Vitamin D regulation of energy metabolism in cancer

Vitamin D: What role in obesity-related cancer?

Obesity is an important risk factor for incidence and death for many types of cancer. Vitamin D reduces risk of incidence and death for many types of cancer. This review outlines the mechanisms by which obesity increases risk of cancer, how vitamin D reduces risk of cancer, and the extent to which vitamin D counters the effects of obesity in cancer. Vitamin D is a partial ally against some of obesity's pro-carcinogenic effects, notably by reducing inflammation and regulating sex hormone receptors, leptin resistance, cellular energy metabolism, the microbiome, and hypoxia. However, it can act stronger in against the renin-angiotensin system, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in cancer. Additionally, excess fat tissue sequesters vitamin D and, along with its dilution in increased body volume, further reduces its bioavailability and serum concentration, limiting its protective effects against cancer. In conclusion, while vitamin D cannot reverse obesity, it plays a significant role in mitigating its pro-carcinogenic effects by targeting several mechanisms.

Rethinking corticosteroids use in oncology

Corticosteroids (CSs), widely used in oncology for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, help manage cancer-related symptoms and side effects. However, their long-term use may negatively affect patient survival and exacerbate tumor progression. Elevated glucose and glutamine metabolism, disruption of vitamin D levels, and alterations in the microbiome are some of the key factors contributing to these adverse outcomes. Approaches such as ketogenic diets, fasting, sartans, and vitamin D supplementation have shown promise in providing similar benefits to CSs while mitigating the risks associated with the mechanisms identified as contributing to tumor progression. This perspective underscores the necessity for a reevaluation of CSs use in cancer care and advocates for further research into safer, more effective therapeutic strategies.

1,25(OH)₂D₃ regulates androgen synthesis via transcriptional control of steroidogenic enzymes and LHR in the scented glands of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus)

Photoperiodic changes induce seasonal variations in vitamin D3 levels, which can affect reproductive function. The muskrat, a seasonal breeder, possesses a pair of scented glands that secrete musky substances to attract mates. The scented glands can also synthesize androgens, which regulate their function through autocrine or paracrine signaling. This study aimed to investigate whether active vitamin D3 was synthesized locally and to explore how seasonal changes affected the specific mechanisms of androgen synthesis in the scented glands. The scented glands showed significant seasonal changes in morphology and histology. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in pathways related to sex steroid hormone synthesis and calcium signaling. Quantitative analyses using qPCR and Western blotting demonstrated significant seasonal variations in the expressions of vitamin D3 receptors (VDR) and key synthetic and metabolic enzymes. Seasonal fluctuations in 1,25(OH)₂D₃ levels were positively correlated with the expressions of steroidogenic enzymes and androgen concentrations in the scented glands. Additionally, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ enhanced the expressions of steroidogenic enzymes in cultured primary cells. ChIP-seq analysis revealed that VD/VDR directly regulated the transcription of Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, and Lhr by binding to their promoter regions. Furthermore, elevated androgen levels were observed when hCG was combined with 1 nM 1,25(OH)₂D₃. This study suggests that the scented glands can produce 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in autocrine or paracrine forms, with levels varying seasonally. VD/VDR enhanced androgen synthesis through a dual mechanism: (1) directly up-regulating the transcription of Cyp11a1 and Cyp17a1 to increase steroidogenic enzyme levels, and (2) indirectly promoting the expressions of steroidogenic enzymes by modulating Lhr transcription.

