DHA reduces tumor growth

In an article published online on April 1, 2009 in the journal Cell Division, Egyptian researchers report that the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish and the algae they consume, not only offers its own protection against tumor growth, but improves the chemotherapeutic effects of cisplatin while reducing its toxicity.

Professor A. M. El-Mowafy of Mansoura University’s Department of Biochemistry and associates administered 125 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) DHA, 250 mg/kg of DHA, cisplatin alone, cisplatin combined with 125 mg/kg DHA, or a control substance to groups of 8 to 10 mice implanted with mammary carcinoma cells. A group of mice not implanted with tumor cells served as controls. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP, a marker of inflammation), white blood cells, and MDA (a marker of lipid peroxidation) were measured, and tumor development was assessed after 20 days. Continue Reading