Dietary linoleic acid-stimulated human breast cancer cell growth and metastasis in nude mice and their suppression by indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor

Dual COX-2/15-LOX inhibitors: A new avenue in the prevention of cancer

Dual cyclooxygenase 2/15-lipoxygenase inhibitors constitute a valuable alternative to classical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, as well as preventing the cancer. Indeed, these latter present diverse side effects, which are reduced or absent in dual-acting agents. In this review, COX-2 and 15-LOX (15-lipoxygenase) pathways are first described in order to highlight the therapeutic interest of designing such compounds. Various structural families of dual inhibitors are illustrated. This study discloses various structural families of dual 15-LOX/COX-2 inhibitors, thus pave the way to design potentially-active anticancer agents with balanced dual inhibition of these enzymes.

Salvia hispanica L. Seed Oil: Effect on Cell Viability in Colon Cancer Line Caco2 and Breast Cancer Line MCF7

Cancer is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, which does not have a fully effective medical treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of lipidically characterized and hydrolyzed chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) oil on in vitro colon cancer (Caco2 cell line) and breast cancer cells (MCF7 cell line) cell viability. Cancer cells were treated with different hydrolyzed oil concentrations (12.5-400 μg/mL) for 48 h; then cell viability was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. All chia seed oil concentrations significantly reduced cell viability in the Caco2 line, with the best reduction being 23.88% with the 25 μg/mL concentration. However, in the breast cancer line the highest concentrations (200 and 400 μg/mL) increased the viability of malignant cells. Chia seed oil significantly reduces the viability of Caco2 cells, although at the higher concentrations it can increase the viability of breast cancer cells.

15-Lipoxygenase and its metabolites in the pathogenesis of breast cancer: A double-edged sword

15-lipoxygenase is one of the key enzymes for the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids that its manipulation has been proposed recently as a new molecular target for regulating cancer cell growth. Aberrant expression of 15-lipoxygenase enzyme seems to play an indicative role in the pathology of different cancer types, tumor progression, metastasis, or apoptosis. Based on the fact that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that imposes a burden of mortality in women also, on the other hand, evidence in experimental models and human studies indicate the emerging role of the 15-lipoxygenase pathway in breast cancer pathogenesis, we present a review of recent findings related to the role of 15- lipoxygenase enzyme and metabolites in breast cancer growth, apoptosis, metastasis, and invasion as well as their local and circulating expression pattern in patients with breast cancer. Our review supports the emerging role of 15- lipoxygenase in molecular and cellular processes regulating breast tumor cell fate with both positive and negative effects.

Pharmacological plasticity-How do you hit a moving target?

Paul Ehrlich's concept of the magic bullet, by which a single drug induces pharmacological effects by interacting with a single receptor has been a strong driving force in pharmacology for a century. It is continually thwarted, though, by the fact that the treated organism is highly dynamic and the target molecule(s) is (are) never static. In this article, we address some of the factors that modify and cause the mobility and plasticity of drug targets and their interactions with ligands and discuss how these can lead to unexpected (lack of) effects of drugs. These factors include genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic variability, cellular plasticity, chronobiological rhythms, time, age and disease resolution, sex, drug metabolism, and distribution. We emphasize four existing approaches that can be taken, either singly or in combination, to try to minimize effects of pharmacological plasticity. These are firstly, to enhance specificity using target conditions close to those in diseases, secondly, by simultaneously or thirdly, sequentially aiming at multiple targets, and fourthly, in synchronization with concurrent dietary, psychological, training, and biorhythm-synchronizing procedures to optimize drug therapy.

Characterization of synergistic anti-cancer effects of docosahexaenoic acid and curcumin on DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis in mice

BACKGROUND

The major obstacles to the successful use of individual nutritional compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents are their efficacy and bioavailability. One approach to overcoming this problem is to use combinations of nutrients to induce synergistic effects. The objective of this research was to investigate the synergistic effects of two dietary components: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid present in cold-water fish, and curcumin (CCM), an herbal nutrient present in turmeric, in an in vivo model of DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis in mice.

METHODS

We used the carcinogen DMBA to induce breast tumors in SENCAR mice on control, CCM, DHA, or DHA + CCM diets. Appearance and tumor progression were monitored daily. The tumors were harvested 15 days following their first appearance for morphological and immunohistological analysis. Western analysis was performed to determine expression of maspin and survivin in the tumor tissues. Characterization of tumor growth was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Otherwise all other results are reported as mean ± SD and analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc procedure.

RESULTS

Analysis of gene microarray data indicates that combined treatment with DHA + CCM altered the profile of "PAM50" genes in the SK-BR-3 cell line from an ER⁻/Her-2⁺ to that resembling a "normal-like" phenotype. The in vivo studies demonstrated that DHA + CCM treatment reduced the incidence of breast tumors, delayed tumor initiation, and reduced progression of tumor growth. Dietary treatment had no effect on breast size development, but tumors from mice on a control diet (untreated) were less differentiated than tumors from mice fed CCM or DHA + CCM diets. The synergistic effects also led to increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein, maspin, but reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic protein, survivin.

CONCLUSIONS

The SK-BR-3 cells and DMBA-induced tumors, both with an ER⁻ and Her-2⁺ phenotype, were affected by the synergistic interaction of DHA and CCM. This suggests that the specific breast cancer phenotype is an important factor for predicting efficacy of these nutraceuticals. The combination of DHA and CCM is potentially a dietary supplemental treatment for some breast cancers, likely dependent upon the molecular phenotype of the cancer.

15-Lipoxygenases in cancer: a double-edged sword?

Among the lipoxygenases, a diverse family of fatty acid dioxygenases with varying tissue-specific expression, 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) was found to be involved in many aspects of human cancer, such as angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, metastasis formation, and direct and indirect tumor suppression. Herein, evidence for the expression and action of 15-LOX and its orthologs in various neoplasms, including solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, is reviewed. The debate surrounding the impact of 15-LOX as either a tumor-promoting or a tumor-suppressing enzyme is highlighted and discussed in the context of its role in other biological systems.