Biochemical mechanisms and molecular interactions of vitamins in cancer therapy

Recently, the potential role of vitamins in cancer therapy has attracted considerable research attention. However, the reported findings are inconsistent, with limited information on the biochemical and molecular interactions of different vitamins in various cancer cells. Importantly, the presence of vitamin receptors in tumor cells suggests that vitamins play a significant role in the molecular and biochemical interactions in cancers. Additionally, studies on the efficacy of vitamin supplementation and dosage levels on tumor progression and mortality risk have yielded inconsistent results. Notably, molecular and biochemical investigations have reported the function of vitamins in the proliferation, growth, and invasiveness of tumor cells, as well as in cell cycle arrest and inflammatory signaling. Additionally, different vitamins may regulate the cancer microenvironment by activating various molecular pathways. Vitamins significantly affect immunological function, antioxidant defense, inflammation, and epigenetic control, and can improve treatment outcomes by affecting cell behavior and combating stress and DNA damage. However, further research is necessary to confirm the efficacy of vitamins, establish ideal dosages, and develop effective cancer prevention and treatment plans. Individualized supplementation plans guided by medical knowledge are crucial to achieving optimal results in clinical and preclinical settings. In this review, we critically evaluated the effects of different vitamins on the risk and development of cancer. Additionally, we examined the potential of vitamin supplements to enhance the efficacy of drug therapy and counteract resistance mechanisms that often arise during cancer treatment.

Molecular Biomarkers in Prediction of High-Grade Transformation and Outcome in Patients with Follicular Lymphoma: A Comprehensive Systemic Review

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most prevalent indolent B-cell lymphoma entity, often characterized by the t(14;18) BCL2-IGH translocation. The malignancy represents a clinically and biologically highly heterogeneous disease. Most patients have favorable prognoses; however, despite therapeutic advancements, the disease remains incurable, with recurrent relapses or early disease progression. Moreover, transformation to an aggressive histology, most often diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma, remains a critical event in the disease course, which is associated with poor outcomes. Understanding the individual patient's risk of transformation remains challenging, which has motivated much research on novel biomarkers within the past four decades. This review systematically assessed the research on molecular biomarkers in FL transformation and outcome. Following the PRISMA guidelines for systemic reviews, the PubMed database was searched for English articles published from January 1984 through September 2024, yielding 6769 results. The identified publications were carefully screened and reviewed, of which 283 original papers met the inclusion criteria. The included studies focused on investigating molecular biomarkers as predictors of transformation or as prognostic markers of time-related endpoints (survival, progression, etc.). The effects of each biomarker were categorized based on their impact on prognosis or risk of transformation as none, favorable, or inferior. The biomarkers included genetic abnormalities, gene expression, microRNAs, markers of B cells/FL tumor cells, markers of the tumor microenvironment, and soluble biomarkers. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the research conducted in the past four decades, underscoring the persistent challenge in risk anticipation of FL patients.

Multifaceted Role of Vitamin D in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Genetic and Pathway-Based Mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Despite advancements in breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and treatment, it continues to be a serious health concern among women due to its high incidence rate. Thus, prevention strategies in BC are essential. Some nutrients such as vitamin D may play a preventive role against BC through different genes which have a vital role in several pathways. These pathways include autophagy, tumorigenesis, apoptosis, immunity, and genome stability. This study aimed to review the role of vitamin D in BC via the network of vitamin D-regulated pathways.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus were searched using a combination of MeSH terms and keywords related to molecular and cellular mechanisms of the effects of vitamin D on breast cancer. A total of 200 articles were initially found, from which 14 relevant studies were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Experimental studies have shown possible anti-carcinogenic effects of vitamin D-related genes due to their participation in regulating autophagy, tumorigenesis, apoptosis, immunity, and genome stability in normal and malignant breast cells. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency has the potential to create a supportive environment that promotes proangiogenic processes, tumor cell dissemination, metastasis, and establishment at secondary sites.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D may have systematic roles against BC in humans through various interactions with different genes, which have roles in different and important pathways as underlying mechanisms in the pathophysiology of BC. More broadly, research is also needed to determine the exact protective effect of vitamin D on BC risk.

