Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid suppress colonic tumorigenesis in obese mice

Abstract

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of obesity and is recognized as a cancer risk. While EPA and DHA combat inflammation associated with obesity, their effects on obesity-linked intestinal tumors requires further study. This study used the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS) model in mice made obese by a high-fat diet to assess the effects of EPA and DHA on tumorigenesis. The results showed that obesity aggravates colon tumor development in mice, yet both EPA and DHA significantly suppressed tumor formation in the obese murine colon. EPA and DHA altered the intestinal epithelium's fatty acid profile, enhancing its anti-inflammatory properties. Both treatments led to a decrease in the pro-inflammatory Desulfovibrio, while EPA specifically increased probiotic Parasutterella and decreased mucus- destroying Bacteroides. In conclusion, EPA and DHA have inhibitory effects on colon tumor formation in obese mice, primarily by modulating the gut flora and inhibiting inflammation in the colon.

Keywords

• EPA
• DHA
• Obesity
• Colon tumorigenesis
• Gut microbiota
• Inflammatory pathways