Effect of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on tumor suppressor pathways in mice tongue oral epithelial dysplasia

Objective

This work aimed to evaluate the modulating effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 on the expression of TP53 and specific primiRNAs 34 b/c in the development of premalignant characteristics in tongue epithelial dysplasias in-vivo experimental models

Design

BALB/c mice were divided into two diet groups: fish oil rich in omega-3 and corn oil rich in omega-6. Tongue dysplasia was generated by applying a 0.5 % solution of 7,12-dimethylbenzantracene (DMBA) in acetone. After sacrificing, the animals were assessed for omega-6 and omega-3, TP53/Ki67 immunostaining, Trp53R270H mutations, and primiRNA 34 b/c expression.

Results

Mice fed omega-6 showed higher dysplasias and Ki67 immunostaining percentages than those fed omega-3-rich oils. Furthermore, mice fed with corn oil rich in omega-6 showed significantly high average arachidonic-acid values, while the group fed cod oil rich in omega-3 showed substantially higher average values of Ecosapentanoic acid and Docosahexanoic acid in tongue tissue cell membranes. The primiRNA-34 b/c was upregulated in animals fed corn oil, enriched-omega-6 at 90 days.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that dietary lipids influence the development of DMBA-induced premalignant features on the tongue of mice; therefore, a low intake of omega-6-rich oils and a higher intake of omega-3 could be recommended for preventing features similar to mucosal dysplasia, which could be an important preventive strategy.