Oils from Transgenic Flax Lines as Potential Chemopreventive Agents in Colorectal Cancer

Biomedicines. 2023 Sep 21;11(9):2592. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11092592.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a major global health concern, and the need for effective chemopreventive agents is paramount. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of oils from transgenically modified flax for the prevention of colorectal cancer, in relation to the oil concertation. Flaxseed oils were obtained from traditional (Nike) and genetically modified flax lines (M and B). Cell viability assays were performed on various cancer cell lines, including colon adenocarcinoma cells. Flaxseed oil B exhibited the strongest anti-proliferative properties compared to the reference drugs and other oils. Additionally, M and B oils showed enhanced accumulation of Rhodamine 123 and increased apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. M oil exhibited the highest levels of p53 protein. Notably, the tested transgenic oils did not induce metastasis and displayed stronger inhibition of COX-1 compared to COX-2. These data indicate the utility of flaxseed oils, especially from the M line, as adjuvants in colorectal cancer treatment, targeting the colon specifically.

Keywords: chemoprevention; flaxseed; seed oils.

Grants and funding

Applied Research Programme of the National Centre for Research and Development—PBS1/A9/17/2012.