Vitamin D and prostate cancer

In addition to the metabolic role of vitamin D, which is well known and clearly defined, there have been many hypotheses regarding its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic role. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PROSTATE CANCER: Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men. Long period of cancerogenesis, available tumor markers and high incidence make this cancer ideal for preventive measures. PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE OF VITAMIN D AND ITS EFFECT ON PROSTATE CANCER CELLS. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptopic role of vitamin D. Disorders of vitamin D metabolism are noted in vitamin D gene level, vitamin D receptor, vitamin D responsive elements and androgen receptors. We present the most important effect of those changes on vitamin D metabolism. Available studies on vitamin D level in serum, prostate tissue, observed activity of vitamin D enzymes and genetic changes give us only a slight insight into the basic mechanisms of vitamin D action in the development of prostate cancer; therefore, further investigations are needed.