DHA-induced stress response in human colon cancer cells – Focus on oxidative stress and autophagy

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important constituents of the diet and health benefits of omega-3/n−3 PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n−3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n−3) have been well documented in relation to several diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that n−3 PUFAs may have anticancer activity and improve the effect of conventional cancer therapy. The mechanisms behind these effects are still unclear and need to be elucidated.