Docosahexaenoic acid inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the growth and invasion of renal cancer cells

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has a variety of anti-tumor activities. The present study examined the anti-tumor activity of DHA in renal cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms of action. The effects of DHA on the viability and proliferation of the human renal cancer cell lines Caki-1 and 786-O were examined by an MTS assay and cell counting. In addition, cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry and Annexin V staining, and modulation of cell mobility and invasiveness was assessed by wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays. Effects of DHA on intracellular signaling pathways were also analyzed by western blotting. It was observed that DHA significantly reduced the viability and proliferation of Caki-1 and 786-O cells (P