Authors-DaZhi Chen, Bettie Steinberg and Karen Auborn (Long Island Jewish Medical Center The Long Island Campus for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Hyde Park, NY 11040) The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cells where omega6 stimulate growth. This study examined effects of PUFA on human precancerous cells. Cervical keratinocytes with the oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 were treated with linoleic acid (omega-6) and with omega-3 EPA/DHA. The DHA inhibited growth of the cells to a greater extent than the EPA whereas linoleic acid had no effect. The effect of the DHA depended on the dose given. DHA inhibited growth in the presence of estradiol (a component of estrogen) which is a growth stimulator of these cells. EPA=eicosapentaenoic acid DHA=docosahexaenoic acid Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.