Arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are increased in human colorectal cancer

Article Abstract:

Cancer of the colon and rectum represents the second most prevalent cause of death from cancer in Western countries. This disease has been shown to be strongly associated with high fat (particularly animal fat) intake, and a variety of alterations in fat metabolism have been described in patients with colorectal cancer. Data have been published describing fat and fat metabolite changes in membranes from blood cells and other cell types, but little is known about the cancer tissue itself. To ascertain what changes occur in malignant colorectal tumors, intestinal tissue was removed from patients being treated for cancer of the rectum (11 patients), cecum (2 patients), and sigmoid colon (2 patients). Biochemical analysis was performed on the cancerous tissue, which was compared with nearby unaffected intestinal mucosa from the same patient. In the cancerous tissue, arachidonic acid levels were significantly increased, as were the levels of docosahexaenoic acid; this is consistent with work reported from animal studies. The ratio of stearic acid to oleic acid was increased, in contrast to previous animal studies in which it was reported to decrease. The increased fatty acid levels may be related to reduced levels of lipid peroxidation, which is a characteristic of rapidly growing cells (such as tumors). Alternatively, increased activity of the fat-metabolizing enzyme desaturase might be responsible for the altered levels. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Physiological aspects, Colorectal cancer, Arachidonic acid, Fatty acids

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Genetic predisposition testing for cancer: effects on families' lives

Article Abstract:

Genetic testing to identify a predisposition to cancer can affect the entire family of the patient undergoing DNA testing. Health care practitioners must be aware of the psychosocial aspects of cancer predisposition testing on families. Nursing implications included ethical and social issues and knowledge in genetics that may go beyond the expertise of the health care provider.

Social aspects, Genetic aspects, Cancer, Cancer genetics, Genetic screening, Genetic testing, Genetic counseling

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