Biomarkers That Seem to Have the Greatest Impact on Promoting the Formation of Atherosclerotic Plaque in Current Scientific Research

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes degenerative and productive changes in the arteries. The resulting atherosclerotic plaques restrict the vessel lumen, causing blood flow disturbances. Plaques are formed mainly in large- and medium-sized arteries, usually at bends and forks where there is turbulence in blood flow. Depending on their location, they can lead to various disease states such as myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, peripheral vascular diseases, or sudden cardiac death. In this work, we reviewed the literature on the early detection of atherosclerosis markers in the application of photodynamic therapy to atherosclerosis-related diseases. Herein, we described the roles of C-reactive protein, insulin, osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, copeptin, the TGF-β cytokine family, and the amino acid homocysteine. Also, we discuss the role of microelements such as iron, copper, zinc, and Vitamin D in promoting the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Dysregulation of the administered compounds is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Additionally, taking into account the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaque formation, we believe that maintaining homeostasis in the range of biomarkers mentioned in this article is crucial for slowing down the process of atherosclerotic plaque development and the stability of plaque that is already formed.

Precision unveiled: Synergistic genomic landscapes in breast cancer-Integrating single-cell analysis and decoding drug toxicity for elite prognostication and tailored therapeutics

BACKGROUND

Globally, breast cancer, with diverse subtypes and prognoses, necessitates tailored therapies for enhanced survival rates. A key focus is glutamine metabolism, governed by select genes. This study explored genes associated with T cells and linked them to glutamine metabolism to construct a prognostic staging index for breast cancer patients for more precise medical treatment.

METHODS

Two frameworks, T-cell related genes (TRG) and glutamine metabolism (GM), stratified breast cancer patients. TRG analysis identified key genes via hdWGCNA and machine learning. T-cell communication and spatial transcriptomics emphasized TRG's clinical value. GM was defined using Cox analyses and the Lasso algorithm. Scores categorized patients as TRG_high+GM_high (HH), TRG_high+GM_low (HL), TRG_low+GM_high (LH), or TRG_low+GM_low (LL). Similarities between HL and LH birthed a "Mixed" class and the TRG_GM classifier. This classifier illuminated gene variations, immune profiles, mutations, and drug responses.

RESULTS

Utilizing a composite of two distinct criteria, we devised a typification index termed TRG_GM classifier, which exhibited robust prognostic potential for breast cancer patients. Our analysis elucidated distinct immunological attributes across the classifiers. Moreover, by scrutinizing the genetic variations across groups, we illuminated their unique genetic profiles. Insights into drug sensitivity further underscored avenues for tailored therapeutic interventions.

CONCLUSION

Utilizing TRG and GM, a robust TRG_GM classifier was developed, integrating clinical indicators to create an accurate predictive diagnostic map. Analysis of enrichment disparities, immune responses, and mutation patterns across different subtypes yields crucial subtype-specific characteristics essential for prognostic assessment, clinical decision-making, and personalized therapies. Further exploration is warranted into multiple fusions between metrics to uncover prognostic presentations across various dimensions.

Vitamin D in tuberous sclerosis complex-associated tumors

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) have been used to treat pediatric tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated tumors, particularly in cases with contraindications to surgery or difficulties in complete tumor resection. However, some patients experience side effects and tumor regression after discontinuation of the treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop drugs that can be used in combination with mTORi to increase their efficacy and minimize their side effects. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D), which has anticancer properties, may be a promising candidate for adjuvant or alternative therapy because TSC and cancer cells share common mechanisms, including angiogenesis, cell growth, and proliferation. Vitamin D receptor-mediated signaling can be epigenetically modified and plays an important role in susceptibility to 1,25-D. Therefore, vitamin D signaling may be a promising drug target, and in vitro studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of 1,25-D in TSC-associated tumors, brain development, and core symptoms of psychiatric disorders.

Role of Vitamins in Therapeutic and Targeting Approaches for Prostate Cancer: An Overview

Vitamins play a crucial role in cellular functions like cell cycling and proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. These also help in the induction of cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. They can inhibit normal prostatic epithelial cell growth and might be helpful for the prevention of prostate cancer (PCa). Many essential vitamins including the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K) and the water-soluble vitamins (vitamin B complexes and vitamin C) have a huge impact on the inhibition of growth and progression of PCa. Vitamins show anticancer properties and are involved in regulatory processes like the DNA repairing process, which inhibit the growth of PCa. Consumption of multivitamins prevents methylation of cancer cells and possesses an enormous potential that can be applied for the prevention as well as in the management of PCa. They have a great role in the inhibition of different signalling pathways involved in PCa. Moreover, they have also displayed a significant role in targeting of PCa with various nanocarrier systems. This review encompasses the recent studies about the individual actions of different vitamins and vitamin analogs, the combination of vitamins, and their efficient functions in various therapeutic and targeting approaches for PCa.

