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Darcey VL, Serafine KM. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vulnerability to Addiction: Reviewing Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2385-2401. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200429094158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Omega-3 (N3) fatty acids are dietary nutrients that are essential for human health. Arguably, one of their most critical contributions to health is their involvement in the structure and function of the nervous system. N3 fatty acids accumulate in neuronal membranes through young adulthood, becoming particularly enriched in a brain region known to be the locus of cognitive control of behavior-the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC undergoes a surge in development during adolescence, coinciding with a life stage when dietary quality and intake of N3 fatty acids tend to be suboptimal. Such low intake may impact neurodevelopment and normative development of cognitive functions suggested to be protective for the risk of subsequent substance and alcohol use disorders (UD). While multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute to risk for and resilience to substance and alcohol use disorders, mounting evidence suggests that dietary patterns early in life may also modulate cognitive and behavioral factors thought to elevate UD risk (e.g., impulsivity and reward sensitivity). This review aims to summarize the literature on dietary N3 fatty acids during childhood and adolescence and risk of executive/ cognitive or behavioral dysfunction, which may contribute to the risk of subsequent UD. We begin with a review of the effects of N3 fatty acids in the brain at the molecular to cellular levels–providing the biochemical mechanisms ostensibly supporting observed beneficial effects. We continue with a review of cognitive, behavioral and neurodevelopmental features thought to predict early substance and alcohol use in humans. This is followed by a review of the preclinical literature, largely demonstrating that dietary manipulation of N3 fatty acids contributes to behavioral changes that impact drug sensitivity. Finally, a review of the available evidence in human literature, suggesting an association between dietary N3 fatty and neurodevelopmental profiles associated with risk of adverse outcomes including UD. We conclude with a brief summary and call to action for additional research to extend the current understanding of the impact of dietary N3 fatty acids and the risk of drug and alcohol UD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L. Darcey
- Georgetown University, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Washington DC, United States
| | - Katherine M. Serafine
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
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2
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Krashia P, Cordella A, Nobili A, La Barbera L, Federici M, Leuti A, Campanelli F, Natale G, Marino G, Calabrese V, Vedele F, Ghiglieri V, Picconi B, Di Lazzaro G, Schirinzi T, Sancesario G, Casadei N, Riess O, Bernardini S, Pisani A, Calabresi P, Viscomi MT, Serhan CN, Chiurchiù V, D'Amelio M, Mercuri NB. Blunting neuroinflammation with resolvin D1 prevents early pathology in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3945. [PMID: 31477726 PMCID: PMC6718379 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is one of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may contribute to midbrain dopamine (DA) neuron degeneration. Recent studies link chronic inflammation with failure to resolve early inflammation, a process operated by specialized pro-resolving mediators, including resolvins. However, the effects of stimulating the resolution of inflammation in PD – to modulate disease progression – still remain unexplored. Here we show that rats overexpressing human α-synuclein (Syn) display altered DA neuron properties, reduced striatal DA outflow and motor deficits prior to nigral degeneration. These early alterations are coupled with microglia activation and perturbations of inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators, namely IFN-γ and resolvin D1 (RvD1). Chronic and early RvD1 administration in Syn rats prevents central and peripheral inflammation, as well as neuronal dysfunction and motor deficits. We also show that endogenous RvD1 is decreased in human patients with early-PD. Our results suggest there is an imbalance between neuroinflammatory and pro-resolving processes in PD. Resolvins are endogenous lipids with pro-resolving activity. Here the authors find that rats overexpressing human α-synuclein show defects in dopamine signalling before dopamine cell loss, and that this is associated with low Resolvin D1 levels and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Krashia
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Department of Science and Technology for Humans and Environment, University Campus Bio-medico, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Cordella
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nobili
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Department of Science and Technology for Humans and Environment, University Campus Bio-medico, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia La Barbera
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Federici
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Leuti
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Department of Science and Technology for Humans and Environment, University Campus Bio-medico, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Campanelli
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Natale
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Marino
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Calabrese
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Francescangelo Vedele
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghiglieri
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Philosophy, Human, Social and Educational Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Barbara Picconi
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Lazzaro
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Sancesario
- Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Neurology Clinic, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 06156, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Viscomi
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Charles Nicholas Serhan
- Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anaesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valerio Chiurchiù