Fatty acid metabolites in rapidly proliferating breast cancer

PURPOSE

Breast cancers that over-express a lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase are associated with poor survival possibly because they overproduce metabolites that alter the cancer's malignant behaviors. However, these metabolites and behaviors have not been identified. We here identify which metabolites among those that stimulate breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro are associated with rapidly proliferating breast cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We used selective ion monitoring-mass spectrometry to quantify in the cancer and normal breast tissue of 27 patients metabolites that stimulate (15-, 12-, 5-hydroxy-, and 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoate, 13-hydroxy-octadecaenoate [HODE]) or inhibit (prostaglandin [PG]E2 and D2) breast cancer cell proliferation. We then related their levels to each cancer's proliferation rate as defined by its Mib1 score.

RESULTS

13-HODE was the only metabolite strongly, significantly, and positively associated with Mib1 scores. It was similarly associated with aggressive grade and a key component of grade, mitosis, and also trended to be associated with lymph node metastasis. PGE2 and PGD2 trended to be negatively associated with these markers. No other metabolite in cancer and no metabolite in normal tissue had this profile of associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data fit a model wherein the overproduction of 13-HODE by 15-lipoxygenase-1 shortens breast cancer survival by stimulating its cells to proliferate and possibly metastasize; no other oxygenase-metabolite pathway, including cyclooxygenase-PGE2/D2 pathways, uses this specific mechanism to shorten survival.

Comparative in vitro metabolism of phospho-tyrosol-indomethacin by mice, rats and humans

Phospho-tyrosol-indomethacin (PTI; MPI 621), a novel anti-cancer agent, is more potent and safer than conventional indomethacin. Here, we show that PTI was extensively metabolized in vitro and in vivo. PTI was rapidly hydrolyzed by carboxylesterases to generate indomethacin as its major metabolite in the liver microsomes and rats. PTI additionally undergoes cytochromes P450 (CYP)-mediated hydroxylation at its tyrosol moiety and O-demethylation at its indomethacin moiety. Of the five major human CYPs, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 catalyze the hydroxylation and O-demethylation reactions of PTI, respectively; whereas CYP1A2, 2C9 and 2C19 are inactive towards PTI. In contrast to PTI, indomethacin is primarily O-demethylated by CYP2C9, which prefers acidic substrates. The hydrolyzed and O-demethylated metabolites of PTI are further glucuronidated and sulfated, facilitating drug elimination and detoxification. We observed substantial inter-species differences in the metabolic rates of PTI. Among the liver microsomes from various species, PTI was the most rapidly hydrolyzed, hydroxylated and O-demethylated in mouse, human and rat liver microsomes, respectively. These results reflect the differential expression patterns of carboxylesterase and CYP isoforms among these species. Of the human microsomes from various tissues, PTI underwent more rapid carboxylesterase- and CYP-catalyzed reactions in liver and intestine microsomes than in kidney and lung microsomes. Together, our results establish the metabolic pathways of PTI, reveal significant inter-species differences in its metabolism, and provide insights into the underlying biochemical mechanisms.

Docosahexaenoic acid: a natural powerful adjuvant that improves efficacy for anticancer treatment with no adverse effects

Epidemiological studies have linked fish oil consumption to a decreased incidence of cancer. The anticancer effects of fish oil are mostly attributed to its content of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, DHA, because of its unique effect of altering membrane composition, is often regarded as the major omega-3 fatty acid involved in anticancer activity. Although use of DHA as an anticancer drug to prevent or treat human cancer in clinical settings has not yet been well established, recent studies suggest that DHA can be very effective as an adjuvant with other anticancer agents. In this article, we present studies that show the role of DHA in improving anticancer drug efficacy. Several in vitro and animal studies suggest that combining DHA with other anticancer agents often improves efficacy of anticancer drugs and also reduces therapy-associated side effects. Incorporation of DHA in cellular membranes improves drug uptake, whereas increased lipid peroxidation is another mechanism for DHA-mediated enhanced efficacy of anticancer drugs. In addition, several intracellular targets including cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor kappa B, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, mitogen-activated protein kinase, AKT, and BCL-2/BAX are found to play an important role in DHA-mediated additive or synergistic interaction with anticancer drugs. The data suggest that DHA is a safe, natural compound that can greatly improve the anticancer properties of anticancer drugs. Use of DHA with anticancer treatments provides an avenue to therapeutic improvement that involves less risk or side effects for patients and reduced regulatory burden for implementation.

Effects of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on prostaglandin production in ovine fetal chorion cells in vitro in late gestation ewes

OBJECTIVE

To use an in vitro model of the ovine placenta to determine effects of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on prostaglandin (PG) production. PGs are key regulators of fetal maturation and parturition.

STUDY DESIGN

Fetal allantochorion tissue (FC) was collected in late pregnancy (day 135). FC cells were isolated and cultured with 0-100 μM of linoleic acid (LA), γ-linolenic acid (GLA) or arachidonic acid (AA) in serum free medium and challenged with control medium, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.1 μg/ml), dexamethasone (DEX, 5 μM) or a combination of LPS (0.1 μg/ml) with DEX (5 μM). Spent medium was harvested at 2 h and 24 h post challenge for measuring PGs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To assess the effects of treatment on placental 1- and 2-series PGE production.

RESULTS

LA supplementation inhibited both PGE(1) and PGE(2) production. GLA predominantly stimulated PGE(1) generation, although it also increased PGE(2) production. AA supplementation predominantly increased PGE(2) production, but also stimulated PGE(1). DEX treatment with or without LPS inhibited PG production. Supplementation with n-6 PUFAs attenuated or neutralised the stimulatory effect of LPS challenge on FC cells for both PGE(1) and PGE(2) production.

CONCLUSION

These data show that supplementation with n-6 PUFAs alters placental PG production, but their precise effects depend on their position in the biosynthetic pathway for PG synthesis. This study supports the possibility that GLA containing oils, widely promoted as dietary supplements, might reduce the risk of pre-term labour by inhibiting the responsiveness of PGE(2) production to LPS challenge in the placenta.

Elevated dietary linoleic acid increases gastric carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis in mice

BACKGROUND

Dietary (n-6)-polyunsaturated fatty acids influence cancer development, but the mechanisms have not been well characterised in gastric carcinoma.

