Free radical-dependent suppression of growth of mouse myeloma cells by alpha-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids in vitro.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) exhibited potent cytotoxic action on SP 2/0 mouse myeloma cells in vitro. Both SOD and vitamin E could inhibit the action of ALA and EPA indicating a role for reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides. In addition, both ALA and EPA enhanced the formation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides, and caused a reduction in the levels of antioxidant enzymes: SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and induced significant damage to DNA in SP 2/0 cells. Thus, ALA and EPA inhibit antioxidant defenses of the cell and damage the DNA, which can ultimately lead to tumor cell lysis.