Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Synthetic Fatty Acid Derivatives Display Anti-Cancer Potential

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Jul 2018
Metabolites produced during digestion of omega-3 fatty acids have been found to have anti-cancer properties, and their synthetic derivatives have the potential to be developed into potent chemotherapeutic drugs.

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to suppress tumor growth through their conversion to epoxide metabolites. More...
Alternatively, DHA is converted enzymatically into docosahexaenoylethanolamide (DHEA), an endocannabinoid with anti-proliferative activity.

Investigators at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana, USA) had previously described a novel class of anti-inflammatory DHEA-epoxide derivative called epoxydocospentaenoic-ethanolamide (EDP-EA) that contained both ethanolamide and epoxide moieties. To expand those findings they examined the anti-tumorigenic properties of EDP-EAs in an osteosarcoma (OS) mouse model.

The investigators showed an approximately 80% increase in EDP-EAs in metastatic versus normal lungs of mice. In addition they found significant differences in the apoptotic and anti-migratory potencies of different EDP-EA structural isomers, which were partially mediated through the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). The cannabinoid receptor is represented in relatively high density on the surface of cancer cells.

The investigators then synthesized derivatives of the most pro-apoptotic isomer. These derivatives were found to display reduced hydrolytic susceptibility to fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and increased CB1-selective binding.

"We have a built-in endocannabinoid system which is anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing. Now we see it is also anti-cancer, stopping the cells from proliferating or migrating," said senior author Dr. Aditi Das, professor of comparative biosciences at the University of Illinois. "These molecules could address multiple problems: cancer, inflammation, and pain."

"The dramatic increase indicated that these molecules were doing something to the cancer - but we did not know if it was harmful or good," said Dr. Das. "We asked, are they trying to stop the cancer, or facilitating it? So we studied the individual properties and saw that they are working against the cancer in several ways. Dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to the formation of these substances in the body and may have some beneficial effects. However, if you have cancer, you want something concentrated and fast acting. That is where the endocannabinoid epoxide derivatives come into play - you could make a concentrated dose of the exact compound that is most effective against the cancer. You could also mix this with other drugs such as chemotherapies."

Related Links:
University of Illinois


Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Candida Glabrata Test
ELIchrom Glabrata
New
Silver Member
Autoimmune Hepatitis Test
LKM-1-Ab ELISA
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.