Study of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism (FokI, TaqI and ApaI) Among Prostate Cancer Patients in North India

Introduction Incidence of prostate cancer is rising worldwide. Multiple factors have been suggested for the aetiology of prostate cancer including ethnic, genetic and diet. Vitamin D (calcitriol) has been shown to have role in cell growth and differentiation and its deficiency is implicated as one of the aetiological factors in prostate cancer. Prostatic epithelial cells express Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) as well as 1α- hydroxylase enzyme that are required for the synthesis of calcitriol and its action. Polymorphism in VDR gene has been associated with prostate cancer in some epidemiological studies; but, there is paucity of information in the Indian context.