Assessment of docosahexaenoic acid’s preventive efficacy against unconjugated bilirubin neurotoxicity through MRP1 protein expression

Jaundice in neonates promotes unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (UCB), which causes neurological disorders, and its management remains a challenge. This study evaluated the protective effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) against UCB-induced neurotoxicity. Astrocyte cell lines were prepared and separated into four different groups: SAL group; DHA group treated with 50 µM DHA; UCB group treated with 50 µM UCB; and UCB + DHA group treated with 50 µM UCB along with 50 µM DHA. The effect of DHA was assessed on cell viability percentage and apoptosis rate. Levels of Ca2+, glutamate, and ATP were assessed in the DHA-treated cell line, and Western blot assay was performed to estimate the expression of MRP1 protein. Data show that treatment with DHA significantly reduces (p < 0.001) apoptosis rate and increases cell viability compared to the UCB group. The UCB + DHA group showed a decrease in glutamate and Ca2+, and ATP levels were significantly higher than in the UCB-treated neuronal cell line. Expression of MRP1 protein was significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in the UCB + DHA group compared to the UCB and SAL groups. In conclusion, data show treatment with DHA protects against neurotoxicity in UCB-induced cellular injury, as it ameliorates alterations in glutamate levels, intracellular Ca2+, and ATP by enhancing MRP1 protein expression.