**2.2 Omega-3 fatty acids**

*Antioxidants*

**2. Functional foods**

**2.1 Glutamic acid**

neuronal activity.

vitamin A and N-acetyl-cysteine dosed to mice induced with lung cancer increase the size of the tumors, and these substances can eliminate the expression of the gene *p53*

On the other hand, a functional food is according to the ESPEN guidelines a "food fortified with additional ingredients or with nutrients or compounds intended to yield specific beneficial health effects." Functional foods can be prepared with vitamins and minerals or other compounds of nutritional or physiologi-

In Europe and USA the consumption of dietetic supplements more commonly

This paper explains the importance of the consumption of antioxidants in the human nutrition and in patients with cancer, who have been treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and their use to other diseases has been mentioned.

A functional food is a nutritional food with vitamins and minerals and other compounds functional in the body; they are also known as antioxidants. In the

Glutamic acid is a nonessential amino acid and has functions that allow it to interact with other biological biomolecules in order to maintain energy between

This amino acid is considered for its function as a neurotransmitter in its molecular form as glutamate neurons because it stimulates the central nervous system and the latter is the substrate resulting in glutamine, and by this the biomolecular gamma-aminobutyric acid (inhibitory neurotransmitter at the synapse level) is formed by the glutamic carboxylase enzyme. This neurotransmitter opens the chlorine channels, hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic membrane, and decreases

It has been reported that only 1.8 kg of glutamate is found in the muscle tissue, brain, and kidneys. Due to its physicochemical characteristics, its degree of acidity

Glutamine can be produced from ammonia (NH3) in the brain and is part of the detoxification process. For this reason, this biomolecule is part of the bestknown antioxidants to maintain the function of various organic systems such as the

Given the characteristics of this compound, it is included in the human diet in the form of a food supplement and in nutritional foods in the form of glutamine, since it allows the recovery of patients who have undergone surgery treatments and in cases of electrolyte loss in patients who have decreased their immunological

This substance is also known as the chemical messenger, for its ability to interact with neurons and allow cell communication, as well as an energy source in oxida-

This compound also participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates and in the

This amino acid can cause alterations in patients who are treated with antiepileptic drugs or who suffer from kidney or liver disease, for which reason the dose of

(suppressing gene of tumors) activated when hurt exists in the DNA [3].

cal effects, and their dose form can be different [4].

**Table 2** we show some antioxidants report in the literature.

tissues for the synthesis of molecules and lead to cell growth [1].

immune system, the digestive system, and the muscular system.

(2.17 and 9.13) crosses the blood-brain barrier.

system, for example, patients with AIDS or cancer.

cellular respiration process of the Krebs cycle [1].

tion processes of cancer cells [5].

this amino acid must be controlled.

are antirust vitamins and mineral supplements.

**262**

The omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The first is found in vegetable oils (flaxseed, soybeans, and canola), and the second and third are found in seafood and fish.

The fatty acids known as omega-3 refer to the position of the carbon atoms with respect to the carboxyl functional group (COOH). They are polyunsaturated fatty acids. The term omega is derived from the position of the terminal methyl functional group of the fatty acid as the main carbon atom identifying the double bond.

EPA and DHA are structural components of the phospholipids that are part of the membranes and are the substrates that give rise to eicosanoid lipids (derived from 20 carbon atoms such as EPA) and docosanoid lipids (derived from 22 carbon atoms such as DHA). The importance of these compounds lies in several functions of cellular metabolism. It has been reported that these fatty acids have antiinflammatory properties that have a cytoprotective function.

In the men, the intake of this type of fatty acids increases in cell membranes, specifically in lymphocytes, decreasing the amount of arachidonic acid in cell membranes and decreasing the proinflammatory products of omega-6 fatty acids.

EPA is a substrate of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX-1–COX-2) and lipooxygenase-5 in the plasma membrane, competes with arachidonic acid (AA) in the production of eicosanoids, and maintains the levels of prostaglandins I2 (inhibitor of platelet aggregation).

Dietary supplements based on EPA and DHA have the property of decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and pulmonary necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) released by activation of macrophages and monocytes. Although cytokines are activators of the immune response, the hyperactivity of the same can cause inflammation in the intestine, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. Therefore, dietary supplements based on EPA and DHA can decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines and the effects of TNF-alpha [6–8].

The documented mechanisms for the modulation of cytokines are based on the decrease of proinflammatory gene expression through changes in the activity of genetic transcription factors such as in the hyperactivation of receptors activated by PPAR-gamma peroxisomes and by inhibition in the release of the transcription nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB). Modification in the cell membrane related to cell signaling is also included.

