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Structure-function analysis of vitamin D and VDR model.

In the first section, the general three-dimensional structure of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of nuclear receptors (NR) was briefly described on the basis of their x-ray crystal structures. Emphasis was placed on the three major conformations of NR-LBD and their role in the transactivation function. In the second part, the structure-function relationship of vitamin D was analyzed based on the ligand structure, in particular by using systematic conformational analysis as a tool. On the basis of the conformational analysis of the vitamin D side chain and studies using conformationally restricted synthetic vitamin D analogs, we suggested the active space region concept of vitamin D: The vitamin D side-chain region was grouped into five regions (A, G, EA, EG and F). Activity orders, in terms of the spatial region, found by these studies are as follows: Affinity for vitamin D receptor (VDR), EA>A>F>G>EG; Affinity for vitamin D binding protein (DBP), A>>G,EA, EG; Target gene transactivation, EA>F>A>EG G; Cell differentiation, EA>F>A>EG G; Bone calcium mobilization, EA>G A>F EG; Intestinal calcium absorption, EA=A G>>EG. In the third section, homology modeling of VDR-LBD and docking of the natural ligand, 1,25-(OH)2D3, into the ligand binding cavity of the model are described. Amino acid residues forming hydrogen bonds with the biologically important 1alpha- and 25-OH groups were identified: 1alpha-OH forms a pincer-type hydrogen bond with R274 and S237 and 25-OH with H397. This VDR-LBD/1,25-(OH)2D3 docking model was firmly substantiated by mutation analysis. Using this VDR model, the structure-function relationship of highly potent vitamin D analogs was discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Short-term androgen deprivation does not alter CaR and VDR mRNA expression in duodenal mucosa in male rats.

Androgen deprivation is associated with decline in intestinal calcium absorption. The effect of androgen on CaR and VDR intestinal mucosa has not yet been studied. Calcium homeostasis, a real bone mineral density (aBMD, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) and expression of CaR and VDR mRNA in duodenal mucosa of orchidectomized (ORX) and sham operated (Sham) adult Sprague Dawley rats at 4 week have been studied. There was no significant difference in serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, calcidiol and calcitriol levels between both the groups. Serum testosterone (T) (ng/dl) and inorganic phosphorous (iP) (mg/dl) levels were significantly lower in ORX rats. As compared to sham rats, ORX rats had significant decline in in-vitro aBMD at proximal, middle and distal tibia, proximal, mid and distal femur and femoral neck (P < 0.05). Northern blot analysis revealed no significant alteration in the CaR and VDR mRNA expression in duodenal mucosa in ORX rats. CaR and VDR mRNA expression in duodenal mucosa is therefore, not affected by physiological concentrations of testosterone in rats.

Androgens↗

Lack of association between osteoarthritis of the hip and gene polymorphisms of VDR, COL1A1, and COL2A1 in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether DNA polymorphisms of the VDR (vitamin D receptor), COL1A1 (alpha1 type I collagen), and COL2A1 (alpha1 type II collagen) genes, which have previously been linked to bone mineral density (BMD) and/or osteoarthritis (OA), are also associated with OA of the hip (OAH). METHODS: Genotype frequency distributions were compared between a group of 239 elderly healthy female controls and a group of 75 female OAH patients who underwent total hip replacement. All participants underwent BMD measurements of the total body, lumbar spine, and femoral neck. Mutation detection was done using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme digestion. Polymorphisms were detected by digestion with Bsm I for VDR, Acc B7I for COL1A1, and Pvu II for COL2A1. RESULTS: None of the genotype frequency distributions of any of the examined polymorphisms was significantly different between the OAH group and the control group. No significant differences in BMD variables were observed after stratification of the subjects according to the examined genotypes within each study group. CONCLUSION: In Belgian postmenopausal women, the examined polymorphisms of the candidate genes VDR, COL1A1, and COL2A1 do not significantly contribute to an increased prevalence of OAH or to differences in BMD.

