Serum Level of Vitamin D in Patients with Salivary Gland Tumors

Introduction:The active vitamin D metabolites have anticancer effects on many human neoplasms. The vitamin D receptors have been detected in salivary glands tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the serum level of vitamin D in patients with malignant and benign salivary gland tumors.Materials and Methods:In this retrospective and cross-sectional study, ۱۵۱ participants, including ۴۲ patients with benign, ۴۲ malignant salivary gland tumors, and ۶۷ healthy subjects, participated. The serum level of vitamin D was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:The mean serum level of vitamin D was ۴۲.۷ ng/mL in patients with benign tumors, ۴۰ ng/mL in malignant tumors, and ۳۶.۷ ng/mL in the control group. There was no significant difference between the mean vitamin D level and vitamin D status in patients with salivary gland tumors and normal controls (P=۰.۲). There was a significant positive correlation between vitamin D level and age in the control group (P=۰.۰۴).Conclusions:The results showed a high prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in salivary gland tumors and normal subjects, with no significant difference. Therefore, the serum level of vitamin D might not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of these tumors, similar to many human cancers. However, further prospective studies are recommended focusing on specific tumors and considering other interventional factors.