Effect of Postoperative ω-3 Fatty Acid Immunonutritional Therapy on NK Cell Gene Methylation in Elderly Patients with Gastric Cancer

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effect of ω-3 fatty acid immunonutritional therapy on natural killer (NK) cell gene methylation and function in elderly patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 70 cases of elderly patients with gastric cancer were randomized into the ω-3 fatty acid group and placebo group, according to the type of nutritional support administered. The methylation status of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α gene promoter in peripheral NK cells was detected by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction, and the TNF-α level in peripheral NK cells was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

After 14 days of immunonutritional therapy with ω-3 fatty acid or placebo, patients in the ω-3 group had significantly higher average NK cell activity (0.27 vs. 0.24, P=0.013) and lower percentages of TNF-α gene promoter methylation (25.7% vs. 60%, P<0.05) than the placebo group. However, there were no significant differences in the concentration of albumin, prealbumin and TNF-α in serum, and the NK cell count between the ω-3 group and placebo group.

Conclusion

The postoperative application of ω-3 fatty acid may improve the activity of NK cells, which is correlated to the methylation status of the TNF-α gene promoter.

Keywords

perioperative / gastric carcinoma / natural killer cell / DNA methylation / immune nutrition

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