The Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acids on Cancer

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are distinctive polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are present in food produced by ruminant animals and they are accumulated in seeds of certain plants. These naturally occurring substances have demonstrated to have anti-carcinogenic activity. Their potential effect to inhibit cancer has been shown in vivo and in vitro studies. In this review, we present the multiple effects of CLA isomers on cancer development such as anti-tumor efficiency, anti-mutagenic and anti-oxidant activity. Although the majority of the studies in vivo and in vitro summarized in this review have demonstrated beneficial effects of CLA on the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells, further experimental work is needed to estimate the true value of CLA as a real anti-cancer agent.

Automated summary

CLA, a distinctive polyunsaturated fatty acid present in food produced by ruminant animals and accumulated in certain plant seeds, has been shown to have anti-carcinogenic activity. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated its potential to inhibit cancer, with effects such as anti-tumor efficiency, anti-mutagenic, and anti-oxidant activity. While most studies reviewed show beneficial effects on tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis, further experimental work is needed to evaluate the true value of CLA as an anti-cancer agent.