Reverse cholesterol transport and lipid peroxidation biomarkers in major depression and bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Major depression (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are linked to immune activation, increased oxidative stress, and lower antioxidant defenses.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review and meta-analyze all data concerning biomarkers of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), lipid-associated antioxidants, lipid peroxidation products, and autoimmune responses to oxidatively modified lipid epitopes in MDD and BD.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, Google scholar and SciFinder were searched to identify eligible studies from inception to January 10th, 2023. Guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

The current meta-analysis included 176 studies (60 BD and 116 MDD) and examined 34,051 participants, namely 17,094 with affective disorders and 16,957 healthy controls. Patients with MDD and BD showed a) significantly decreased RCT (mainly lowered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and paraoxonase 1); b) lowered lipid soluble vitamins (including vitamin A, D, and coenzyme Q10); c) increased lipid peroxidation and aldehyde formation, mainly increased malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal, peroxides, and 8-isoprostanes; and d) Immunoglobulin (Ig)G responses to oxidized low-density lipoprotein and IgM responses to MDA. The ratio of all lipid peroxidation biomarkers/all lipid-associated antioxidant defenses was significantly increased in MDD (standardized mean difference or SMD = 0.433; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.312; 0.554) and BD (SMD = 0.653; CI: 0.501-0.806). This ratio was significantly greater in BD than MDD (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

In MDD/BD, lowered RCT, a key antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathway, may drive increased lipid peroxidation, aldehyde formation, and autoimmune responses to oxidative specific epitopes, which all together cause increased immune-inflammatory responses and neuro-affective toxicity.

Vitamin D and Bone: A Story of Endocrine and Auto/Paracrine Action in Osteoblasts

Despite its rigid structure, the bone is a dynamic organ, and is highly regulated by endocrine factors. One of the major bone regulatory hormones is vitamin D. Its renal metabolite 1α,25-OH2D3 has both direct and indirect effects on the maintenance of bone structure in health and disease. In this review, we describe the underlying processes that are directed by bone-forming cells, the osteoblasts. During the bone formation process, osteoblasts undergo different stages which play a central role in the signaling pathways that are activated via the vitamin D receptor. Vitamin D is involved in directing the osteoblasts towards proliferation or apoptosis, regulates their differentiation to bone matrix producing cells, and controls the subsequent mineralization of the bone matrix. The stage of differentiation/mineralization in osteoblasts is important for the vitamin D effect on gene transcription and the cellular response, and many genes are uniquely regulated either before or during mineralization. Moreover, osteoblasts contain the complete machinery to metabolize active 1α,25-OH2D3 to ensure a direct local effect. The enzyme 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) that synthesizes the active 1α,25-OH2D3 metabolite is functional in osteoblasts, as well as the enzyme 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) that degrades 1α,25-OH2D3. This shows that in the past 100 years of vitamin D research, 1α,25-OH2D3 has evolved from an endocrine regulator into an autocrine/paracrine regulator of osteoblasts and bone formation.

The role of vitamin D on redox regulation and cellular senescence

Vitamin D is considered an essential micronutrient for human health that is metabolized into a multifunctional secosteroid hormone. We can synthesize it in the skin through ultraviolet B (UVB) rays or acquire it from the diet. Its deficiency is a major global health problem that affects all ages and ethnic groups. Furthermore, dysregulation of vitamin D homeostasis has been associated with premature aging, driven by various cellular processes, including oxidative stress and cellular senescence. Various studies have shown that vitamin D can attenuate oxidative stress and delay cellular senescence, mainly by inducing the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Klotho and improving mitochondrial homeostasis, proposing this vitamin as an excellent candidate for delaying aging. However, the mechanisms around these processes are not yet fully explored. Therefore, in this review, the effects of vitamin D on redox regulation and cellular senescence are discussed to propose new lines of research and clinical applications of vitamin D in the context of age-related diseases.

