Fatty acid modulation of tumor cell-platelet-vessel wall interaction

Prostaglandins and other eicosanoids have been studied extensively in their physical, biochemical, biophysical and pharmacological aspects. However, studies on their role in tumor progression, especially metastases are relatively recent. Following a brief overview of the history of discovery and metabolism of eicosanoids and other fatty acids, we discuss the functions of these fatty acids (with emphasis on prostacyclin, thromboxane A2, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid) in cell transformation, tumor promotion and particularly in tumor cell metastasis. The relation between these monohydroxy fatty acids and tumor cell metastasis is discussed from three different perspectives, i.e., their effects on tumor cells, on platelets and on endothelial cells. The mechanism of these effects are then addressed at cell adhesion molecule, motility, protease, cell cytoskeleton, protein kinase and eicosanoid receptor levels. Finally, regulation of three key enzymes which generate eicosanoids (phospholipase, prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase and lipoxygenase) is explored.