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Department of Science and Technology for Humans and Environment, University Campus Bio-medico, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Department of Science and Technology for Humans and Environment, University Campus Bio-medico, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Healy-Stoffel M, Levant B. N-3 (Omega-3) Fatty Acids: Effects on Brain Dopamine Systems and Potential Role in the Etiology and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2018; 17:216-232. [PMID: 29651972 PMCID: PMC6563911 DOI: 10.2174/1871527317666180412153612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE A number of neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and, to some extent, depression, involve dysregulation of the brain dopamine systems. The etiology of these diseases is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors. Evidence suggests that inadequate levels of n-3 (omega- 3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the brain may represent a risk factor for these disorders. These fatty acids, which are derived from the diet, are a major component of neuronal membranes and are of particular importance in brain development and function. Low levels of n-3 PUFAs in the brain affect the brain dopamine systems and, when combined with appropriate genetic and other factors, increase the risk of developing these disorders and/or the severity of the disease. This article reviews the neurobiology of n-3 PUFAs and their effects on dopaminergic function. CONCLUSION Clinical studies supporting their role in the etiologies of diseases involving the brain dopamine systems and the potential of n-3 PUFAs in the treatment of these disorders are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth Levant
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics and the Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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4
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Lipids in psychiatric disorders and preventive medicine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:336-362. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Vesco AT, Lehmann J, Gracious BL, Arnold LE, Young AS, Fristad MA. Omega-3 Supplementation for Psychotic Mania and Comorbid Anxiety in Children. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2015; 25:526-34. [PMID: 26288263 PMCID: PMC4576937 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2013.0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Therapeutic benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (Ω3) for mood disorders, psychosis, and anxiety have been reported in the literature. The purpose of the present article is to provide a literature review of Ω3 supplementation for affective disorders and to illustrate the benefits of Ω3 with a case presentation of a young girl with a history of bipolar disorder-type 1 with psychotic features and generalized anxiety disorder. METHODS Reviewed literature includes treatment studies of the impact of Ω3 on child mood disorders supplemented by review of meta-analyses within the adult mood disorders literature. The subject of this case report participated in 11 in-depth diagnostic and functional assessments over 5 years as part of an unrelated study. Three years were presupplementation and 2 years were with supplementation with no other medication changes, thus making a naturalistic multiple-baseline single-subject experiment. RESULTS Augmentation over a 2 year period was notable for clinically significant and sustained improvement in depressive, manic, and psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSION Ω3 supplementation may be a safe, adjunct intervention for treating bipolar disorder in children and adolescents, even in the presence of psychotic and anxious features. The 2 year follow-up in this case offers hope of an accumulating and enduring benefit. Further research into mechanisms of Ω3 action and of combination treatment with other well-known interventions for mood disorders would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony T. Vesco
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jennifer Lehmann
- Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Barbara L. Gracious
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - L. Eugene Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Andrea S. Young
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mary A. Fristad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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6
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Liu JJ, Green P, John Mann J, Rapoport SI, Sublette ME. Pathways of polyunsaturated fatty acid utilization: implications for brain function in neuropsychiatric health and disease. Brain Res 2015; 1597:220-46. [PMID: 25498862 PMCID: PMC4339314 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have profound effects on brain development and function. Abnormalities of PUFA status have been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Pathophysiologic mechanisms could involve not only suboptimal PUFA intake, but also metabolic and genetic abnormalities, defective hepatic metabolism, and problems with diffusion and transport. This article provides an overview of physiologic factors regulating PUFA utilization, highlighting their relevance to neuropsychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne J Liu
- Department of Molecular Imaging & Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Pnina Green
- Laboratory of Metabolic Research, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - J John Mann
- Department of Molecular Imaging & Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stanley I Rapoport
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Sublette
- Department of Molecular Imaging & Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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7
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization estimates that major depression affects about 350 million people all over the world and reports this disorder as the major contributor to the global burden of diseases. Despite the well-defined symptomatology, major depression is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder whose pathophysiology is not clearly established. Although several treatments are available, most depressed patients do not achieve the complete remission of symptoms. Factors linked to the persistence of the disorder have been investigated, particularly those related to the way of life. Moreover, it has been suggested that nutritional aspects may influence its development. Among them, a diet rich in ω-3 has been associated with a reduced risk of major depression, although its deficiency is associated with depressive disorders. METHODS This review provides a general view about evidences of the use of ω-3 in major depression cases. RESULTS Several studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of ω-3 in the prevention and treatment of major depression. However, not all the results have shown significant statistical benefits. CONCLUSIONS More studies are necessary to clarify detailed mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of ω-3 and may explain the source of contradictions in results published until the moment.
