Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and risk of pancreatic cancer: Cohort Consortium Vitamin D Pooling Project of Rarer Cancers

The association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

PURPOSE

The relationship between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and pancreatic cancer has been well studied but remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between circulating 25(OH)D and pancreatic cancer by using a meta-analytic approach.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Wed of Science databases were searched through October 15, 2022. A random or fixed-effects model was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR), risk ratio (RR), hazard ratio (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies including 529,917 participants met the inclusion criteria, of which 10 reported incidence and 6 reported mortality. For the highest versus lowest categories of circulating 25(OH)D, the pooled OR of pancreatic cancer incidence in case-control studies was 0.98 (95% CI 0.69-1.27), and the pooled HRs of pancreatic cancer mortality in cohort and case-control studies were 0.64 (95% CI 0.45-0.82) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.62-0.95), respectively. The leave-one-out sensitivity analyses found no outliers and Galbraith plots indicated no substantial heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from this meta-analysis suggested that high circulating 25(OH)D levels may be associated with decreased mortality but not incidence of pancreatic cancer. Our findings may provide some clues for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and remind us to be cautious about widespread vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of pancreatic cancer.

On the Menu: Analyzing the Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Beverages, Dietary Patterns, and Pancreatic Cancer Risk

This narrative review summarizes the principal findings of observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on diet and dietary patterns' role in the risk of pancreatic cancer. Etiologically pancreatic cancer is multifactorial. Evidence exists of an association between nutrients, dietary patterns, and pancreatic cancer. An extensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. A thorough search of articles published in English till May 2023 and related to the review was performed. The relationship between all macronutrients, micronutrients, and various dietary patterns with the risk of pancreatic cancer was assessed. It is concluded that a diet high in nutrients like red and processed meat, refined sugars, saturated and monounsaturated fats, alcohol, copper, and a Western dietary pattern can increase the likelihood of pancreatic cancer. Contrary to this, a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, appropriate quantities of vitamins and minerals, and a Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D, including the derivation of a conversion factor for calcidiol monohydrate

Following two requests from the European Commission (EC), the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin D and to propose a conversion factor (CF) for calcidiol monohydrate into vitamin D3 for labelling purposes. Vitamin D refers to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), and calcidiol monohydrate. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to assess the relative bioavailability of calcidiol monohydrate versus vitamin D3 on serum 25(OH)D concentrations, and for priority adverse health effects of excess vitamin D intake, namely persistent hypercalcaemia/hypercalciuria and endpoints related to musculoskeletal health (i.e. falls, bone fractures, bone mass/density and indices thereof). Based on the available evidence, the Panel proposes a CF for calcidiol monohydrates of 2.5 for labelling purposes. Persistent hypercalciuria, which may be an earlier sign of excess vitamin D than persistent hypercalcaemia, is selected as the critical endpoint on which to base the UL for vitamin D. A lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) of 250 μg/day is identified from two randomised controlled trials in humans, to which an uncertainty factor of 2.5 is applied to account for the absence of a no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). A UL of 100 μg vitamin D equivalents (VDE)/day is established for adults (including pregnant and lactating women) and for adolescents aged 11-17 years, as there is no reason to believe that adolescents in the phase of rapid bone formation and growth have a lower tolerance for vitamin D compared to adults. For children aged 1-10 years, a UL of 50 μg VDE/day is established by considering their smaller body size. Based on available intake data, European populations are unlikely to exceed the UL, except for regular users of food supplements containing high doses of vitamin D.

A Scoping Review of Vitamin D for Nonskeletal Health: A Framework for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice

BACKGROUND

Low serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are prevalent worldwide. Although the benefits of vitamin D supplementation have focused on skeletal disorders (eg, rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis), emerging evidence for nonskeletal health merits further discussion.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review was to critically examine the vitamin D supplementation literature pertaining to nonskeletal health to help guide clinicians.

METHODS

A scoping review that included observational studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed. Evidence from meta-analyses and individual RCTs are discussed, and controversies and future directions are considered.

FINDINGS

25(OH)D deficiency is a ubiquitous condition associated with multiple nonskeletal diseases, including cardiometabolic (heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease), immune (HIV/AIDS and cancer), lung (from traditional chronic disorders to coronavirus disease 2019), and gut diseases. Vitamin D deficiency also affects health across the life span (children, pregnant, and elderly), mental illness, and reproduction in both men and women. In contrast, vitamin D supplementation does not necessarily improve major medical outcomes, even when low 25(OH)D levels are treated. Screening for 25(OH)D status remains an important practice, primarily for high-risk patients (eg, elderly, women with osteoporosis, people with low exposure to sunlight). It is reasonable to supplement with vitamin D to treat 25(OH)D deficiency, such that if beneficial nonskeletal health occurs, this may be considered as a coadjutant instead of the central tenet of the disease. Furthermore, optimizing dosing regimens is an important clinical consideration.

IMPLICATIONS

Although 25(OH)D deficiency is prevalent in nonskeletal diseases, there is no uniform evidence that vitamin D supplementation improves major medical outcomes, even when low 25(OH)D levels are corrected. Findings from RCTs warrant caution due to possible selection bias. Overall, vitamin D supplementation must be guided by circulating levels as a reasonable medical practice to correct 25(OH)D deficiency.

The Problem of Vitamin D Scarcity: Cultural and Genetic Solutions by Indigenous Arctic and Tropical Peoples

Vitamin D metabolism differs among human populations because our species has adapted to different natural and cultural environments. Two environments are particularly difficult for the production of vitamin D by the skin: the Arctic, where the skin receives little solar UVB over the year; and the Tropics, where the skin is highly melanized and blocks UVB. In both cases, natural selection has favored the survival of those individuals who use vitamin D more efficiently or have some kind of workaround that ensures sufficient uptake of calcium and other essential minerals from food passing through the intestines. Vitamin D scarcity has either cultural or genetic solutions. Cultural solutions include consumption of meat in a raw or boiled state and extended breastfeeding of children. Genetic solutions include higher uptake of calcium from the intestines, higher rate of conversion of vitamin D to its most active form, stronger binding of vitamin D to carrier proteins in the bloodstream, and greater use of alternative metabolic pathways for calcium uptake. Because their bodies use vitamin D more sparingly, indigenous Arctic and Tropical peoples can be misdiagnosed with vitamin D deficiency and wrongly prescribed dietary supplements that may push their vitamin D level over the threshold of toxicity.

25(OH)Vitamin D Deficiency and Calcifediol Treatment in Pediatrics

Vitamin D is essential for the normal mineralization of bones during childhood. Although diet and adequate sun exposure should provide enough of this nutrient, there is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency rickets worldwide. Children with certain conditions that lead to decreased vitamin D production and/or absorption are at the greatest risk of nutritional rickets. In addition, several rare genetic alterations are also associated with severe forms of vitamin-D-resistant or -dependent rickets. Although vitamin D3 is the threshold nutrient for the vitamin D endocrine system (VDES), direct measurement of circulating vitamin D3 itself is not a good marker of the nutritional status of the system. Calcifediol (or 25(OH)D) serum levels are used to assess VDES status. While there is no clear consensus among the different scientific associations on calcifediol status, many clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of ensuring normal 25(OH)D serum levels and calcium intake for the prevention or treatment of nutritional rickets in childhood. Therefore, during the first year of life, infants should receive vitamin D treatment with at least 400 IU/day. In addition, a diet should ensure a normal calcium intake. Healthy lifestyle habits to prevent vitamin D deficiency should be encouraged during childhood. In children who develop clinical signs of rickets, adequate treatment with vitamin D and calcium should be guaranteed. Children with additional risk factors for 25(OH)D deficiency and nutritional rickets should be assessed periodically and treated promptly to prevent further bone damage.

