Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on drug-sensitive and resistant tumor cells in vitro
2011
Effects of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Tumor Cells
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Das Undurti, Madhavi N
Hypothesis
Can polyunsaturated fatty acids enhance the cytotoxic action of anti-cancer drugs on drug-resistant tumor cells?
Conclusion
Polyunsaturated fatty acids can enhance the cytotoxic effects of vincristine on both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tumor cells.
Supporting Evidence
- GLA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids induced apoptosis of tumor cells with little effect on normal cells.
- Fatty acids enhanced the uptake and decreased the efflux of vincristine in both sensitive and resistant cells.
- Combination of sub-optimal doses of vincristine and fatty acids significantly increased cell death in resistant tumor cells.
Takeaway
Certain fatty acids can help cancer drugs work better, especially in cancer cells that usually resist treatment.
Methodology
The study used human cervical carcinoma cell lines sensitive and resistant to vincristine to assess the effects of various polyunsaturated fatty acids on cell viability and drug uptake.
Limitations
The study was conducted in vitro, which may not fully represent in vivo conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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