1,721,047 research outputs found
ω-3 PUFAs, why are we speaking of them?
No full textIn spite of the fact that few dietary components are so widely recognized as able to improve human health such as ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), so that their sector in the nutritional market has been increasingly growing worldwide, many unresolved questions still remain about them. In particular there is urgent need for better understanding their possible role as anti-neoplastic agents. First of all, the chemical structure, the intracellular metabolism and the dietary sources and bioavailability of these dietary fatty acids will be described in this introductive chapter to make easier the comprehension of the remaining parts of the book. Afterwards, a brief outline of ω-3 PUFA reported benefits in different fields of human health will be provided. In this introductive part we will tackle also the problem of the discrepancies occurring between the results of most experimental studies on animals and cultured cells, which, almost univocally, suggest the beneficial anti-neoplastic effects of these fatty acids, and the outcome of several of the epidemiological observational studies, which, conversely, show a scarce or null positive association between high intake of fish or fish oil at high content in ω-3 PUFAs and prevention of different kinds of cancer. Finally, a brief outline of the organization of the present book will be provided
RE: Serum phospholipid fatty acids and prostate cancer risk in the SELECT trial.
No full textIn July 2013, Brasky and colleagues published a study that positively associated serum phospholipid omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with prostate cancer risk. We would like to raise some of our concerns about this study
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and cancer: any cause for concern?
No full textPURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recently, concerns have been raised with regard to the
recommended doses of marine long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
(LC-omega-3 PUFAs) especially in relation to cancer risk and treatment. There is
urgent need to clarify this point. This review considers the most recent evidence
related to the potential risk of developing cancer with high LC-omega-3 PUFA
intakes, and possible research strategies to better elucidate this matter.
RECENT FINDINGS: The latest published recommendations have still highlighted the
usefulness of an increased dietary intake of LC-omega-3 PUFAs for the prevention
of some cardiovascular diseases. However, LC-omega-3 PUFAs have been related to
the potential development and progression of cancer, and considerable debate
exists on this issue.
SUMMARY: The use of biomarkers reflecting the intake of LC-omega-3 PUFAs as
cancer risk markers is discussed, as well as the possibility that the reported
beneficial/deleterious effects may be confined to specific subpopulations on the
basis of genetic, metabolic, and nutritional characteristics. Recent advances on
new strategies for a safer intake of LC-omega-3 PUFAs will be considered, as
their dietary sources may be contaminated by toxic/carcinogenic compounds.
Potentially future directions in this important research area are also discussed
Antioxidant and prooxidant role of beta-carotene in murine normal and tumor thymocytes: effects of oxygen partial pressure
No full textThe effects of the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) on antioxidant efficiency of beta-carotene in inhibiting radical-initiated lipid peroxidation were studied in murine normal and tumor thymocytes. At 150 mm Hg pO2 (the pressure of oxygen in normal air), beta-carotene acted as an antioxidant, inhibiting radical-induced lipid peroxidation in both normal and tumor thymocytes. At 760 mm Hg p02, beta-carotene lost its antioxidant activity in normal thymocytes and exhibited a dose-dependent prooxidant effect in tumor thymocytes. In these cells, the prooxidant effect of beta-carotene was also accompanied by an increase of endogenous alpha-tocopherol loss. beta-Carotene radical-trapping and autooxidation reactions were faster at 760 mm Hg pO2 than at 150 mm Hg pO2 in both normal and tumor thymocytes and the carotenoid was more rapidly consumed in tumor cells. These data point out a key role of the oxygen tension on the antioxidant effectiveness of beta-carotene. They also show a selective prooxidant effect of beta-carotene under 100% oxygen in tumor cells
Low-dose eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acid administration modifies fatty acid composition and does not affect susceptibility to oxidative stress in rat erithrocytes and tissues.
No full textIn view of the promising future for use of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, it is necessary to
ensure that their consumption does not result in detrimental oxidative effects.
The aim of the present work was to test a hypothesis that low doses of
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) do not induce harmful
modifications of oxidative cell metabolism, as modifications of membrane fatty
acid composition occur. Wistar rats received by gavage oleic acid, EPA, or DHA
(360 mg/kg body weight/day) for a period of 1 or 4 wk. Fatty acid composition and
alpha-tocopherol content were determined for plasma, red blood cell (RBC)
membranes, and liver, kidney, lung, and heart microsomal membranes.
Susceptibility to oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide was
measured in RBC. EPA treatment increased EPA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)
content in plasma and in all the membranes studied. DHA treatment mainly
increased DHA content. Both treatments decreased arachidonic acid content and
n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in the membranes, without modifying the Unsaturation Index. No
changes in tissue alpha-tocopherol content and in RBC susceptibility to oxidative
stress were induced by either EPA or DHA treatment. The data suggest that EPA and
DHA treatments can substantially modify membrane fatty acids, without increasing
susceptibility to oxidative stress, when administered at low doses. This opens
the possibility for use of low doses of n-3 PUFA for chemoprevention without risk
of detrimental secondary effects
Preparation and Study of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Based on Curcumin, Resveratrol and Capsaicin Containing Linolenic Acid
Full text linkLinolenic acid (LNA) is the most highly consumed polyunsaturated fatty acid found in the
human diet. It possesses anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to reverse skin-related disorders
related to its deficiency. The purpose of this work was to encapsulate LNA in solid lipid nanoparticles
(SLNs) based on curcumin, resveratrol and capsaicin for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. These
compounds were first esterified with oleic acid to obtain two moonoleate and one oleate ester, then
they were used for SLN matrix realization through the emulsification method. The intermediates of
the esterification reaction were characterized by FT-IR and 1N-MR analysis. SLNs were characterized
by dimensional analysis and encapsulation efficiency. Skin permeation studies, antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. LNA was released over 24 h from nanoparticles, and
resveratrol monooleate-filled SLNs exhibited a good antioxidant activity. The curcumin-based SLNs
loaded or not with LNA did not induce significant cytotoxicity in NCTC 2544 and THP-1 cells.
