The Role of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Hepatocarcinogenesis

Previous data have suggested that vitamin D levels may influence cancer development. In particular, several single nucleotide polymorphisms have been described in the Vitamin D receptor( VDR gene), and some polymorphisms are associated with tumor occurrence. For instance, VDR polymorphisms have been related to cancers of the breast, prostate, skin, colon-rectum, bladder and kidney, although with conflicting observations . VDR polymorphisms have also been investigated in the context of some chronic liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis B, primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis . In a recent published study, VDR polymorphism may be used as a molecular marker to predict the risk and to evaluate the disease severity of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B. A significant association of VDR (ApaI) polymorphism with the development of HCC in chronic HCV infection may help to identify those who are at high risk of developing HCC.