The Relationship between Vitamin D Deficiency and Increased Oxidative Stress in Patients with Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Oxidative stress is one of the involved factors in CRC onset and progression. Recent examinations have revealed antioxidant characteristics of vitamin D. Given the vital role of this vitamin in balancing free radicals and antioxidant capacity, in this study we intended to review the association between vitamin D deficiency and oxidative stress in CRC patients.

In the present case-control study, 30 CRC patients and 32 healthy individuals were entered, based on the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Peripheral blood was taken from the subjects. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values, total antioxidant capacity, and serum vitamin D were measured. Data were interpreted using SPSS 18 software; t-test and the Mann Whitney test were applied.

The outcomes explained that TBARS values were significantly greater in patients group (P <0.005), but no meaningful difference was monitored in the total antioxidant capacity. 21 (70%) patients and 14 (44%) control subjects had inadequate vitamin D. There was a significant association between serum vitamin D in both groups (P <0.005). A notable negative relationship was found between vitamin D values and oxidative stress indicator (p=0.05, r =-0.249).

 Insufficient vitamin D can lead to an increase in oxidative stress, which is directly associated with CRC. Serum vitamin D levels were also inadequate in high percentage of cancer patients. Given the predominance of vitamin D insufficiency in the population, more extensive studies are required to prove the impact of deficiency on disease pathogenesis.