Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells through ROS-Ca(2+)-JNK mitochondrial pathways.

•EPA evoked ROS formation, [Ca2+]c accumulation, the opening of MPTP and the phosphorylation of JNK.•EPA-induced [Ca2+]c elevation was depended on production of ROS.•EPA-induced ROS generation, [Ca2+]c increase, and JNK activated caused MPTP opening.•The apoptosis induced by EPA was related to release of cytochrome C through the MPTP.•EPA induced HepG2 cells apoptosis through ROS–Ca2+–JNK mitochondrial pathways.