Vitamin D, Genetic Variations, and Prostate Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Li Haojie, Stampfer Meir J, Hollis J. Bruce W, Mucci Lorelei A, Gaziano J. Michael, Hunter David, Giovannucci Edward L, Ma Jing
Primary Institution: Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
Lower plasma levels of vitamin D metabolites are associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, particularly aggressive forms, and this association is modified by the VDR FokI polymorphism.
Conclusion
The study suggests that many US men have suboptimal vitamin D levels, which may increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, especially in those with the less functional FokI ff genotype.
Supporting Evidence
- Vitamin D deficiency was found in nearly one-third of the participants.
- Men with low levels of both vitamin D metabolites had a significantly increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
- The FokI ff genotype was associated with higher prostate cancer risk in men with low vitamin D levels.
Takeaway
This study found that not getting enough vitamin D can make men more likely to get a serious type of prostate cancer, especially if they have a certain gene variation.
Methodology
The study followed 14,916 men over 18 years, comparing vitamin D levels and genetic variations in those who developed prostate cancer to matched controls.
Potential Biases
The study may have biases related to self-reported data and the homogeneity of the participant population.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to non-European populations, and vitamin D levels were assessed at only one time point.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly US male physicians of European descent, aged 40-84.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.2–3.4
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website