The antiproliferative effects of biologically active isomers of conjugated linoleic acid on human colorectal and prostatic cancer cells

The antiproliferative effects of two commercial preparations of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and their constituent isomers, cis-9, trans-11 (c9,t11)-CLA, c9,c11-CLA, and t10,c12-CLA, were determined in vitro using human colorectal (HT-29, MIP-101) and prostate (PC-3) carcinoma cells adapted to serum-free medium. The antiproliferative effects of the preparations were dependent upon the type and concentration of CLA isomer present. The t10,c12-CLA isomer exhibited the greatest potency against colorectal cancer proliferation, and the c9,t11 and t10,c12 isomers were moderately effective against prostate cancer. The t10,c12 isomer induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in MIP-101 and PC-3 cells. The results are the first to demonstrate that physiologic levels of two CLA preparations, their constituent isomers, and the c9,t11-CLA elongation product, c11,t13-conjugated eicosadienoic acid, induce dose-dependent inhibitory effects on cancer proliferation in vitro. Novel CLA preparations may prove effective as chemopreventive supplements for individuals at risk of or diagnosed with colorectal or prostate cancer.