Buffered vs. Non-Buffered Aliphatic Fatty Acids and their Anti-Proliferative Effects in Human Tumor Cell Lines

Abstract

Background: Tumor cells generate a micro-acidic environment due to increased fermentative metabolism and poor perfusion. It is believed that this action is responsible for creating a lower pH environment which promotes invasive tumor growth in primary and metastatic cancers, through a form of acid-induced micro-environmental remodeling. Dietary fats, both saturated and unsaturated, have profound impacts on the viability and growth of neoplastic cells. This study examines the impact that saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, both alkalized and nonalkalized, have on the viability and growth of various neoplastic cell lines.