Omega-3s decrease endometrial cell survival
Endometriosis: Omega-3 as a Valid Supportive Therapy Against Endometrial Cells
Omega-3 may be useful in the treatment of endometriosis due to their ability to reduce the survival of endometrial cells. These fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation associated with this disease by regulating the function of cytokines, molecules involved in inflammatory processes. Experts from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Aberdeen Hospital (UK) demonstrate the potential of these nutrients in managing this disorder through a study published in Fertility and Sterility1.
Endometriosis, When Inflammation Affects Fertility
Endometriosis is a condition affecting about 10% of women: it consists of some cells from the uterine lining (the endometrium) growing on other organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the ovaries or the intestines. The diagnosis of endometriosis is often delayed. Although the disorder can appear as early as the first menstruation, it is usually recognized many years later. This delay can make the condition very disabling, as the endometrial cells growing in abnormal locations respond to hormones regulating the menstrual cycle, just like those inside the uterus. The consequences are inflammation, pain, and infertility. Just as the causes of this disease remain unknown, treatment options are limited and surgery is the only way to resolve the problem.
Omega-3 for Endometriosis
A study published in the journal Human Reproduction showed that the risk of endometriosis can be reduced with an Omega-3 rich diet2. Research conducted at Aberdeen Hospital focused on the role of these and other dietary fatty acids (Omega-6) in the growth of endometrial cells. The study involved treating cells taken from women attending an infertility clinic in the laboratory. It emerged that a high Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio, corresponding to higher levels of Omega-3, reduces the survival of endometrial cells. The effect of Omega-3 was greater both when Omega-3 and Omega-6 were present in equal amounts and when Omega-6 were more abundant. Furthermore, in women suffering from endometriosis, the cells (which already produce higher amounts of the cytokine IL-8) produce even more IL-8 when exposed to high Omega-3/Omega-6 ratios.
A Possible Non-Surgical Treatment for Endometriosis
According to the British researchers, these results open the way for new endometriosis treatments based on the use of Omega-3. In the meantime, painkillers remain the only way to manage pain until surgery is required. However, overuse should be avoided due to possible side effects.
Source
1. Gazvani MR, Smith L, Haggarty P, Fowler PA, Templeton A, “High omega-3:omega-6 fatty acid ratios in culture medium reduce endometrial-cell survival in combined endometrial gland and stromal cell cultures from women with and without endometriosis”, Fertil Steril. 2001 Oct;76(4):717-22.
2. Missmer SA, Chavarro JE, Malspeis S, Bertone-Johnson ER, Hornstein MD, Spiegelman D, Barbieri RL, Willett WC, Hankinson SE, “A prospective study of dietary fat consumption and endometriosis risk”, Hum Reprod. 2010 Jun;25(6):1528-35. Epub 2010 Mar 23.
