The world's oceans represent an unlimited and largely untapped source of biodiversity, offering enormous potential for the invention of unique chemical compounds with therapeutic properties. Among them, bioactive molecules present in marine organisms have shown anti-cancer effects.
For example, cytarabineA chemotherapy drug used to treat certain forms of leukemia was inspired by compounds present in Caribbean sponges. likewise, Miltefosinea marine-derived lipid, has been shown to be useful within the treatment of skin metastases because of breast cancer.
Marine environments are a primary source of lipids (commonly known as “fats”). Antitumoral properties. These marine lipids could be utilized in two complementary ways. The first is nutrition, specifically through dietary intake. The second is predicated on the event of lipid anticancer agents whose molecular structures are derived from or inspired by the marine environment.
Targeting cancer cells and the tumor environment
In each of those approaches, marine-derived lipids are used to selectively goal cancer cells or components of the tumor microenvironment. It addresses each the general health of the patient and the tumor itself. It works to stop or stop tumor growth, sensitizing tumor cells to anti-cancer treatments e.g. Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy And Immunotherapyand reduces cancer-related nutrients.
Dietary aspects may thus influence cancer development by stimulating or inhibiting tumor growth. Reducing the intake of foods containing tumor-promoting ingredients while increasing consumption of those with proven inhibitory effects may delay the onset of varied forms of cancer.
Marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Marine-derived lipids include omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, that are present in abundance in oily fish similar to sardines, mackerel, and herring. They also include ether lipids, that are present in marine sources similar to shark liver oil and scallops.
These several types of lipids – the polyunsaturated fatty acids present in phospholipids and ether lipids – are essential components of cell membranes, especially in cancer cells. Within the tumor environment, these lipids and their derivatives also can alter signaling pathways involved in tumor growth.
At the Inserm-University of Tours research laboratory, “Nutrition, Growth and Cancer”, we're investigating the results of lipids on cancer on the molecular and cellular levels. Our research focuses on how lipids affect processes similar to cancer cell growth, proliferation, migration and invasion, in addition to how they affect the response of cancer cells to treatment.
Antitumor effects of fatty acids in breast cancer, prostate cancer and leukemia
A variety of marine-derived lipids and lipid classes have been identified in recent times, with each antitumor and protumor properties. These lipids integrate into cell membranes, where they aim specific proteins (ion channels), affecting the behavior of cancer cells.
Among these lipids, omega-3 fatty acids, similar to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are associated. Less aggressive prostate cancer. Specifically, EPA prevents A complex mechanism involving the SK3 channel.associated – amongst other things – with cancer cell migration and tumor invasiveness, and the event of metastases.
Similarly, low levels of EPA and one other omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been linked to more severe types of breast cancer, including Multifocal breast cancer (characteristic of multiple tumors in the identical breast) Inflammatory breast cancer And Premenopausal breast cancer with bone metastases.
There are also studies done by our teams. demonstrated Therapeutic potential of omega-3 DHA and EPA within the management of leukemia. Clinical trials have confirmed that these fatty acids could be safely administered to newly diagnosed high-risk leukemia patients. without compromising the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Additionally, Animal studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may delay cancer-induced malnutrition. These studies should be confirmed in humans.
Among these various cancers, the presence of marine-derived lipids similar to the omega-3 EPA and DHA has been linked to less aggressive types of cancer. These lipids are believed to have an antitumor effect.
Future directions: Omega-3 supplements together with therapy?
The molecular effects of omega-3 fatty acids in cancer treatment haven't yet been explored, but preliminary studies on dietary supplements in cancer prevention have shown promising results. For example, a trial conducted by our team on the University of Tours research lab demonstrated that combining omega-3 DHA supplements with chemotherapy Improves survival outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer..
In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, in our research. Two endogenous lipid classes were identified – Alkyl and alkenyl lipids (collectively often known as plasmalogens) – that are more abundant in cancer cells than in non-cancerous tissues. These lipids are present in cell membranes near the SK3 channel, a protein that, as mentioned earlier, has been linked to cancer cell migration.
Our recent findings shed light. Distinct roles of these endogenous lipid classes. Alkenyl lipids were found to cut back the invasiveness of cancer cells by inhibiting the SK3 channel. In contrast, alkyl lipids had the other effect, promoting SK3 channel activation and cancer cell migration.
These findings open recent avenues of investigation for targeting cancer cells, which express higher levels of those two endogenous lipids than healthy tissue.
Increasing the degrees of alkenyl lipids, known to cut back the invasiveness of cancer cells, offers a promising strategy. These marine-derived lipids could be synthetically produced as components of anti-cancer drugs in the long run.
One such example is Ohmline, an artificial derivative of ether lipids. Strong healing potential. Recently commercialized by Lifesome Therapeutics, Ohmline has been shown to cut back SK3 channel activity, thereby inhibiting the expansion of metastases and reprogramming monoclonals. Antibody response.
This lipid derivative is due to this fact being evaluated as an adjuvant to chemotherapy. prevention Of NeuropathyA standard and debilitating side effect of Some cancer treatments.
Increasing capability of marine products
Marine products offer a wide selection of applications, from serving as models for drug discovery to providing modern cancer treatments.
The anti-cancer potential of marine-derived compounds has been demonstrated in quite a few studies, including inside the framework of our research Network These findings highlight the potential of bioactive molecules from the marine environment in developing preventive and therapeutic cancer strategies.
We have already got some encouraging data on cancer prevention using lipids from different families of marine or synthetic origin, sensitizing them to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and therapeutic antibodies. could also be prescribed as anti-inflammatory agents.