METHODS

We used two in vivo models to investigate the effects of these common dietary components on tumour metastasis. In a model of experimental metastasis, immunocompromised mice were fed diets containing linoleic acid (LA) at 2% (LLA), 8% (HLA) or 12% (VHLA) by weight and inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with human gastric carcinoma cells (OCUM-2MD3). To model spontaneous metastasis, OCUM-2MD3 tumours were grafted onto the stomach walls of mice fed with the different diets. In in vitro assays, we investigated invasion and ERK phosphorylation of OCUM-2MD3 cells in the presence or absence of LA. Finally, we tested whether a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, indomethacin, could block peritoneal metastasis in vivo.

RESULTS

Both the HLA and VHLA groups showed increased incidence of tumour nodules (LA: 53%; HLA: 89%; VHLA: 100%; P<0.03); the VHLA group also displayed increased numbers of tumour nodules and higher total volume relative to LLA group in experimental metastasis model. Both liver invasion (78%) and metastasis to the peritoneal cavity (67%) were more frequent in VHLA group compared with the LLA group (22% and 11%, respectively; P<0.03) in spontaneous metastasis model. We also found that the invasive ability of these cells is greatly enhanced when exposed to LA in vitro. Linoleic acid also increased invasion of other scirrhous gastric carcinoma cells, OCUM-12, NUGC3 and MKN-45. Linoleic acid effect on OCUM-2MD3 cells seems to be dependent on phosphorylation of ERK. The data suggest that invasion and phosphorylation of ERK were dependent on COX. Indomethacin decreased the number of tumours and total tumour volume in both LLA and VHLA groups. Finally, COX-1, which is known to be an important enzyme in the generation of bioactive metabolites from dietary fatty acids, appears to be responsible for the increased metastatic behaviour of OCUM-2MD3 cells in the mouse model.

CONCLUSION

Dietary LA stimulates invasion and peritoneal metastasis of gastric carcinoma cells through COX-catalysed metabolism and activation of ERK, steps that compose pathway potentially amenable to therapeutic intervention.

Dietary stearate reduces human breast cancer metastasis burden in athymic nude mice

Stearate is an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid found in many foods in the western diet, including beef and chocolate. Stearate has been shown to have anti-cancer properties during early stages of neoplastic progression. However, previous studies have not investigated the effect of dietary stearate on breast cancer metastasis. In this study, we present evidence that exogenously supplied dietary stearate dramatically reduces the size of tumors that formed from injected human breast cancer cells within the mammary fat pads of athymic nude mice by approximately 50% and partially inhibits breast cancer cell metastasis burden in the lungs in this mouse model system. This metastatic inhibition appears to be independent of primary tumor size, as stearate fed animals that had primary tumors comparable in size to littermates fed either a safflower oil enriched diet or a low fat diet had reduced lung metastasis. Also stearate fed mice sub-groups had different primary tumor sizes but no difference in metastasis. This anti-metastasis effect may be due, at least in part, to the ability of stearate to induce apoptosis in these human breast cancer cells. Overall, this study suggests the possibility of dietary manipulation with selected long-chain saturated fatty acids such as stearate as a potential adjuvant therapeutic strategy for breast cancer patients wishing to maximize the suppression of metastatic disease.

Anti-inflammatory agent indomethacin reduces invasion and alters metabolism in a human breast cancer cell line

Hostile physiological environments such as hypoxia and acidic extracellular pH, which exist in solid tumors, may promote invasion and metastasis through inflammatory responses and formation of eicosanoids. Here, we have investigated the effects of the anti-inflammatory agent indomethacin on the invasion and metabolism of the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435 in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles (DME)-based or Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)-based cell medium, using a magnetic resonance-compatible invasion assay. Indomethacin treatment significantly reduced the invasion of MDA-MB-435 cells independent of the culture and perfusion conditions examined. Significant changes were detected in levels of intracellular choline phospholipid metabolites and in triglyceride (TG) concentrations of these cells, depending on indomethacin treatment and basal cell medium used. Additionally, genetic profiling of breast cancer cells, grown and treated with low-dose indomethacin in cell culture using an RPMI-based medium, revealed the upregulation of several genes implicating cyclooxygenase-independent targets of indomethacin. These data confirm the ability of an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce breast cancer invasion and demonstrate, depending on cell culture and perfusion conditions, that the indomethacin-induced decrease in invasion is associated with changes in choline phospholipid metabolism, TG metabolism, and gene expression.

Mechanisms of indomethacin-induced alterations in the choline phospholipid metabolism of breast cancer cells

Human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) exhibit an increase in phosphocholine (PC) and total choline-containing compounds, as well as a switch from high glycerophosphocholine (GPC)/low PC to low GPC/high PC, with progression to malignant phenotype. The treatment of human breast cancer cells with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, indomethacin, reverted the high PC/low GPC pattern to a low PC/high GPC pattern indicative of a less malignant phenotype, supported by decreased invasion. Here, we have characterized mechanisms underlying indomethacin-induced alterations in choline membrane metabolism in malignant breast cancer cells and nonmalignant HMECs labeled with [1,2-13C]choline using 1H and 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Microarray gene expression analysis was performed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes. In breast cancer cells, indomethacin treatment activated phospholipases that, combined with an increased choline phospholipid biosynthesis, led to increased GPC and decreased PC levels. However, in nonmalignant HMECs, activation of the anabolic pathway alone was detected following indomethacin treatment. Following indomethacin treatment in breast cancer cells, several candidate genes, such as interleukin 8, NGFB, CSF2, RHOB, EDN1, and JUNB, were differentially expressed, which may have contributed to changes in choline metabolism through secondary effects or signaling cascades leading to changes in enzyme activity.

Targeting angiogenesis with integrative cancer therapies

An integrative approach for managing a patient with cancer should target the multiple biochemical and physiological pathways that support tumor development while minimizing normal tissue toxicity. Angiogenesis is a key process in the promotion of cancer. Many natural health products that inhibit angiogenesis also manifest other anticancer activities. The authors will focus on natural health products (NHPs) that have a high degree of antiangiogenic activity but also describe some of their many other interactions that can inhibit tumor progression and reduce the risk of metastasis. NHPs target various molecular pathways besides angiogenesis, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the HER-2/neu gene, the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, the NF-kB transcription factor, the protein kinases, Bcl-2 protein, and coagulation pathways. The herbalist has access to hundreds of years of observational data on the anticancer activity of many herbs. Laboratory studies are confirming the knowledge that is already documented in traditional texts. The following herbs are traditionally used for anticancer treatment and are antiangiogenic through multiple interdependent processes that include effects on gene expression, signal processing, and enzyme activities: Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood), Viscum album (European mistletoe), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap), resveratrol and proanthocyanidin (grape seed extract), Magnolia officinalis (Chinese magnolia tree), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Ginkgo biloba, quercetin, Poria cocos, Zingiber officinale (ginger), Panax ginseng, Rabdosia rubescens (rabdosia), and Chinese destagnation herbs. Quality assurance of appropriate extracts is essential prior to embarking on clinical trials. More data are required on dose response, appropriate combinations, and potential toxicities. Given the multiple effects of these agents, their future use for cancer therapy probably lies in synergistic combinations. During active cancer therapy, they should generally be evaluated in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. In this role, they act as biological response modifiers and adaptogens, potentially enhancing the efficacy of the so-called conventional therapies. Their effectiveness may be increased when multiple agents are used in optimal combinations. New designs for trials to demonstrate activity in human subjects are required. Although controlled trials might be preferred, smaller studies with appropriate end points and surrogate markers for antiangiogenic response could help prioritize agents for the larger resource-intensive phase 3 trials.

Mammary uptake and excretion of prostanoids in relation to mammary blood flow and milk yield during pregnancy-lactation and somatotropin treatment in dairy goats

Mammary arterious-venous differences (A-V) and excretion into milk of four prostanoids were related to changes in milk yield and milk vein blood velocity (MBV) in goats at different stages of pregnancy and lactation, and during somatotropin (ST) treatment in mid-lactation. Arterial concentrations and mammary A-V for the vasodilators prostacyclin (PGI(2)) and prostaglandin (PG) E(2) (measured as 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) and bicyclic PGE(2), respectively) decreased from late pregnancy to lactation. A-V were negatively correlated to MBV (r = -0.32 to -0.34). Arterial concentrations of the vasoconstrictors PGF(2 alpha) and TXA(2) (measured as TXB(2)) changed similarly, but no A-V across the mammary gland were found. The vasodilator to vasoconstrictor ratio in plasma was around 1:1, and in skimmed milk around 0.29-0.49 due to significantly higher TXB(2) levels in milk compared to plasma. Close linear correlations were established between milk yield and excretion of TXB(2) into milk (r = 0.80, P < 0.001), and between MBV and PGE(2) excretion into milk (r = 0.69, P < 0.001). ST treatment stimulated MBV and mammary prostanoid supply, and decreased prostanoid concentration in milk vein plasma. The high arterial levels of prostaglandins during pregnancy most likely reflected uterine synthesis. Our results support a role for PGI(2) and PGE(2) in local mammary blood flow regulation during lactation. Increased mammary uptake of these two prostanoids may be involved in the mammary blood flow response to ST. TXA(2) may be synthesized by mammary epithelial as well as vascular cells, and TXA(2) may be an important factor in regulation of mammary function.

Mevalonate promotes the growth of tumors derived from human cancer cells in vivo and stimulates proliferation in vitro with enhanced cyclin-dependent kinase-2 activity

Malignant cells are known to have elevated rates of mevalonate synthesis because of increased levels and catalytic efficiency of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase. Whether this increased mevalonate synthesis occurs as a consequence of increased requirements for a mevalonate-derived metabolite in response to rapid growth or whether mevalonate promotes the growth of tumor cells is unknown. To address this question, we administered mevalonate via miniosmotic pumps to nude mice inoculated with MDA-MB-435 human cancer cells. After 13 weeks of growth, tumors in mevalonate-treated mice were significantly larger than tumors in saline-treated, control mice (1.52 +/- 0.26 g versus 0.81 +/- 0.27 g respectively, p < 0.05). The cancer cells treated in culture with mevalonate also demonstrated increased proliferation rates associated with accelerated entry of cells into S phase. These cells had enhanced total and cyclin A-immunoprecipitable cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK-2) activity, increased activating phosphorylation of CDK-2, and decreased inhibitory binding of CDK-2 to p21(Cip1). Our findings demonstrate that mevalonate promotes tumor growth and suggest that an increase in mevalonate synthesis in extrahepatic tissues following cholesterol-lowering therapy may explain the elevated risk of cancer shown in some studies.

Nutritional and botanical modulation of the inflammatory cascade--eicosanoids, cyclooxygenases, and lipoxygenases--as an adjunct in cancer therapy

Emerging on the horizon in cancer therapy is an expansion of the scope of treatment beyond cytotoxic approaches to include molecular management of cancer physiopathology. The goal in these integrative approaches, which extends beyond eradicating the affected cells, is to control the cancer phenotype. One key new approach appears to be modulation of the inflammatory cascade, as research is expanding that links cancer initiation, promotion, progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis to inflammatory events. This article presents a literature review of the emerging relationship between neoplasia and inflammatory eicosanoids (PGE2 and related prostaglandins), with a focus on how inhibition of their synthesizing oxidases, particularly cyclooxygenase (COX), offers anticancer actions in vitro and in vivo. Although a majority of this research emphasizes the pharmaceutical applications of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective COX-2 inhibitors, these agents fail to address alternate pathways available for the synthesis of proinflammatory eicosanoids. Evidence is presented that suggests the inhibition of lipoxygenase and its by-products-LTB4, 5-HETE, and 12-HETE-represents an overlooked but crucial component in complementary cancer therapies. Based on the hypothesis that natural agents capable of modulating both lipoxygenase and COX may advance the efficacy of cancer therapy, an overview and discussion is presented of dietary modifications and selected nutritional and botanical agents (notably, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, boswellia, bromelain, curcumin, and quercetin) that favorably influence eicosanoid production.

Celecoxib: a potent cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor in cancer prevention

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used therapeutic agents in the treatment of pain, inflammation and fever. They may also have a role in the management of cancer prevention, Alzheimer's disease and prophylaxis against cardiovascular disease. These drugs act primarily by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzyme, which has two isoforms, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Selective COX-2 inhibitors provide potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects without the side effects of gastric and renal toxicity and inhibition of platelet function. Celecoxib is a potent COX-2 inhibitor being developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Chemoprevention is the use of pharmacological or natural agents to prevent, suppress, interrupt or reverse the process of carcinogenesis. For this purpose, celecoxib is being used for different cancer types. The effects of NSAIDs on tumor growth remain unclear, but are most likely to be multifocal. In this article, we reviewed COX-2 selectivity, the pharmacological properties of celecoxib, the use of celecoxib for cancer prevention and the mechanisms of chemoprevention.

Loss of the EP2 prostaglandin E2 receptor in immortalized human keratinocytes results in increased invasiveness and decreased paxillin expression

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) receptor subtype EP(2), which is coupled to cAMP metabolism, is known to mediate proliferation of primary human keratinocytes in vitro. The effect of gain or loss of EP(2) receptors in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCat cells) was examined. HaCat keratinocytes were transfected with sense or anti-sense constructs of the EP(2) receptor. Loss or gain of EP(2) expression was documented by immunoblot and associated changes in agonist-stimulated cAMP production. Loss or gain of EP(2) receptor expression correlated with alterations in plating efficiencies but with modest affects on growth. When cell lines were studied in an organ culture model, anti-sense clones were highly invasive compared with vector controls and sense transfectants. A marked increase in prostaglandin production is commonly seen in malignant lesions. Because prostaglandin receptors are known to undergo ligand-induced receptor down-regulation, we sought to determine whether EP(2) receptor down-regulation results in increased invasiveness. In vector controls, invasiveness was reproduced by ligand-dependent EP(2) receptor down-regulation as assessed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, loss of EP(2) receptor expression was associated with decreased paxillin expression, a critical component of focal adhesion assembly. Thus, down-regulation of EP(2) receptors represents a potential mechanism for neoplastic progression to an invasive phenotype.

Real-time changes in 1H and 31P NMR spectra of malignant human mammary epithelial cells during treatment with the anti-inflammatory agent indomethacin

Choline metabolites in malignant human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) are significantly altered compared to normal HMECs. (1)H NMR studies of cell extracts have shown that treatment of malignant HMECs with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, indomethacin, results in a distribution of choline compounds more typical of nonmalignant HMECs. To follow the time course of these changes, in this study real-time monitoring of choline compounds of malignant MDA-MB-231 cells was performed during treatment with indomethacin. The contribution of changes in intra- and extracellular pH to changes in choline compounds was also examined. Changes in water-soluble choline phospholipid metabolites, such as phosphocholine (PC), glycerophosphocholine (GPC), and total choline, as well as intracellular pH, were monitored by (31)P and diffusion-weighted (1)H NMR spectroscopy of living cells using an NMR-compatible perfusion system. An accumulation of GPC and a decrease of PC, resulting in an increased [GPC]/[PC] ratio, were detected within 2 hr of treatment with 200 microM indomethacin. Since a decreased [GPC]/[PC] ratio is associated with increased malignancy, these data demonstrate that nonspecific cyclooxygenase inhibition by indomethacin alters the choline metabolite profile of malignant cells towards a less malignant phenotype. These changes were not related to alterations of intra- or extracellular pH.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) regulate the expression of key apoptotic genes in human breast cancer cells

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces mammary tumorigenesis in rodent models, induces apoptosis in rodent mammary tumor cell lines, and decreases expression of antiapoptotic bcl-2 in rat mammary tissue. This investigation focused on the cell mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of CLA. Changes (mRNA, protein) in expression of major proapoptotic p53, p21WAF1/CIP1, bax, bcl-Xs genes, and the antiapoptotic bcl-2 gene were observed in malignant MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and in benign MCF-10a human mammary tumor cells in culture. CLA, but not linoleic acid (LA), inhibited proliferation in all cells; CLA mix was most effective. CLA increased DNA damage (apoptosis). CLA increased mRNA expression of p53 and p21WAF1/CIP1 (three- to fivefold and twofold, respectively) but either decreased bcl-2 by 20-30% or had no effect in MCF-7 and MCF-10a cells, respectively; protein expression reflected mRNA values. In MDA-MBA-231 (mutant p53) cells, mRNA for p53 was not changed, but p21WAF1/CIP1 and bcl-2 mRNA was increased. Protein expression largely reflected mRNA changes but, surprisingly, CLA completely suppressed mutant p53 protein in MDA-MB-231 cells. Apparent antiapoptotic effects of increased bcl-2 expression in MDA-MBA-231 cells were countered by increased proapoptotic p21WAF1/CIP1, Bax, and Bcl-Xs proteins. Findings indicate that CLA elicits mainly proapoptotic effects in human breast tumor cells through both p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways, according to cell type.

Exposure of human breast cancer cells to the anti-inflammatory agent indomethacin alters choline phospholipid metabolites and Nm23 expression

We previously observed that changes in choline phospholipids of two malignant human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) following treatment with a high dose of the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, indomethacin, mimicked changes following transfection with a metastasis suppressor gene, nm23. The similarity between response to indomethacin and nm23 transfection led us to 1) expand our (1)H NMR spectroscopy study of indomethacin treatment by determining the response at two doses for two nonmalignant and three malignant HMECs, 2) investigate COX-1 and COX-2 levels in HMECs and their relationship with choline phosholipid metabolites, and 3) determine changes in Nm23 expression following treatment with indomethacin. All HMECs exhibited a significant change in choline phospholipids following treatment with 300 microM indomethacin. At the lower dose of 50 microM, only nonmalignant HMECs and the estrogen-dependent malignant cell line, MCF-7, responded. COX-1 levels were significantly higher in malignant HMECs than in nonmalignant HMECs. A significant increase in Nm23 expression following 300 microM indomethacin was detected in MCF-12A and MCF-7 cells but not in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 cells. These results suggest that COX-1 expression and its inhibition play a role in the choline phospholipid metabolism of HMECs, and the effect of indomethacin on HMECs may be mediated, in part, through upregulation of nm23.

Cell signal mechanisms, conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) and anti-tumorigenesis

Fats have been adversely implicated in the aetiology of many forms of cancer yet evidence is accumulating that certain types of fatty acids have anticancer properties. This is well documented for fish-oil fatty acids of the n-3 family. Recently, fatty acids found to occur naturally in ruminant-derived food products were found to have anticancer properties. These fatty acids were identified as conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) derived from the parent linoleic acid by its partial hydrogenation by rumen bacteria. Studies with tumour-bearing animals have shown that consumption of CLAs particularly with regard to breast and prostate cancer is beneficial. Studies with cancer cells have also shown that these fatty acids can inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell death. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms of action of these CLAs. In particular, which cellular signal mechanisms are regulated by CLAs which can explain their anticancer properties. We have shown that CLAs specifically up-regulate cell signal systems at the level of gene expression (mRNA, protein) in human breast and prostate cancer cells which are responsible for the induction of apoptosis or programmed cell death. These findings support the anticancer effects of CLA found in animal models and indicate similar effects could occur in man.

Regulation of tumor angiogenesis by dietary fatty acids and eicosanoids

Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for tumor growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and capillary formation are stimulated by angiogenic growth factors, which include the proteins vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta, and eicosanoids synthesized from n-6 fatty acids. Clinical studies have shown that angiogenesis in solid tumors relates to a poor prognosis and, in premalignant lesions, indicates potential for cancerous transformation. High-fat, n-6 fatty acid-rich diets were associated with a relatively poor prognosis in breast cancer patients; in a nude mouse model the same diet enhanced breast cancer progression, whereas n-3 fatty acids exerted suppressive effects that were associated with impaired angiogenesis. Lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products of n-6 fatty acid metabolism are angiogenic in in vitro assays. This activity is blocked by pharmacological inhibitors of eicosanoid biosynthesis, and one, indomethacin, suppressed n-6 fatty acid-stimulated murine mammary carcinoma growth and metastasis and tumor vascularization. Review of the experimental data suggests that selective inhibitors of eicosanoid-synthesizing enzymes and dietary intervention with n-3 fatty acids merit clinical evaluation as adjuvant therapy and chemopreventive agents.

Effect of dietary GLA+/-tamoxifen on the growth, ER expression and fatty acid profile of ER positive human breast cancer xenografts

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) possesses a number of selective anti-tumour properties including modulation of steroid receptor structure and function. We have investigated the effect of dietary GLA on the growth, oestrogen receptor (ER) expression and fatty acid profile of ER+ve human breast cancer xenografts. Experimental diets A, B, C, D were commenced after subcutaneous implantation of 40 female nude mice with the MCF-7 B1M cell line (Group A = control diet: B = control diet + GLA supplement: C = control diet + tamoxifen: D = control diet + GLA + tamoxifen; 10 mice/group). The mice were terminated when tumour cross-sectional area reached 250 mm(2). ER H-scores were assessed by immunohistochemical assay and fatty acid profiles by gas-liquid chromatography of termination tumour samples. Groups C and D displayed significantly slower tumour growth (p =.0002, p =.0006) with trend for slower growth in B (p =.065) compared to control Group A. ER was significantly reduced in all groups compared to A (p <.0001) with Group D (combined therapy) displaying markedly lower ER expression than with either therapy alone (p =.0002). There were significantly raised levels of tumour GLA and metabolites in the two groups (B and D) receiving GLA (p <.0001). This xenograft model of ER+ve breast cancer has demonstrated significantly lower tumour ER expression in those groups receiving GLA, an effect which appears to be additive to the reduced ER expression resulting from tamoxifen alone. The effects of GLA on ER function and the possibility of synergistic inhibitory action of GLA with tamoxifen via enhanced down-regulation of the ER pathway require further investigation.

Nested case-control study of the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on breast cancer risk and stage

We carried out a nested case-control study to measure the rate ratio (RR) for invasive female breast cancer in relation to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. The source population consisted of the female beneficiaries of the Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan from 1981 to 1995 with no history of cancer since 1970. Four controls/case, matched on age and sampling time, were randomly selected. Dispensing rates during successive time periods characterized NSAID exposure. RRs associated with exposure during each period were adjusted for exposure during the others. Confounding by other determinants was studied in analyses adjusted with data obtained by interviewing samples of subjects accrued from mid-1991 to mid-1995. We accrued 5882 cases and 23,517 controls. Increasing NSAID exposure 2-5 years preceding diagnosis was associated with a trend towards a decreasing RR (P-trend = 0.003); for the highest exposure level RR = 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.63-0.92. This protective effect could not be attributed to confounding by other determinants. In analyses involving only the cases, NSAID exposure 2-5 and 6-10 years preceding diagnosis was associated with significantly reduced risks of presenting with a large tumour (> 5 cm diameter) or distant metastasis, but not regional lymph node metastasis. The use of NSAIDs may retard the growth of breast cancers and prevent distant metastasis.

Effects of reduced dietary linoleic acid intake, alone or combined with an algal source of docosahexaenoic acid, on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell growth and apoptosis in nude mice

Diets rich in linoleic acid (LA), an n-6 fatty acid, stimulate the progression of human breast cancer cell solid tumors in athymic nude mice, whereas docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid, long-chain n-3 fatty acids, exert suppressive effects. In the present study we used a novel source of DHA, in triglyceride form, to determine the effects of feeding low levels of the fatty acid on the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells injected into the thoracic mammary fat pads of female nude mice. Four different isocaloric diets were used, all of which provided 20% (wt/wt) total fat. The control diets contained 8% (20 mice) or 4% (50 mice) LA; the n-3 fatty acid-supplemented groups of 50 mice were fed 4% LA-containing diets plus 2% or 4% DHA. The tumor growth rates were reduced significantly in mice fed the 4% LA compared with the 8% LA diet; the addition of 4% DHA to the 4% LA-containing diet produced a further reduction in tumor growth rate (p < or = 0.003 at and after Week 6). The final tumor weights were also reduced in the DHA-fed mice compared with the 8% LA dietary group (2% DHA, p = 0.02; 4% DHA, p = 0.01) and in the 4% DHA-fed mice compared with the 4% LA control group (p = 0.02); a similar trend for mice fed the lower level of DHA did not achieve statistical significance. Tumor prostaglandin E2 concentrations were reduced by feeding the lower LA level; further dose-dependent decreases occurred in the DHA dietary groups and were accompanied by reduced levels of 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. These changes in eicosanoid biosynthesis may have been responsible for the observed decreases in cell proliferation, indicated by suppressed Ki-67 expression, and increases in apoptotic activity, as reflected in TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling immunohistochemical staining.

