Dietary PUFA and cancer

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to give a brief overview on the role of dietary fat in carcinogenesis and as possible anticancer agents. Dietary fat is an essential nutrient and important source for the essential fatty acids (FA), linoleic and α-linolenic acids, which contribute to proper growth and development. However, dietary fat has been associated with the development of colorectal, breast, prostate, endometrial and ovarian cancers, with the type and quality of fat playing an underlying role. Tumour growth is the disruption of the homoeostatic balance regulating cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis and is associated with altered lipid metabolism. Animal cancer models and human cancer biopsy tissue demonstrate that a characteristic lipid profile is associated with the growth and development of neoplastic lesions. This entails alterations in membrane cholesterol, phospholipid and PUFA metabolism. Particularly, alterations in cell membrane FA metabolism involving the n-6 and n-3 PUFA, are associated with changes in membrane structure, function, cellular oxidative status, activity of enzymes and signalling pathways. These events are a driving force in sustaining the altered growth of cancerous lesions and provide unique targets for intervention/cancer modulation. Challenges in utilising FA in cancer modulation exist regarding intake and effect on cell structure and biochemical interactions within the cell in the prevention of cancer development. Therefore, utilising dietary PUFA in a specific n-6:n-3 ratio may be an important chemopreventive tool in altering the growth characteristics of cancer cells.

Modifiable lifestyle factors and ovarian cancer incidence in women

“…In these studies, the relative risk of ovarian cancer was at a level of 0.76. A similar relationship has been demonstrated in studies of Jiang et al [13].…”

“…The rapid insulin and IGF secretion causes not only the growth of tumour cells, but also infiltration into neighbouring tissues. Correctly used and dosed omega-3 acids have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, reduce high blood pressure and prevent obesity by its inhibiting effect on the lipogenesis [9,10,11,12]. Moreover, they have an antidepressant effect by their correct action on nerve cell membranes of the cerebral cortex.…”

“…In the course of a chemical processes they can be transformed into arachidonic acid in the body. Prostaglandins may be formed from this four-unsaturated fatty acid, having proinflammatory effects [13].…”

Regulation of Coronary Arterial Large Conductance Ca²⁺-Activated K⁺ Channel Protein Expression and Function by n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Diabetic Rats

“…n-3 PUFAs are essential unsaturated fatty acids in humans and play a pivotal role on human health, conferring protective effects on patients with cardiovascular diseases [26,27,28]. n-3 PUFAs have been widely used in many chronic cardiovascular diseases due to there being no interactions with medicine and agents for the treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and platelet aggregation [29,30].…”

Peroxisome Proliferator- Activated Receptor-gamma and Nuclear Factor-kappa B in Obese Breast Cancer Patients: Correlation with Omega-3 polyunsaturated Fatty Acids with Adjuvant Chemotherapy

“…(59) Therefore, utilizing dietry PUFA in a specific n-6:n-3 ratio may be an important chemopreventive tool in altering the growth characteristics of cancer cells. (60) Second; anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect; n-3 PUFA may increase tumor cell susceptibility to apoptosis by altering expression or function of apoptotic proteins, or by modulating activity of survival-related transcription factors such as NF-κB. N-3 PUFA may increase drug uptake or even enhance drug activation (e.g., in the case of some nucleoside analogue drugs).…”