Disparate Vitamin D Activity in the Prostate of Men with African Ancestry
Abstract
African American (AA) men are disproportionally affected by prostate cancer (PCa). AA men are not only at increased risk of PCa compared to American men of European descent (EA), but also are at the highest risk of aggressive PCa and death from PCa. Vitamin D3 deficiency increases PCa mortality, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D3 status for prostate health. Vitamin D3 is acquired in the diet or via UVB/sunlight-initiated synthesis in the skin. Cutaneous melanin absorbs UVB radiation, which leads to reduced vitamin D3 synthesis in darker pigmented skin. Consequently, ~65% of AA men are vitamin D3 deficient compared to ~20% of EA men. The level of skin pigmentation is correlated with the extent of African ancestry and serum vitamin D3 status. Besides vitamin D3 status, the activity of vitamin D3 is mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and determined by several cytochrome P450 metabolism enzymes that bioactivate/inactivate the active form of the hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA613173
Entities
People
- Larisa Nonn
Organizations
- University of Illinois at Chicago