Omega-3s decrease endometrial cell survival
Endometriosis: omega-3s? Valid supportive therapy against endometrial cells
The Omega 3 may be useful in the treatment of endometriosis due to their ability to reduce endometrial cell survival. These fatty acids may also help reduce the inflammation associated with this disease by regulating the function of cytokines, molecules involved in inflammatory processes. Experts from the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Aberdeen Hospital (UK) demonstrate the potential of these nutrients in treating this disorder through research published in Fertility and Sterility1.
Endometriosis, when inflammation impairs fertility
Endometriosis is a disease that affects about 10% of women: it consists of certain cells in the wall of the uterus (theendometrium) that grow on other organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the ovaries orintestines. The diagnosis of endometriosis is often late. Although the disorder may appear as early as the first menstruation, it is usually not recognized until many years later. This delay can make the condition a very disabling situation, because endometrial cells that grow in abnormal positions respond to the action of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, like those in the uterus. The consequences are inflammation, pain, and infertility. Just as the causes of this disease are still unknown, the possibilities for cure are also few, and the only route to resolution of the problem is surgery.
Omega-3s for endometriosis
A study published in the journal Human Reproduction has shown that the risk of endometriosis can be reduced by adiet rich inOmega-32. The research conducted at Aberdeen Hospital focused on the role of these and other food-derived fatty acids (the Omega-6s) in endometrial cell growth. The study involved laboratory processing of cells taken from women referred to an infertility center. It found that a high ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6, corresponding to higher levels of the former, reduced endometrial cell survival. The effect of Omega-3 is greater both when Omega-3 and Omega-6 are present in equal amounts and when the latter are more abundant than the former. Not only that, in the case of women suffering from endometriosis, the cells (which already produce greater amounts of the cytokine IL-8 in themselves) produce even more in the presence of high Omega-3/Omega-6 ratios.
A possible non-surgical treatment of endometriosis
According to British researchers, these findings pave the way for new treatments of endometriosis based on the use of Omega-3s. Alternatively, painkillers are the only way to endure pain until surgery is necessary. Best not to abuse them, though, because of possible side effects.
Source
1. Gazvani MR, Smith L, Haggarty P, Fowler PA, Templeton A, "High omega-3:omega-6 fatty acid ratios in culture medium reduce endometrial-cell survival in combined endometrial gland and stromal cell cultures from women with and without endometriosis," Fertil Steril. 2001 Oct;76(4):717-22.
2. Missmer SA, Chavarro JE, Malspeis S, Bertone-Johnson ER, Hornstein MD, Spiegelman D, Barbieri RL, Willett WC, Hankinson SE, "A prospective study of dietary fat consumption and endometriosis risk," Hum Reprod. 2010 Jun;25(6):1528-35. Epub 2010 Mar 23.
