Anticancer properties of oxidation products of docosahexaenoic acid

Chem Phys Lipids. 2008 May;153(1):47-56. doi: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2008.02.009. Epub 2008 Feb 23.

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the longest, most unsaturated, and hence, most oxidizable fatty acid commonly found in nature. The mechanisms behind DHA's many biological functions remain a subject of much debate. Here we review one important, but often unstudied, aspect of DHA function, namely, the potential role of its many oxidation products. We divide this review into camps, enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidations, and report their effects primarily on induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. We conclude that the study of the effects of lipid peroxidation products on biochemical function will be a difficult but highly rewarding area for future studies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis*
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / metabolism*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Lipid Peroxidation
  • Lipid Peroxides / metabolism*
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Phospholipases A2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Lipid Peroxides
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Phospholipases A2
  • Caspases