The role of omega 3 fatty acids in suppressing muscle protein catabolism: A possible therapeutic strategy to reverse cancer cachexia?

Author(s)

Pupo Seabra Malta, Felipe Aguiar ^[1] ; Estadella, Debora ^[2] ; Goncalves, Daniela Caetano ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Campus Baixada Santista, Santos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Biosci, Campus Baixada Santista, Santos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Journal of Functional Foods; v. 54, p. 1-12, MAR 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Cancer cachexia is a complex multifactorial syndrome which etiology still under discussion, characterized by ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass, accompanied or not by loss of fat mass. Cachexia cannot be reversed only by energetic-protein adequacy, so, many therapeutic strategies are being investigated. Omega-3 fatty acids are widely used and studied in cancer cachexia and many studies have shown improvement in inflammation status and muscle homeostasis modulation. When these fatty acids are incorporated to cell membrane, they modify signal transduction, prostaglandin synthesis and produce pro-resolving mediators, promoting anti-inflammatory action and inhibition of the catabolic pathways. This review article discusses the evidences and mechanisms of direct and indirect action by which n-3 acids stimulate protein anabolism and inhibit proteolysis. Although reasonable, EPA and DHA supplementation in cancer cachexia requires further studies dedicated to better clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in the recovery of muscle homeostasis, as well as its clinical effects. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/25420-3 - Effects of high-fat diet palatable consumption and exercise on Central and peripheral inflammatory parameters in female rats and your relationship with anxiety and depression-type behaviors
• Grantee: Debora Estadella
• Support type: Regular Research Grants