The Association between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Gene Polymorphism and Prostatic Cancer

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the association of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and Prostatic Cancer. Prostate cancer affects men of all racial and ethnic groups and leads to higher rates of mortality in those belonging to a lower socioeconomic status due to late detection of the disease. There is growing evidence that suggests the contribution of an individual’s genetic profile to prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is becoming more common everywhere. The aetiology of prostate cancer has been linked to a variety of causes, including genetic, racial, and dietary factors. It has been demonstrated that vitamin D (calcitriol) has a role in cell development and differentiation, and its shortage is one of the etiological factors in prostate cancer. Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and the enzyme 1 hydroxylase, which are necessary for the formation of calcitriol and its activity, are expressed by prostate epithelial cells. In certain epidemiological research, VDR gene polymorphism has been linked to prostate cancer, although there is a dearth of knowledge in the Indian setting. The Department of Biochemistry worked with the Department of Urology to evaluate three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites, FokI, TaqI, and ApaI, in 120 cases of prostate cancer. These cases were compared to 120 healthy first-degree relatives and 120 unrelated controls. When analysed, it was shown that prostate cancer patients had considerably lower rates of the Tt and Aa genotypes than healthy non-relative controls (p = 0.016 and 0.043, respectively). Tt genotype incidence is considerably lower in patients (p = 0.005) compared to first-degree relatives. With regard to FokI polymorphism, no meaningful correlation was discovered. The study reveals that heterozygous TaqI and ApaI polymorphism genotypes may be protective against the onset of prostate cancer.