Calcium role in human carcinogenesis: a comprehensive analysis and critical review of literature

摘要: The central role played by calcium ion in biological systems has generated an interest for its potential implication human malignancies. Thus, lines of research, on possible association metabolism regulation with tumorigenesis, implying disruptions and/or alterations known molecular pathways, have been extensively researched the recent decades. This paper is a critical synthesis these findings, based functional approach signaling toolkit. It provides strong support that this ubiquitous divalent cation involved cancer initiation, promotion, and progression. Different pathways outlined, involving equally different cellular structures. However, if between can be described as constant, it not always linear. We identified several influencing factors among which most relevant are (i) changes local or tissular concentrations free (ii) histological physiological types tissue involved. Such versatility at level may probably account conflicting findings reported epidemiological literature dietary intake risk to develop certain cancers such prostatic mammary neoplasms. also fuels hypothesis behind each cancer, specific pathway evidenced. Identifying interactions promising further understanding treatment options disease.