Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphism and its Clinical Relevance in Prostate and Colon Cancer Patients: A Study in a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria

A BSTRACT Introduction: This study examines the clinical relevance of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms in prostate and colon cancer patients at NSIA LUTH Cancer Centre, Lagos, Nigeria. With limited African data on Vitamin D’s genetic role in cancer, we investigate its association with cancer susceptibility, grade, and stage. Methods: A total of 142 cases and controls were recruited, including newly diagnosed and treated prostate and colon cancer patients. The study received ethical approval from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Ethical Committee and was self-funded. Serum Vitamin D levels were assessed using ELISA, while VDR polymorphisms (Fok1, BsmI, TaqI, and ApaI) were analyzed via restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction. Results: The study found a significant association between Vitamin D deficiency and both prostate and colon cancers. Serum Vitamin D levels declined with increasing cancer grade and stage. In colon cancer, Vitamin D levels dropped from 43.8 ng/ml in stage I to 34.9 ng/ml in stage IV. In prostate cancer, a sharp decline was observed from 62.6 ng/ml in stage I to 29.8 ng/ml in stage IV. Patients with low Vitamin D levels had higher cancer risk (odds ratio [OR]: 3.1 for colon cancer; OR: 2.2 for prostate cancer). VDR polymorphism analysis revealed significant associations between cancer cases and specific genotypes: Fok1 (FF), BsmI (Bb), TaqI (tt), and ApaI (aa). Patients with these polymorphisms had lower Vitamin D levels, suggesting a genetic predisposition to cancer progression. Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of Vitamin D deficiency and VDR polymorphisms on prostate and colon cancer biology. The findings emphasize their potential roles in disease progression and suggest further research into Vitamin D supplementation as a protective measure in cancer patients.