Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid as a Promising Inducer of Ferroptosis: Dynamics of Action in Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Models

Abstract

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death (PCD) associated with lipid membrane peroxidation. It has gained attention in cancer research because some tumor cells that are resistant to other forms of PCD are sensitive to ferroptosis. Despite the significant amount of research on ferroptosis, the list of known inducers remains limited, creating opportunities to discover new compounds with clinical potential. Recent studies have shown that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can function as ferroptosis inducers. In this study, we examined the kinetics of ferroptosis in prostate and colorectal cancer cells under the influence of erastin and DHA. Differences in the kinetics and mechanisms of action were observed. Moreover, cells resistant to erastin were found to be sensitive to DHA, confirming the potential of further research into its use as an anticancer agent.