Vitamin D and Multiple Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Observational Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials, and Mendelian Randomization Studies

Observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have yielded inconsistent results on the associations of vitamin D concentrations with multiple health outcomes. In the present umbrella review we aimed to evaluate the effects of low vitamin D concentrations and vitamin D supplementation on multiple health outcomes. We summarized current evidence obtained from meta-analyses of observational studies that examined associations between vitamin D concentrations and multiple health outcomes, meta-analyses of RCTs that investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on multiple health outcomes, and MR studies that explored the causal associations of vitamin D concentrations with various diseases (international prospective register of systematic reviews PROSPERO registration number CRD42018091434). A total of 296 meta-analyses of observational studies comprising 111 unique outcomes, 139 meta-analyses of RCTs comprising 46 unique outcomes, and 73 MR studies comprising 43 unique outcomes were included in the present umbrella review. Twenty-eight disease outcomes were identified by both meta-analyses of observational studies and MR studies. Seventeen of these reported disease outcomes had consistent results, demonstrating that lower concentrations of vitamin D were associated with a higher risk for all-cause mortality, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, schizophrenia, and type 2 diabetes. The combinations of consistent evidence obtained by meta-analyses of observational studies and MR studies together with meta-analyses of RCTs showed that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a decreased risk for all-cause mortality but not associated with the risk for Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, schizophrenia, or type 2 diabetes. The results indicated that vitamin D supplementation is a promising strategy with long-term preventive effects on multiple chronic diseases and thus has the potential to decrease all-cause mortality. However, the current vitamin D supplementation strategy might not be an efficient intervention approach for these diseases, suggesting that new strategies are highly needed to improve the intervention outcomes.

Vitamins as Possible Cancer Biomarkers: Significance and Limitations

The Western-style diet, which is common in developed countries and spreading into developing countries, is unbalanced in many respects. For instance, micronutrients (vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, and K plus iron, zinc, selenium, and iodine) are generally depleted in Western food (causing what is known as ‘hidden hunger’), whereas some others (such as phosphorus) are added beyond the daily allowance. This imbalance in micronutrients can induce cellular damage that can increase the risk of cancer. Interestingly, there is a large body of evidence suggesting a strong correlation between vitamin intake as well as vitamin blood concentrations with the occurrence of certain types of cancer. The direction of association between the concentration of a given vitamin and cancer risk is tumor specific. The present review summarized the literature regarding vitamins and cancer risk to assess whether these could be used as diagnostic or prognostic markers, thus confirming their potential as biomarkers. Despite many studies that highlight the importance of monitoring vitamin blood or tissue concentrations in cancer patients and demonstrate the link between vitamin intake and cancer risk, there is still an urgent need for more data to assess the effectiveness of vitamins as biomarkers in the context of cancer. Therefore, this review aims to provide a solid basis to support further studies on this promising topic.

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Subsequent Cancer Incidence and Mortality: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) values and subsequent cancer incidence and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified all adult patients living in Olmsted County, Minnesota, between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2011, who had at least 1 25(OH)D measurement and no prior diagnosis of cancer. Cancer outcomes were retrieved starting 30 days after 25(OH)D measurement and until patients' final clinical visit as an Olmsted County resident; December 31, 2014; or death. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze data.

RESULTS

A total of 8700 individuals had a 25(OH)D measurement and no history of cancer, with a mean ± SD 25(OH)D value of 29.7±12.8 ng/mL (to convert to nmol/L, multiply by 2.496). The mean ± SD age was 51.5±16.4 years, and most were women (78.1%; n=6796) and White (85.7%; n=7460). A total of 761 individuals developed cancer (skin cancer, n=360; nonskin cancer, n=401) during a median follow-up of 4.6 (interquartile range, 3.4-6.1) years. Compared with participants with 25(OH)D values of 20 to 50 ng/mL (reference group), those with 25(OH)D values less than 12 ng/mL had a greater nonskin cancer incidence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.36; P=.04) after adjustment. There was no association between 25(OH)D values and total cancer or skin cancer incidence. Compared with individuals from the reference group, 25(OH)D levels less than 12 ng/mL (HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.01 to 5.48; P=.047) and 12 to 19 ng/mL (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.05 to 4.22; P=.04) were associated with increased cancer mortality.

CONCLUSION

Low 25(OH)D levels were associated with increased risk for incident nonskin cancer and cancer-related mortality.

Is Vitamin D Deficiency Related to Increased Cancer Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

There is mounting evidence that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related with increased risk for the development of cancer. Apart from shared common risk factors typical for both diseases, diabetes driven factors including hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and low grade chronic inflammation are of great importance. Recently, vitamin D deficiency was reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including T2DM and cancer. However, little is known whether vitamin D deficiency may be responsible for elevated cancer risk development in T2DM patients. Therefore, the aim of the current review is to identify the molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D deficiency may contribute to cancer development in T2DM patients. Vitamin D via alleviation of insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and inflammation reduces diabetes driven cancer risk factors. Moreover, vitamin D strengthens the DNA repair process, and regulates apoptosis and autophagy of cancer cells as well as signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis i.e., tumor growth factor β (TGFβ), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and Wnt-β-Cathenin. It should also be underlined that many types of cancer cells present alterations in vitamin D metabolism and action as a result of Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and CYP27B1 expression dysregulation. Although, numerous studies revealed that adequate vitamin D concentration prevents or delays T2DM and cancer development, little is known how the vitamin affects cancer risk among T2DM patients. There is a pressing need for randomized clinical trials to clarify whether vitamin D deficiency may be a factor responsible for increased risk of cancer in T2DM patients, and whether the use of the vitamin by patients with diabetes and cancer may improve cancer prognosis and metabolic control of diabetes.

Pancreatic Cancer Exposome Profile to Aid Early Detection and Inform Prevention Strategies

Pancreatic cancer (PCa) is associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. The causes of PCa are not fully elucidated yet, although certain exposome factors have been identified. The exposome is defined as the sum of all environmental factors influencing the occurrence of a disease during a life span. The development of an exposome approach for PCa has the potential to discover new disease-associated factors to better understand the carcinogenesis of PCa and help with early detection strategies. Our systematic review of the literature identified several exposome factors that have been associated with PCa alone and in combination with other exposures. A potential inflammatory signature has been observed among the interaction of several exposures (i.e., smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and inflammatory markers) that further increases the incidence and progression of PCa. A large number of exposures have been identified such as genetic, hormonal, microorganism infections and immune responses that warrant further investigation. Future early detection strategies should utilize this information to assess individuals' risk for PCa.

