The effect of omega-3 FAs on tumour angiogenesis and their therapeutic potential.
Omega-3 fatty acid (omega-3 FA) consumption has long been associated with a lower incidence of colon, breast and prostate cancers in many human populations. Human trials have demonstrated omega-3 FA to have profound anti-inflammatory effects in those with cancer. In vitro and small animal studies have yielded a strong body of evidence establishing omega-3 FA as having anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects. This review explores the evidence and the mechanisms by which omega-3 FA may act as angiogenesis inhibitors and identifies opportunities for original research trialling omega-3 FAs as anti-cancer agents in humans. The conclusions drawn from this review suggest that omega-3 FAs in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found principally in oily fish have potent anti-angiogenic effects inhibiting production of many important angiogenic mediators namely; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Platelet-Derived Endothelial Cell Growth Factor (PDECGF), cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide, Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (NFKB), matrix metalloproteinases and beta-catenin.
Spencer
Laura
L
Department of HPB and Pancreatic Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Road, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK. lspencer@doctors.org.uk
Mann
Christopher
C
Metcalfe
Matthew
M
Webb
M'Balu
M
Pollard
Cristina
C
Spencer
Daniel
D
Berry
David
D
Steward
William
W
Dennison
Ashley
A
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D051381:Rats; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid