An increasing body of evidence suggests that vitamin D may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and othercancers of the digestive system, acting through various proposed methods, including a reduction of pro-inflammatory factors. Blacks and African-Americans have virtually half the levels of 25(OH)D, the generallyaccepted best indicator of vitamin D status, compared to Whites. Differences in levels of plasma 25(OH)Dcould account for the greater incidence of colorectal cancer and other digestive system cancers in Blacks,particularly in the northeastern U.S., where solar UV-B intensity is low. The optimal dose of supplementalvitamin D needed to achieve adequate levels of plasma 25(OH)D is unknown, but it is likely to be muchhigher than currently recommended doses (400 lU/day). A critical need exists, particularly in Blacks, todefine doses of oral vitamin D supplementation that will achieve a sufficient level of plasma 25(OH)D beforevitamin D chemoprevention studies are initiated. We therefore propose to examine plasma 25(OH)D in anunderserved population of Blacks living in the Boston area and establish a dose of vitamin Dsupplementation that will achieve a presumed protective level of plasma 25(OH)D levels in this cohort. First,following assessment of baseline plasma 25(OH)D levels, 320 participants will be randomized to placebo,1000 ID, 2000 ID, or 4000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) per day in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Then, after 3 monthsof supplementation, plasma levels of 25(OH)D will be determined. Secondly, we will examine if oral vitaminD supplementation reduces plasma levels of pro-inflammatory factors C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-aR2 (TNFaR2), and increases anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10)levels. Thirdly, participants will be genotyped for relevant vitamin D pathway genes, and genotypeprevalence will be compared to results from participants of the Nurses' Health Study and HealthProfessionals Follow-up Study, two cohorts for which we are separately funded to examine the influence ofthese genotypes on the risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer. We will also compare baseline 25(OH)Dlevels with Whites of these cohort members living in a similar latitude and who provided blood in the sameseason. We will also assess rise of 25(OH)D according to 25(OH)D-24-hydroxylase (CYP24) genotypes, asgenetic variation in CYP24 as been proposed to contribute to lower 25(OH) in blacks. Results of this trial willhelp direct future randomized trials of vitamin D in the prevention of colorectal neoplasia and other cancersof the digestive system. In fact, once we define the optimal dose of vitamin D, our interdisciplinary team withexpertise in disparities will be well positioned to lead an intervention trial that has major implications forefforts to address colorectal neoplasia disparities nationally.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 590 publications
