Previous studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts lower the risk of heart disease, inflammation and other health problems. Now research reports that omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapenaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may prevent the growth of cultured human liver cancer cells.
Two cell studies presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. investigated the effects of omega-3 DHA and EPA and omega-6 fatty acids on liver cancer cells. In the first study, researchers treated cultured human hepatoceullar cancer cells (a common type of liver cancer) with omega-3 DHA and EPA and omega-6, for 12 to 24 hours. They found that EPA and DHA prevented cell growth, while omega-6 did not have an effect. The investigators believe that the omega-3s induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) and reduced levels of the protein beta catenin. High levels of beta catenin have been associated with the growth of certain tumors.
"Consequently, administration of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may represent a potential effective therapy for the chemoprevention and treatment of human cancer cells," the study authors conclude.
In the second cell study, the researchers treated cultured human cholangiocarcinoma cells (an aggressive type of liver cancer) with omega-3 DHA and EPA and omega-6, for 12 to 48 hours. They found similar results to the first study, where the omega 3s prevented cell growth and lowered beta catenin.
"These findings suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit cholangiocarcinoma cell growth in part through downregulation of phospho-GSK3-beta/beta-catenin/TCF-LEF signaling pathway," write the study authors. "Therefore, utilization of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may represent a potential effective therapy for the chemoprevention and treatment of human cholangiocarcinoma."
REFERENCES:
1. Wu T et al. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth through downregulation of beta-catenin/wnt signaling pathway. American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2006, Abstract #2679.
2. Wu T et al. Evidence for inhibition of beta-catenin/Wnt signaling in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced apoptosis of human cholangiocarcinoma cells. American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2006, Abstract #2680.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 5, 2006 02:31 PM