Fluctuation theory of immune response: A statistical mechanical approach to understand pathogen induced T-cell population dynamics

In this period of intense interest in human immunity, we attempt here to quantify the immune response against pathogen invasion through T-cell population dynamics. Borrowing concepts from equilibrium statistical mechanics, we introduce a new description of the immune response function (IMRF) in terms of fluctuations in the population number of relevant biological cells (effector and regulatory T-cells). We use a coarse-grained chemical reaction network model (CG-CRNM) to calculate the number fluctuations and show that the response function derived as such can, indeed, capture the crossover observed in a T-cell driven immune response. We employ the network model to learn the effect of vitamin-D as an immunomodulator. We solve our CG-CRNM using a stochastic Gillespie algorithm. Depending on the effector T-cell concentration, we can classify immune regulation regimes into three categories: weak, strong, and moderate. The IMRF is found to behave differently in these three regimes. A damped cross-regulatory behavior found in the dynamics of effector and regulatory T-cell concentration in the diseased states correlates well with the same found in a cohort of patients with specific malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Importantly, the crossover from the weakly regulated steady state to the other (the strongly regulated) is accompanied by a divergence-like growth in the fluctuation of both the effector and the regulatory T-cell concentration, characteristic of a dynamic phase transition. We believe such steady-state IMRF analyses could help not only to phase-separate different immune stages but also aid in the valuable connection between autoimmunity, optimal vitamin-D, and consequences of immunosuppressive stress and malignancy.

Non-Musculoskeletal Benefits of Vitamin D beyond the Musculoskeletal System

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble prohormone, is endogenously synthesized in response to sunlight or taken from dietary supplements. Since vitamin D receptors are present in most tissues and cells in the body, the mounting understanding of the role of vitamin D in humans indicates that it does not only play an important role in the musculoskeletal system, but has beneficial effects elsewhere as well. This review summarizes the metabolism of vitamin D, the research regarding the possible risk factors leading to vitamin D deficiency, and the relationships between vitamin D deficiency and numerous illnesses, including rickets, osteoporosis and osteomalacia, muscle weakness and falls, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancers, and neurological disorders. The system-wide effects of vitamin D and the mechanisms of the diseases are also discussed. Although accumulating evidence supports associations of vitamin D deficiency with physical and mental disorders and beneficial effects of vitamin D with health maintenance and disease prevention, there continue to be controversies over the beneficial effects of vitamin D. Thus, more well-designed and statistically powered trials are required to enable the assessment of vitamin D’s role in optimizing health and preventing disease.

Vitamin D and Clinical Cancer Outcomes: A Review of Meta-Analyses

The relationship between vitamin D status or supplementation and cancer outcomes has been examined in several meta‐analyses. To address remaining knowledge gaps, we conducted a systematic overview and critical appraisal of pertinent meta‐analyses. For meta‐analyses of trials, we assessed their quality using AMSTAR‐2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews), strength of associations using umbrella review methodology and credibility of evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) criteria. Meta‐analyses of observational studies reported inverse associations of 25OHD with risk of cancer incidence and cancer mortality and, particularly for colorectal cancer, fulfilled some of Bradford‐Hill's causation criteria. In meta‐analyses of trials, vitamin D supplementation did not affect cancer incidence. However, we found credible evidence that vitamin D supplementation reduced total cancer mortality risk, with five out of six meta‐analyses reporting a relative risk (RR) reduction of up to 16%: RR, 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74–0.95). The strength of the association, however, was classified as weak. This was true among meta‐analyses of high, moderate, and lower quality (AMSTAR‐2–rated). Trials did not include large numbers of vitamin D‐deficient participants; many tested relatively low doses and lacked sufficiently powered data on site‐specific cancers. In conclusion, meta‐analyses show that, although observational evidence indicates that low vitamin D status is associated with a higher risk of cancer outcomes, randomized trials show that vitamin D supplementation reduces total cancer mortality, but not cancer incidence. However, trials with larger proportions of vitamin D‐insufficient participants and longer durations of follow‐up, plus adequately powered data on site‐specific common cancers, would provide further insight into the evidence base. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

The vitamin D analogue calcipotriol promotes an anti-tumorigenic phenotype of human pancreatic CAFs but reduces T cell mediated immunity

The pancreatic tumour stroma is composed of phenotypically heterogenous cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with both pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions. Here, we studied the impact of calcipotriol, a vitamin D₃ analogue, on the activation of human pancreatic CAFs and T cells using 2- and 3-dimensional (2D, 3D) cell culture models. We found that calcipotriol decreased CAF proliferation and migration and reduced the release of the pro-tumorigenic factors prostaglandin E₂, IL-6, periostin, and leukemia inhibitory factor. However, calcipotriol promoted PD-L1 upregulation, which could influence T cell mediated tumour immune surveillance. Calcipotriol reduced T cell proliferation and production of IFN-γ, granzyme B and IL-17, but increased IL-10 secretion. These effects were even more profound in the presence of CAFs in 2D cultures and in the presence of CAFs and pancreatic tumour cell line (PANC-1) spheroids in 3D cultures. Functional assays on tumour infiltrating lymphocytes also showed a reduction in T cell activation by calcipotriol. This suggests that calcipotriol reduces the tumour supportive activity of CAFs but at the same time reduces T cell effector functions, which could compromise the patients’ tumour immune surveillance. Thus, vitamin D₃ analogues appear to have dual functions in the context of pancreatic cancer, which could have important clinical implications.

Vitamin D Prevents Pancreatic Cancer-Induced Apoptosis Signaling of Inflammatory Cells

Combined approaches based on immunotherapy and drugs supporting immune effector cell function might increase treatment options for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), vitamin D being a suitable drug candidate. In this study, we evaluated whether treatment with the vitamin D analogue, calcipotriol, counterbalances PDAC induced and SMAD4-associated intracellular calcium [Ca²⁺]_i alterations, cytokines release, immune effector function, and the intracellular signaling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Calcipotriol counteracted the [Ca²⁺]_i depletion of PBMCs induced by SMAD4-expressing PDAC cells, which conditioned media augmented the number of calcium flows while reducing whole [Ca²⁺]_i. While calcipotriol inhibited spontaneous and PDAC-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) release by PBMC and reduced intracellular transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), it did not counteract the lymphocytes proliferation induced in allogenic co-culture by PDAC-conditioned PBMCs. Calcipotriol mainly antagonized PDAC-induced apoptosis and partially restored PDAC-inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, alterations induced by PDAC cells in the [Ca²⁺]_i of immune cells can be partially reverted by calcipotriol treatment, which promotes inflammation and antagonizes PBMCs apoptosis. These effects, together with the dampening of intracellular TGF-β, might result in an overall anti-tumor effect, thus supporting the administration of vitamin D in PDAC patients.

Updated risk factors to inform early pancreatic cancer screening and identify high risk patients

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor clinical outcomes and incomplete responses to conventional therapy. Therefore, there is an unmet clinical need to better understand the predisposing factors for pancreatic cancer in hopes of providing early screening to high-risk patients. While select risk factors such as age, race, and family history, or predisposing syndromes are unavoidable, there are several new and established risk factors that allow for intervention, namely by counseling patients to make the appropriate lifestyle modifications. Here, we discuss the best-studied risk factors for PDAC such as tobacco use and chronic pancreatitis, as well as newly emerging risk factors including select nutritional deficits, bacterial infections, and psychosocial factors. As several of these risk factors appear to be additive or synergistic, by understanding their relationships and offering coordinated, multidisciplinary care to high-risk patients, it may be possible to reduce pancreatic cancer incidence and improve clinical outcomes through early detection.

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.

The ongoing D-lemma of vitamin D supplementation for nonskeletal health and bone health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this review is to give some perspective on the results and conclusions of three recent randomized controlled vitamin D intervention studies that have challenged the health benefit of vitamin D supplementation for reducing risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, all-cause mortality and type 2 diabetes and improving bone health.

RECENT FINDINGS

Vitamin D supplementation to adults who were vitamin D sufficient or insufficient did not reduce risk for developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes nor increases bone mineral density (BMD). Patients who were vitamin D deficient with cancer and received vitamin D reduced risk for mortality by 25% and prediabetic adults who were vitamin D deficient and received vitamin D reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 62%. Older adults receiving 4000 and 10 000 IUs of vitamin D3 daily for 3 years had reduced radial BMD but had no change in either total hip areal bone density or bone strength in the radius and tibia.

SUMMARY

Caution is needed when evaluating results and conclusions from randomized controlled trials that investigate health benefits of vitamin D; most studies suggest health benefits when vitamin D supplementation is provided to vitamin D deficient populations and little benefit when given to populations that are vitamin D sufficient/insufficient.

Vitamin D supplementation for prevention of cancer: The D2d cancer outcomes (D2dCA) study

Evidence on biological plausibility from mechanistic studies and data from observational studies suggest that vitamin D may be linked to risk of several types of cancer. However, evidence from clinical trials evaluating the effect of vitamin D supplementation on cancer risk is limited. The Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes (D2d) study is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted to examine the causal relationship between oral vitamin D supplementation and development of diabetes among overweight adults with prediabetes. The D2d study provides a unique opportunity to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation at a higher dose (4000 IU/day) than has been used in other clinical trials with cancer outcomes, in a population at higher than average risk for cancer. This paper provides: Krishnan and Feldman (2011) a) baseline characteristics of the D2d population included in the D2d cancer outcomes secondary study (D2dCA) and comparison to other large trials of vitamin D supplementation and cancer risk; Leyssens et al. (2013) b) description of data that are being collected during the trial and the planned statistical analyses to test whether vitamin D supplementation at a dose of 4000 IU/day has an effect on incident cancer overall, on incidence of certain types of cancer, and on incidence of precancerous lesions. Results of D2dCA will help guide future research and clinical recommendations related to vitamin D and cancer risk.

Vitamin D supplementation and total cancer incidence and mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of vitamin D supplementation and total cancer incidence and mortality found inconsistent results, and most included trials administered generally low doses of vitamin D (≤1100 IU/day). We updated the meta-analysis by incorporating recent RCTs that have tested higher doses of vitamin D supplements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched from the inception to November 2018. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

For total cancer incidence, 10 trials were included [6537 cases; 3-10 years of follow-up; 54-135 nmol/l of attained levels of circulating 25(OH) vitamin D [25(OH)D] in the intervention group]. The summary RR was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.93-1.03; P = 0.42; I2 = 0%). The results remained null across subgroups tested, including even when attained 25(OH)D levels exceeded 100 nmol/l (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83-1.09; P = 0.48; I2 = 26%). For total cancer mortality, five trials were included [1591 deaths; 3-10 years of follow-up; 54-135 nmol/l of attained levels of circulating 25(OH)D in the intervention group]. The summary RR was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79-0.96; P = 0.005; I2 = 0%), which was largely attributable to interventions with daily dosing (as opposed to infrequent bolus dosing). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed by attained levels of circulating 25(OH)D (Pheterogeneity = 0.83), with RR being 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78-0.98; P = 0.02; I2 = 0%) for ≤100 nmol/l and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.70-1.03; P = 0.11; I2 = 0%) for >100 nmol/l.

CONCLUSIONS

In an updated meta-analysis of RCTs, vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced total cancer mortality but did not reduce total cancer incidence.

Vitamin D and Cancer Risk and Mortality: State of the Science, Gaps, and Challenges

There has been substantial enthusiasm recently regarding the potential role of vitamin D in the primary and secondary prevention of cancer. Laboratory studies demonstrate a range of anticarcinogenic effects for vitamin D compounds, but human studies have yielded little consistent evidence supporting a protective association. Higher circulating levels of vitamin D (i.e., 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D) appear to be associated with reduced risk of colorectal and bladder malignancies, but higher risk of prostate and possibly pancreatic cancers, with no clear association for most other organ sites examined. Despite there being no official institutional recommendations regarding the use of vitamin D supplements for cancer prevention, screenings for vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D supplement use have increased substantially over the past decade. These widespread practices demonstrate that population sociobehavioral changes are often adopted before scientifically well-informed policies and recommendations are available. This review critically examines the currently available epidemiologic literature regarding the associations between circulating 25(OH)D, vitamin D supplementation, and vitamin D-related genetic variation and cancer risk and mortality, with a particular emphasis on prospective studies. We identify several important gaps in our scientific knowledge that should be addressed in order to provide sufficient reproducible data to inform evidence-based recommendations related to optimal 25(OH)D concentrations (and any role for vitamin D supplementation) for the primary and secondary prevention of cancer. With few exceptions, such recommendations cannot be made at this time.

Circulating concentrations of vitamin D in relation to pancreatic cancer risk in European populations

Evidence from in vivo, in vitro and ecological studies are suggestive of a protective effect of vitamin D against pancreatic cancer (PC). However, this has not been confirmed by analytical epidemiological studies. We aimed to examine the association between pre-diagnostic circulating vitamin D concentrations and PC incidence in European populations. We conducted a pooled nested case-control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study's second survey (HUNT2) cohorts. In total, 738 primary incident PC cases (EPIC n = 626; HUNT2 n = 112; median follow-up = 6.9 years) were matched to 738 controls. Vitamin D [25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 combined] concentrations were determined using isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Conditional logistic regression models with adjustments for body mass index and smoking habits were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Compared with a reference category of >50 to 75 nmol/L vitamin D, the IRRs (95% CIs) were 0.71 (0.42-1.20); 0.94 (0.72-1.22); 1.12 (0.82-1.53) and 1.26 (0.79-2.01) for clinically pre-defined categories of ≤25; >25 to 50; >75 to 100; and >100 nmol/L vitamin D, respectively (p for trend = 0.09). Corresponding analyses by quintiles of season-standardized vitamin D concentrations also did not reveal associations with PC risk (p for trend = 0.23). Although these findings among participants from the largest combination of European cohort studies to date show increasing effect estimates of PC risk with increasing pre-diagnostic concentrations of vitamin D, they are not statistically significant.

The effect of vernal solar UV radiation on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration depends on the baseline level: observations from a high latitude in Finland

Humans obtain vitamin D from conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation or from dietary sources. As the radiation level is insufficient in winter, vitamin D deficiency is common at higher latitudes. We assessed whether vernal solar UVB radiation at latitudes 61°N and 67°N in Finland has an impact on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [S-25(OH)D] concentrations. Twenty-seven healthy volunteers participated in outdoor activities in snow-covered terrain for 4–10 days in March or April, with their face and hands sun-exposed. The personal UVB doses and S-25(OH)D levels were monitored. A mean UVB dose of 11.8 standard erythema doses (SED) was received during an average of 12.3 outdoor hours. The mean S-25(OH)D concentration in subjects with a baseline concentration below 90.0 nmol/L (n=13) increased significantly, by 6.0 nmol/L from an initial mean of 62.4 nmol/L (p<0.001), whereas in those with a basal concentration above 90.0 nmol/L (n=12) it decreased significantly, by 6.7 nmol/L from a mean of 116.9 nmol/L (p<0.01). To conclude, only 7% of total body surface area was exposed to vernal sunlight and this was capable of increasing S-25(OH)D levels in subjects with a baseline level below 90 nmol/L but not in those with higher levels.

Vitamin D levels and risk for periodontal disease: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the existing evidence supporting or refuting the following questions: (i) Do patients with lower vitamin D levels have higher risk for periodontal disease? (ii) Are periodontal treatment outcomes improved by the adjuvant supplementation of vitamin D or by elevated serum vitamin D levels?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched up to September 2017. Studies were included if they had measured serum vitamin D levels or vitamin D intake and any periodontal parameter.

RESULTS

Overall, 27 studies were included (13 cross-sectional studies, 6 case-control studies, 5 cohort studies, 2 randomized clinical trials and 1 case series study). Sixty-five percent of the cross-sectional studies reported significant associations between low vitamin D levels and poor periodontal parameters. None of the observational longitudinal studies found that periodontal disease progression could be attributed to lower vitamin D levels. No interventional studies that evaluated the use of vitamin D supplementation as a solely adjuvant to periodontal treatment was found. No meta-analysis was performed due to high variability across studies.

CONCLUSION

The data to support or refute the association between vitamin D levels and periodontal disease are inconclusive at the moment. More rigorously designed longitudinal studies with standardized definitions of periodontal disease and vitamin D are necessary.

Vitamin D and pancreas: The role of sunshine vitamin in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer

Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D exerts multiple effects beyond bone and calcium metabolism. Vitamin D seems to play a role in pancreatic disease, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as pancreatic cancer. Vitamin D's immune-modulatory action suggests that it could help prevent type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, vitamin D may influence β-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and systematic inflammation-all characteristic pathways of that disease. Data from observational studies correlated vitamin D deficiency with risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Prospective and ecological studies of pancreatic cancer incidence generally support a beneficial effect of higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration as well as inverse correlations between UVB dose or exposure and incidence and/or mortality rate of pancreatic cancer. This review discusses the literature regarding vitamin D's role in risk of diabetes and pancreatic cancer. The results to date generally satisfy Hill's criteria for causality regarding vitamin D and incidence of these pancreatic diseases. However, large randomized, blinded, prospective studies are required to more fully evaluate the potential therapeutic role of vitamin D in preventing pancreatic diseases.

Pancreatic cancer: A critical review of dietary risk

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease. It is estimated that about 90% of pancreatic cancer cases are due to environmental risk factors. Among these, approximately 50% of pancreatic cancer cases may be attributed to diet, which is largely modifiable. Given this large attribution to diet, there have been numerous epidemiological studies assessing the risk of various dietary factors on the incidence of pancreatic cancer. However, many of these studies present conflicting and/or inconclusive findings. The objective of this review is two-fold: (a) to summarize the current evidence on the association between various dietary factors and the risk of developing pancreatic cancer and (b) to discuss what additional studies are needed to better elucidate the role of diet as a potential risk factor for pancreatic cancer. We summarized the evidence by using data primarily from meta-analyses and pooled analysis when available, focusing on the most studied nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns. We observed that, while the association between individual nutrients and pancreatic cancer risk have been heavily studied, the evidence is mostly conflicting and inconclusive. In contrast, the evidence of certain associations among dietary patterns and pancreatic cancer risk is clearer, has more power, and is less conflicting. Therefore, we propose a shift in the focus of nutritional epidemiological research with regards to pancreatic cancer risk. We discourage further epidemiological research studies that focus on single nutrients, whereas we strongly encourage additional studies that investigate how a combination of diet and other lifestyle factors may promote or prevent pancreatic carcinogenesis.

The associations between CYP24A1 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility: A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

PURPOSE

Published data have shown that vitamin D may have a protective effect on cancer development. CYP24A1, the main enzyme responsible for the degradation of active vitamin D, plays an important role in many cancer related cellular processes. Up to now, relationships between CYP24A1 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility have been widely investigated, whereas the results are inconsistent. The aim of present meta-analysis was to explore the associations between CYP24A1 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.

METHODS

We searched on EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) electronic databases (up to July 1, 2017) for relevant studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to make the evaluation clear.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies published in eight publications involving 20,593 cases and 25,458 controls were included. Five CYP24A1 gene polymorphisms were evaluated: rs2181874, rs2585428, rs4809960, rs6022999, and rs6068816. Our analyses suggested that rs2585428 and rs4809960 polymorphisms were significantly associated with overall cancer risk. Stratification analyses of ethnicity indicated that rs2585428 and rs4809960 polymorphisms decreased the risk of cancer among Caucasians. When studies were stratified by cancer type, our results indicated that rs2585428 significantly decreased the risk of pancreas cancer, while rs4809960 significantly decreased the risk of breast cancer. There were no associations of rs2181874, rs6022999, or rs6068816 with overall cancer risks.

CONCLUSION

Associations between CYP24A1 polymorphisms and cancer risks were examined, and additional multi-center studies with large samples are necessary to validate our results.

Vitamin D, a modulator of musculoskeletal health in chronic kidney disease

The spectrum of activity of vitamin D goes beyond calcium and bone homeostasis, and growing evidence suggests that vitamin D contributes to maintain musculoskeletal health in healthy subjects as well as in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who display the combination of bone metabolism disorder, muscle wasting, and weakness. Here, we review how vitamin D represents a pathway in which bone and muscle may interact. In vitro studies have confirmed that the vitamin D receptor is present on muscle, describing the mechanisms whereby vitamin D directly affects skeletal muscle. These include genomic and non-genomic (rapid) effects, regulating cellular differentiation and proliferation. Observational studies have shown that circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels correlate with the clinical symptoms and muscle morphological changes observed in CKD patients. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to low bone formation rate and bone mineral density, with an increased risk of skeletal fractures. The impact of low vitamin D status on skeletal muscle may also affect muscle metabolic pathways, including its sensitivity to insulin. Although some interventional studies have shown that vitamin D may improve physical performance and protect against the development of histological and radiological signs of hyperparathyroidism, evidence is still insufficient to draw definitive conclusions.

Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, vitamin D intake, and pancreatic cancer risk or mortality: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The associations between vitamin D status, including plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and vitamin D intake, and pancreatic cancer risk and mortality are inconsistent. The aims of this study are to evaluate the antitumor and therapeutic effects of vitamin D status for pancreatic cancer patients.

