Positive Health Online

Abstract

XIA and co-workers, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA, have found that more n-3 and less n-6 fatty acids reduce the potential of lung cancer cells to invade other tissues.

Background

Recent studies have shown opposing effects of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids on the development of cancer. These findings suggest a role for the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in the control of cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify whether an alteration in the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio of cancer cells could affect their invasive potential.

Methodology

In vitro study involving human lung cancer cells in culture.

Results

A cell adhesion assay showed that cells containing a lower n-6 / n-3 ratio of fatty acids had a delayed adhesion and retarded colonization. These cells showed a 2-fold reduction in cell migration when compared to control cells. Increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) was also found in these cells. It turned out that the expression of several adhesion-related genes was reduced.

Conclusion

These results suggest a role for a lower ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

References

Xia SH, Wang J, Kang JX. Decreased n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio reduces the invasive potential of human lung cancer cells by downregulation of cell adhesion/invasion-related genes. Carcinogenesis 26 (4): 779-784, Apr 2005.