Aged↗

VDR-mediated gene expression patterns in resting human coronary artery smooth muscle cells.

Vitamin D analogs such as paricalcitol and calcitriol that activate the vitamin D receptor (VDR) provide survival benefit for Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, possibly associated with a decrease in cardiovascular (CV)-related incidents. Phenotypic changes of smooth muscle cells play an important role in CV disease. The role of vitamin D analogs in modulating gene expression in smooth muscle cells is still not well understood. In this study, DNA microarray analysis of approximately 22,000 different human genes was used to characterize the VDR-mediated gene expression profile in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMC) at rest. Cells in serum free medium were treated with 0.1 microM calcitriol (1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)) or paricalcitol (19-nor-1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(2)) for 30 h. A total of 181 target genes were identified, with 103 genes upregulated and 78 downregulated (>two fold changes in either drug treatment group with P < 0.01). No significant difference was observed between calcitriol and paricalcitol. Target genes fell into various categories with the top five in cellular process, cell communication, signal transduction, development, and morphogenesis. Twenty-two selected genes linked to the CV system were also impacted. Real-time RT-PCR and/or Western blotting analysis were employed to confirm the expression patterns of selected genes such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase, Wilms' tumor gene 1, transforming growth factorbeta3, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), and thrombomodulin (TM). This study provides insight into understanding the role of VDR in regulating gene expression in resting smooth muscle cells.

Blotting, Western↗

Haplotype analysis of VDR gene polymorphisms: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Although many studies have addressed the relationship between multiple individual polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and bone health, few have analyzed this data in terms of haplotypes. We performed a meta-analysis of studies with data on the BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI polymorphisms in order to (a) estimate haplotype frequencies, (b) determine linkage disequilibrium (LD), and (c) estimate the magnitude of the association between haplotypes and osteoporosis/bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: Haplotypes were inferred using the expectation-maximization algorithm (EM); log-linear models were used to determine association with osteoporosis; and regression analysis with variance components was used to determine association with BMD. RESULTS: Our results indicate that the most common haplotype for the VDR gene, regardless of ethnicity, is baT, followed by BAt and bAT in Caucasians, and bAT and BaT in Asians. This indicates strong LD between the BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms. We demonstrate a gain in power when considering the haplotypes rather than the individual polymorphisms separately, i.e., although BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI were not significantly associated with osteoporosis on their own, the haplotypes Bat and BAt were significantly associated, with an OR of approximately 4. CONCLUSION: We have applied haplotype analysis to the VDR polymorphisms and bone measures. We also highlight a number of methodologic issues, including linkage disequilibrium, the robustness of the EM algorithm in this context, and the potential for exploring effect modification.

Bone Density↗

COL1A1, ESR1, VDR and TGFB1 polymorphisms and haplotypes in relation to BMD in Spanish postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Genetic studies of osteoporosis have focused on analysing single polymorphisms in individual genes - with inconclusive results. An alternative approach may involve haplotypes and gene-gene interactions. The aim of the study was to test the association between the COL1A1, ESR1, VDR and TGFB1 polymorphisms or haplotypes and bone mineral density (BMD) in Spanish postmenopausal women. METHODS: Sixteen polymorphisms were analysed in 719 postmenopausal women. ANOVA, ANCOVA and Xi2 tests were used to perform the statistical analysis. RESULTS: COL1A1 -1997G > T (p=0.04) and TGFB1 Leu10Pro (p=0.02) were found to be associated with adjusted lumbar spine (LS) BMD. Interactions were observed between: the COL1A1 -1997 G/T and Sp1 polymorphisms (p < 0.01 for LS BMD) and the COL1A1 -1663 indelT and VDR ApaI polymorphisms (p < 0.01 for femoral neck (FN) BMD). The COL1A1 GDs and ESR1 LPX haplotypes were associated with FN BMD (p=0.03 and p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms at COL1A1 and TGFB1 and haplotypes at COL1A1 and ESR1 were found to be associated with BMD in a cohort of postmenopausal Spanish women. Moreover, COL1A1 polymorphisms showed significant interactions among them and with the VDR 3' polymorphisms.

Bone Density↗

Relationship among VDR (BsmI and FokI), COLIA1, and CTR polymorphisms with bone mass, bone turnover markers, and sex hormones in men.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and up to 80% of its variance is under genetic control. Although osteoporosis is more frequent in women, one-third of hip fractures also occur in men. Much information on genetic factors and bone density has been obtained in women, but only a few studies have been performed in osteoporotic men. We have evaluated the relationship between polymorphisms for several candidate genes such as vitamin D receptor (VDR), collagen type Ia1 (COLIA1), and calcitonin receptor (CTR) in a sample of unrelated Italian men (n = 253, mean age 58.41 +/- 15.64 SD). We found no significant differences in BMD when subjects were stratified for their VDR (BsmI and FokI) and COLIA1 genotypes. BMD both at the lumbar spine and at the femoral neck were associated with polymorphism of CTR gene. The CC genotype of CTR gene had the lowest BMD value (P <0.05 and P <0.01 at the spine and hip, respectively) and its prevalence was significantly over-represented in the subgroup of men with prior hip or vertebral fracture as compared with controls (P = 0.004% c2 = 11.10). The men with the CC genotype also showed significantly lower body mass index (BMI), serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, total alkaline phosphatase-(total AP) and bone alkaline phosphatase (bone AP) levels and significantly higher free androgen index (FAI). In conclusion, the polymorphism of CTR gene but not VDR and COLIA1 is associated with osteoporosis incidence and the levels of alkaline phosphatase and estradiol. The lower BMD in CC genotype is apparently associated in males with depressed bone formation and lower estradiol levels.

Adult↗

Loss of CYP3A7 gene induction by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is caused by less binding of VDR to the proximal ER6 in CYP3A7 gene.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 and 3A7 (CYP3A4 and CYP3A7, respectively) are predominant forms in the human adult and fetal liver, respectively. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) is known to be a potent inducer of CYP3A4 in human colon carcinoma Caco-2 via vitamin D receptor (VDR). However, whether CYP3A7 is inducible by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we examined the effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on CYP3A7 gene expression in Caco-2 cells, which express CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 mRNAs. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) hardly induced the expression of CYP3A7 mRNA in contrast to the marked induction of CYP3A4 mRNA. Reporter assay using 5'-franking region CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 genes also revealed that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) activates CYP3A4 promoter, but not CYP3A7 promoter, which has two mutations in the proximal ER6 site compared with CYP3A4 promoter. In addition, we found that the binding of VDR to the proximal ER6 in CYP3A7 gene was markedly less than that to the proximal ER6 in CYP3A4 gene using gel shift assay. Taken together, the decrease of VDR binding to the proximal ER6 caused by the mutation results in the loss of CYP3A7 gene activation by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3).

Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases↗

Slight association between type 1 diabetes and "ff" VDR FokI genotype in patients from the Italian Lazio Region. Lack of association with diabetes complications.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates the effects of vitamin D. Our paper evaluates the FokI and BsmI VDR genotypes in 246 Caucasian (Italian from Lazio Region) T1DM patients compared with 246 Caucasian healthy controls, sharing age and gender and regional provenience with the patients. In addition, T1DM patients without complications were compared with those carrying three complications. METHODS: Genotyping has been obtained by RFLP-PCR technique. RESULTS: A slight significant association of T1DM with FokI homozygous "f" genotype was observed. No association was observed with the presence of multiple complications by a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: T1DM patients showed slightly increased prevalence of "ff" VDR genotype.

Adult↗

MAPK inhibition by 1alpha,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3 in breast cancer cells. Evidence on the participation of the VDR and Src.

