The role of vitamin A in cancer.
The differentiation and maintenance of epithelial tissues is a well-known function of vitamin A. The most dramatic expression of this is the antineoplastic effect. This biological activity of vitamin A is reviewed with regard to anticarcinogenesis, the reversal of transformation and a possible role in cancer therapy. A brief account is given of vitamin A absorption and transport in the body and the importance of varying levels of cellular binding proteins in normal and malignant tissues.
D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D051381:Rats; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D014801:Vitamin A