Inhibition of tumor cell proliferation by linear polyunsaturated aldehydes

Serious disorders such as cancer, heart diseases and degenerative eye diseases can be partly prevented by the use of carotenoids. The mechanisms of action have been identified mainly in the antioxidant effects and in the regulation of certain processes of the immune system. These findings have stimulated intensive studies of the role of carotenoids and their derivatives, including polyunsaturated preparations, of which the compound 2,4,6-transoctatrienale exhibited the most significant biological activity. Lymphoid cells grown in suspension were inhibited more efficiently than mammary cell lines grown in monolayer. At 100 μg/ml the lymphoid cells were significantly inhibited in contrast with human mammary MCF-7 cells and human neuroblastoid SHSY5Y cells, which were not affected at these concentrations. A lower amount of the preparation did not inhibit the rate of cell growth or produce cytotoxic activity. The data reported herein indicate that the compound 2,4,6-transoctatrienale, the most effective antioxidant compound within a number of polyunsaturated linear aldehydes, is endowed with potent cytotoxic activity in cell cultures and that further experimental animal studies are warranted.