Abstract

Omega-3 essential fatty acids (ω-3 FATs); found in the highest concentrations in fish oil, claim a plethora of health benefits. The present study aims to evaluate the biological effects of ω-3 FATs supplementation against Ehrlich carcinoma (EC) induced inflammation, oxidative stress, biochemical and histopathological alterations in the liver tissue of albino mouse. ω-3 FATs were orally administered via gavage to mice for a period of 30 consecutive days at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight. On the 7th day of ω-3 FATs administration, female mice were subcutaneously injected with 0.2 ml of Ehrlich ascite carcinoma for solid tumor induction. The present study revealed that, subcutaneous injection of Ehrlich solid tumor led to hepatic oxidative stress (as significant increase in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive species, TBARS), concomitant with a significant decrease in glutathione and antioxidant enzymes), systemic inflammation (significant increases in C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and leukocyte counts) and biochemical alterations (as increase in liver function enzymes)). While in the tumor tissue, significant increase in tumor TBARS content and non significant changes in glutathione and antioxidant enzymes were observed. Histopathological studies showed that EC cells metastasis caused fatty degeneration, enlargement of liver cells nuclei and presence of necrosis. Pretreatment of animals with ω-3 FATs significantly reduced tumor size and markedly improved most of the biochemical parameters associated with the inoculation of EC. It could be concluded that ω-3 FATs administrated to mice, reduce tumor size, inhibit systemic inflammation, improving liver function profile, modulating lipid peroxidation and augmenting antioxidant defense system in EC bearing mice.

Key words: Ehrlich carcinoma (EC), omega-3 fatty acids, liver.