Findings: Vitamin D Might Help Prevent Breast Cancer

Studies have shown vitamin D is an essential part of building healthy bones, but can also help prevent breast cancer?



This is the issue of cancer biologist at UC Glendon Zinser, PhD, hopes to answer a translational research is currently underway.


Zinser received a grant from the pilot study rail Cincinnati in 2008 on the role of vitamin D and fatty tissue in the development of breast cancer to investigate the hypothesis that the active form of vitamin A can help prevent or treat the disease.



Geographical studies have shown that people living in areas where they are exposed to more sunlight a lower incidence of cancer. Sunlight causes the body to produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes bone health, but Zinser said that also appears to have cancer prevention properties.



Studies have shown the active form of vitamin D may be effective treatment option for breast cancer cells in the laboratory.



"The real challenge is to understand how the active form of vitamin D contribute directly to human cells of breast cancer without disturbing the delicate balance of calcium in the body," said Zinser, Associate Professor of Cancer and Cell Biology at University and researcher at Cincinnati Cancer Consortium.



"Our results suggest that adipose (fat) may play an important role in allowing the body to an inactive form of vitamin D to its active form contributes to cell growth control.



"If this were true in preclinical models and at the cellular level, we have a new and promising approach for prevention of breast cancer at our disposal," he added.


Around Cincinnati has provided funding for this pilot study, Zinser to the original data needed to justify research grants broader, and the largest gathering.



So far, confirmed that adipose tissue is able to inactive form of vitamin D to its active form. The next step is to determine whether the active form, the growth of normal changes of epithelial cells. If so, you will test whether you can change the appearance of breast cancer.



Support for UC Cancer Research

The annual cycling event around cancer research benefit from the UC Cincinnati will be held Sunday, June 14 at Yeatman Cove / Sawyer Point. Cyclists of all ages and skill levels are invited to register and pedal for a good cause: cancer research.



Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Cancer Institute UC Barrett at the University Hospital to support local breast cancer clinical, translational and basic research programs, like Zinser of the study.



Routes start at staggered times 6:30 Children under 8 years can be a Junior Bike Rally mile drive through the operating point of Sawyer, from 11 hours



After the children Bike Rally, each child receives a participation medal and take part in free activities, including celebration balloon artists, magicians, jumping from one house, gift bags, food and music.