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LOSD ANGELES, Calif., Sep 22, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- University of Southern California experts say fish oils, which appear to reduce breast cancer risk, may also benefit women with a particular genetic makeup.
The researchers say the protective effects of fish oils, called marine n-3 or omega-3 fatty acids, are linked to the cancer-fighting properties of the oil's byproducts.
They believe women whose bodies do a poor job of getting rid of the fish oils' byproducts are the ones who benefit most from consuming the oils. That may help scientists better understand exactly how fish oils deter cancer.
The study was done jointly by USC's Keck School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore.
Manuela Gago-Dominguez, the study's lead author, said certain enzymes in the body known as glutathione S-transferases help the body flush out and get rid of these lipid peroxidation products.
Copyright 2004 by United Press International.
