Beta-carotene antagonizes the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on cell growth and lipid peroxidation in WiDr adenocarcinoma cells

Free Radic Biol Med. 2000 Jan 15;28(2):228-34. doi: 10.1016/s0891-5849(99)00225-7.

Abstract

The effects of combinations between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and beta-carotene on cell growth and lipid peroxidation were investigated in human WiDr colon adenocarcinoma cells. EPA alone was able to inhibit the growth of WiDr cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Such an inhibition involved fatty acid peroxidation, as shown by the remarkable increase in the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in EPA-treated cells. Beta-carotene was capable of reducing the growth inhibitory effects of EPA and the levels of MDA in a dose- and a time-dependent manner. In addition, EPA increased beta-carotene consumption in WiDr cells. This study provides evidence that beta-carotene can antagonize the effects of EPA on colon cancer cell growth and lipid peroxidation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Cell Division / drug effects*
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Colonic Neoplasms
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects*
  • Lipid Peroxidation / physiology
  • Malondialdehyde / analysis
  • Time Factors
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • beta Carotene / pharmacokinetics
  • beta Carotene / pharmacology*

Substances

  • beta Carotene
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid