Genetically Predicted Serum Vitamin C Levels and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during oxidative metabolism and cellular response to external stressors and can potentiate keratinocyte carcinogenesis (Ray et al., 2012). ROS can be scavenged by antioxidants, including vitamin C. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that vitamin C prevents oxidative damage to keratinocytes, which could help prevent the formation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) (Kawashima et al., 2018, Pauling et al., 1982). However, epidemiologic studies have shown conflicting effects of vitamin C exposure on cSCC risk (Asgari et al., 2011, Fung et al., 2003, Hercberg et al., 2007).