Could Fish Oil Potentially Cure Leukemia?

The results of a new study just published in the Journal Blood, has highlighted how a compound found in fish oil may in future be able to eradicate the blood cancer known as leukemia.

In laboratory experiments at Pennsylvania State University, researchers found that a component of Omega 3 known as Delta-12-J3 Prostaglandin or D12PGJ3 can selectively target the stem cells of chronic myelogenous leukemia or CML.

D12PGJ3 arises from Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), long chain fatty acid found abundantly in oily fish. It has now been shown in plenty of prior studies that Omega 3 fatty acids have important health benefits in helping to lower the risk of disease but this latest trial now opens up the incredible possibility that Omega 3 may be used in cancer therapy at some point.

"Research in the past on fatty acids has shown the health benefits of fatty acids on cardiovascular system and brain development, particularly in infants but we have shown that some metabolites of Omega-3 have the ability to selectively kill the leukemia-causing stem cells" said Sandeep Prabhu, author of the new study and associate professor of immunology and molecular toxicology in the Department of Veterinary and Medical Sciences

Prabhu also said that it's necessary to target the stem cells as they can divide and cause more cancer cells.

Current drugs used for CML can prolong a patient's life by keeping the number of leukemia cells in the blood down but they can't cure leukemia because they don't specifically target the leukemia stem cells explained Robert Paulson, Co author of the study and associate professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences.

"The patients must take the drugs continuously," said Paulson. "If they stop, the disease relapses because the leukemia stem cells are resistant to the drugs."

"These stem cells can hide from the treatment, and a small population of stem cells give rise to more leukemia cells," said Paulson.

"So, targeting the stem cells is essential if you want to cure leukemia."

CML is a relatively rare kind of cancer that results in too many white blood cells being produced. It is not a disease passed down through families and can occur in any individual at any age although it's more likely to affect middle aged and older people.

The Leukemia begins in the bone marrow in a cell called a stem cell. Stem cells produce new blood cells by making a copy of themselves and then dividing to make two new cells. In most cases of this disease, something goes drastically wrong during this process of cell division and genes that are normally in separate chromosomes get stuck together producing an abnormal cell. This gene mutation is called the Philadelphia chromosome. However, the existence of the Philadelphia Chromosome is not the only factor used to make a diagnosis of CML as it is often present in other types of leukemia.

Tests performed to diagnose CML include a full blood count and platelet count, a bone marrow biopsy, identification of the Philadelphia chromosome, and physical examination to detect if the spleen is swollen.

Exposure to radiation can increase the risk of developing CML although in most incidences of leukemia the precise cause is not apparent.

There are three phases of CML. The first phase is called the chronic phase and this stage develops slowly over many years. During this period there may be no symptoms. The second phase is the accelerated phase and during this stage there may be pain in the left side under the ribcage, mild fever and bone pain. The end phase is called the blast crisis and this is the terminal stage.

If the disease is caught soon enough then there are drugs available which can stop the progress of the disease but the only cure is a bone marrow transplant. Many people are diagnosed during the last stage. During this phase there is nothing that can be done.

The scientists in this latest study are now working to find out if the compound found in fish oil can be used to treat the blast crisis stage of this kind of Leukaemia. They have also applied for a patent and intend to test the fish oil compound in human studies next.

Taking omega 3 fish oil EPA, has been found to be very beneficial for a host of health problems, for more information about fish oil and how it can help come and visit.

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