1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)], the hormonally active form of Vitamin D(3), has been shown to be a potent negative growth regulator of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) acts through two different mechanisms. In addition to regulating gene transcription via its specific intracellular receptor (Vitamin D receptor, VDR), 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) induces, rapid, non-transcriptional responses involving activation of transmembrane signal transduction pathways. The mechanisms that mediate the antiproliferative effects of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) in breast cancer cells are not fully understood. Particularly, there is no information about the early non-genomic signal transduction effectors modulated by the hormone. The present study shows that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) rapidly inhibits serum induced activation of ERK-1 and ERK-2 MAP kinases. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src is involved in the pathway leading to activation of ERK 1/2 by serum. Furthermore, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) increases the tyrosine-phosphorylated state of Src as well as it inhibits its kinase activity and induces the association of the VDR with Src. These data suggest that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) inhibits MAPK by inactivating Src tyrosine kinase through a so far unknown mechanism that seems to be mediated by the VDR.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Allele-frequency determination of BsmI and FokI polymorphisms of the VDR gene by quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) in pooled genomic DNA samples.

The vdr gene is a candidate for osteoporosis susceptibility, with conflicting results in association studies. We have designed and optimized an individual allele-specific and DNA pooling PCR-based methodology to quantitate BsmI and FokI polymorphisms of the vdr gene and studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from pooled DNA samples. The allele frequency in DNA pooling experiments has been analyzed by kinetic PCR: quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). A Spanish cohort of 225 healthy postmenopausal women was studied. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and quantitative ultrasound calcaneous densitometry. Allele-specific PCR amplification of BsmI and FokI genes showed full concordance with the PCR-RFLP approach. The prevalence of the three BsmI VDR genotypes was 19.1, 44.9 and 36.0% for BB, Bb and bb, respectively. In the case of the FokI locus, the prevalence of genotypes was 40.4, 48.0 and 11.6% for FF, Ff and ff, respectively. No positive correlation was found between polymorphism and BMD. The DNA pooling procedure was validated. No differences were found in allele frequencies and T-score data obtained using the high throughput DNA pooling approach, as compared to known individual frequencies. In our hands, this is a very useful approach to study quantitative (thus polygenic) traits like osteoporosis susceptibility.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Association between AIDS disease progression rates and the Fok-I polymorphism of the VDR gene in a cohort of HIV-1 seropositive patients.

In addition to its role in mineral metabolism, 1,25-dihydroxivitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) also has immunomodulatory effects. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates genomic actions of 1,25(OH)2D3, by acting as a transcription factor that modulates the expression of several 1,25(OH)2D3 response genes. Variations at the VDR locus have been associated with susceptibility and progression to several immune diseases. We investigated the association between rates of progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the Fok-I polymorphism, which is located at the initiation codon of the VDR gene. The study was performed with a cohort of 185 patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1): all belonged to the intravenous drug abuse risk group. Progression to AIDS was according to the Centers for Disease Control 1993 criterion (CDC-1993). In addition, a first drop in CD4 cell count to below 200 microL(-1) was considered as outcome. Patients who reached outcomes during follow-up were considered progressors. Non-progressors were those patients remaining outcome-free after a minimum follow-up of 8 years. Heterozygous at the Fok-I polymorphism were over-represented in the group of patients that progressed to AIDS CDC-1993 (50% of progressors versus 36% of non-progressors, P=0.061; risk ratio (RR)=1.38 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98-1.96)) and in the group of patients that showed a drop in CD4 cell count to below 200 microL(-1) (52% of progressors versus 36% of non-progressors, P=0.037; RR=1.44 (95% CI: 1.02-2.03)). Mean time to AIDS CDC-1993 was shorter for those with Ff genotype than for those with FF and ff genotypes (non-Ff genotype patients), (log rank test P=0.035; Cox hazard ratio (HR) for Ff versus non-Ff=1.53 (95% CI: 1.0-2.33), P=0.047). In addition the drop in CD4 cell count to below 200 microL(-1) was reached faster in Ff carriers than in non-Ff patients (log rank test P=0.015; HR for Ff versus non-Ff=1.77 (95% CI: 1.12-2.8), P=0.014). According to these results, HIV-1 seropositive patients carrying the Ff genotype could be considered prone to a faster progression to AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) promoter targeting through a novel chromatin remodeling complex.