METHODS

A literature search for relevant studies was conducted using PubMed and Embase databases. Risk ratio (RR), hazard ratio (HR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as the effect measures. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata software 12.0.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that high plasma 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with pancreatic cancer mortality without significant heterogeneity (HR=0.81, 95% CI=0.68-0.96). However, high plasma 25(OH)D levels could not reduce pancreatic cancer risk (RR=1.02, 95% CI=0.66-1.57). Moreover, vitamin D intake was also not associated with pancreatic cancer risk (RR=1.11, 95% CI=0.67-1.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that high plasma 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with improved survival in pancreatic cancer patients. However, there were no significant associations between vitamin D intake or plasma 25(OH)D levels and pancreatic cancer risk.

Murine Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma Growth Kinetics Are Independent of Dietary Vitamin D Deficiency or Supplementation

Vitamin D has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy in pancreatic cancer, yet evidence for an effect of dietary vitamin D on pancreatic cancer is ambiguous, with conflicting data from human epidemiological and intervention studies. Here, we tested the role of dietary vitamin D in the in vivo context of the well-characterized Ela1-TAg transgenic mouse model of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma. Through longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging of mice under conditions of either dietary vitamin D deficiency (<5 IU/kg vitamin D) or excess (76,500 IU/kg vitamin D), compared to control diet (1,500 IU/kg vitamin D), we measured the effect of variation of dietary vitamin D on tumor kinetics. No measurable impact of dietary vitamin D was found on pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma development, growth or mortality, casting further doubt on the already equivocal data supporting potential therapeutic use in humans. The lack of any detectable effect of vitamin D, within the physiological range of dietary deficiency or supplementation, in this model further erodes confidence in vitamin D as an effective antitumor therapeutic in pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma.

Serum vitamin D3 levels are not associated with thyroid cancer prevalence in euthyroid subjects without autoimmune thyroid disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Previous studies have suggested that elevated serum vitamin D levels might protect against thyroid cancer. Elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) are suggested to be thyroid cancer promoting factors but have not been well controlled in previous studies. We designed the present study to evaluate whether serum vitamin D levels are associated with thyroid cancer in euthyroid patients with no clinical evidence of AITD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included subjects who underwent routine health check-ups, including serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), and thyroid ultrasonography (US). Inclusion criteria were euthyroid, negative TPO-Ab, and no evidence of AITD by US findings. Thyroid cancer diagnoses were based on fine needle aspiration cytology and/or postsurgical histopathological findings.

RESULTS

We enrolled 5,186 subjects (64% male, 37% female) in this study, including 53 patients (1%) with a diagnosis of thyroid cancer (33 males, 20 females). Mean 25(OH)D3 levels were similar between the thyroid cancer and control groups (p = 0.20). Subgroup analysis according to sex or seasonal variation also revealed no differences in 25(OH)D3 levels between the two groups. Based on the levels of 25(OH)D3, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of thyroid cancer; the prevalence was 0.71%, 0.94%, 1.40%, and 0.82% in the deficient, insufficient, sufficient, and excess groups, respectively (p = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of serum 25(OH)D3 are not associated with thyroid cancer prevalence in euthyroid subjects with no clinical evidence of AITD.

Reducing Cancer Burden in the Population: An Overview of Epidemiologic Evidence to Support Policies, Systems, and Environmental Changes

"Reducing Cancer Burden in the Population: Epidemiologic Evidence to Support Policies, Systems, and Environmental Changes" is a compilation of 11 reviews addressing aspects of primary prevention of cancer (early life factors, vitamin D, and periodontal disease and the oral microbiome); primary and secondary prevention (in the transgender population); surveillance following secondary prevention (personalizing follow-up of patients diagnosed with an adenoma based on colorectal cancer risk); tertiary prevention (physical activity as an adjuvant to cancer treatment, measurement of patient-reported physical functioning in cancer treatment trials, and implementation of palliative care recommendations); and all 3 (changing epidemiology of oral cancers). Authors discuss policies, systems, and environment (PSE) changes that may be supported by epidemiologic evidence, for example, how existing public health and clinical policies and guidelines targeting noncancer outcomes may indirectly reduce cancer burden and how some cancer control policies could be refined to enhance effectiveness. Authors also discuss where systems and environment changes are necessary to ensure routine implementation of up-to-date, evidence-based policies and guidelines. Two other articles discuss infrastructure to support identification of existing and emerging cancer problems that could be reduced or avoided, including by PSE changes. These frameworks may guide impactful cancer research relevant to cancer centers' catchment areas, as well as cancer control efforts in countries where noncommunicable diseases including cancer are on the rise. The weight of the evidence of these reviews supports opportunities for PSE changes and infrastructure that could reduce the cancer burden in populations.

Vitamin D and spinal cord injury: should we care?

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

OBJECTIVES

This review provides an overview of the etiological factors and consequences of vitamin D insufficiency in relation to spinal cord injury (SCI) as well as important considerations for vitamin D supplementation.

SETTING

Montreal, Canada.

METHODS

Literature search.

RESULTS

Vitamin D insufficiency is common in SCI individuals owing to the presence of many contributing factors including limited sun exposure and intake, use of medication and endocrine perturbations. Although there are several biological plausible mechanisms by which vitamin D may act upon musculoskeletal and cardiometabolic health, the impact of vitamin D insufficiency on such systems remains ill defined in SCI. In the absence of guidelines for the management of vitamin D insufficiency in this high-risk population and in an attempt to provide clinical guidance, considerations for vitamin D supplementation such as the type of vitamin D, dosing regimens and toxicity are discussed and tentative recommendations suggested with particular reference to issues faced by SCI patients.

CONCLUSION

Although high rates of vitamin D insufficiency are encountered in SCI individuals, its consequences and the amount of vitamin D required to prevent insufficiency are still unknown, indicating a need for more intervention studies with well-defined outcome measures. Routine screening and monitoring of vitamin D as well as treatment of suboptimal status should be instituted in both acute and chronic setting. The close interactions between vitamin D and related bone minerals should be kept in mind when supplementing SCI individuals, and practices should be individualized with clinical conditions.

Global incidence and mortality of pancreatic diseases: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of population-based cohort studies

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of robust estimates of the worldwide incidence and mortality of acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, and pancreatic cancer in the general population. Our aim was to quantitate and compare the incidence and mortality of major pancreatic diseases in high-quality population-based cohort studies.

METHODS

Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) were searched independently by two reviewers. Data from eligible studies were subject to meta-analysis to obtain global estimates. A number of prespecified subgroup analyses and meta-regression analyses were also done.

FINDINGS

48 population-based cohort studies (35 on pancreatic cancer, ten on acute pancreatitis, three on chronic pancreatitis, and none on pancreatic cysts) were identified, with a total study population of 296 million individuals and 119 000 patients with pancreatic diseases. Global estimates of incidence and mortality were 8·14 cases (95% CI 6·63-9·98) per 100 000 person-years and 6·92 deaths (95% CI 3·72-12·89) per 100 000 person-years for pancreatic cancer, 33·74 cases (95% CI 23·33-48·81) per 100 000 person-years and 1·60 deaths (95% CI 0·85-1·58) per 100 000 person-years for acute pancreatitis, and 9·62 cases (95% CI 7·86-11·78) per 100 000 person-years and 0·09 deaths (95% CI 0·02-0·47) per 100 000 person-years for chronic pancreatitis. Subgroup analysis based on the WHO regions showed that the incidences of both pancreatic cancer and acute pancreatitis, and mortality from pancreatic cancer, were significantly higher in the American region than in the European and Western Pacific regions, while the incidence of chronic pancreatitis was significantly higher in the European region than in the American region. Mortality from pancreatic cancer was lowest in the Southeast Asian region. The incidence of chronic pancreatitis was twice as high in men as in women, although there was no difference between sexes for pancreatic cancer or acute pancreatitis.

