gamma-linolenic-acid and Osteosarcoma

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) inhibited cell proliferation in MG-63 and HeLa cells. Different morphological lesions were present in dividing cells; abnormal spindle formation in MG-63 cells and chromosome hypercondensation in HeLa cells. Different types of cell death were also present in interphase cells, no apoptosis but only 6% pycnosis in MG-63 cells and 90% apoptosis in HeLa cells. In MG-63 cells immunofluorescence showed segregation of nucleoli components, abnormal spindle formation and decreased labelling of microtubuli during interphase. In HeLa interphase cells prominently labelled abnormally arranged microtubuli were observed. The effects of GLA on protein synthesis in synchronized cells were determined with [35S]-methionine incorporation and SDS-PAGE. Decreased protein synthesis in both G1- and S-phase MG-63 cells was present. In S-phase HeLa cells, proteins of approximately 40, 92 and 150 kD were markedly expressed. Signalling mechanisms involved in cell proliferation and cell death may be differently affected in MG-63 and HeLa cells.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Cell Death; Cell Nucleolus; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; gamma-Linolenic Acid; HeLa Cells; Humans; Microtubules; Osteosarcoma; Protein Biosynthesis; Spindle Apparatus; Tumor Cells, Cultured

In this study it is shown that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) at concentrations of 10, 20 and 50 micrograms/ml has a dose-responsive inhibitory effect on mitosis in osteogenic sarcoma cells after exposure for 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. GLA also has marked effects on the morphology of the nucleus and nucleolus of these cells. Decreased silver staining of nuclear phosphoproteins was also evident in GLA-supplemented cells.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Nucleolus; Cell Nucleus; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linolenic Acids; Mitosis; Mitotic Index; Osteosarcoma; Tumor Cells, Cultured