Omega-3s Reduce Chemotherapy Toxicity in Liver Cancer Patients
Liver Cancer: Omega 3 Supplements Reduce the Toxic Effects of Chemotherapy
Omega 3s counteract the toxic effects of chemotherapy in patients with liver cancer. This was demonstrated by research published in Human and Experimental Toxicology. Researchers from Muslim University in Aligarh (India) found that liver parameters altered by chemotherapy treatment with cisplatin can be normalized by taking flaxseed oil, a supplement rich in Omega-3.
Chemotherapy and Omega-3
Several studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids are useful for preventing certain types of cancer as well as reducing tumor size and the incidence of metastases. To date, most results relate to colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. These findings suggest that these nutrients are especially helpful when used alongside traditional treatments: Omega-3s can enhance the effects of radiation and chemotherapy. These fatty acids make cancer cells more sensitive to free radicals, molecules capable of damaging cellular structures and generated by radiation and some anticancer drugs. Besides this action against tumor cells, Omega-3s also protect the organism bearing the tumor. This is the case with cyclophosphamide, a well-known chemotherapeutic agent whose toxic side effects are mitigated by Omega-3 intake.
Help for the Liver
The Indian researchers focused on the side effects of cisplatin, one of the most potent chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment. Many studies have highlighted this molecule’s toxicity to kidney tissues, but at very high doses, cisplatin can also damage the liver. Given the numerous benefits of Omega-3s, the scientists investigated whether these fatty acids could reduce liver damage caused by cisplatin. Their research involved rats fed either a standard diet or food enriched with flaxseed oil. After 10 days, the animals were given a single dose of cisplatin at 6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Analyses of rats not receiving flaxseed oil showed that cisplatin at this dosage disrupts the body’s antioxidant defenses, lowering the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes. Moreover, the activity of various proteins involved in sugar metabolism was also altered by chemotherapy. However, the Omega-3 rich supplement proved effective in reducing the extent of all these changes.
Omega-3: Effectiveness Based on Antioxidant Power
According to the authors, the benefits of flaxseed oil for the liver health of animals undergoing chemotherapy depend on the antioxidant properties of this dietary supplement. Since cisplatin remains one of the most effective chemotherapy agents, the study’s results open new promising avenues to reduce its toxicity.
Source
1. Naqshbandi A, Khan W, Rizwan S, Khan F, “Studies on the protective effect of flaxseed oil on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity”, Hum Exp Toxicol. 2012 Jan 16. [Epub ahead of print]
