Vitamin D-Heavy reading but worth it

[Tom]

I liked this article, even though the technical level is difficult. It's too soon to figure out how it might apply to what I've been doing here, but it is fascinating at any rate. I have been giving Mom vitamin D-3 (cholecalciferol) for some time now. It is supposedly very important to supplement with the D-3 version rather than others such as ergocalciferol. Mom goes to the onc again today. I will ask for another round of tumor markers. Then we will go for another MUGA and see if she can get back to Herceptin, or perhaps even Tykerb. We'll see. Please pray that she remains stable. We are both enjoying the much needed rest. Link and text are below.

Tom

http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin...newthread&f=28


Breast cancer proliferation is prevented when Gemini vitamin D derivative regulates key genes

NewsRx.com

09-15-06

Breast cancer proliferation is prevented when Gemini vitamin D derivative regulates key genes.

According to recent research from the United States, "We investigated gene expression changes induced by a novel Gemini vitamin D-3 analog, RO-438-3582 (1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-20S-21(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-butyl)-23-yne-26,27-hexafluorocholecalciferol, Ro3582), in a unique human breast MCF10 model. We used two breast epithelial cell lines from this model, namely MCF10AT1 (Ha-ras oncogene transfected MCF10A, early premalignant) and MCF10CA1a (fully malignant and metastatic derived from the MCF10AT1 line)."

"We analyzed gene expression changes induced by Ro3582 using GeneChip technology, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, or a gene transcription assay. Interestingly, we found distinct gene expression profile differences between Ro3582-induced response of the early premalignant MCF10AT1 and the malignant and metastatic MCF10CA1a cell lines," noted H.J. Lee and colleagues, Rutgers State University.

"Moreover," they said, "while the Gemini vitamin D-3 analog Ro3582 modulated the expression of several vitamin D target genes such as the 24-hydroxylase, CD14, osteocalcin, and osteopontin in both cell lines, Ro3582 regulated many genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis as well as cell signaling pathways, such as the bone morphogenetic protein and transforming growth factor beta systems, differently in the two cell lines.

"The Gemini vitamin D-3 analog Ro3582 induced more significant gene changes in the early premalignant MCF10AT1 cells than in the malignant metastatic MCF10CA1a cells, suggesting that Gemini vitamin D-3 analogs may be more effective in preventing the progression of an early stage of breast carcinogenesis than in treating late stage breast cancer."

Lee and colleagues published their study in Biochemical Pharmacology (Gene expression profiling changes induced by a novel Gemini Vitamin D derivative during the progression of breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol, 2006;72(3):332-343).

For additional information, contact N. Suh, Rutgers State University, Ernest Mario School Pharmacy, Dept. of Biology Chemical, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.