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Review
. 2022 Mar 16;20(1):48.
doi: 10.1186/s43141-022-00329-0.

Omega-9 fatty acids: potential roles in inflammation and cancer management

Mohamed A Farag  1 , Mohamed Z Gad  2
Affiliations
Review

Omega-9 fatty acids: potential roles in inflammation and cancer management

Mohamed A Farag et al. J Genet Eng Biotechnol. .

Abstract

Background: Omega-9 fatty acids represent one of the main mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) found in plant and animal sources. They are synthesized endogenously in humans, though not fully compensating all body requirements. Consequently, they are considered as partially essential fatty acids. MUFA represent a healthier alternative to saturated animal fats and have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer characters. This review capitalizes on the major omega-9 pharmacological activities in context of inflammation management for its different natural forms in different dietary sources. The observed anti-inflammatory effects reported for oleic acid (OA), mead acid, and erucic acid were directed to attenuate inflammation in several physiological and pathological conditions such as wound healing and eye inflammation by altering the production of inflammatory mediators, modulating neutrophils infiltration, and altering VEGF effector pathway. OA action mechanisms as anti-tumor agent in different cancer types are compiled for the first time based on its anti- and pro-carcinogenic actions.

Conclusion: We conclude that several pathways are likely to explain the anti-proliferative activity of OA including suppression of migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells, as well stimulation of tumor suppressor genes. Such action mechanisms warrant for further supportive clinical and epidemiological studies to confirm the beneficial outcomes of omega-9 consumption especially over long-term intervention.

Keywords: Inflammation; anti-cancer; oleic acid; MUFA; Omega-9; PUFA.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Common omega-9 fatty acids and their natural sources in plant and animals
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Summary of the action mechanisms of oleic acid (OA) in modulating skin inflammation and wound healing effects
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Oleic acid (OA) anti-inflammatory action mechanisms in the different body organs viz. eye, skin, lung, liver, blood vessels, and intestine
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Summary of oleic acid (OA) action mechanisms as anti-tumor agent in different cancer types
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Anti- or pro-cancer actions of omega-9 fatty acids
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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