We have purified nuclear complexes for Vitamin D receptor (VDR), and identified one of them as a novel ATP-dependent chromatine remodeling containing Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF), that is supposed to be responsible for Williams syndrome. This complex (WSTF including nucleosome assembly complex (WINAC)) exhibited an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activity in vitro. Transient expression assays revealed that WINAC potentiates ligand-induced function of VDR in gene activation and repression. Thus, this study describes a molecular basis of the VDR function on chromosomal DNA through chromatine remodeling.

Chromatin↗

Two distinct coactivators, DRIP/mediator and SRC/p160, are differentially involved in VDR transactivation during keratinocyte differentiation.

Cell programs such as proliferation and differentiation involve the sequential activation and repression of gene expression. Vitamin D, via its active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)), controls the proliferation and differentiation of a number of cell types, including keratinocytes, by directly regulating transcription. Two classes of coactivators, the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) interacting proteins (DRIP/mediator) and the p160 steroid receptor coactivator family (SRC/p160), control the actions of nuclear hormone receptors, including the Vitamin D receptor. However, the relationship between these two classes of coactivators is not clear. Using GST-VDR affinity beads, we have identified the DRIP/mediator complex as the major VDR binding complex in proliferating keratinocytes. After the cells differentiated, members of the SRC/p160 family were identified in the complex but not major DRIP subunits. Both DRIP205 and SRC-3 potentiated Vitamin D-induced transcription in proliferating cells, but during differentiation, DRIP205 was no longer effective. These results indicate that these two distinct coactivators are differentially involved in Vitamin D regulation of gene transcription during keratinocyte differentiation, suggesting that these coactivators are part of the means by which the temporal sequence of gene expression is regulated during the differentiation process.

Animals↗

Prostate cancer cell type-specific involvement of the VDR and RXR in regulation of the human PTHrP gene via a negative VDRE.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) increases the growth and osteolytic potential of prostate cancer cells, making it important to control PTHrP expression in these cells. We show that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and its non-hypercalcemic analog, EB1089, decrease PTHrP mRNA and cellular protein levels in the androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP and its androgen-independent derivative, the C4-2 cell line. This effect is mediated via a negative Vitamin D response element (nVDREhPTHrP) within the human PTHrP gene and involves an interaction between nVDREhPTHrP and the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). The retinoid X receptor (RXR) is a frequent heterodimeric partner of the VDR. We show that RXRalpha forms part of the nuclear protein complex that interacts with nVDREhPTHrP along with the VDR in LNCaP and C4-2 cells. We also show that the RXR ligand, 9-cis-retinoic acid, downregulates PTHrP mRNA levels; this decrease is more pronounced in LNCaP than in C4-2 cells. In addition, 9-cis-retinoic acid enhances the 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated downregulation of PTHrP expression in both cell lines; this effect also is more pronounced in LNCaP cells. Proliferation of LNCaP, but not C4-2, cells is decreased by 9-cis-retinoic acid. Promoter activity driven by nVDREhPTHrP cloned upstream of the SV40 promoter and transiently transfected into LNCaP and C4-2 cells is downregulated in response to 1,25(OH)2D3 and EB1089 in both cell lines. Co-treatment with these compounds and 9-cis-retinoic acid further decreases CAT activity in LNCaP, but not C4-2, cells. These results indicate that PTHrP gene expression is regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 in a cell type-specific manner in prostate cancer cells.

Alitretinoin↗

Association study of VDR gene with rheumatoid arthritis in the French population.

