Differential induction of electrophile-responsive element-regulated genes by n − 3 and n − 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

In this study the n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid appear to be effective inducers of electrophile-responsive element (EpRE) regulated genes, whereas the n − 6 PUFA arachidonic acid is not. These n − 3 PUFAs need to be oxidized to induce EpRE-regulated gene expression, as the antioxidant vitamin E can partially inhibit the PUFA induced dose-dependent effect. Results were obtained using a reporter gene assay, real-time RT-PCR and enzyme activity assays. The induction of EpRE-regulated phase II genes by n − 3 PUFAs may be a major pathway by which n − 3 PUFAs, in contrast to n − 6 PUFAs, are chemopreventive and anticarcinogenic.