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8
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Ee SM, Lo YL, Shui G, Wenk MR, Shin EJ, Kim HC, Ong WY. Distribution of secretory phospholipase A2 XIIA in the brain and its role in lipid metabolism and cognition. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 50:60-75. [PMID: 24464264 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8635-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)) catalyze the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids to produce free fatty acids and lysophospholipids, which have important functions in cell signaling. The present study elucidated differential expression of PLA(2) isoforms in the rat cortex by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and demonstrated that sPLA(2)-XIIA had greater messenger RNA expression than iPLA(2)-VI or cPLA(2)-IVA in different brain regions, or compared to other sPLA(2) isoforms in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. Western blots identified a 24-kDa band in different regions of the adult brain, and high levels of sPLA(2)-XIIA protein expression were detected in the PFC, striatum, and thalamus. Electron microscopy showed that sPLA(2)-XIIA is present in axon terminals and dendrites. Injection of antisense oligonucleotide to sPLA(2)-XIIA in the PFC and lipidomic analysis showed increase in phospholipid but decrease in lysophospholipid species consistent with decreased catalytic activity of the enzyme, changes in arachidonic acid release, and alterations in sphingolipids. sPLA(2)-XIIA knockdown also resulted in shorter latency timings in the passive avoidance test, and higher number of errors in the attention set-shifting task, indicating deficits in working memory and attention. Together, the results show an important role of sPLA(2)-XIIA in lipid metabolism, prefrontal cortical function, and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze-Min Ee
- Department of Anatomy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore
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9
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Narendran R, Frankle WG, Mason NS, Muldoon MF, Moghaddam B. Improved working memory but no effect on striatal vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 after omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46832. [PMID: 23056476 PMCID: PMC3463539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in rodents indicate that diets deficient in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n–3 PUFA) lower dopamine neurotransmission as measured by striatal vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) density and amphetamine-induced dopamine release. This suggests that dietary supplementation with fish oil might increase VMAT2 availability, enhance dopamine storage and release, and improve dopamine-dependent cognitive functions such as working memory. To investigate this mechanism in humans, positron emission tomography (PET) was used to measure VMAT2 availability pre- and post-supplementation of n–3 PUFA in healthy individuals. Healthy young adult subjects were scanned with PET using [11C]-(+)-α-dihydrotetrabenzine (DTBZ) before and after six months of n–3 PUFA supplementation (Lovaza, 2 g/day containing docosahexaenonic acid, DHA 750 mg/d and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA 930 mg/d). In addition, subjects underwent a working memory task (n-back) and red blood cell membrane (RBC) fatty acid composition analysis pre- and post-supplementation. RBC analysis showed a significant increase in both DHA and EPA post-supplementation. In contrast, no significant change in [11C]DTBZ binding potential (BPND) in striatum and its subdivisions were observed after supplementation with n–3 PUFA. No correlation was evident between n–3 PUFA induced change in RBC DHA or EPA levels and change in [11C]DTBZ BPND in striatal subdivisions. However, pre-supplementation RBC DHA levels was predictive of baseline performance (i.e., adjusted hit rate, AHR on 3-back) on the n-back task (y = 0.19+0.07, r2 = 0.55, p = 0.009). In addition, subjects AHR performance improved on 3-back post-supplementation (pre 0.65±0.27, post 0.80±0.15, p = 0.04). The correlation between n-back performance, and DHA levels are consistent with reports in which higher DHA levels is related to improved cognitive performance. However, the lack of change in [11C]DBTZ BPND indicates that striatal VMAT2 regulation is not the mechanism of action by which n–3 PUFA improves cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Narendran
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
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10
