Inhibition of Nuclear Factor Kappa B activation in Early-Stage Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia by Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Abstract

Targeting the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway is proposed as therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We hypothesized that an omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) supplement would suppress NFκB activation in lymphocytes of Rai Stage 0–1 CLL patients. The initial dose of 2.4 g n-3/day was gradually increased to 7.2 g n-3/day. After n-3 consumption: 1) plasma n-3 increased; 2) NFκB activation was suppressed in lymphocytes; 3) in vitro sensitivity of lymphocytes to doxorubicin was increased; and 4) expression of 32 genes in lymphocytes was significantly decreased.

Keywords: :

• Cancer prevention
• Clinical trials
• Leukemias