Study of Vitamin D and ApaI Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Vitamin D plays a role in normal breast tissue development. This effect is believed to be largely mediated through intervention of vitamin D with VDR. Recently, vitamin D status and VDR gene polymorphisms have emerged as risk factors for breast cancer development; however, controversial findings have been observed. On the light of the previous data, the present study was conducted to investigate the association of vitamin D status and VDR ApaI gene polymorphism with the risk of breast cancer. The study included 40 pre-menopausal female patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and who did not start any treatment modality. In addition, 20 apparently healthy age matched females served as healthy controls. Assay of serum 25 (OH) vitamin D was done using ELISA technique, while detection of VDR ApaI gene polymorphism was done by PCR-RFLP technique.