamin D receptor ApaI polymorphism associated with progression of liver disease in Vietnamese patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus

Background

Vitamin D derivatives and their receptor (VDR) are potent modulators of immune responses in various diseases including malignancies as well as in metabolic and infectious disorders. The impact of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms on clinical outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the potential role of VDR polymorphisms (TaqI, FokI, ApaI, and BsmI) in Vietnamese HBV infected patients and to correlate these polymorphisms with the progression of HBV-related liver disease.

Methods

Four hundred forty-three HBV infected patients of the three clinically well-defined subgroups chronic hepatitis B (CHB, n = 183), liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 89) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 171) and 238 healthy individuals (HC) were enrolled. VDR polymorphisms were genotyped by DNA sequencing and in-house validated ARMS assays. Logistic regression models were applied in order to determine the association of VDR polymorphisms with manifest HBV infection as well as with progression of related liver diseases mulin different genetic models.

Results

The VDR ApaI CA genotype was less frequent in HCC than in CHB patients in different genetic models (codominant model, OR = 0.5, 95%CI = 0.3–0.84, P = 0.004; dominant model, OR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.27–0.76, P = 0.0023). In the recessive model, the genotype ApaI AA was found more frequently among HCC compared to CHB patients (OR = 2.56, 95%CI = 1.01–6.48, P = 0.04). Similarly, the ApaI CA genotype was less frequent in HCC than in non-HCC group codominant model, OR = 0.6, 95%CI = 0.4–0.98, dominant model, P = 0.04 and OR = 0.6, 95%CI = 0.38–0.90, P = 0.017). The ApaI genotypes CA and AA was significantly associated with higher levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and HBV DNA (P < 0.05). No association between TaqI, FokI and BsmI polymorphisms and any clinical outcome as well as liver disease progression was found.

Conclusions

Among the four investigated VDR polymorphisms, ApaI is associated with clinical outcome and liver disease progression in Vietnamese HBV infected patients.

Association of select vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with the risk of tobacco-related cancers - a meta-analysis

The observed increase in morbidity and mortality due to tobacco-related cancers, especially those in the respiratory system and esophagus, is becoming a public health challenge. Smoking cigarettes is one of the main risk factors predisposing individuals to many types of cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the role of select vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms as risk factors in tobacco-related cancers. The MEDLINE and ResearchGate databases were used to search for articles up to June 2017, and 12 articles including 26 studies concerning FokI, ApaI, TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms and lung, neck, head, esophageal and oral cancers were chosen. In total, 5 113 cases and 5 657 controls were included in the pooled analysis. We found a significant relationship between tobacco-related cancers and the occurrence of the "t" allele in the TaqI polymorphism of VDR. The occurrence of the "t" allele reduced the risk of tobacco-related cancers by 17% (OR = 0.83, 0.72-0.96 95% CI, p-value = 0.0114). Our analysis revealed that there is a correlation between the TaqI polymorphism of VDR and the risk of tobacco-related cancers.

The effects of serum levels, and alterations in the genes of binding protein and receptor of vitamin D on gastric cancer

Due to many biological cell functions of vitamin D including regulation of cell survival, proliferation and differentiation, the metabolism of itself gains importance in the development of several types of cancer. This case-control study was designed to evaluate the risk of gastric cancer development in terms of VDR rs2228570 & rs731236, and VDBP rs7041 polymorphisms, and serum levels of vitamin D. The study consists of 77 gastric cancer patients and 84 healthy individuals. VDR and VDBP gene polymorphisms and vitamin D levels were determined by using PCR-RFLP and HPLC methods. The distribution of VDR or VDBP gene variants were not different in study groups. The serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly lower in gastric cancer patients versus controls (16 ± 6 → 11 ± 6 ng/ml) in which male patients have higher levels than females. Although the whole study population lacks normal levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, it was found that the risk of the development of gastric cancer was approximately fourfold higher in cases with severe vitamin D (< 10 ng/ml) deficiency. Our results indicate that VDR rs731236 & rs2228570 or VDBP rs7041 polymorphisms were not risk factors for the development of gastric cancer individually, however, lower serum levels of vitamin D may be a contributory risk for both predisposition and development of gastric cancer.

Relationship between Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Colorectal Cancer

Background

Many epidemiological studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with various types of human cancers. The biological action of vitamin D and its metabolites is mediated by the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). The VDR gene is highly expressed in the colon and is involved in many biological functions. The aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D metabolite and calcium levels with VDR polymorphisms in normal and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods

Fifty Saudi CRC patients and fifty controls were enrolled in the study. The levels of total vitamin D, 25(OH)D₃, and calcium were measured in serum.

Results

The homozygous genotype (aa) of the ApaI VDR polymorphism (rs7975232) was found to correlate with total serum vitamin D levels of CRC patients, while the heterozygous (Tt) TaqI VDR polymorphism (rs731236) was associated with serum calcium levels. In contrast, the BsmI and FokI VDR polymorphisms (rs1544410 and rs2228570, resp.) did not affect the serum levels of total vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, and calcium.

Conclusion

Appropriate vitamin D levels were shown to be important in preventing the onset of CRC.

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with osteosarcoma risk and prognosis

OBJECTIVE

Through its receptor (VDR), vitamin D3 plays an important role in a wide variety of cellular processes. Polymorphisms in VDR gene have been linked to risk of various cancers and their prognoses. We conducted a case-control study to analyze he relationship of VDR gene polymorphisms with the occurrence and prognosis of osteosarcoma.

