| Abstract: | Summary. Background: In this study we examined the effects of a fish oil-basedlipid emulsion (FO) rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is used inhumans as a component of parenteral nutrition, on the growth ofthe colon cancer cell line Caco-2. Aim of thestudy: The aim of the present study was to investigate whetherthe FO influences growth and chemosensitivity of the coloncancer cell line Caco-2. FO was tested alone and in combinationwith the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Methods: Cell numbers were determined with crystal violet staining,cell cycle distribution was assessed using a flow cytometer andapoptosis was visualized by staining nuclei withdiamino-phenylindole hydrochloride. Results: FO inhibited growth of Caco-2 cells in a time and dosedependent manner. FO treatment evoked apoptosis as confirmed bycell morphology. Cell cycle analysis identified an accumulationof cells in the G2/M phase afterincubation with FO. The combined treatment of the cells with FOand 5-FU resulted in a significant enhancement of the growthinhibition seen after exposure to either substance alone.Treatment of the cells with 5-FU specifically blocked the cellcycle in the S phase. The combined treatment of 5-FU with FOshowed a further increase in the accumulation of cells in the Sphase. Conclusions: In conclusion, FO has a potent antiproliferative effect onCaco-2 cells, at least in part, due to a decrease in theprogression of the cell cycle and the induction of apoptosis.The combination of FO with 5-FU results in an additive growthinhibitory effect. |
