A recent study concluded that this essential fatty acid, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) had anti-tumor function and has minimized numerous kinds of cancer.
Where does GLA naturally occur?
| Grapeseed Oil | Pumpkin Seeds |
| Olive Oil | Olives |
| Black Currant Seed Oil | Chestnut Oil |
| Pine Nuts | Sunflower Seeds (raw) |
| Borage Oil | Evening Primrose Oil |
| Pine Nuts | Sunflower Seeds (raw) |
J.A.Menendez, PhD at the Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute in Illinois observed that GLA significantly reduced Her2/Neu (aka HER-2) protein levels at their expression level at the oncogene, Her2/neu. Oncogene cause normal cells to turn into cancer/tumors and is involved in the development of many types of cancer (human).
So what is a HER-2 anyway? Her-2 is a protein that is found on the surface of breast cells. We all have them. Normal cells contain 2 copies of Her-2 gene and they produce the Her-2 protein.
What does it do? It sends messages to the cell in a substance called ‘growth factor’ which tells the cells to grow and divide. Since everyone has Her-2, the question is whether it is positive or negative? Positive in breast cancer her are called HER2/neu positive cancers and mean there are a lot of Her-2 proteins. Negative means that there are no Her-2 proteins or none and called, HER-2/neu negative cancer. Her-2 positive grow faster than Her-2 negative.
Unfortunately, in 20-30% of invasive breast cancer (an some others like ovarian, bladder) there is an abundant amount of the Her-2 protein produced. Thus, tumors that have these high concentrations of the protein are thus more aggressive and actually resist hormonal therapy, some chemotherapies and a poor prognosis (bad outcome).
GLA Treatment demonstrated a reduced Her’s-2 protein in the Her-2 cells in breast cancer, ovarian cancer and gastrointestinal cancer.
Lab Test that determines positive or negative HER-2 is: HUMAN EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR.
As always, do your research. Making new LifeStyle choices are necessary to have the best possible outcome. If you are uncomfortable to do this on your own, hire a LifeStyle Medicine Strategist & Coach. If you need help or have a question, just AskDrPat.
Source and full article: Ronald Grasanti, DC, DABCO, DACBN, MS
references: Menendez JA, Vellon L, Colomer R, Lupu R. Effect of gamma-linolenic acid on the transcriptional activity of the Her-2/neu (erbB-2) oncogene. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005 Nov 2;97(21):1611-5.
Menendez JA, Ropero S, Lupu R, Colomer R. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (18:3n-6) enhances docetaxel (Taxotere) cytotoxicity in human breast carcinoma cells: Relationship to lipid peroxidation and HER-2/neu expression. Oncol Rep. 2004 Jun;11(6):1241-52.
Menendez JA, del Mar Barbacid M, Montero S, Sevilla E, Escrich E, Solanas M, Cortes-Funes H, Colomer R. Effects of gamma-linolenic acid and oleic acid on paclitaxel cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells. Eur J Cancer. 2001 Feb;37(3):402-13.
The information is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
