Calcium supplementation educes sporadic colorectal adenoma recurrence, and higher serum vitamin D levels are associated with reduced risk for colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Despite strong biological plausibility and supportive observational data, the independent and synergistic anti- neoplastic effects of calcium and vitamin D in humans are not clear. Proposed mechanisms have included protection of the colonic epithelium against bile acids, direct effects on the cell cycle, modulation of growth factors signaling, inflammation, and immune function. Based on basic science and limited human evidence, we propose to test a novel hypothesis that calcium and vitamin D supplementation strengthens the gut mucosal barrier as indicated by modulation of cell cycle, cell adhesion, receptors responsive to bacterial components, and markers of intestinal inflammation in humans. We also hypothesize that these changes in the colon will be accompanied by decreases in circulating levels of biomarkers of colonic hyperpermeability and pro-inflammatory cytokines. We will investigate this in an adjunct study to an ongoing multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2 x 2 factorial chemoprevention clinical trial (n = 2,259) of supplemental calcium (1,200 mg elemental calcium daily as calcium carbonate) and vitamin D3 (1,000 IU daily), alone and in combination vs. placebo over 3 - 5 years (the 'parent study'). A sub-set of participants (n = 112) with """"""""non-prep"""""""" biopsies of normal-appearing rectal mucosa taken at baseline and 1-year follow-up sigmoidoscopies is selected for this adjunct study. The primary aims of the proposed study are to 1) obtain preliminary data on the separate and joint effects of calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation on biomarkers of gut barrier function (Ki-67/MIB-1, caspase-3, TLR4, TLR5, ZO-1, claudin-1, occludin, mucin-17, E-cadherin, and beta-catenin) and inflammation (NFkappaB and TNFalpha) in biopsies of normal-appearing rectal mucosa, and 2) investigate whether the findings for the tissue-specific biomarkers are correlated with circulating biomarkers of gut barrier function (specific IgG and IgA to lipopolysaccharide [LPS] and flagellin, LPS binding protein [LBP], and intestinal fatty acid binding protein [I-FABP]) and inflammation (GM-CSF, IFNgamma, IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-8, IL- 10, IL-12p70, and TNFalpha). The proposed scope of work is limited to laboratory and statistical analyses using biological samples and questionnaire data from the 'parent study'. This adjunct study offers a unique, cost-effective opportunity in a large, ongoing trial in humans to explore a novel hypothesis that calcium and vitamin D beneficially modulate gut barrier function, and to elucidate the combined effects of calcium and vitamin D on biomarkers of gut barrier function and inflammation. Understanding the role of vitamin D and calcium in gut barrier function is of great importance, not only to colorectal neoplasm chemoprevention, but also to the prevention of multiple pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
We will test in humans at increased risk for colorectal cancer whether calcium and vitamin D can strengthen colorectal barriers against bacteria and reduce inflammation, which could lead to lower risk for colorectal tumors. To do this we will use blood and rectal biopsy samples and data from a large clinical trial of supplemental vitamin D and calcium in persons who have had pre-cancerous colon polyps. If our ideas are correct, it would be like proving that blood cholesterol and pressure can be treated with simple dietary changes and lead to preventing heart disease.
| Hodge, Rebecca; Mandle, Hannah B; Ray, Stephen et al. (2018) Effects of Supplemental Calcium and Vitamin D on Expression of Toll-Like Receptors and Phospho-IKK?/? in the Normal Rectal Mucosa of Colorectal Adenoma Patients. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 11:707-716 |
| Fedirko, Veronika; McKeown-Eyssen, Gail; Serhan, Charles N et al. (2017) Plasma lipoxin A4 and resolvin D1 are not associated with reduced adenoma risk in a randomized trial of aspirin to prevent colon adenomas. Mol Carcinog 56:1977-1983 |
| Yang, Baiyu; Bostick, Roberd M; Tran, Hao Quang et al. (2016) Circulating Biomarkers of Gut Barrier Function: Correlates and Nonresponse to Calcium Supplementation among Colon Adenoma Patients. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 25:318-26 |
