The Effects of Immediate Enteral Feeding with a Formula Containing High Levels of ω‐3 Fatty Acids in Patients After Surgery for Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

Early EN with a large amount of omega-3 PUFAs in reduced platelet aggregation, coagulation activity, and cytokine production. All these effects would be expected to be beneficial in patients following esophageal cancer surgery. The clinical significance of the changes in eicosanoid production remains to be established.

The Nutrient Formula Containing Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Benefits the Fatty Acid Status of Patients Receiving Long-Term Enteral Nutrition

“…Given that aberrant activation of the AA cascade can cause abnormal allergic responses and thrombotic reactions, these reduced AA levels may have desirable implications. Indeed, the use of a low-LA formula, identical to that in the low n-6/n-3 EN group in the present study, reduced coagulation and inflammatory activity after surgery (Aiko et al 2005). However, with the long-term use of EN, as deficiencies in LA can precipitate clinical problems (Richardson and Sgoutas 1975), further investigation may be required to determine whether the LA intake is suitable in each patient chronically receiving a low-LA formula.…”

“…AA is metabolized into multiple bioactive eicosanoids via the AA cascade. EPA, DHA, and their metabolites competitively inhibit the overproduction of AA-related eicosanoids, thereby suppressing aberrant inflammatory reactions, blood coagulation, and the risk of ischemic heart disease (Kinsella et al 1990;Gerster 1995;Aiko et al 2005). In addition, highlevel accumulation of DHA in the brain plays a role in the development of learning and cognitive functions (Innis 2007).…”

Multi-targeted therapy of cancer by omega-3 fatty acids

“…A particular area of emphasis has been placed on immunomodulatory effects of n-3 PUFAs, owing to their ability to reduce infection and inflammation (102,113,114). Administration of n-3 PUFAs either before or after major abdominal surgery for cancer was shown to reduce inflammatory cytokines (113,115) and improve liver and pancreas function (116). Patients receiving parenteral immunonutrition with a nutritional supplement containing glutamine or n-3 PUFAs had reduced incidence of infectious complications and improved immune function compared to patients who received a nutritional supplement without glutamine or n-3 PUFAs (102).…”

Controlling Oxidative Stress as a Potential Tool for Perioperative Management to Reduce Morbidity After Surgical Trauma

“…Thirteen patients who received no anticancer therapies and no enteral feeding products before surgery comprised a third group (group 3). All patients received enteral feeding after surgery following the advancement schedule that has been previously described (Aiko et al 2005). Briefly, enteral feeding was started at an infusion rate of 20 ml/h within 2 h of the patient being transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), followed by progression to a maximum volume of 1,500 ml/day by POD 3.…”