INTERPRETATION

Globally, acute pancreatitis is the most common pancreatic disease whilst pancreatic cancer is the most lethal. However, their burden is not equal across the globe. The epidemiological estimates reported in this study could inform future high-quality studies.

FUNDING

None.

Prediagnostic Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Pancreatic Cancer Survival

PURPOSE

Although vitamin D inhibits pancreatic cancer proliferation in laboratory models, the association of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with patient survival is largely unexplored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed survival among 493 patients from five prospective US cohorts who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer from 1984 to 2008. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for death by plasma level of 25(OH)D (insufficient, < 20 ng/mL; relative insufficiency, 20 to < 30 ng/mL; sufficient ≥ 30 ng/mL) by using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for age, cohort, race and ethnicity, smoking, diagnosis year, stage, and blood collection month. We also evaluated 30 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene, requiring P < .002 (0.05 divided by 30 genotyped variants) for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Mean prediagnostic plasma level of 25(OH)D was 24.6 ng/mL, and 165 patients (33%) were vitamin D insufficient. Compared with patients with insufficient levels, multivariable-adjusted HRs for death were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.48 to 1.29) for patients with relative insufficiency and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.90) for patients with sufficient levels (P trend = .01). These results were unchanged after further adjustment for body mass index and history of diabetes (P trend = .02). The association was strongest among patients with blood collected within 5 years of diagnosis, with an HR of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.35 to 0.98) comparing patients with sufficient to patients with insufficient 25(OH)D levels. No single-nucleotide polymorphism at the vitamin D receptor gene met our corrected significance threshold of P < .002; rs7299460 was most strongly associated with survival (HR per minor allele, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.95; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

We observed longer overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer who had sufficient prediagnostic plasma levels of 25(OH)D.

High risk factors of pancreatic carcinoma

Over the past decades, cancer has become one of the toughest challenges for health professionals. The epidemiologists are increasingly directing their research efforts on various malignant tumor worldwide. Of note, incidence of cancers is on the rise more quickly in developed countries. Indeed, great endeavors have to be made in the control of the life-threatening disease. As we know it, pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant disease with the worst prognosis. While little is known about the etiology of the PC and measures to prevent the condition, so far, a number of risk factors have been identified. Genetic factors, pre-malignant lesions, predisposing diseases and exogenous factors have been found to be linked to PC. Genetic susceptibility was observed in 10% of PC cases, including inherited PC syndromes and familial PC. However, in the remaining 90%, their PC might be caused by genetic factors in combination with environmental factors. Nonetheless, the exact mechanism of the two kinds of factors, endogenous and exogenous, working together to cause PC remains poorly understood. The fact that most pancreatic neoplasms are diagnosed at an incurable stage of the disease highlights the need to identify risk factors and to understand their contribution to carcinogenesis. This article reviews the high risk factors contributing to the development of PC, to provide information for clinicians and epidemiologists.

Vitamin D and Cancer: Diversity, Complexity, and Still a Ways to Go

Vitamin D has taken a center-stage role in our basic and population research quest for the panacea for all human maladies, including cancer, yet sufficient evidence for a beneficial role has existed only for bone health. This Commentary discusses and places into a broader context the report of Chandler and colleagues that found a protective association for higher vitamin D status in colorectal cancer in women, consistent with most other cohort studies but not with limited supplementation trial data. Little human evidence exists for the preventive potential in other malignancies, including breast cancer, with the exception of possible benefit in bladder cancer and an adverse serologic association with prostate cancer (pancreatic cancer risk may be similarly influenced) that is supported by vitamin D genetic data. Current vitamin D trials are examining high-dose supplementation (i.e., 1,600-3,333 IU daily) for effects on multiple outcomes, but they may not have sufficient power to test efficacy in colorectal or other specific malignancies and are unlikely to inform any benefit for higher physiologic levels. A more complete understanding of vitamin D and human carcinogenesis will come from multifaceted lines of research, including elucidation of organ site-specific biologic mechanisms, prospective serologic analyses, testing of vitamin D-related genetic variation, and short-term clinical-metabolic biomarker studies of multidose vitamin D supplementation, including metabolomic profiling of controlled supplementation in these and past or ongoing trials.

Epidemiology and Inherited Predisposition for Sporadic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Given the changing demographics of Western populations, the numbers of pancreatic cancer cases are projected to increase during the next decade. Diabetes, recent cigarette smoking, and excess body weight are the cancer's most consistent risk factors. The search for common and rare germline variants that influence risk of pancreatic cancer through genome-wide association studies and high-throughput-sequencing-based studies is underway and holds the promise of increasing the knowledge of variants and genes that play a role in inherited susceptibility of this disease. Research reported in this review has advanced the understanding of pancreatic cancer.

Retrospective analysis of the influence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D on disease progression and survival in pancreatic cancer

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is implicated in neoplastic processes in multiple organs, including the pancreas. While animal and human data have established a relationship between serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) and the development of pancreatic cancer, few studies have examined the effects of 25(OH)D on time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) in this patient population. We hypothesize that lower baseline serum concentrations (BSC) of 25(OH)D will be associated with decreased TTP and OS.

Methods

This retrospective analysis of 1222 patients with pancreatic cancer aims to identify potential relationships between 25(OH)D and both TTP and OS, while controlling for the effects of ethnicity and body mass index (BMI). Baseline 25(OH)D was divided into quartiles defined as deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–39 ng/mL), sufficient (40–59 ng/mL), and optimal (≥60 ng/ml). Statistical significance was declared if the two-sided p-value was ≤ 0.05.

Results

For the 627 subjects included for analysis, the median 25(OH)D was 27 ng/mL (range 4 to 114), 30.0 % were 25(OH)D deficient (<20 ng/mL), and 47.2 % were insufficient (20–39 ng/mL). Ethnicity (p < 0.0001) and BMI (p = 0.05) were significantly associated with (BSC)of 25(OH)D, while TTP (p = 0.39) and OS (p = 0.37) were not associated.

Conclusion

Suboptimal vitamin D levels (<60 ng/mL) occurred in 96 % of patients analyzed. Both ethnicity and BMI were statistically significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Similar to results previously reported in the literature, this analysis did not identify a significant association between BSC of 25(OH)D and OS or TTP in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Cloud cover-adjusted ultraviolet B irradiance and pancreatic cancer incidence in 172 countries

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists regarding whether vitamin D deficiency could influence the etiology of pancreatic cancer. Several cohort studies have found that high serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are associated with low risk of pancreatic cancer, while others have not.

HYPOTHESIS

Low ultraviolet B irradiance is associated with high incidence of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Age-standardized pancreatic cancer incidence rates were obtained from GLOBOCAN in 2008. The association between cloud-adjusted UVB irradiance and age-standardized incidence rates of pancreatic cancer was analyzed using regression.