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Rondanelli M, Giacosa A, Opizzi A, Pelucchi C, La Vecchia C, Montorfano G, Negroni M, Berra B, Politi P, Rizzo AM. Long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in the treatment of elderly depression: effects on depressive symptoms, on phospholipids fatty acids profile and on health-related quality of life. J Nutr Health Aging 2011; 15:37-44. [PMID: 21267525 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-011-0011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent observations showed that long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) could represent a potential treatment for elderly depression. To determine if a n-3 LCPUFA containing supplement improves depressive symptoms, changes phospholipids acids profile and ameliorates Health related quality of life (HRQoL) in depressed elderly patients. DESIGN Two-months, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Nursing home in Pavia, Italy. SUBJECTS Forty-six depressed females, aged 66-95 years. INTERVENTION 22 depressed females were included in the intervention group (n-3 group, that received 2.5 g/day of n-3 LCPUFA, with 1.67 grams of EPA and 0.83 grams of DHA), and 24 patients in the placebo group. The primary endpoint was the improvement of depressive symptoms as evaluated by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of modifications of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids fatty acid profile and of of HRQoL, by using the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36). All parameters were assessed before and after the treatment period of 8 weeks. RESULTS The mean GDS at 2 months was significantly lowered only for the n-3 group. SF-36 physical and mental components were significantly increased in the intervention group. Compliance was good, as confirmed by erythrocyte membrane phospholipid FA concentrations, with significant increase of EPA and DHA in the intervention group. CONCLUSION The supplementation of n-3 LCPUFA in elderly female patients reduces the occurrence of depressive symptoms, improves phospholipids fatty acids profile and health-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rondanelli
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Section of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona di Pavia, University of Pavia Istituto di Cura Santa Margherita, Via Emilia 32, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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11
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Short Term Dietary Fish Oil Supplementation Improves Motor Deficiencies Related to Reserpine-Induced Parkinsonism in Rats. Lipids 2010; 46:143-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11745-010-3514-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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12
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Rondanelli M, Giacosa A, Opizzi A, Pelucchi C, La Vecchia C, Montorfano G, Negroni M, Berra B, Politi P, Rizzo AM. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on depressive symptoms and on health-related quality of life in the treatment of elderly women with depression: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. J Am Coll Nutr 2010; 29:55-64. [PMID: 20595646 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2010.10719817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In elderly individuals, depression is one of the most frequently missed diagnoses with negative effects on quality of life. The authors investigated whether a supplement containing long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) improves depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in depressed elderly patients. DESIGN Eight-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Nursing home in Pavia, Italy. PARTICIPANTS Forty-six depressed women, aged 66-95 years. INTERVENTION Twenty-two depressed women were included in the intervention group (n-3 group, which received 2.5 g/d of n-3 LCPUFA, with 1.67 g of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 0.83 g of docosahesaenoic acid [DHA]), and 24 patients were included in the placebo group. The primary endpoint was the improvement of depressive symptoms, as evaluated by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of HRQoL, by using the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), and modifications of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids fatty acid profile. All variables were assessed before and after the treatment period of 8 weeks. RESULTS The mean GDS at 8 weeks was significantly lower compared with the n-3 group. The SF-36 physical and mental components were significantly increased in the intervention group. Compliance was good, as confirmed by erythrocyte membrane phospholipid FA concentrations, with a significant increase of EPA and DHA in the intervention group. CONCLUSION Supplementation with n-3 LCPUFA is efficacious in the amelioration of depressive symptoms and quality of life in the treatment of depressed elderly female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Rondanelli
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Section of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. or
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13
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Bousquet M, Gue K, Emond V, Julien P, Kang JX, Cicchetti F, Calon F. Transgenic conversion of omega-6 into omega-3 fatty acids in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. J Lipid Res 2010; 52:263-71. [PMID: 21115966 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m011692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently identified a neuroprotective role for omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in a toxin-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Combined with epidemiological data, these observations suggest that low n-3 PUFA intake is a modifiable environmental risk factor for PD. In order to strengthen these preclinical findings as prerequisite to clinical trials, we further investigated the neuroprotective role of n-3 PUFAs in Fat-1 mice, a transgenic