Publication details
Protinádorový efekt rybího oleje - mýtus, nebo realita?
| Title in English | Anticancer Effect of Fish Oil - a Fable or the Truth? |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2016 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Klinická onkologie |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.14735/amko2016100 |
| Field | Oncology and hematology |
| Keywords | omega-3 fatty acid; fish oil; chemoprevention; anticancer agent; apoptosis; lipid peroxidation |
| Description | Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have several health benefits for cancer patients. Recent findings indicate that, besides their well-known anti-cachectic effect, they can act synergistically with chemotherapeutic agents and may enhance tumor radio-sensitivity. The mechanisms underlying their anti-tumor effects are complex. The following effects have been reported after administration of omega-3 fatty acids: increased lipid peroxidation during therapy; disturbed tumor receptor signal pathways; lower levels level of pro-inflammatory cytokines that induce tumor cell proliferation; promotion of apoptosis in tumor tissues; immune modulation; and changes in hormonal metabolism. Epidemiological and experimental evidence support the conjecture that fish oil has an anticancer benefit for both animals and humans. However, Western countries have a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which interfere with the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids because they compete for the same rate-limiting enzymes. For this reason, the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids in Western diet needs to be lowered to observe the anti-tumor effect of omega-3 fatty acids. Some epidemiological studies report conflicting results, which may be explained by inconsistencies in the methodologies employed. |