Influence of omega-3 fatty acids and L-carnitine on the metabolic activity of the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and the mouse organ of Corti (HEI-OC1) cell lines

Introduction Omega-3-fatty acids as like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are essential nutrients which were found to generate anti-inflammatory effects and to support neuronal repair. L-Carnitine hydrochloride (L-Car) supports intracellular uptaking of long-chain fatty acids. The aim of this study is to characterize the effects to neuroblastoma and auditory cell lines.

Methods SH-SY5Y and HEI-OC1 cells were pre-cultivated for 24 h and 72 h, respectively, followed by administration of the substances at different concentrations (5-100 µM) and cultivation for another 48 h. Changings in metabolic activity in relation to untreated cells were quantitatively determined using the fluorescence-active resazurine. The morphology of the cells was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results After addition of 50 µM DHA and EPA, an increase in SH-SY5Y cell metabolism was shown. An increase in omega-3 fatty acids to 100 µM, however, was cytotoxic. In contrast to DHA and EPA, L-Car alone did not induce an increased cell metabolism nor did induce cytotoxic reactions. Compared to administration of L-Car alone, co-administration with DHA or EPA resulted in a significant increase in the metabolic activity of SH-SY5Y and HEI-OC1 cells. In particular, in comparison to the sole administration of DHA and EPA, a co-administration of L-Car with DHA or EPA led to a clearly positive effect on cell metabolism in HEI-OC1 cells.

Conclusion L-Car may support the interactions of omega-3 fatty acids so that they can more effectively affect metabolic activity. The administration may induce repair mechanisms and thus support the functionality of a CI.

Poster-PDF A-1440.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020