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R.B. · 04-21-2009, 07:37 AM

Full paper available free.

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/79/6/935

Dietary long-chain n3 fatty acids for the prevention of cancer:
a review of potential mechanisms1–3
Susanna C Larsson, Maria Kumlin, Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg, and Alicja Wolk
ABSTRACT
Increasing evidence from animal and in vitro studies indicates that n3 fatty acids, especially the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, present in fatty fish and fish oils inhibit carcinogenesis. The epidemiologic data on the association between fish consumption, as a surrogate marker for n3 fatty acid intake, and cancer risk are, however, somewhat less consistent. This review highlights current knowledge of the potential mechanisms of the anticarcinogenic actions of n3 fatty acids.Moreover, a possible explanation of why some epidemiologic studies failed to find an association between n3 fatty acid intake and cancer risk is provided. Several molecular mechanisms whereby n3 fatty acids may modify the carcinogenic process have been proposed. These include suppression of arachidonic acid– derived eicosanoid biosynthesis; influences on transcription factor activity, gene expression, and signal transduction pathways; alteration of estrogen metabolism; increased or decreased production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species; and mechanisms involving insulin sensitivity and membrane fluidity. Further studies are needed to evaluate and verify these mechanisms in humans to gain more understanding of the effects of n3 fatty acid intake on cancer
risk. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:935– 45.

04-21-2009, 07:37 AM	#288
R.B. Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,843	Full paper available free. http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/79/6/935 Dietary long-chain n3 fatty acids for the prevention of cancer: a review of potential mechanisms1–3 Susanna C Larsson, Maria Kumlin, Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg, and Alicja Wolk ABSTRACT Increasing evidence from animal and in vitro studies indicates that n3 fatty acids, especially the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, present in fatty fish and fish oils inhibit carcinogenesis. The epidemiologic data on the association between fish consumption, as a surrogate marker for n3 fatty acid intake, and cancer risk are, however, somewhat less consistent. This review highlights current knowledge of the potential mechanisms of the anticarcinogenic actions of n3 fatty acids.Moreover, a possible explanation of why some epidemiologic studies failed to find an association between n3 fatty acid intake and cancer risk is provided. Several molecular mechanisms whereby n3 fatty acids may modify the carcinogenic process have been proposed. These include suppression of arachidonic acid– derived eicosanoid biosynthesis; influences on transcription factor activity, gene expression, and signal transduction pathways; alteration of estrogen metabolism; increased or decreased production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species; and mechanisms involving insulin sensitivity and membrane fluidity. Further studies are needed to evaluate and verify these mechanisms in humans to gain more understanding of the effects of n3 fatty acid intake on cancer risk. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:935– 45. Last edited by R.B.; 04-21-2009 at 07:44 AM..