Evaluation of the Relationship Between Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: The paradoxical relationship between cancer and vitamin D has been known since 1990. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is found in several tissues and, in contrast to popular belief, it is not only responsible for calcium and phosphorus metabolism but also associated with several other metabolic events. We conducted this study to investigate the effects of these factors on head and neck cancers by examining vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus levels and polymorphisms of the VDR genes FokI and Bsm in patients with head and neck cancer. Material and Methods: A total of 51 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma aged 31-88 years and 51 healthy individuals aged 33-89 years who applied to the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine were included in this study. Results: No difference was observed in the distribution of the genotype ratios of the VDR genes FokI and Bsm between the two groups. However, a statistically significant difference was found in calcium levels between the two groups. Conclusion: An individual with known VDR gene polymorphisms can provide possible risk information regarding which disease risk group he/she is in, and VDR gene polymorphism can be used as a biomarker.

Keywords

• Vitamin D
• genes
• neoplasms
• calcium
• phosphorus
• real-time polymerase chain reaction

Supporting Institution

This project was supported by Mersin University Scientific Research Projects Unit as project number 2015-TP2-1309

Project Number

2015-TP2-1309

Ethical Statement

The study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration, and it started after the approval of Mersin University Clinical Research Ethics Committee, dated 12.02.2015 and decision number 2015/38, was obtained

Thanks

This project was supported by Mersin University Scientific Research Projects Unit as project number 2015-TP2-1309

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