Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit tumorsUltra-High Dose Oral ω3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), or Oxidation-Resistant Deuterated DHA Block Tumorigenesis in a -Driven Neuroblastoma Model.
Strong link to cancer treatment
We conducted a study to explore the effects of high doses of omega-3 fatty acids—specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—on tumor formation in a model of neuroblastoma, a challenging pediatric cancer. Using a syngeneic mouse model, we administered these fatty acids at doses equivalent to those safely tolerable in humans.
After the gavage, we introduced neuro-2a cells that were prone to tumor development. Our observations revealed that both DHA and EPA completely halted tumor formation in the treated mice, in stark contrast to the control group where half of the mice did develop tumors. Intriguingly, we also noticed that arachidonic acid (another fatty acid) actually promoted tumor growth, suggesting that it might counteract the positive effects of EPA.
Overall, these findings indicate that ultra-high doses of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, could offer a promising, low-toxicity treatment for neuroblastoma by blocking tumorigenesis. This research highlights the potential for incorporating dietary fatty acids into cancer therapies, especially for high-risk pediatric patients who currently face limited options.
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DHA shows promise against neuroblastomaUltra-High Dose Oral ω3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), or Oxidation-Resistant Deuterated DHA Block Tumorigenesis in a -Driven Neuroblastoma Model.
Strong relevance to DHA's effects
We conducted a study to explore the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on tumor formation, particularly in a mouse model of neuroblastoma—a type of aggressive cancer in children. By using a syngeneic model, we gavaged wildtype mice with high doses of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, and then injected cancerous cells to monitor tumor development.
In our experiment, we noticed that while 50% of untreated control mice developed tumors, those receiving high doses of DHA or its oxidation-resistant form completely avoided tumor formation. This was quite striking and contrasts with our findings regarding arachidonic acid (ARA), which actually seemed to enhance tumor growth. Notably, when we combined ARA with EPA (another fatty acid), it led to a lower tumor burden, suggesting that DHA acts through a different, non-oxidative mechanism.
These results suggest that high-dose DHA may offer a promising, low-toxicity therapy option for neuroblastoma, paving the way for safer future treatments. It’s exciting to see the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in cancer prevention, especially given their safety and tolerability in humans over extended periods.
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We explored the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in managing pancreatic cancer using a specially designed mouse model that closely mimics human disease. Our study found that a diet enriched with omega-3s significantly reduced tumor size, lung and liver metastasis, and even suggested improved survival rates when compared to controls.
Additionally, these fatty acids altered tumor composition and induced cancer cell death without hindering cell growth. Importantly, our research points to omega-3s as promising dietary interventions that could help tackle this aggressive cancer.
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Perilla seed oil reduces CRC tumorsCold-pressed extraction of perilla seed oil enriched with alpha-linolenic acid mitigates tumour progression and restores gut microbial homeostasis in the AOM/DSS mice model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer.
High relevance for CRC prevention
We investigated the role of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 found in perilla seed oil, in preventing colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) using a mouse model.
Mice were given different diets, while only the control group received soybean oil.
The results showed that those on a 5% perilla seed oil diet had fewer tumors and lower markers of inflammation compared to those on fish oil or soybean oil.
Overall, perilla seed oil appeared to help slow tumor progression and restore gut health.
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Impact of Omega-3 on CancerNovel inhibitory effect of Omega-3 fatty acids regulating pancreatic cancer progression.
Highly relevant cancer treatment insights
We explored the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, on pancreatic cancer using a specially designed mouse model that closely mimics human disease. This model allowed us to examine how adding omega-3 to the diet could impact cancer progression.
Our findings revealed that a diet enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid led to a significant reduction in tumor size and metastasis to the lungs and liver. We also observed a trend toward improved survival rates in the mice that received this dietary intervention compared to those that did not.
Interestingly, the treatment not only changed the fatty acid profile in the tumors but also influenced certain cellular processes. We noted an increase in apoptosis, or programmed cell death, without affecting how fast the cancer cells were growing. Additionally, there was a marked decrease in tumor fibrosis associated with lower levels of Sonic Hedgehog, a key player in pancreatic cancer development.
Overall, our research suggests that eicosapentaenoic acid holds promise as a dietary intervention for cancer treatment, potentially opening new doors for incorporating nutritional strategies in managing pancreatic cancer.
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