METHODS

Fifty-eight osteosarcoma patients and 75 healthy controls were included in the study. Single nucleotide change polymorphisms (SNPs) in Cdx2, FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI regions of VDR gene were examined with SNaPshot mini-sequencing technique. Allele and genotype frequencies in patients and controls were compared. The association of polymorphic genotypes with osteosarcoma was evaluated. The relationship of the presence of polymorphism to prognostic parameters and survival rates were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Allele and genotype frequencies of Cdx2, FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI regions in VDR gene were found to be similar in patients and controls. Polymorphisms in these regions were not associated with osteosarcoma risk. In patients having Cdx2 polymorphic allele, tumor volume was greater (p:0.041), metastasis was more common (p:0.042) and histopathological response to chemotherapy was worse (p:0.044). Good histopathological response was significantly higher in patients with BsmI homozygous polymorphism (p:0.037). In the presence of heterozygous Cdx2 and homozygous a higher three-year overall survival rate was found, while there was a higher event-free survival rate in patients with ApaI polymorphisms.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that although polymorphisms of VDR gene are not related to the development of osteosarcoma, they may be important for prognosis. Understanding the effect of VDR polymorphisms on osteosarcoma will be important in identifying new prognostic parameters and new targets for treatment.

The role of vitamin D in perinatology. An up-to-date review

The role of vitamin D in perinatology is a subject of major interest in current medicine. There is growing evidence about the role of maternal vitamin D levels in pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature about the role of vitamin D in perinatology. Evidence from this review suggests associations between low levels of maternal vitamin D and higher risk of certain obstetrical complications. Vitamin D has been found to be related to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, low birth weight, and preterm birth. The current literature supports vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women, but more high-quality data are necessary. The problem that remains is how to achieve an optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. To determine the real benefits of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy, we need high-quality trials in larger groups.

Association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase, Vitamin D Receptor, and Interleukin-16 Gene Polymorphisms With Renal Cell Carcinoma Risk

In this meta-analysis, we investigated the association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, vitamin D receptor, and interleukin-16 gene polymorphisms with the risk of renal cell carcinoma. We searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases up to July 1, 2017, and included 12 eligible case-control studies in our analysis. The vitamin D receptor ApaI A allele, ApaI AA and aa genotypes, BsmI B allele, and Fok1 FF genotype were all associated with the risk of renal cell carcinoma in Asian populations. However, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (rs1801133 and rs1801131), vitamin D receptor (TaqI and Fok1), and interleukin-16 (rs4778889 and rs11556218) gene polymorphisms were not associated with the risk of renal cell carcinoma. Our study indicates that the vitamin D receptor ApaI A allele, ApaI AA and aa genotypes, BsmI B allele, and Fok1 FF genotype are associated with renal cell carcinoma risk.

Vitamin D and its receptor polymorphisms: New possible prognostic biomarkers in leukemias

Several factors such as chromosomal translocations, gene mutations, and polymorphisms are involved in the pathogenesis of leukemia/lymphoma. Recently, the role of vitamin D (VD) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms in hematologic malignancies has been considered. In this review, we examine the possible role of VD levels, as well as VDR polymorphisms as prognostic biomarkers in leukemia/lymphoma. Relevant English language literature were searched and retrieved from Google Scholar search engine (1985-2017). The following keywords were used: vitamin D, vitamin D receptor, leukemia, lymphoma, and polymorphism. Increased serum levels of VD in patients with leukemia are associated with a better prognosis. However, low VD levels are associated with a poor prognosis, and VDR polymorphisms in various leukemias can have prognostic value. VD biomarker can be regarded as a potential prognostic factor for a number of leukemias, including acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). There is a significant relationship between different polymorphisms of VDR (including Taq I and Fok I) with several leukemia types such as ALL and AML, which may have prognostic value.

Association of low penetrance vitamin D receptor Tru9I (rs757343) gene polymorphism with risk of premenopausal breast cancer

Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether a novel polymorphism ( Tru9I) in the low penetrance vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is associated with risk of premenopausal breast cancer (BC). Methods This case-control study included 228 patients with BC and 503 healthy women living in Pakistan who were analyzed for the VDR Tru9I (rs757343) single nucleotide polymorphism. BC cases were histopathologically confirmed, and all healthy controls were age-matched with patients (age range, 20-45 years). DNA was extracted, and the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assays were performed. Results The VDR Tru9I polymorphism was not significantly associated with premenopausal BC. However, the risk of BC was associated with the 'uu' genotype (odds ratio [OR], 1.141; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.206-6.317). Further, mutant Tru9I was significantly associated with Grade IV carcinoma (OR, 5.36; 95% CI, 1.181-24.338). Conclusion The VDR Tru9I 'uu' genotype may increase the risk of premenopausal BC.

Association between fok1 polymorphism of vitamin D receptor gene with uterine leiomyoma in Turkish populations

Objective:

The aim of this research was to determine the association between the fok1 polymorphism and uterine leiomyomas.

Material and Methods:

For genotyping the fok1 polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor, real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed on blood samples of uterine leiomyoma (n=27) and control (n=33) groups. For statistical analyses, SPSS v.23 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used.

Results:

A statistically significant difference was observed for the frequency of the CC genotype between the uterine leiomyoma and control groups, and the frequencies of the T allele in the uterine leiomyoma groups were significantly higher than in the control group.

Conclusion:

The presence of the fok1 CC genotype may be a risk-reducing factor and the T allele may be a potential risk factor for developing uterine leiomyoma.