Omega-3 fatty acids combined with L-carnitine have an effect on the metabolic activity of the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and the murine organ of Corti (HEI-OC1) cell lines

Introduction Omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are essential nutrients that support neuronal repair. However, their influence on the auditory neurons has not yet been investigated. In this study, the effects of DHA and EPA on an in vitro model of the neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and organ of Corti (HEI-OC1) cell lines are characterized. In addition, the effects of L-carnitine hydrochloride (L-Car), which supports the intracellular uptake of long-chain fatty acids, are examined.

Methods SH-SY5Y and HEI-OC1 cells were cultivated with DHA and EPA as well as in a combination of fatty acids with L-Car in concentrations between 5 and 100 μM. Changes in metabolic activity compared to untreated cells were quantified using Resazurin. Electron microscopic investigations (SEM, TEM) were also carried out on the morphology of the cells.

Results After administration of 50 μM DHA and EPA each, an increase in the biological activity of the SH-SY5Y cells of about 10 %  and 22 %  was found. In contrast, 100 μM of these omega-3 fatty acids had a cytotoxic effect, which could be confirmed with an electron microscope. In the HEI-OC1 cells, however, DHA and EPA led to a reduction in cell metabolism. L-Car alone had no effect in either cell line. However, the administration of DHA or EPA together with L-Car showed a significant increase in cell metabolism in both cell lines.

Conclusions Significant increases in SH-SY5Y and HEI-OC1 cell activity after administration of L-Car with DHA or EPA allow the conclusion that L-Car influences the interactions of DHA and EPA with the cell membrane and thus also the intracellular ones Signal pathways changed.

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Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021