A recent study published in Science has found that linoleic acid, a common omega-6 fatty acid found in seed oils and animal products, promotes the growth of triple-negative breast cancer by activating a specific protein pathway. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that linoleic acid binds to a protein called FABP5, which is abundant in triple-negative tumor cells but not in other hormone-sensitive subtypes.
The study, conducted on mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer, showed that a diet rich in linoleic acid accelerated tumor growth. The researchers also found increased levels of FABP5 and linoleic acid in the tumors and blood samples from newly diagnosed triple-negative patients.
The findings suggest that linoleic acid could be a key player in the development of triple-negative breast cancer, but its role is more complex than previously thought. The discovery of FABP5 as a critical protein in this process may lead to personalized nutritional recommendations for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.
According to Dr. John Blenis, senior author of the study, “This discovery helps clarify the relationship between dietary fats and cancer, and sheds light on how to define which patients might benefit the most from specific nutritional recommendations in a personalized manner.”
The researchers are now investigating the effects of omega-6 fatty acid signaling in other diseases, including prostate cancer and common chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/fat-in-common-cooking-oils-linked-to-aggressive-breast-cancer