N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease levels of doxorubicin-induced reactive oxygen species in cardiomyocytes -- involvement of uncoupling protein UCP2

BACKGROUND: Use of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) is associated with serious cardiotoxicity, as it increases levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid dietary supplements can be of benefit to patients undergoing cancer therapy. The aims of this study were to determine whether DOX-induced cardiotoxicity is related to mitochondrial uncoupling proteins and whether eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3) affects DOX-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity. RESULTS: Treatment of H9C2 cells with DOX resulted in decreased cell viability and UCP2 expression. Treatment with 100 μM EPA or 50 μM DHA for 24 h resulted in a maximal mitochondria concentration of these fatty acids and increased UCP2 expression. Pretreatment with 100 μM EPA or 50 μM DHA prevented the DOX-induced decrease in UCP2 mRNA and protein levels, but these effects were not seen with EPA or DHA and DOX cotreatment. In addition, the DOX-induced increase in ROS production and subsequent mitochondrial membrane potential change (∆ψ) were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with EPA or DHA. CONCLUSION: EPA or DHA pre-treatment inhibits the DOX-induced decrease in UCP2 expression, increase in ROS production, and subsequent mitochondrial membrane potential change that contribute to the cardiotoxicity of DOX. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12929-014-0101-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.