1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits the human H295R cell proliferation by cell cycle arrest: A model for a protective role of vitamin D receptor against adrenocortical cancer

Slightly supra-physiological concentrations of 1α,25(OH)2D3 have a moderate anti-proliferative effect on H295R cells. Anti-proliferative effect was due to cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, without inducing apoptosis. The low mRNA expression levels at qRT-PCR as well as the weak immunohistochemical expression of VDR in ACC, suggests a protective role of VDR against malignant adrenocortical growth.