Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and related biochemical parameters in various cancer species

Objective: Certain cancer types have been shown to be associated with vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study was to appraise the relationship between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of VDR Fok1 and Bsm1 with serum vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus levels among patients of lung, colon, breast and pancreatic cancer patients. Materials and methods: Groups; lung, colon, breast and pancreatic cancer patients (n = 212) and 58 age-matched healthy controls. Serum levels of vitamin D were measured by immunochemiluminesence method and Fok1 and Bsm1 genotypes were assessed with Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: VDR Fok1 and Bsm1 genetic polymorphisms have a significant difference between lung cancer and control group subjects (p = 0.042, p = 0.040, respectively). VDR Bsm1 genetic polymorphism has a significant association between breast cancer and control group according to the logistic regression model (p = 0.038). Vitamin D levels were found significantly lower in all cancer groups (p < 0.01). Phosphorus levels of lung cancer and calcium levels of pancreatic cancer patients were statistically significantly lower than control group (p < 0.02, p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study indicates that VDR genetic polymorphisms, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D status of individuals were associated with certain cancer species.