The omega-3 DHA induces pyroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in ovarian cancer cells via ROS and caspase-1 activation.

ABSTRACT: Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies due to late diagnosis, limited treatment options, and frequent chemoresistance. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, has been associated with anti-tumor effects in various cancer models. Here, we investigated the effects of DHA on cell death, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function in A2780 human ovarian cancer cells. Our data show that DHA decreases cell viability and proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, promoting lytic cell death with increased membrane permeability and LDH release. We identified pyroptosis as the predominant death mechanism, evidenced by caspase-1 activation, pore formation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. DHA treatment rapidly increased intr

SUBMITTER: Pasquarelli-do-Nascimento G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12804724 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature