Omega-3 fatty acids for breast cancer prevention and survivorship

Abstract

Women with evidence of high intake ratios of the marine omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) relative to the omega-6 arachidonic acid have been found to have a reduced risk of breast cancer compared with those with low ratios in some but not all case–control and cohort studies. If increasing EPA and DHA relative to arachidonic acid is effective in reducing breast cancer risk, likely mechanisms include reduction in proinflammatory lipid derivatives, inhibition of nuclear factor-κB-induced cytokine production, and decreased growth factor receptor signaling as a result of alteration in membrane lipid rafts. Primary prevention trials with either risk biomarkers or cancer incidence as endpoints are underway but final results of these trials are currently unavailable. EPA and DHA supplementation is also being explored in an effort to help prevent or alleviate common problems after a breast cancer diagnosis, including cardiac and cognitive dysfunction and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The insulin-sensitizing and anabolic properties of EPA and DHA also suggest supplementation studies to determine whether these omega-3 fatty acids might reduce chemotherapy-associated loss of muscle mass and weight gain. We will briefly review relevant omega-3 fatty acid metabolism, and early investigations in breast cancer prevention and survivorship.

Comparative Analysis of Lipid Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Commercially Important Fish and Shellfish from Sri Lanka and Japan

“…Similar results were reported by many researchers 31 . Herrings and mackerels from both fish groups showed significantly higher n-3/n-6 ratio p 0.05 and these fishes are better for cardiovascular disease, as suggested by Fabian et al 4 .…”

Effect of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the functional activity of monooxygenase system in the liver microsomal fraction of tumor-bearing rats

“…До таких речовин можна віднести ω-3 поліненасичені жирні кислоти (ПНЖК). Відомо, що вони проявляють антиканце-рогенний ефект, який виражається у зміні властивостей пухлинних клітин -пригнічен-ні проліферації й інвазії, запуску апоптозу [3][4][5], а також протективний ефект відносно тканин і клітин організму (знижують запальні процеси, посилюють імунну відповідь) [6]. Водночас молекулярні механізми їх проти-пухлинної дії з одночасним сприятливим ефектом відносно функціонування печінки в організмі-пухлиноносія до кінця не з'ясовані.…”

“…У цієї групи тварин знижувалася НАДH-цитох-ром b 5 [18]. З іншого боку, попереднє введення ω-3 ПНЖК сприяє їх вбудовуванню у фосфоліпіди мембран ендоплазматичного ретикулума, внаслідок чого вони замінюють в їх складі ω-6 ПНЖК, захищаючи, таким чином, мембрани від про-цесів ПОЛ, чим і проявляють протективний ефект.…”

“…The decrease of cytochrome P450 level in the liver microsomal fraction in the logarithmic phases of oncogenesis may be associated with its transition into an inactive form -cytochrome P420. ω-3 PUFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) administration before and after transplantation of Guerin's carcinoma resulted in the decrease of NADH-cytochrome b 5 -reductase activity, increase of cytochrome b 5 level, NADРH-cytochrome Р450 reductase activity and cytochrome P450 level in the liver microsomal fraction in the logarithmic phases of oncogenesis as compared with the tumor-bearing rats. We have established the correction of reductive and oxygenative chain of MOS under ω-3 PUFAs administration prior Guerin's carcinoma injection as compared with the tumor-bearing rats.…”

In Vitro Anticancer and Anti-Lipoxygenase Activities of Chia Seed Oil and Its Blends With Selected Vegetable Oils

“…However, there is a limitation of data about the cancer preventive role of fatty acids however they have been demonstrated to preserve the muscle mass and function in chemotherapeutic subjects [3]. The n-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acids have been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer [4]. A new concept of a combination of chemotherapy and nutrition therapy is emerging.…”