model expressing an n-3 fatty acid desaturase converting n-6 PUFAs into n-3 PUFAs. Here, we report that the expression of the fat-1 transgene increased cortical n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio (+28%), but to a lesser extent than dietary supplementation (92%). Such a limited endogenous production of n-3 PUFAs in the Fat-1 mouse was insufficient to confer neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine neurotoxicity as assessed by dopamine levels, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons and fibers, as well as nigral Nurr1 and dopamine transporter (DAT) mRNA expression. Nevertheless, higher cortical docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations were positively correlated with markers of nigral dopaminergic neurons such as the number of TH-positive cells, in addition to Nurr1 and DAT mRNA levels. These associations are consistent with the protective role of DHA in a mouse model of PD. Taken together, these data suggest that dietary intake of a preformed DHA supplement is more effective in reaching the brain and achieving neuroprotection in an animal model of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Bousquet
- Centre de Recherche du CHUL (CHUQ), Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC, Canada
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14
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Long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in the treatment of elderly depression: Effects on depressive symptoms, on phospholipids fatty acids profile and on health-related quality of life. J Nutr Health Aging 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s12603-010-0321-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Levant B, Zarcone TJ, Fowler SC. Developmental effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids on activity and response to novelty. Physiol Behav 2010; 101:176-83. [PMID: 20457171 PMCID: PMC2923479 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Revised: 04/16/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Insufficient availability of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) during pre- and neonatal development decreases accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) in the developing brain. Low tissue levels of DHA are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, 1st- and 2nd-litter male Long-Evans rats were raised from conception on a Control diet containing alpha-linolenic acid (4.20 g/kg diet), the dietarily essential fatty acid precursor of DHA, or a diet Deficient in alpha-linolenic acid (0.38 g/kg diet). The Deficient diet resulted in a decrease in brain phospholipid DHA of 48% in 1st-litter pups and 65% in 2nd-litter pups. Activity, habituation, and response to spatial change in a familiar environment were assessed in a single-session behavioral paradigm at postnatal days 28 and 70, inclusive. Activity and habituation varied by age with younger rats exhibiting higher activity, less habituation, and less stimulation of activity induced by spatial novelty. During the first and second exposures to the test chamber, 2nd-litter Deficient pups exhibited higher levels of activity than Control rats or 1st-litter Deficient pups, and less habituation during the first exposure, but were not more active after introduction of a novel spatial stimulus. The higher level of activity in a familiar environment, but not after introduction of a novel stimulus is consistent with clinical observations in ADHD. The observation of this effect only in 2nd-litter rats fed the Deficient diet suggests that brain DHA content, rather than dietary n-3 PUFA content, likely underlies these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Levant
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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Do FADS genotypes enhance our knowledge about fatty acid related phenotypes? Clin Nutr 2009; 29:277-87. [PMID: 19948371 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2009.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Revised: 10/22/2009] [Accepted: 11/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Several physiological processes, such as visual and cognitive development in early life, are dependent on the availability of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). Furthermore, the concentration of LC-PUFAs in phospholipids has been associated with numerous complex diseases like cardiovascular disease, atopic disease and metabolic syndrome. The level and composition of LC-PUFAs in the human body is mainly dependent on their dietary intake or on the intake of fatty acid precursors, which are endogenously elongated and desaturated to physiologically active LC-PUFAs. The delta-5 and delta-6 desaturase are the most important enzymes in this reaction cascade. In the last few years, several studies have reported an association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the two desaturase encoding genes (FADS1 and FADS2) and the concentration of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. This shows that beside nutrition, genetic factors play an important role in the regulation of LC-PUFAs as well. This review focuses on current knowledge of the impact of FADS genotypes on LC-PUFA and lipid metabolism and discusses their influence on infant intellectual development, neurological conditions, metabolic disease as well as cardiovascular disease.
