ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Cisplatin (CDDP) induces loss of muscle mass by activating the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which inhibits NF-κB activation, on CDDP-induced loss of muscle mass in mice. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice received a single dose of CDDP and olive oil, linseed oil, or EPA daily for 4 days. Body weight and food intake were recorded daily for 5 days. Forelimb grip strength was determined using a strain gauge on the fourth day. The mice were killed 24 h after the final dose of fatty acid and the wet weight of their gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles measured. RESULTS: Olive oil, linseed oil, and EPA all failed to prevent decrease in food intake and loss of body weight. However, only EPA prevented loss of muscle mass and strength. CONCLUSION: EPA prevents CDDP-related loss of muscle mass and muscle but not CDDP-related loss of body weight.