Chemically, it is a carboxylic acid. It is found in fish oil and some seaweed. DHA is a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid of the omega-3 series [8]. The oil of unicellular algae is known as *Crypthecodinium cohnii* [9]. The omega fatty acid it is use for coronary disease and depression [7, 10] (**Figure 1**).

Also, DHA lowers blood pressure and prevents the development of hypertension and cardiovascular pathologies like atherosclerosis [11]. This substance has a strong positive relationship between dietary fat in the treatment of cancer. DHA inhibits cyclooxygenase, thereby decrementing the amount of prostaglandins and increasing the lipoxygenase activity. This in turn results in higher production of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), which have

#### **Figure 1.**

*Function of omega-3 fatty acid in regulating health markers and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid synthesis [7].*


*\* IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. Trivial names, chemical names and abbreviations for the omega-3 fatty acids. Categorize according to their chain length of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) [7].*

#### **Table 1.**

*Nomenclature of omega-3 fatty acids.*

been suggested as retarding the process of cancerous cells taking over a tissue. In an experimental animal model, DHA act inhibiting transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1), which has been implicated in the development of cancer [12]. DHA could decrement the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders and could be attribute to their effect on neurotransmitter receptor and G-proteins via effects on the biophysical properties of cell membranes and secondary messengers, and on protein kinases [11, 13, 14]. The consumption of DHA can positively influence to avoid the deterioration caused by Alzheimer's (AD), associated with the production of amyloid beta

**265**

*3.1.1 Oxidation*

*Importance of the Nutrition with Antioxidants in the Treatment of Cancer and Others Damages*

protein that make up hyperphosphorylated tau protein and ubiquitin. The disease is also related to the E4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene found on the chromosome 19. The treatment for this disease is multiple and drug therapy is based on the stabilization of cognitive impairment and the behavior of the individual. As this disease is related to cholinergic function, the treatment is based on the intake of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs. Therefore, the intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with the treatment of Alzheimer's due to its neuronal function [15].

Carotene is a pigment that animals can turn into vitamin A in their body. C The intestine is the organ that is responsible for transforming carotene into vitamin A for storage in the liver and is rarely stored in fat tissue. Its common form is found as beta-carotene. Due to its chemical structure, it is part of the terpenes, formed by isoprene units (40 carbon atoms). The biosynthesis of these compounds is initially

Beta-carotene was the first purified carotene (*Daucus carota*). Vitamin A is the active form of retinol. Milk and carrots, green vegetables, and some fruits are dietary sources of vitamin A. Isomerization reactions affect the vitamin A content. Among its functions it is said that it protects the skin from the ultraviolet rays derived from the sun; it also keeps the immune system in optimal conditions, as

It is known that the oxidation process of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) decreases the risk of manifesting coronary diseases and arteriosclerosis.

With regard to cancer, it is said that vitamin A allows good cellular functioning by decreasing the development of cancer cells. The intake of this vitamin prevents

Consumption of vitamin A allows the brain to function in good condition because it has been proven to delay cognitive aging and decrease the oxidative stress derived from the production of free radicals that can generate cell damage generating dementia. With respect to respiratory diseases, the intake of carotenoids reduces the manifestation of respiratory disorders such as pulmonary emphysema, bronchitis,

These compounds prevent macular degeneration or loss of sight in adults. Among other things, it prevents skin aging due to its antioxidant properties, since it diminishes the effect of the ultraviolet light generated by the sun's rays and by

esterification that give rise to different metabolic processes [16].

One of the disadvantages due to the excessive use of this vitamin lies in the malformation of the fetus in pregnant women by high doses of carotene continuously. The reactions that are carried out in the organism are oxidation, reduction, and

Retinol is the main form of vitamin A; it is a derivative of alcohols. In the eyes, vitamin A plays a fundamental role because it is part of the visual purple of the retina, and if the amount of vitamin A decreases, the ability to see is reduced.

**Table 1** shows the nomenclature of different omega-3 fatty acids [7].

Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E and selenium.

well as the cardiac system, and is used as an antioxidant.

colon, breast, lung, and oral cavity cancers.

and asthma to keep the lungs in good condition.

environmental contamination.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85469*

**3. Antioxidants**

**3.1 Vitamin A**

from isopentenyl pyrophosphate.

*Importance of the Nutrition with Antioxidants in the Treatment of Cancer and Others Damages DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85469*

protein that make up hyperphosphorylated tau protein and ubiquitin. The disease is also related to the E4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene found on the chromosome 19. The treatment for this disease is multiple and drug therapy is based on the stabilization of cognitive impairment and the behavior of the individual. As this disease is related to cholinergic function, the treatment is based on the intake of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs. Therefore, the intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with the treatment of Alzheimer's due to its neuronal function [15]. **Table 1** shows the nomenclature of different omega-3 fatty acids [7].
