Growth inhibitory effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on cultured human epidermal keratinocytes

The effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) on the proliferation of cultured human epidermal keratinocytes was investigated. The keratinocytes were treated with 3 micrograms/ml of EPA for 48 h and then their fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. A significant amount of EPA was incorporated by the cells. The treatment with EPA at concentrations of 0.3-6.0 micrograms/ml resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the growth of the cells. These results indicate that EPA can be incorporated by cultured keratinocytes and change their fatty acid composition, which might endogenously affect their growth.