Indication: Ovarian cancer

 

Source: Gynecol Oncol, August 2, 2010. [Epub ahead of print]

 

Research: Ecological studies have long described a higher incidence of ovarian cancer in more extreme latitudes, where sun exposure, and presumably vitamin D exposure, is lower. Basic science studies have also noted polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor in ovarian cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of serum vitamin D to ovarian cancer. Researchers conducted a case-control study of 7273 subjects using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) database. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were examined in both ovarian cancer patients and a control population.

 

Results: Ovarian cancer cases were more than three times more likely to have low 25[OH]D levels. Adjusting for significant covariates, which included age and dietary calcium intake, ovarian cancer cases were nearly four times more likely to have low 25[OH]D levels. Researchers believe a deficiency in vitamin D may provide an etiologic link between the long-known ecologic findings regarding latitude and the basic science noting polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor.