title: The potential of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer.
abstract: In toto, there is strong circumstantial evidence from both experimental and clinical studies to support a role for omega-3 FA in the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). In experimental animal studies there is direct evidence that dietary omega-3 FA inhibits ultraviolet radiation (UVR) carcinogenic expression, with regard to both increased tumor latent period and reduced tumor multiplicity. Equivalent levels of omega-6 FA increase UVR carcinogenic expression. Dietary omega-3 FA dramatically reduces the plasma and cutaneous pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive PGE(2) levels in mice. Dietary omega-6 FA increases prostaglandin E synthase type 2 (PGE(2)) level. Dietary omega-3 FA significantly reduces the inflammatory response and sustains, or enhances, the delayed type hypersensitivity immune response in mice when compared to an equivalent dietary level of omega-6 FA. Supplementary omega-3 FA significantly increases the UVR-mediated erythema threshold in humans. Supplementary omega-3 FA significantly reduces the level of pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive PGE(2) levels in Ultraviolet B-irradiated human skin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. hblack@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Homer S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: Lesley E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Rhodes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004032:Diet; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000502:physiology*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000378:metabolism; D005395:Fish Oils; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D007249:Inflammation; D008027:Light; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D051379:Mice; D008956:Models, Chemical; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D005395:Fish Oils; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents