Effects of n-3 PUFAs on breast cancer cells through their incorporation in plasma membrane
2011

Effects of n-3 PUFAs on Breast Cancer Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Paola A Corsetto, Gigliola Montorfano, Stefania Zava, Ilaria E Jovenitti, Andrea Cremona, Bruno Berra, Angela M Rizzo

Primary Institution: Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari Applicate ai Biosistemi, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy

Hypothesis

n-3 PUFAs alter membrane stability, modifying cellular signalling in breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

n-3 PUFA feeding might induce modifications of breast cancer membrane structure that increases the degree of fatty acid unsaturation.

Supporting Evidence

  • EPA and DHA induce cell apoptosis and reduce cell viability.
  • DHA reduces the concentration of EGFR while EPA has no effect.
  • Both EPA and DHA reduce the activation of EGFR.
  • N-3 PUFAs influence the n-6 content and vice versa.

Takeaway

Eating certain fats called n-3 PUFAs can change how breast cancer cells behave, making them less likely to grow.

Methodology

Human breast cancer cell lines were treated with n-3 PUFAs and analyzed for cell viability and apoptosis markers.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-511X-10-73

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