Epoxy metabolites of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) inhibit angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Apr 16;110(16):6530-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1304321110. Epub 2013 Apr 3.

Abstract

Epidemiological and preclinical evidence supports that omega-3 dietary fatty acids (fish oil) reduce the risks of macular degeneration and cancers, but the mechanisms by which these omega-3 lipids inhibit angiogenesis and tumorigenesis are poorly understood. Here we show that epoxydocosapentaenoic acids (EDPs), which are lipid mediators produced by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases from omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, inhibit VEGF- and fibroblast growth factor 2-induced angiogenesis in vivo, and suppress endothelial cell migration and protease production in vitro via a VEGF receptor 2-dependent mechanism. When EDPs (0.05 mg · kg(-1) · d(-1)) are coadministered with a low-dose soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, EDPs are stabilized in circulation, causing ~70% inhibition of primary tumor growth and metastasis. Contrary to the effects of EDPs, the corresponding metabolites derived from omega-6 arachidonic acid, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, increase angiogenesis and tumor progression. These results designate epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and EDPs as unique endogenous mediators of an angiogenic switch to regulate tumorigenesis and implicate a unique mechanistic linkage between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Lewis Lung / prevention & control*
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / drug effects*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / metabolism*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Epoxide Hydrolases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Epoxy Compounds / metabolism
  • Epoxy Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / chemistry*
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / pharmacology*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / prevention & control*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Epoxide Hydrolases
  • docosapentaenoic acid