Omega-3 fatty acids, genetic variants in COX-2 and prostate cancer.
Dietary intake of fish and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) may decrease the risk of prostate cancer development and progression to advanced stage disease. This could reflect the anti-inflammatory effects of PUFAs, possibly through mediation of cyclooxygenase (COX), a key enzyme in fatty acid metabolism and inflammation. Despite promising experimental evidence, epidemiological studies have reported somewhat conflicting results regarding the effects of fish/PUFAs on prostate cancer development and progression. The literature suggests that fish, and particularly long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, may have a more pronounced protective effect on biologically aggressive tumors or on their progression, and less on early steps of carcinogenesis. Moreover, the impact of LC omega-3 PUFAs may be modified by variation of the COX-2 gene. Overall, results to date support the hypothesis that long-chain omega-3 PUFAs may impact prostate inflammation and carcinogenesis via the COX-2 enzymatic pathway.
Reese
Adam C
AC
Department of Urology, University of California-San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
Fradet
Vincent
V
Witte
John S
JS
D000818:Animals; D015331:Cohort Studies; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005399:Fishes; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2