NEW BOOK CHAPTER: Exploring the Interplay of Vitamin A, Retinoids and the Microbiota-Immune System Axis in Urinary Bladder Cancer Prevention and Treatment

We are proud to announce the publication of a new chapter written by a group of our esteemed colleagues at the Institute of Cell Biology: Dr. Larisa Tratnjek, Dr. Aleksandar Janev, Dr. Tadeja Kuret, and Dr. Daša Zupančič.

The chapter focuses on the role of Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoids) in the prevention and treatment of bladder cancer. It delves into the mechanisms of action of Vitamin A and retinoids, shedding light on their potential to revolutionize bladder cancer treatment. However, further research is needed to enhance their effectiveness in clinical settings.

https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/1213579

Here's a sneak peek into the insightful book chapter:

🔬 Vitamin A and its bioactive metabolites have been identified to have a profound impact on cell development, proliferation, differentiation, as well as metabolism and the immune system in vertebrate organisms.

💡 Human Requirements. Vitamin A is obtained exclusively from dietary sources. Rich sources include liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and other colorful fruits and vegetables.

🔎 Bladder cancer, ranking as the fifth most common cancer in the European Union and the ninth most common worldwide, presents a daunting challenge with high recurrence rates. Current treatments show low efficiency, underscoring the urgency for more effective solutions.

🌿 Several risk factors, including smoking, chemical exposure, and chronic bladder Schistosoma infection, contribute to bladder cancer. Despite extensive research, effective preventive measures remain elusive, emphasizing the critical need for innovative strategies.

The intriguing historical link between vitamin A and cancer dates back to rodent experiments in the 1920s and subsequent studies demonstrating the efficacy of natural and synthetic retinoids in inhibiting urinary bladder carcinogenesis. Importantly, epidemiological and clinical studies show a strong association between vitamin A intake and a reduced risk of bladder cancer. As a fat-soluble vitamin obtained exclusively from dietary sources, the influence of vitamin A intake on cancer risk holds significant public health implications.

Furthermore, retinoids, renowned for their role in biological regulation, have shown promise in cancer treatment. While their use has been successful in certain cancer types, including acute promyelocytic leukemia and neuroblastoma, applying these findings to bladder cancer treatment has presented challenges. New synthetic retinoids and innovative application approaches provide hope for significantly enhancing their efficacy in bladder cancer prevention and treatment.

Unveiling yet another dimension, recent studies have illuminated the interconnected roles of vitamin A and gut microbiota in bladder cancer. The modulation of immune responses within the bladder tumor microenvironment shows promise, suggesting that retinoids such as all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) may hold therapeutic benefits by influencing immune cell differentiation. This has far-reaching implications for understanding immune homeostasis and its potential impact on bladder cancer prevention and treatment.