Genetic Markers Indicate that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D Treatment may not Protect Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives: The impact of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is a complicated area. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on HCC cells according to genetic markers. Methods: The optimal concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is treated to HepG2 cells (250 nM at the 48th hour). From treated HepG2 cells, total Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) was isolated, and Ki-67, MMP-2, MMP-9, HIF-1?, hTERT, and piR823 gene expressions were determined by SYBR Green-based real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: : Increased expressions of Ki-67, hTERT, and piR-823 were determined compared with the control group at the 48th hour after treatment (p<0.001), while decreased gene expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and HIF-1? were observed compared with the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Currently, there are several different opinions about the usage of vitamin D, especially in HCC. In addition to researchers who argue that vitamin D has anticarcinogenic and protective properties, an increasing number of researchers argue that tumor cells can become aggressive after HCC occurs. According to our results, it was determined that vitamin D causes HepG2 HCC cells to become aggressive in terms of gene expression in the parameters used as a marker for proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. Keywords: 1.25-Dihydroxyvitamin D, hepatocellular carcinoma, motility, PIWI interacting RNA, proliferation