Significance of Trans Fatty Acids in Cancer

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are a recent focus of health problems. TFA is a definitive risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and the death. TF A is also possible risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, and ovulation infertility. The relationship between TF A and carcinogenic risk is controversial; however, TF A is reported to increase the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Elaidic acid (EA), a trans form of oleic acid, enhances cancer cell growth, invasion, and anti-apoptotic survival. In animal models, EA promotes tumor growth and metastasis to the lung, liver, and peritoneum. EA induces sternness in cancer cells through transactivation of EFGR via SRC from GPR40/120 as receptors in EA-integrated cholesterol rafts. Activated EGFR relays the signals to activate canonical and non-canonical wnt pathways and to inactivate notchl pathways. EA also increases miR-494, which inhibits cell differentiation through decrease of target genes. Continuous EA feeding with dosage alteration increased cancer cell sternness. EA diminishes the efficiency of 5-fluorouracil by increasing residual cancer stem cells. These findings suggest that TF A is a relevant cancer promoting factor. The decision to remove TF A from foods made by the FDA might have an impact on cancer clinics.