Review
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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Aug 15, 2011; 3(8): 123-127
Published online Aug 15, 2011. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v3.i8.123
Emerging role of vitamin D in colorectal cancer
Wonmo Kang, Sujin Lee, Eunyi Jeon, Ye-Rang Yun, Kook-Hyun Kim, Jun-Hyeog Jang
Wonmo Kang, Sujin Lee, Eunyi Jeon, Ye-Rang Yun, Jun-Hyeog Jang, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 400-712, South Korea
Kook-Hyun Kim, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, CHA University, Gumi 730-040, South Korea
Author contributions: Kang W, Lee S, Jeon E, Yun YR and Kim KH equally contributed to this paper; Jang JH wrote the paper.
Supported by Inha University Research Grant
Correspondence to: Jun-Hyeog Jang, PhD, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 400-712, South Korea. juhjang@inha.ac.kr
Telephone: +82-32-8900933 Fax: +82-32-8821877
Received: April 15, 2011
Revised: July 25, 2011
Accepted: August 1, 2011
Published online: August 15, 2011
Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer and the fourth leading cause of death in Korea. The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer varies according to risk factors, such as age, family history, genetic history, food habits, and physical activities. Some studies have focused on the association between vitamin D and colorectal cancer. Today, there is growing evidence that high vitamin D intake and a plasma level of 25(OH)D3 reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by modifying cancer angiogenesis, cell apoptosis, differentiation, and proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that vitamin D supplementation alone, or in combination with anti-cancer agents, might reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss the function and mechanism of vitamin D including the effect of vitamin D on colorectal cancer.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Vitamin D, Vitamin D receptor, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3