Specific versus non-specific effects of dietary fat on carcinogenesis

It will be apparent from this review that dietary fat can exert both specific and non-specific effects on carcinogenesis, at least in experimental animals. The non-specific effects appear to be related primarily to effects of dietary fat on energy balance. Although a positive energy balance can be achieved on a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet, it is much more likely to occur on a high-fat diet because of the high energy density of fat [101] and the fact that dietary fat is less capable of imparting a sense of satiety [102]. A continuing state of positive energy balance leads to obesity which has been associated with increased risk of cancer at a number of sites, including endometrium [103-106], postmenopausal breast cancer [107-113], renal cancer [114,115] and possibly cancers of the colorectum [116-122], pancreas [103,123] and prostate [124]. Whereas the non-specific effects of dietary fat appear to be deleterious for cancer, the specific effects in some cases can be beneficial. Examples are long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. CLA and tocotrienols. It is still too early to predict whether these may be of value in the prevention and/or treatment of human cancer but they seem worthy of further investigation. Knowledge of their mechanism of action may suggest novel approaches to the cancer problem and, as in the case of vitamins A and D, it may be possible to find analogues with more potent anti-cancer activity.

Effect of the protein kinase inhibitors, 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine H-7 and N-(2-[methylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide H-8 on Lewis lung carcinoma tumor progression

The effects of 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine H-7 (a cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C inhibitor), n-(2-[methylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide H-8 (a cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor) and indomethacin (IND, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) on both the spontaneous metastatic ability of 3LL (Lewis lung carcinoma) tumor cells and anti-tumor host response were studied. The study of tumor progression showed that H-7 and H-8 (2 mg kg(-1) day(-1) , i.p., for 8 days) significantly reduced the mean number of metastases (0.8 +/- 0.2 and 1.0 +/- 0.7, respectively, P < 0.05) with respect to the number of lung metastases (4.2 +/- 2.1) observed in the control group. In turn, the highest tumor-specific cytotoxicity response (50% increase vs. non-treated target cells) was observed when both animal and tumor cells were treated with H-8. This suggests that the protein kinase inhibitors could inhibit tumor progression toward lung metastases formation by blocking the immunosuppressor mechanism triggered by agents that increase intracellular cAMP.

Conjugated linoleic acid reduces arachidonic acid content and PGE2 synthesis in murine keratinocytes

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is associated with decreased 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced tumor promotion in mouse skin. In addition, CLA decreases TPA-induced prostaglandin E synthesis and ornithine decarboxylase activity in cultured keratinocytes compared with linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA). When LA or CLA was added to keratinocyte cell cultures, the amounts of each of these cellular fatty acids increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, LA treatment was associated with increased cellular AA while the AA content of keratinocytes was reduced when cultures were treated with CLA. Moreover, CLA (16 microg/ml) was more potent than LA at decreasing the level of 14C-AA incorporated into cellular phosphatidylcholine. In order to determine the effect of CLA on arachidonate-derived PGE2, the release of 14C-AA and 14C-PGE2 synthesis was measured in cultures pre-treated with LA/14C-AA or CLA/14C-AA for 12 h. The amount of 14C-AA release induced by TPA in CLA/14C-AA pre-treated cultures was significantly lower than cultures pre-treated with LA/14C-AA. Furthermore, TPA-induced 14C-PGE2 was significantly lower in cultures pre-treated with CLA/14C-AA compared with cultures pre-treated with LA/14C-AA. The effects of LA and CLA on AA composition of phospholipids and subsequent arachidonate-derived PGE2 synthesis will provide insight into the anti-promoter mechanisms of CLA.

Effects of dietary fatty acids on DU145 human prostate cancer cell growth in athymic nude mice

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of diets containing different unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) on DU145 human prostate cancer cell growth in nude mice. In Experiment 1, groups of 25 mice were fed 23% (wt/wt) fat diets containing 18% corn oil (CO)-5% linseed oil (18:2n-6 FA-rich), 18% linseed oil (LO)-5% CO (18:3n-3 FA-rich), or 18% menhaden oil (MO)-5% CO (20:5 and 22:6n-3 FA-rich), and seven days later they were injected subcutaneously with 1 x 10(6) DU145 cells. The diets were continued for six weeks. The growth rates and final weights of tumors from the 18% CO-5% LO and 18% LO-5% CO mice were similar; there was a 30% reduction in tumor growth in the 18% MO-5% CO group (p < 0.001). The tumor phospholipid FA patterns suggested that the inhibitory effect of the high-MO diet was due, at least in part, to a reduction of arachidonic acid available for prostaglandin biosynthesis. In Experiment 2, groups of 25 mice were injected with 5 x 10(5) or 1 x 10(6) DU145 cells directly into the prostate gland and fed a high-fat linoleic acid (n-6 FA)-rich or a low-fat diet for 10 weeks. At necropsy, macroscopic cancers and microscopic intraprostatic tumors were evaluated. When the initial tumor load was 1 x 10(6) cells, all but 7 of the 50 mice had developed large macroscopic tumors; the mean tumor weight in the high-fat group was twice that in the low-fat group (p = 0.047). A stimulatory effect of dietary n-6 FA on DU145 prostate cancer cell growth may require a critical initial tumor cell mass.

Inhibitory effects of oleic and docosahexaenoic acids on lung metastasis by colon-carcinoma-26 cells are associated with reduced matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities

In order to determine the effects of single unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) or combinations on establishment of lung metastatic colonies, UFAs were administered orally to CDF1 mice bearing s.c. implants of the highly metastatic colon carcinoma 26. Oleic acid (OA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) demonstrated significant inhibition. In the case of DHA, this inhibitory potential was markedly reduced by co-administration of linoleic acid (LA) or EPA. Furthermore, while tumor cells treated with DHA showed a very low potential for lung colony formation when injected i.v., this again being partially reversed by co-administration of EPA. UFAs were found to be well absorbed into tumor tissues after oral administration, causing marked changes in relative levels, the arachidonic acid (AA) content, in particular, being markedly decreased by treatment with DHA or EPA, but not with DHA plus EPA or with DHA plus LA. Investigation of the gelatinolytic activity of the 57-kDa and 92-kDa isoforms of type-IV collagenase (MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively) showed a clear reduction in the former by treatment with OA, while DHA, but not DHA plus LA or EPA, caused a decrease in the 92-kDa isoform, which was well correlated with AA content in tumor tissues (r = 0.900, p < 0.001). These results suggest that inhibition of metastasis due to treatment with OA and DHA might be due to depressed type-IV collagenase activity.

