Gamma-Linolenic acid alters migration, proliferation and apoptosis in human and rat glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant astrocytoma, the main treatments consist of surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Patients, after diagnosed, have a survival rate of one year. GBM cells have an invasive, proliferative and migratory characteristic, also they do not respond properly for usual cancer treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy). Fatty acids have been studied as an adjuvant cancer treatment in breast, colorectal and GBM. The fatty acid can alter tumoural cell metabolism causing a modification of eicosanoids production. This study has observed some cellular aspects modified by fatty acid treatment in vitro, using GBM cells (human and rat). Modifications in cell behaviour were analyzed like cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion cell capacity after treatment with fatty acid (gamma-linolenic acid). The treatment suggested in this study showed an increased number of apoptotic cells and a decreased number of proliferative and migratory cells. These data recognize that gamma-linolenic acid could be used as an alternative treatment for glioblastoma.