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

The effects of combinations between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and beta-ca rotene on cell growth and lipid peroxidation were investigated in human WiD r colon adenocarcinoma cells. EPA alone was able to inhibit the growth of W iDr 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 o f 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 pe roxidation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.