Response to docosahexaenoic acid treatment in genetically matched malignant and nontransformed lung epithelial cells

Abstract

DHA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid established to have anti-cancer effects in a variety of models of cancer. The consequences of DHA supplementation on malignant cells has been widely studied, though little has been done on nontransformed cells. In the current study, an evaluation of DHA’s effect on two genetically matched pairs of malignant and nontransformed lung epithelial cell lines is proposed. Current data suggests the two pairs of cell lines show significant differences in how well they respond to DHA treatment. Cell signaling analysis showed a differential response between the neoplastic and nonneoplastic cell lines. Preliminary data showed the nontransformed and transformed cell lines to have a decrease in proliferation when treated with high doses of DHA. In addition, lipid peroxidation as an indicator of oxidative stress was confirmed upon treatment with docosahexaenoic acid. Further identifying the mechanisms of action is critical to understanding how response to DHA can be enhanced in tumors, while improving the health of normal tissues.