Possible Molecular Mechanisms by which Vitamin D Prevents Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer

It is well accepted that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is one of high risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC). This supports the notion that inflammation plays a key role in cancer development. Epidemiologic studies have shown that vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency is associated with IBD and various types of cancer including colorectal cancer. Clinical trials and mouse models have shown that Vit D is beneficial in preventing or ameliorating inflammation and carcinogenesis. Mechanism studies show that Vit D played wide-spectrum roles in anti-inflammation, immunoregulation, and anti-cancer activities. In this review, we summarized and updated the findings on Vit D, IBD and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) with the emphasis on the effects of Vit D on anti-inflammation, EMT and cancer stem cells (CSC). Keywords: Vitamin D, IBD, colitis-associated colorectal cancer, inflammation, NF-κ B, EMT, cancer stem cell.