Moreover, these SLNs loaded with LNA inhibited the production of IL-6 in NCTC 2544 cells. Overall,
our data demonstrate that the synthesized SLNs could represent an efficacious way to deliver LNA to
skin cells and to preserve the anti-inflammatory properties of LNA for the topical adjuvant treatment
of atopic dermatiti
Alzheimer s disease and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: beneficial effects and possible molecular pathways involved.
No full textElderly dementia is rising dramatically in Western countries. In particular, the irreversible memory impairment, continuous cognitive decline and behavioural disturbances present in Alzheimer's disease patients make this neurodegenerative disorder highly disabiliting. Different epidemiological studies and experimental researches on transgenic mouse models suggest that dietary consumption of the two main long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may modify the risk and progression of this neurodegenerative disorder. In addition, decreased blood levels of n-3 PUFAs have been associated with this disease in humans. In particular, among n-3 PUFAs, DHA is known to be the most prevalent PUFA in neuronal tissues. Animals specifically deficient in dietary n-3 PUFAs have shown to possess low DHA content in their membranes and impaired learning ability. Moreover, studies on non breast-fed infants have shown that DHA added to formula milk augments the levels of this fatty acid in infant blood improving their mental development. The potential mechanisms by which these fatty acids may function in normal neuronal activity and in neurodegenerative disease prevention and treatment are not well understood, even though these topics are now under investigation in numerous laboratories. In this review the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs are thought to regulate neuronal function, survival and degeneration will be examined. Since the pathological neuronal lesions of Alzheimer disease have been pathogenetically related to alterations of inflammatory and survival/apoptotic responses, molecular modulation of these pathways by n-3 PUFAs in neuronal tissues and cells will be particularly considered
n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the prevention of colorectal cancer: molecular mechanisms involved
No full textIncreasing evidence supports the hypothesis that nutrition habits play a critical role in the incidence and growth of colorectal cancer. Among dietary factors, fish-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have gained particular interest, since epidemiological studies have shown a reduced incidence of this cancer in populations consuming high levels of fish. Also a variety of experimental studies and different clinical trials substantiated the beneficial role of n-3 PUFAs. Such an anticancer activity has been related to the regulatory effects exhibited by n-3 PUFAs on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Antiangiogenic and antimetastatic effects have been also reported for these fatty acids. Finally, it has been suggested that they may act as adjuvant therapeutic agents sensitizing tumors, including colon cancer, to different anticancer drugs. Several molecular mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain their anti-neoplastic action and, in particular, the modulating effect on the expression of several proteins involved in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis, such as BCL-2, Bax, c-Myc seem to play a central role. Their inhibitory action has been also recently suggested for the molecular pathways driven by COX-2 and beta-catenin, known to play a major role in the development and progression of colon cancer. The aim of the present review is to analyze the anticancer effect of n-3 PUFAs towards colon cancer, and examine the molecular mechanisms involved
Hyaluronic Acid-Mediated Phenolic Compound Nanodelivery for Cancer Therapy
Full text linkPhenolic compounds are bioactive phytochemicals showing a wide range of pharmacological
activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects.
Moreover, they are associated with fewer side effects compared to most currently used antitumor
drugs. Combinations of phenolic compounds with commonly used drugs have been largely studied
as an approach aimed at enhancing the efficacy of anticancer drugs and reducing their deleterious
systemic effects. In addition, some of these compounds are reported to reduce tumor cell drug
resistance by modulating different signaling pathways. However, often, their application is limited
due to their chemical instability, low water solubility, or scarce bioavailability. Nanoformulations,
including polyphenols in combination or not with anticancer drugs, represent a suitable strategy
to enhance their stability and bioavailability and, thus, improve their therapeutic activity. In recent
years, the development of hyaluronic acid-based systems for specific drug delivery to cancer cells has
represented a pursued therapeutic strategy. This is related to the fact that this natural polysaccharide
binds to the CD44 receptor that is overexpressed in most solid cancers, thus allowing its efficient
internalization in tumor cells. Moreover, it is characterized by high biodegradability, biocompatibility,
and low toxicity. Here, we will focus on and critically analyze the results obtained in recent studies
regarding the use of hyaluronic acid for the targeted delivery of bioactive phenolic compounds to
cancer cells of different origins, alone or in combination with drugs
Omega-3 PUFA Responders and Non-Responders and the Prevention of Lipid Dysmetabolism and Related Diseases.
Full text linkThe long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-omega-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are the most popular dietary supplements recommended for the prevention/management of lipid dysmetabolisms and related diseases. However, remarkable inconsistencies exist among the outcomes of the human intervention studies in this field, which contrast with the impressive homogeneity of positive results of most of the preclinical studies. In the present review, we will firstly examine a series of factors-such as background diet composition, gut microbiota and genetic/epigenetic variants, which may lie beneath these inconsistencies. Moreover, we will discuss the recent advance in the knowledge of possible specific biomarkers (genetic-, epigenetic- and microbiota-related) that are being investigated with the goal to apply them in a personalized supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs. We will also consider the possibility of using already available parameters (Omega-3 index, Omega-6 PUFA/Omega-3 PUFA ratio) able to predict the individual responsiveness to these fatty acids and will discuss the optimal timing for their use. Finally, we will critically examine the results of those human studies that have already adopted the distinction of the subjects into omega-3 PUFA responders and non-responders and will discuss the advantage of using such an approach
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