Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Fish: A Novel Approach in Cancer Therapy

Kashif Abbas¹, Fatima Kamil¹, Yusra Tanveer¹ , Mudassir Alam^2*, Zerafshan Zehra¹, Mohd Mustafa³, Nazura Usmani¹ and Safia Habib³

¹Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.

²Indian Biological Sciences and Research Institute (IBRI), Noida, India.

³Department of Biochemistry, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail: syedalamalig@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: Omega-3 fatty acids (OFAs) are essential macromolecules which are frequently used to provide nutritional support in cancer patients. They have been recognised as immunonutrients, as they play important role in strengthening the immune responses against various disease including cancer. OFAs such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have shown great promise in cancer prevention and its management. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a correlation between fish consumption and reduced cancer risk, evidence suggests that increased fish consumption is linked to a lower risk of cancer, potentially due to the high levels of bioactive fatty acids in fish. Experimental studies revealed that OFAs are capable of modulating cell signalling pathways, gene expression and influencing cell membrane composition, which can promote apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. Moreover, antioxidant property of fatty acids has been reported in prevention of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage. Apart from anticancer properties OFAs have also shown good results in managing the cancer related complications such as inflammation, gastrointestinal reactions, and anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Several studies showed their efficacy in relieving cancer associated cachexia anorexia syndrome with significant improvements in weight loss. Moreover, OFA supplementation has shown antidepressant results and enhanced well-being in cancer individuals. Despite the promising effects of OFAs many challenges remain like optimal dose determination, variable impact across cancer types and the risks associated with high fatty acids intake. Further large scale randomized control trials (RCTs) are needed to strengthening the OFAs assisted cancer treatment.

KEYWORDS: Cancer; DHA; EPA; Fish oil; inflammation; Omega-3 fatty acids

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