Omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in red blood cell membrane are associated with xerostomia and taste loss in patients with breast cancer

Among cancer treatment side-effects, taste and smell disorders are a well-recognized cause of decreased food intake and/or weight loss and are reported as being one of the most distressing side effects with the consequent loss of their quality of life [1, 2]. Alterations related to treatment are mostly described for radiotherapy in head and neck cancer, where cells and receptors involved in taste and smell senses transduction are damaged, reducing specific receptors or impairing the communication between nerve cells [3].

Source: Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids - August 23, 2021 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: J. Am ézaga, G. Ugartemendia, A. Larraioz, N. Bretaña, A. Iruretagoyena, J. Camba, A. Urruticoechea, C. Ferreri, I. Tueros Source Type: research