Omega-3 free fatty acids inhibit tamoxifen-induced cell apoptosis.
Fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids mainly in the form of triglycerides, has benefits for reducing breast cancer risk, similar to tamoxifen action. However, it remains to be elucidated whether the combination of omega-3 free fatty acid (ω-3FFA) with tamoxifen leads to improved treatment in breast cancer. In this study, we observed that ω-3FFA induces MCF-7 cell apoptosis to suppress cell growth. The treatment of breast cancer cells with ω-3FFA attenuated tamoxifen-induced cell apoptosis. ω-3FFA and tamoxifen significantly increased Erk1/2 and Akt phosphorylation levels in a dose and time dependent manner. Compared to ω-3FFA alone, the combination of tamoxifen with ω-3FFA significantly increased Erk1/2 and Akt phosphorylation levels. Because Erk1/2 and Akt activation has been linked to tamoxifen-related anti-estrogen resistance in breast cancer patients, these results indicate that ω-3FFA may interfere with the effects of tamoxifen in the prevention of breast cancer risk.
State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, People's Republic of China; Synergistic Innovation Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Shufan
S
Wu
State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, People's Republic of China; Synergistic Innovation Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Yang
Y
Guo
State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, People's Republic of China; Synergistic Innovation Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Yikuan
Y
Wu
State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, People's Republic of China; Synergistic Innovation Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Shenglong
S
Zhu
State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, People's Republic of China; Synergistic Innovation Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: zhaohe@jiangnan.edu.cn.
Zhao
Z
He
State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, People's Republic of China; Synergistic Innovation Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Yong Q
YQ
Chen
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D004347:Drug Interactions; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects; D061986:MCF-7 Cells; D010766:Phosphorylation / Q000187:drug effects; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / Q000378:metabolism; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D013629:Tamoxifen; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
Breast cancer; Cell apoptosis; Fish oil; Omega-3 free fatty acids; Tamoxifen