The anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of conjugated fatty acids

In the past 20 years, there is sufficient evidence to emphasize the anticancer potential of conjugated fatty acids (CFA), including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA). This article reviewed the in vivo experimental studies on the anticancer effect of CFA, in which colon cancer and breast cancer have been reported most frequently. The antitumor mechanisms are primarily mediated by the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and ferroptosis, which is driven by lipid peroxidation. This propensity for oxidation is inherent to the conjugated double-bond system of CFA, leading to higher oxidation rate constants and distinct polymerization tendencies compared to ordinary unsaturated fatty acids. Despite the broader research foundation for CLA, CLNA is often postulated to possess greater potential due to its extended conjugated system. Future research needs to focus on elucidating the specific effects of CFA isomers and enhancing the clinical application of CFA.