RESULTS

Overall, the lower the cloud-adjusted UVB irradiance, the higher the incidence rate of pancreatic cancer. Residents of countries with low UVB irradiance had approximately 6 times the incidence rates as those in countries with high UVB irradiance (p<0.0001 for males and p<0.0001 for females). This association persisted after adjustment for traditional risk factors of pancreatic cancer (p=0.0182 for males and p=0.0029 for females).

CONCLUSIONS

There was an inverse association of cloud-adjusted UVB irradiance with incidence of pancreatic cancer that persisted after adjustment. This result is consistent with an inverse association of overall vitamin D deficiency in countries with lower UVB irradiance with risk of pancreatic cancer. Further research on the role of 25(OH)D in reduction of pancreatic cancer in individuals would be desirable to expand the limited avenues available for prevention of this highly fatal disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled '17th Vitamin D Workshop'.

Hepatocellular carcinoma cells express 25(OH)D-1α-hydroxylase and are able to convert 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)₂D, leading to the 25(OH)D-induced growth inhibition

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most diagnosed liver cancer without effective treatments available for advanced HCC. Vitamin D is getting popular due to its anti-cancer characteristics. However, the clinical application of 1α,25(OH)2D, the active form of vitamin, is hampered by its hypercalcemia side effect. 1α,25(OH)2D is converted from 25(OH)D, the index of serum vitamin D status, by CYP27B1, which is originally found in kidneys but recently detected in non-renal tissues. 25(OH)D has been shown to repress some cancers expressing CYP27B1 due to the local conversion of 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)2D, which works in a intra-, auto-, or paracrine manner and thus minimizes the risk of hypercalcemia. In this study, we found CYP27B1 expression in human hepatocyte, HCC, and HepG2 cells. As we treated HepG2 cells with 25(OH)D, the 1α,25(OH)2D target gene CYP24A1 expression was increased and was further upregulated as CYP27B1 transfection or downregulated as CYP27B1 knockdown. Other 1α,25(OH)2D target genes in HepG2 cells, p21 and p27 were also stimulated by 25(OH)D after CYP27B1 transfection. Further, 25(OH)D could inhibit HepG2 cells growth, which was potentiated by CYP27B1 transfection. Collectively, we showed for the first time that HCC expressed CYP27B1 and was able to covert 25(OH)D to 1α,25(OH)2D in vitro, thus responsive to 25(OH)D treatment. Our data justifies the application of 25(OH)D and CYP27B1 gene transfection therapy in further HCC treatment studies.

Vitamins in pancreatic cancer: a review of underlying mechanisms and future applications

Although there is increasing evidence that vitamins influence pancreatic adenocarcinoma biology and carcinogenesis, a comprehensive review is lacking. In this study, we performed a PubMed literature search to review the anticancer mechanisms and the preclinical and clinical studies that support the development of the bioactive vitamins A, C, D, E, and K in pancreatic cancer intervention. Preclinical studies have shown promising results for vitamin A in pancreatic cancer prevention, with clinical trials showing intriguing responses in combination with immunotherapy. For vitamin C, preclinical studies have shown slower tumor growth rates and/or increased survival when used alone or in combination with gemcitabine, with clinical trials with this combination revealing decreased primary tumor sizes and improved performance status. Preclinical studies with vitamin D analogues have shown potent antiproliferative effects and repression of migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, with a clinical trial showing increased time to progression when calciferol was added to docetaxel. For vitamin E, preclinical studies have shown that δ-tocotrienol and γ-tocotrienol inhibited tumor cell growth and survival and augmented gemcitabine activity. Early-phase clinical trials with δ-tocotrienol are ongoing. Vitamin K demonstrates activation of apoptosis and inhibition of cellular growth in pancreatic tumor cells; however, there are no clinical studies available for further evaluation. Although preclinical and clinical studies are encouraging, randomized controlled trials with endpoints based on insights gained from mechanistic and preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials are required to determine the efficacy of bioactive vitamin interventions in pancreatic cancer.

Vitamin D, Essential Minerals, and Toxic Elements: Exploring Interactions between Nutrients and Toxicants in Clinical Medicine

In clinical medicine, increasing attention is being directed towards the important areas of nutritional biochemistry and toxicant bioaccumulation as they relate to human health and chronic disease. Optimal nutritional status, including healthy levels of vitamin D and essential minerals, is requisite for proper physiological function; conversely, accrual of toxic elements has the potential to impair normal physiology. It is evident that vitamin D intake can facilitate the absorption and assimilation of essential inorganic elements (such as calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, and selenium) but also the uptake of toxic elements (such as lead, arsenic, aluminum, cobalt, and strontium). Furthermore, sufficiency of essential minerals appears to resist the uptake of toxic metals. This paper explores the literature to determine a suitable clinical approach with regard to vitamin D and essential mineral intake to achieve optimal biological function and to avoid harm in order to prevent and overcome illness. It appears preferable to secure essential mineral status in conjunction with adequate vitamin D, as intake of vitamin D in the absence of mineral sufficiency may result in facilitation of toxic element absorption with potential adverse clinical outcomes.

Vitamin D-binding protein and pancreatic cancer: a nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) is the primary carrier of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in the circulation. One prospective study in male smokers found a protective association between DBP and pancreatic cancer, particularly among men with higher 25(OH)D concentrations.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to examine the association between DBP and pancreatic cancer risk in an American population.

DESIGN

We conducted a nested case-control study in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer screening trial cohort of men and women aged 55-74 y at baseline. Between 1993 and 2010, 295 incident pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases were reported (follow-up to 15.1 y). Two controls (n = 590) were matched to each case by age, race, sex, and month of blood draw. We calculated smoking- and diabetes-adjusted ORs and 95% CIs with the use of conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

DBP concentration was not significantly associated with pancreatic cancer overall [highest (≥7149.4 nmol/L) vs. lowest (<3670.4 nmol/L) quintile; OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 0.91, 3.37; P-trend = 0.25]. For serum 25(OH)D compared with the referent (50 to <75 nmol/L), individuals in the highest group had a significantly higher risk (≥100 nmol/L; OR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.24, 8.44), whereas those in the lowest group had no significant association (<25 nmol/L; OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 0.92, 6.81). Further adjustment for DBP did not alter this association.

CONCLUSION

Our results do not support the hypothesis that serum DBP or 25(OH)D plays a protective role in pancreatic cancer. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00339495.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in Children and Adolescents: a Critical Vitamin D Level for This Association?

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D has been suggested to be active as an immunomodulator in autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). The goal of the present study was to investigate the vitamin D status in HT patients.

METHODS

This prevalence case-control study was conducted on 90 patients with HT (of ages 12.32 ± 2.87 years) and 79 age-matched healthy controls (11.85 ± 2.28 years). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] levels were measured in all 169 subjects.

RESULTS

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in HT patients (64 of 90; 71.1%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (41 of 79; 51.9%) (p=0.025). Mean serum 25(OH)D3 level in the HT group was significantly lower compared to the control group (16.67 ± 11.65 vs. 20.99 ± 9.86 ng/mL, p=0.001). HT was observed 2.28 times more frequently in individuals with 25(OH)D3 levels <20 ng/mL (OR: 2.28, CI: 1.21-4.3).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with HT in children and adolescents. Levels lower than 20 ng/mL seem to be critical. The mechanism for this association is not clear.