Superfund Research Program

July 2024

Paper of the Month or Year

Baylor College of Medicine SRP Center researchers identified mechanisms through which omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) may protect against lung cancer caused by exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mice.

Studies suggest that omega-3s have anticancer effects, partially by inhibiting certain proteins called cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP). However, the mechanisms of omega-3 protection are not well understood. The researchers fed omega-3 diets to regular mice and to groups of mice missing one of three CYP genes, then exposed them to PAHs. Next, the team analyzed whether omega-3s might stop DNA damage and whether omega-3s interact with other cancer-related genes.

Results showed that results omega-3s inhibit DNA damage via a CYP pathway and also promote tumor suppression. Future studies should explore the possibility of incorporating supplemental omega-3s into cancer prevention efforts, according to the authors.

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