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Washington: A study found that a class of molecules formed when the body metabolizes omega-3 fatty acids could inhibit the spread and growth of cancer.
In a recent study conducted at the University of Illinois, researchers found that in mice, molecules called endocannabinoids are naturally produced by the body and have similar properties to those Cannabinoids found in marijuana – but without the psychotropic effects.
In mice with osteosarcoma tumors – a notoriously painful and difficult-to-treat bone cancer – the endocannabinoids slowed the growth of tumors and blood vessels, prevented the migration of cancer cells and caused the death of cancer cells
an integrated endocannabinoid system that is anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing.At present we see that it is also anti-cancer, by preventing cells from proliferating or migrating, "said one researcher Aditi Das. "These molecules could solve multiple problems: cancer, inflammation and pain," she adds
.In 2017, the Illinois team identified a new group of metabolites omega-3 fatty acids called endocannabinoid epoxides, or EDP-EA, found that these molecules had anti-inflammatory properties and targeted the same receptor in the body. As Cannabis
As cannabis has demonstrated anticancer properties, researchers have studied in the new study that EAs also affect cancer cells. They also found that in mice with osteosarcoma tumors metastasized to their lungs, there was an 80 percent increase in natural EDP-EAs in lung cancerous tissue on the lungs of healthy mice.
"The dramatic increase indicates that these molecules do something for cancer – but we did not know if it was harmful or good," she added. "We asked if they were trying to stop the cancer or to make it easier, so we looked at individual properties and found that they were acting against cancer in a number of ways," he said. -she adds.
EDP-EAs have killed cancer cells, but not as effectively as other chemotherapeutic drugs on the market. However, the compounds also fought osteosarcoma by other means: they slowed tumor growth by preventing the formation of new blood vessels to feed the tumor with nutrients, prevented interactions between cells and especially prevented the cancer cell migration.
"The leading cause of cancer death is due to the spread of tumor cells, which requires cell migration," said another researcher, Timothy Fan. "As such, therapies that have the potential to impede cell migration could also be helpful in slowing or inhibiting metastasis," she added.
Researchers have isolated the most potent molecules and are working on the cannabinoid receptor, which is abundant on the surface of cancer cells. "Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids can result in the formation of these substances in the body and have beneficial effects, but if you have cancer, you want something concentrated and act quickly" , said Das
. The endocannabinoid epoxy derivatives come into play – since one can make a concentrated dose of the exact most effective compound against cancer "One could also mix that with other drugs such as chemotherapies," adds Das [19659005]. Preclinical studies in dogs, since dogs develop osteosarcoma spontaneously, similarly to humans. They also plan to study the effects of EDP-EA derived omega-3 fatty acids in other types of cancer. "Solid tumors or carcinomas, which tend to spread and cause skeletal pain, are the most interesting cancers to study: carcinomas of the breast, prostate and lung are among the most common tumors. certainly explore these tumors in the future, "added Fan.
The study appeared in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
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