DHA blocks TPA-induced cell invasion by inhibiting MMP-9 expression via suppression of the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway in MCF-7 cells.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is considered to have applications in cancer prevention and treatment. The beneficial effects of DHA against cancer metastasis are well established; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects in breast cancer are not clear. Cell invasion is critical for neoplastic metastasis, and involves the degradation of the extracellular matrix by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of DHA on MMP-9 expression and cell invasion induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. DHA inhibited the TPA-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the transcription of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, but did not inhibit the transcription of activator protein-1. DHA increased the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, an effect that was reversed by the application of the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662. In addition, combined treatment with GW9662 and DHA increased NF-κB-related protein expression. These results indicate that DHA regulates MMP-9 expression and cell invasion via modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway and PPAR-γ/NF-κB activity. This suggests that DHA could be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of breast cancer metastasis.