In silico investigation of the role of vitamins in cancer therapy through inhibition of MCM7 oncoprotein

An overabundance of MCM7 protein, a component of the minichromosome maintenance complex that normally initiates DNA replication, has been reported to cause different types of cancers with aggressive malignancy. Inhibition of MCM7 may lead to a significant reduction in cancer-associated cell proliferation. Despite such significance of MCM7 in cancer, the protein structure is yet to be resolved experimentally. This significantly halts the structure-guided ligand designing for cancer therapy targeting the MCM7. The present study aims to resolve the tertiary structure of MCM7 and repurpose the FDA-approved clinically used drugs for cancer therapy by targeting MCM7 protein. The secondary and 3D structures of MCM7 were generated using multiple bioinformatics tools, including the Self-Optimized Prediction Method with Alignment (SOPMA), SWISS-MODEL, and I-TASSER. The reliability of the modeled structure was assessed using PROCHECK. Initially, a structure-guided virtual screening was performed on the approved drug library to identify potential hits against MCM7. The detailed molecular mechanism of receptor interactions of the identified hits was evaluated using extensive molecular dynamics simulation. The results from this study reveal an intriguing discovery of the potential of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), ergosterol (precursor of vitamin D2) and menaquinone (vitamin K2) as oncoprotein inhibitors for cancer therapy via inhibition of MCM7.

Vitamin D and Breast Cancer: Mechanistic Update

The presence of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in mammary gland and breast cancer has long been recognized, and multiple preclinical studies have demonstrated that its ligand, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D), modulates normal mammary gland development and inhibits growth of breast tumors in animal models. Vitamin D deficiency is common in breast cancer patients, and some evidence suggests that low vitamin D status enhances the risk for disease development or progression. Although many 1,25D-responsive targets in normal mammary cells and in breast cancers have been identified, validation of specific targets that regulate cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and differentiation, particularly in vivo, has been challenging. Model systems of carcinogenesis have provided evidence that both VDR expression and 1,25D actions change with transformation, but clinical data regarding vitamin D responsiveness of established tumors is limited and inconclusive. Because breast cancer is heterogeneous, the relevant VDR targets and potential sensitivity to vitamin D repletion or supplementation will likely differ between patient populations. Detailed analysis of VDR actions in specific molecular subtypes of the disease will be necessary to clarify the conflicting data. Genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses of in vitro and in vivo model systems are also warranted to comprehensively understand the network of vitamin D-regulated pathways in the context of breast cancer heterogeneity. This review provides an update on recent studies spanning the spectrum of mechanistic (cell/molecular), preclinical (animal models), and translational work on the role of vitamin D in breast cancer. © 2021 The Author. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Reviewing the Significance of Vitamin D Substitution in Monoclonal Gammopathies

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is essential for bone mineral metabolism and it has several other effects in the body, including anti-cancer actions. Vitamin D causes a reduction in cell growth by interrupting the cell cycle. Moreover, the active form of vitamin D, i.e., 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, exerts various effects via its interaction with the vitamin D receptor on the innate and adaptive immune system, which could be relevant in the onset of tumors. Multiple myeloma is a treatable but incurable malignancy characterized by the growth of clonal plasma cells in protective niches in the bone marrow. In patients affected by multiple myeloma, vitamin D deficiency is commonly correlated with an advanced stage of the disease, greater risk of progression, the development of pathological fractures, and a worse prognosis. Changes in the vitamin D receptor often contribute to the occurrence and progress of deficiencies, which can be overcome by supplementation with vitamin D or analogues. However, in spite of the findings available in the literature, there is no clear standard of care and clinical practice varies. Further research is needed to better understand how vitamin D influences outcomes in patients with monoclonal gammopathies.