Vitamin D is a potent regulator of calcium homeostasis and may have immunomodulatory effects. The influence of vitamin D on human autoimmune disease is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Three polymorphisms for VDR gene FokI T>C (rs 10735810), BsmI A>G (rs 1544410) and TaqI C>T (rs 731236) were genotyped in 100 RA French nuclear families (set 1) and 100 additional French nuclear families for replication (set 2). The association analysis was performed using comparison of alleles frequencies (AFBAC), transmission disequilibrium test and genotype relative risk. Our results revealed a significant difference of F allele of FokI polymorphism between transmitted and nontransmitted frequencies (P=0.01) in set 1. Furthermore, the F/F genotype was more frequent in RA patients compared to controls (P=0.01) in set 1. The replication in set 2 showed similar patterns of transmission with a nonsignificant association. Association with FokI was found to be significant when the two sets were combined (P=0.006). These data suggest that the F allele and F/F VDR genotype are associated with RA. The mechanisms by which distinct receptor variants might confer disease susceptibility remain to be elucidated.

Adult↗

Influence of polymorphisms in VDR and COLIA1 genes on the risk of osteoporotic fractures in aged men.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis in chronic renal failure is a common finding caused by several factors, including age. In the last decade, the likely effect of genetic markers related with the appearance and evolution of osteoporosis has been mainly studied in women, with no categorical results. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and COLIA1 genes on the risk of osteoporotic fractures in men older than 50 years. METHODS: The study population comprised 156 men, aged 64 +/- 9 (50-86), randomly selected from the population list of Oviedo, Spain. Prevalent vertebral fractures and incident non-vertebral fractures were identified, as well as several genetic polymorphisms. Prevalent vertebral fractures were considered according to the Genant grade 2 classifications. The analyzed genetic polymorphisms were located on restriction sites BsmI (B,b), ApaI (A,a), and TaqI (T,t) in the VDR and on Sp1 (S,s) in COLIA1. RESULTS: Although none of the VDR gene polymorphisms separately analyzed showed any differences between fractured and non-fractured men, the utilization of haplotypes could be employed in order to find osteoporotic fractures in men. By contrast, the COLIA1 polymorphism was associated with osteoporotic fractures. The percentage of prevalent vertebral fractures was significantly higher in the "ss" genotype with respect to the other genotypes. These results show that in men, the "ss" genotype of COLIA1 polymorphism could be the best osteoporotic fracture risk genetic predictor, independent of bone mass values.

Aged↗

Polymorphisms in the MTHFR and VDR genes and skin cancer risk.

Folate and vitamin D have been shown to be influenced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVA radiation can break down plasma folate, whereas vitamin D can be synthesized in UVB-exposed skin. Folate metabolism is involved in DNA synthesis and repair, and vitamin D processes anti-proliferative effects. The functions of both nutrients are implicated in skin carcinogenesis. We evaluated genetic polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene (C677T and A1298C) and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene (Fok1, Bsm1 and Cdx2) with skin cancer risk in a nested case-control study within the Nurses' Health Study [219 melanoma, 286 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 300 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 873 controls]. No significant associations were observed for the two MTHFR polymorphisms on skin cancer risk. We observed an interaction between the C677T polymorphism and total folate intake on SCC risk (P, interaction=0.04); the highest risk was observed among women with TT genotype and low folate intake (OR=2.14; 95% CI=1.01-4.50). The VDR Bsm1 BB genotype was significantly associated with an increased SCC risk (OR=1.51; 95% CI=1.00-2.28). An interaction between the Bsm1 polymorphism and total vitamin D intake on SCC was observed, with the highest risk seen in women with the BB genotype and high vitamin D intake (OR=2.38; 95% CI=1.22-4.62) (P, interaction=0.08). This study suggests a possible role of the polymorphisms in MTHFR and VDR interacting with dietary intakes of folate and vitamin D in skin cancer development, especially for SCC. Due to a large number of comparisons and tests, the possible associations should be interpreted with caution and confirmed by other studies.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