The research advance of the relationship between vitamin D binding protein and cancer

Abstract

Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) is a multi-functional plasma globulin which binds to the vitamin D (VD) in the circulation system and transporting the latter to various effective organs to exert its biological functions. Studies have found that VD and its carrier VDBP are associated with the risk of various cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer however, lacking sufficient epidemiological evidences so far. Furthermore, it is still controversial regarding how VD controls and affects cancer progression. In addition, studies have also demonstrated that VDBP derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) is a potent lymphokine in cancer treatment. Nonetheless, the relationship between VDBP and cancer including the VDBP polymorphism, VDBP plasma concentration are still unclear; more studies are needed to further uncover its role in cancer development and progression, thus providing new evidences for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. （Chin J Lab Med,2014,37: 828-831） Key words: Vitamin D-binding protein; Vitamin D; Macrophage-activating factors; Neoplasms