Vitamin D regulation of gut microbiota-derived butyrate as a potential inhibitor of breast cancer proliferation

Abstract

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin implicated in the etiology, progression, and prognosis of breast cancer, yet its precise mechanisms of action remain elusive. We have integrated the latest insights from both basic and clinical research to find that in the human body, vitamin D is activated by hydroxylase to form the active form 1,25(OH)₂D. 1,25(OH)₂D may stimulate the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria by upregulating their abundance, and butyrate can regulate the intestinal microenvironment and modulate the immune system to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer. Notably, our investigations reveal a novel role of vitamin D in modulating the gut microbiome, particularly in stimulating the production of butyrate and other metabolites, which exhibit potent anti-proliferative effects on breast cancer cells. These findings open promising avenues for innovative clinical approaches in breast cancer therapy. This review delves into the intricate interplay between vitamin D, butyrate, and breast cancer, aiming to propose novel therapeutic strategies.