Mechanisms by Which Pleiotropic Amphiphilicn-3 PUFA Reduce Colon Cancer Risk.
Colorectal cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality in both men and women worldwide. Genetic susceptibility and diet are primary determinants of cancer risk and tumor behavior. Experimental, epidemiological, and clinical data substantiate the beneficial role ofn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in preventing chronic inflammation and colon cancer. From a mechanistic perspective,n-3 PUFA are pleiotropic and multifaceted with respect to their molecular mechanisms of action. For example, this class of dietary lipid uniquely alters membrane structure/ cytoskeletal function, impacting membrane receptor function and downstream signaling cascades, including gene expression profiles and cell phenotype. In addition,n-3 PUFA can synergize with other potential anti-tumor agents, such as fermentable fiber and curcumin. With the rising prevalence of diet-induced obesity, there is also an urgent need to elucidate the link between chronic inflammation in adipose tissue and colon cancer risk in obesity. In this review, we will summarize recent developments linkingn-3 PUFA intake, membrane alterations, epigenetic modulation, and effects on obesity-associated colon cancer risk.
Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Faculty of Toxicity, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Robert S
RS
Chapkin
Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Vanessa
V
DeClercq
Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Molecular & Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Eunjoo
E
Kim
Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Faculty of Toxicity, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Natividad Roberto
NR
Fuentes
Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Yang-Yi
YY
Fan
(n–3) PUFA; Colon cancer; Cytoskeleton; Epigenetics; Membrane rafts; Obesity