Dietary fat and breast cancer metastasis by human tumor xenografts

Human breast cancer cell lines growing as xenografts in athymic nude mice have been used to examine the effects of dietary fat and fatty acids on tumor progression. The estrogen independent MDA-MB-435 cell line has the advantage that it metastasizes consistently to the lungs and forms quantifiable secondary nodules when injected into the mammary fat pads. With these breast cancer cells, the stimulating effects of polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids on both primary tumor growth and metastasis were demonstrated; in contrast, the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids were inhibitory. The model can also be adapted to examine dietary fatty acids, and inhibitors of their metabolism, as experimental adjuvant therapy after surgical excision of the primary tumors. Unfortunately, estrogen dependent human breast cancer cells do not metastasize, or do so rarely, in nude mice; in consequence, it is not possible to use the model to study estrogen-fatty acid interactions on the metastatic process. In addition to metastasis from a primary location, intravenous injection of MDA-MB-435 cells into the nude mouse host, particularly when combined with studies using Matrigel-based in vitro invasion assays, permits further dissection of the steps in the metastatic cascade which are influenced by dietary fatty acids. The results obtained by these several approaches have demonstrated distinct roles for the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase-mediated products of omega-6 fatty acid metabolism, and suggest new approaches to experimental breast cancer therapy.

Gamma linolenic acid regulates expression of maspin and the motility of cancer cells

Maspin, mammary serine protease inhibitor, is a recently identified tumour suppressor and has a profound effect on cell motility. This study examined the effect of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid (EFA) with anticancer properties, on the expression of maspin and motility of cancer cells. Six human cell lines including colon cancer, mammary cancer, and melanoma were used. Expression of maspin protein was determined by immunocytochemistry & Western blotting. Maspin mRNA was detected with reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Four of the six cell types expressed maspin with MDA MB 231 and ECV304 (endothelial cell) being negative. Treatment of these maspin positive cells with gamma linolenic acid (GLA) resulted in a concentration dependent stimulation of the expression of maspin protein with the effects seen as early as 4 hours. Linoleic acid had an inhibitory effects. Alpha linolenic acid and arachidonic acid had no significant effect. The mRNA levels from cells treated with GLA was seen to increase as shown by RT-PCR. Cell motility, monitored with time-lapse video recording and Hoffmann microscopy, showed a marked reduction in terms of spreading and migration on extracellular matrix coated surface. This reduction was reversed with anti-maspin antibody. It is concluded that GLA, a member of then-6 series of EFAs, up-regulates the expression of maspin which is associated with a reduction in the motility of cancer cells.

Dietary Fat, Fatty Acids and Breast Cancer

Results from some, but not all, epidemiological studies, and experimental investigations using animal models indicate that the level of fat in the diet, and more importantly the nature of the constituent fatty acids, influence both breast cancer risk and the progression of the established disease. High-fat diets rich in polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids stimulate mammary carcinogenesis and tumor progression; the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids present at high concentration in some fish oils exert inhibitory effects. Prominent among the biochemical mechanisms involved is the regulation of eicosanoid biosynthesis from dietary linoleic acid; both prostaglandins resulting from cyclooxygenase activity, and the leukotrienes and hydroxy-fatty acids produced under the influence of the lipoxygenases are involved in mammary carcinogenesis, tumor cell growth and apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. A shift towards the typical high-fat Western diet, rich in omega-6 and poor in omega-3 fatty acids, may be a major factor in the increasing breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in Japanese women. Moreover, the results of the preclinical studies, together with supporting epidemiological data, suggest that a nutritional intervention comprising dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and, in populations consuming a high fat diet a reduction in total fat and omega-6 fatty acid intake, may have a place not only in breast caner prevention, but as an adjunct to the surgical treatment of the breast cancer patient.

Characterization of a 15-lipoxygenase in human breast carcinoma BT-20 cells: stimulation of 13-HODE formation by TGF alpha/EGF

Epidemiological and experimental data suggest a role for polyunsaturated fatty acids in the etiology of breast cancer. In this report we have studied arachidonic acid and linoleic acid metabolism in the human breast carcinoma cell line BT-20 which overexpresses both EGF receptor and the homologous erbB-2 oncogene product. EGF and TGF alpha stimulated DNA synthesis in these cells which was attenuated by the addition of a lipoxygenase inhibitor, NDGA. The addition of a prostaglandin H synthase inhibitor did not alter DNA synthesis. Analytical studies reveal little arachidonic acid metabolism while linoleic acid was metabolized to 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE). The formation of 13-HODE was inhibited by the addition of NDGA and was dependent on EGF or TGF alpha. These results suggest the metabolism of linoleic acid by a n-6 or 15-lipoxygenase regulated by EGF/TGF alpha, RT-PCR was used to isolate a clone, and sequenced the cDNA for this enzyme and it was found to be identical to the human 15-lipoxygenase previously characterized from human pulmonary tissue. EGF/TGF alpha did not alter the expression of this enzyme suggesting a potential post-translational regulation of activity. This study provides a link between metabolism of linoleic acid and growth factor regulation of cell proliferation in a human breast carcinoma cell line.

Effects of dietary menhaden oil, soy, and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor on human breast cancer cell growth and metastasis in nude mice

The purpose of Study 1 was to examine the effect of dietary soy on the progression of MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cell solid tumors in nude mice. When toasted soy chips were fed at levels of 5%, 10%, or 20% (wt/wt) in a high-fat, linoleic acid-rich diet for 12 weeks, there was a trend for larger mammary fat pad tumors to occur with increasing soy intake. However, compared with the controls the severity of macroscopic lung metastasis was reduced significantly in the groups fed 10% and 20% soy. Study 2 compared the effects of diets containing 23% corn oil (CO), 18% menhaden oil (MO) + 5% CO, 18% MO + 5% CO + 10% soy chips, and MO or soy-supplemented diets + indomethacin treatment in the same animal model. Feeding the 18% MO diet without soy or indomethacin reduced primary tumor growth; statistically significant effects were not observed in any of the other groups. All three of the groups with MO supplementation showed a reduction in the occurrence and severity of macroscopic lung metastases, together with the expected decreases in tumor prostaglandin E levels. These effects were most pronounced when MO was combined with indomethacin treatment. When indomethacin was given with dietary soy, the previously reported suppressive effect of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor on MDA-MB-435 cell tumor progression was lost, despite reductions in tumor prostaglandin E concentrations.