Consumption of an omega-3 fatty acids product, INCELL AAFA™, reduced side-effects of CPT-11 (irinotecan) in mice

INCELL AAFA(TM), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid product containing a high concentration of long chain fatty acids, was tested for its ability to ameliorate the harmful side effects of CPT-II chemotherapy including: leukopenia, anaemia, asthenia, weight loss and liver involvement. Four groups of mice were fed an AIN-76 diet modified to contain: 10%. w/w corn oil (CO), 0% AAFA(TM) : 9% CO, 1% AAFA(TM); 8% CO, 2% AAFA(TM); or 7% CO, 3% AAFA(TM). After 2 weeks on the diets, half of the mice received CPT-II chemotherapy (60 mg kg(-1) q 4 days, i.v.) the rest of the mice received vehicle for 2 weeks. It was found that 2% AAFA(TM) in the diet of the CPT-II treated mice decreased apoptotic figures in the duodenal crypts; markedly suppressed the inflammatory eicosanoid, prostaglandin E-2 in the liver, prevented liver hypertrophy: improved white blood cell counts; significantly increased red blood cell counts; decreased numbers of CPT-II induced immature red blood cell and micronuclei in red blood cells of the peripheral blood; increased eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in liver cell membranes and maintained normal grooming behaviour. Thus 2% AAFA(TM) in the diet reduced the side effects of CPT-II treatment in mice. (C) 2002 Cancer Research UK.