Comparison of coenzyme Q10 or fish oil for prevention of intermittent hypoxia-induced oxidative injury in neonatal rat lungs

BACKGROUND: Neonatal intermittent hypoxia (IH) results in oxidative distress in preterm infants with immature antioxidant systems, contributing to lung injury. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and fish oil protect against oxidative injury. We tested the hypothesis that CoQ10 is more effective than fish oil for prevention of IH-induced lung injury in neonatal rats. METHODS: Newborn rats were exposed to two clinically relevant IH paradigms at birth (P0): (1) 50% O(2) with brief hypoxia (12% O(2)); or (2) room air (RA) with brief hypoxia (12% O(2)), until P14 during which they were supplemented with daily oral CoQ10, fish oil, or olive oil from P0 to P14. Pups were studied at P14 or placed in RA until P21 with no further treatment. Lungs were assessed for histopathology and morphometry; biomarkers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation; and antioxidants. RESULTS: Of the two neonatal IH paradigms 21%/12% O(2) IH resulted in the most severe outcomes, evidenced by histopathology and morphometry. CoQ10 was effective for preserving lung architecture and reduction of IH-induced oxidative stress biomarkers. In contrast, fish oil resulted in significant adverse outcomes including oversimplified alveoli, hemorrhage, reduced secondary crest formation and thickened septae. This was associated with elevated oxidants and antioxidants activities. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that higher FiO(2) may be needed between IH episodes to curtail the damaging effects of IH, and to provide the lungs with necessary respite. The negative outcomes with fish oil supplementation suggest oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01786-w.