Effects of ω-3 PUFA-enriched diet on growth parameters in a syngenic murine model of breast adenocarcinoma: a possible role for estrogen receptor alpha
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Date
2013Author
Vara Messler, Marianela
Pasqualini, María Eugenia
Comba, Andrea
Toniolo, Alicia
Trenti, Annalisa
Quiroga, Patricia
Valentich, Mirta Ana
Bolego, Chiara
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Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common tumour among women and 75% of BC are estrogen receptor
(ER)dependent. In particular, ERα promotes tumour growth, while ERβ has an anti-proliferative effect [1].
Epidemiological data have linked ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption to lower incidence of BC and
several experimental studies showed the anti-proliferative effects of ω-3 fish oil in different tumour models [2,3]. Chia
seed oil is rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA 18:3 ω-3), while corn oil is rich in linoleic acid (LA 18:2 ω-6), precursors of
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (AA), respectively. Based on substrate availability, these FAs give rise
to different eicosanoid signatures with opposite effects in cancer [4]. ω-3 PUFAs generate both anti-inflammatory
prostanoids and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn could affect NF-κB. Indeed, NF-κB belongs to a family of
transcription factors with a key role in inflammation and oxidative stress, but its role in tumour development is still
controversial [5]. The aim of the study was to determine possible processes that are activated by dietary lipids regulating
BC growth and metastasis.