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

Targeting the nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B) pathway is proposed as therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We hypothesized that an omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) supplement would suppress NF kappa B 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) NF kappa B 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.