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Ben Gedalya T, Loeb V, Israeli E, Altschuler Y, Selkoe DJ, Sharon R. Alpha-synuclein and polyunsaturated fatty acids promote clathrin-mediated endocytosis and synaptic vesicle recycling. Traffic 2008; 10:218-34. [PMID: 18980610 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0854.2008.00853.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (alphaS) is an abundant neuronal cytoplasmic protein implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD), but its physiological function remains unknown. Consistent with its having structural motifs shared with class A1 apolipoproteins, alphaS can reversibly associate with membranes and help regulate membrane fatty acid composition. We previously observed that variations in alphaS expression level in dopaminergic cultured cells or brains are associated with changes in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels and altered membrane fluidity. We now report that alphaS acts with PUFAs to enhance the internalization of the membrane-binding dye, FM 1-43. Specifically, alphaS expression coupled with exposure to physiological levels of certain PUFAs enhanced clathrin-mediated endocytosis in neuronal and non-neuronal cultured cells. Moreover, alphaS expression and PUFA-enhanced basal and -evoked synaptic vesicle (SV) endocytosis in primary hippocampal cultures of wild type (wt) and genetically depleted alphaS mouse brains. We suggest that alphaS and PUFAs normally function in endocytic mechanisms and are specifically involved in SV recycling upon neuronal stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tziona Ben Gedalya
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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Brookes KJ, Chen W, Xu X, Taylor E, Asherson P. Association of fatty acid desaturase genes with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2006; 60:1053-61. [PMID: 16893529 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2005] [Revised: 01/10/2006] [Accepted: 04/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty acids, in particular omega-3 fatty acids, have been found to affect behavior and cognition both directly and indirectly. Evidence to suggest a link with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) derives from three key areas: 1) animal dietary restriction studies observed increased locomotive hyperactivity and reduced cognitive ability in offspring; 2) animal dietary studies indicate alterations in the dopamine pathway; and 3) human studies report reduced plasma omega-3 fatty acids in ADHD subjects. METHODS We investigated three genes that encode essential enzymes (desaturases) for the metabolism of fatty acids by scanning for genetic association between 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ADHD. RESULTS Our findings suggest a significant association of ADHD with SNP rs498793 (case-control p = .004, odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.23; transmission disequilibrium test [TDT] p = .014, OR 1.69) in the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene. As alcohol is known to decrease the activities of these desaturase enzymes, we also tested for interactions between ADHD subjects' genotypes and maternal use of alcohol during pregnancy. Two SNPs in the fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) gene were nominally associated with ADHD only in the prenatal alcohol-exposed group of children; formal test for interaction was not significant. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings are suggestive of an association between FADS2 and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeley J Brookes
- MRC Social Genetic Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom.
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Levant B, Ozias MK, Carlson SE. Sex-specific effects of brain LC-PUFA composition on locomotor activity in rats. Physiol Behav 2006; 89:196-204. [PMID: 16875705 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2006.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2006] [Revised: 05/18/2006] [Accepted: 06/08/2006] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Insufficient availability of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during pre- and neonatal development decreases accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) in the developing brain and is associated with sub-optimal sensory and cognitive function in humans, altered behavior in animals, and may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. This study examined the effects of variation in dietary availability of n-3 PUFAs on brain fatty acid composition and the consequent effects on locomotor activity in male and female Long-Evans rats. Rats were raised from conception using purified diets and breeding protocols designed to produce four groups with distinct brain phospholipid compositions varying in DHA content and/or the proportion of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. Locomotor behavior was measured for a 2-h period on postnatal days 28, 42, 56, and 70. In males, decreased brain DHA produced alterations in activity that were most pronounced post-adolescence and with the greatest decrease in DHA. However, the behavioral effects in males were not linearly related to brain DHA level. In contrast, no significant effects of variation in brain fatty acid composition were observed in females. This suggests that variation in brain DHA content produces sex-specific alterations in locomotor activity and that the neurochemical alterations underlying the observed behavioral changes vary depending on the degree of DHA depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Levant
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA.
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Young GS, Maharaj NJ, Conquer JA. Blood phospholipid fatty acid analysis of adults with and without attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Lipids 2004; 39:117-23. [PMID: 15134138 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-004-1209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Several psychiatric disorders, including juvenile Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), have been associated with abnormalities of certain long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA). Despite this reported association, the FA levels of patients with the adult form of ADHD have not previously been evaluated. In this study we measured the total blood phospholipid FA concentrations in 35 control subjects and 37 adults with ADHD symptoms to determine whether adults with ADHD symptoms would show abnormalities of FA relative to control subjects. In the serum phospholipids, adults with ADHD symptoms had significantly lower levels of total saturated, total polyunsaturated, and total omega-6 (n-6) FA, as well as the omega-3 (n-3) LCPUFA DHA (22:6n-3), and significantly higher levels of total monounsaturated FA and the n-3 LCPUFA docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3). In the erythrocyte membrane phospholipids, adults with ADHD symptoms had significantly lower levels of total PUFA, total n-3 FA, and DHA, and significantly higher levels of total saturated FA. Neither serum nor erythrocyte membrane phospholipid DHA was related to ADHD symptom severity (as assessed by the Amen questionnaire) in ADHD subjects. Although the exact cause of these variations is unknown, both environmental and genetic factors may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve S Young
- Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Haag M. Essential fatty acids and the brain. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2003; 48:195-203. [PMID: 12728744 DOI: 10.1177/070674370304800308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the role of essential fatty acids in brain membrane function and in the genesis of psychiatric disease. METHOD Medline databases were searched for published articles with links among the following key words: essential fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexanoic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, arachidonic acid, neurotransmission, phospholipase A2, depression, schizophrenia, mental performance, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Alzheimer's disease. Biochemistry textbooks were consulted on the role of fatty acids in membrane function, neurotransmission, and eicosanoid formation. The 3-dimensional structures of fatty acids were obtained from the Web site of the Biochemistry Department, University of Arizona (2001). RESULTS The fatty acid composition of neuronal cell membrane phospholipids reflects their intake in the diet. The degree of a fatty acid's desaturation determines its 3-dimensional structure and, thus, membrane fluidity and function. The ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in particular, influences various aspects of serotoninergic and catecholaminergic neurotransmission, as shown by studies in animal models. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) hydrolyzes fatty acids from membrane phospholipids: liberated omega-6 PUFAs are metabolized to prostaglandins with a higher inflammatory potential, compared with those generated from the omega-3 family. Thus the activity of PLA2 coupled with membrane fatty acid composition may play a central role in the development of neuronal dysfunction. Intervention trials in human subjects show that omega-3 fatty acids have possible positive effects in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, but more data are needed to make conclusive directives in this regard. CONCLUSION The ratio of membrane omega-3 to omega-6 PUFAs can be modulated by dietary intake. This ratio influences neurotransmission and prostaglandin formation, processes that are vital in the maintenance of normal brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Haag
- Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, PO Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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