Role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in preventing gastrointestinal cancers: current status and future perspectives.

Role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in preventing gastrointestinal cancers: current status and future perspectives. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2018 Sep 17;: Authors: Lee HJ, Han YM, An JM, Kang EA, Park YJ, Cha JY, Hahm KB Abstract INTRODUCTION: Although inflammation is defensive and healing process that maintains organ homeostasis, unresolved inflammation can lead to diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially n-6 PUFAs abundant in Western diet, are precursors of pro-inflammatory mediators, whereas n-3 PUFAs possess anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, interest in the cancer-preventive effect of n-3 PUFAs is increasing. Areas covered: We have observed significant reductions of gastrointestinal (GI) tumorigenesis in the Fat-1 transgenic mouse as evidenced that the decrease in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric tumorigenesis, colon, biliary and pancreatic cancer was seen in Fat-1 mice producing n-3 PUFAs. However, despite many studies showing benefits, evidence-based medicine regarding molecular pathology, epidemiology, and clinical achievement of cancer prevention of n-3 PUFA are still limited. Expert commentary: Primary deficiency of eicosapentaenoic acids and docosahexaenoic acids in Western diets can explain the risk of cancer development and the importance of n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio in reducing cancer risk. Alteration of cell membrane composition during carcinogenesis is particularly important, due to incr...
Source: Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Expert Rev Anticancer Ther Source Type: research