Abstract
The protective role of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) against cardiovascular diseases has been partly related to their ability to modulate the risk condition known as “endothelial dysfunction”, by reverting the endothelial alterations associated to it (reduced vascular reactivity, the proinflammatory state, and the prothrombotic properties). Moreover, vasculature represents the target for inhibition of pathologic neo-angiogenesis by n-3 PUFAs. This effect is believed to contribute to the beneficial action of these fatty acids against disorders which recognize neovascularization as a crucial pathogenetic step for their development, such as cancer and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Many epidemiological studies have been conducted to evaluate the association between the intake of these fatty acids and the risk of developing cancer or AMD, even though contrasting and not definitive results have been obtained. Conversely, plenty of preclinical and in vitro experimental studies have provided evidence for the anti-angiogenic effects of n-3 PUFAs, mainly studying neo-angiogenesis in general (using normal endothelial cells in vitro) or as a step of cancer growth. The main aim of this review is to critically review the current evidence for the inhibition of the neo-angiogenic process exerted by n-3 PUFAs in cancer and AMD, and to identify possible molecular mechanisms that might contribute to their beneficial effects.
Keywords: n-3 PUFAs, EPA, DHA, angiogenesis, age-related macular degeneration, cancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Dietary n-3 PUFA Vascular Targeting and the Prevention of Tumor Growth and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Volume: 16 Issue: 34
Author(s): S. Serini, E. Piccioni and G. Calviello
Affiliation:
Keywords: n-3 PUFAs, EPA, DHA, angiogenesis, age-related macular degeneration, cancer
Abstract: The protective role of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) against cardiovascular diseases has been partly related to their ability to modulate the risk condition known as “endothelial dysfunction”, by reverting the endothelial alterations associated to it (reduced vascular reactivity, the proinflammatory state, and the prothrombotic properties). Moreover, vasculature represents the target for inhibition of pathologic neo-angiogenesis by n-3 PUFAs. This effect is believed to contribute to the beneficial action of these fatty acids against disorders which recognize neovascularization as a crucial pathogenetic step for their development, such as cancer and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Many epidemiological studies have been conducted to evaluate the association between the intake of these fatty acids and the risk of developing cancer or AMD, even though contrasting and not definitive results have been obtained. Conversely, plenty of preclinical and in vitro experimental studies have provided evidence for the anti-angiogenic effects of n-3 PUFAs, mainly studying neo-angiogenesis in general (using normal endothelial cells in vitro) or as a step of cancer growth. The main aim of this review is to critically review the current evidence for the inhibition of the neo-angiogenic process exerted by n-3 PUFAs in cancer and AMD, and to identify possible molecular mechanisms that might contribute to their beneficial effects.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Serini S., Piccioni E. and Calviello G., Dietary n-3 PUFA Vascular Targeting and the Prevention of Tumor Growth and Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 16 (34) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986709789760788
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986709789760788 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements