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Sunshine and milk can halt prostrate cancer spread
Researchers have revealed that Vitamin D can inhibit the spread of prostate cancer cells.
Researchers have revealed that Vitamin D can inhibit the spread of prostate cancer cells by limiting the activity of two specific enzymes, proteases called matrix metalloproteinase and cathepsin.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, was led by Yi-Fen Lee, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Urology at the Medical Center.
The research was conducted in test tubes using human prostate cancer cells lines.
The researchers found that vitamin D significantly limits the ability of prostate cancer cells to invade healthy cells by reducing the activity of two enzymes - proteases called matrix metalloproteinase and cathepsin.
The study also found that though Vitamin D also increases the level of counterpart enzymes that inhibit matrix metalloproteinase and cathepsin, it however, had little effect on plasminogen activators, which also are important in the spread of prostate cancer.
Dr Lee said that the findings were important as now, therapy could be custom made for each person.
"We wanted to know the targets of vitamin D so we would know which patients would respond better. Each individual is different so the therapy could be custom made for each person," she said.
The researchers used 1,25-hydroxylvitamin D3, the most potent and active form of vitamin D in the human body, as a part of the study. However, they do not advise taking large amounts of vitamin D without medical supervision.
Edward M. Messing, M.D., chair of Urology at the Medical Center, said that high dose of this type of Vitamin D should not be taken without a prescription, or without a physician, as it sometimes had side effects.
"This high dose has some side effects, including increasing blood calcium levels and causing kidney problems. It should not be taken without prescription and a physician monitoring the side effects," he said.
Dr Lee added that the best way to get Vitamin D was to drink milk, modest exposure to the sun, and a vitamin pill.
"The best way to get vitamin D is to drink milk, get modest exposure to the sun, and take a vitamin pill to enrich the vitamin D, which might prevent cancer," she said.
The scientists are now investigating whether there are medicines or other vitamins, such as vitamin E, that could enhance the anti-cancer effects of vitamin D without increasing toxicity.
The study was published in the January issue of the journal Carcinogenesis.
