Abstract

Large scale human epidemiological studies indicate that high intakes of linoleic acid protect against the development of cancer. One mechanism may be the generation of 13-HODE from linoleic acid. 13-HODE prevents cell adhesion to endothelial cells and can inhibit cancer metastasis. 13-HODE synthesis is enhanced by cyclic AMP. Gamma-linolenic acid, a desaturated metabolite of linoleic acid, causes substantial stimulation of 13-HODE synthesis. A fall in gamma-linolenic acid synthesis with age may be related to the age-related fall in 13-HODE