10 February 2013
By blocking a metabolic pathway that allows tumor cells to grow unchecked, vitamin D may play a role in providing a safe and cost-effective strategy to fight certain types of breast cancer with the poorest prognosis, new research from Spain suggests.
The in vitro study investigated molecular pathways that contribute to the growth of human breast tumor cells of the triple-negative type, a treatment-resistant form of cancer, which often proves fatal, that tends to strike younger women (1). The research identified a novel pathway that not only allows tumor cells to grow un-checked, but also explains the reduced sensitivity of these types of tumors to current therapeutic strategies. Vitamin D was found to play a role in turning off this pathway, providing the potential for a new therapy.
The researchers commented that in the future, women with triple-negative breast cancer may benefit from a treatment that includes vitamin D and some protease inhibitors. Although chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, it has profound side-effects. In a further step, vitamin D therapy will have to be studied in clinical trials for its efficacy.
1 December 2013
Chronic undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent across the developing world. In addition to its substantial human costs, undernutrition has lifelong economic consequences.
2 February 2010
Low levels of vitamin B6 may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, says a new study.
1 May 2011
High concentrations of oxygen radicals in the body (oxidative stress) have been linked to the exacerbation of atherosclerosis and hence the onset of cardiovascular disease. At the same time, observation studies have consistently indicated that antioxidant micronutrients in the diet could have a protective effect in the context of cardiovascular disease.
