1
|
Zarcone TJ. Neuroscience and Actometry: an example of the benefits of the precise measurement of behavior. Brain Res Bull 2022; 185:86-90. [PMID: 35472566 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assess the impact the force-plate actometer, invented by Stephen C. Fowler, has had on behavioral neuroscience so far and what may be possible for future progress. METHODS The web service Scopus was queried on April 28, 2021 for articles that cited the Journal of Neuroscience Methods paper titled "A force-plate actometer for quantitating rodent behaviors: illustrative data on locomotion, rotation, spatial patterning, stereotypies, and tremor" resulting in 134 articles. Articles were coded by the author for type (e.g., research, review, book chapter), phenomenon (e.g., stress, addiction), intervention (e.g., pharmacological), and measure (e.g., distance traveled, tremor). CONCLUSIONS Of the 134 citations, 116 were research articles, 10 were review articles, 7 were book chapters and one was an advertisement. The force-plate actometer has been used to study a variety of phenomena and its measurement capabilities were expanded. While primarily used for rats and mice, other species have been used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Troy J Zarcone
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 301 North Stonestreet Ave, Bethesda, MD 20892.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tarui T, Rasool A, O'Tierney-Ginn P. How the placenta-brain lipid axis impacts the nutritional origin of child neurodevelopmental disorders: Focus on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113910. [PMID: 34742689 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Dietary fish is a rich source of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, and as such, is believed to have played an important role in the evolution of the human brain and its advanced cognitive function. The long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly the n-3 docosahexanoic acid (DHA), are critical for proper neurological development and function. Both low plasma DHA and obesity in pregnancy are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in childhood, and n-3 supplementation has been shown to improve symptoms, as reviewed herein. The mechanisms underlying the connection between maternal obesity, n-3 fatty acid levels and offspring's neurological outcomes are poorly understood, but we review the evidence for a mediating role of the placenta in this relationship. Despite promising data that n-3 fatty acid supplementation mitigates the effect of maternal obesity on placental lipid metabolism, few clinical trials or animal studies have considered the neurological outcomes of offspring of mothers with obesity supplemented with n-3 FA in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomo Tarui
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Aisha Rasool
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Perrie O'Tierney-Ginn
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hsu MC, Huang YS, Ouyang WC. Beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in schizophrenia: possible mechanisms. Lipids Health Dis 2020; 19:159. [PMID: 32620164 PMCID: PMC7333328 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-020-01337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a serious long-term psychotic disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms, severe behavioral problems and cognitive function deficits. The cause of this disorder is not completely clear, but is suggested to be multifactorial, involving both inherited and environmental factors. Since human brain regulates all behaviour, studies have focused on identifying changes in neurobiology and biochemistry of brain in schizophrenia. Brain is the most lipid rich organ (approximately 50% of brain dry weight). Total brain lipids is constituted of more than 60% of phospholipids, in which docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is the most abundant (more than 40%) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in brain membrane phospholipids. Results from numerous studies have shown significant decreases of PUFAs, in particular, DHA in peripheral blood (plasma and erythrocyte membranes) as well as brain of schizophrenia patients at different developmental phases of the disorder. PUFA deficiency has been associated to psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. These findings have led to a number of clinical trials examining whether dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could improve the course of illness in patients with schizophrenia. Results are inconsistent. Some report beneficial whereas others show not effective. The discrepancy can be attributed to the heterogeneity of patient population. METHODS In this review, results from recent experimental and clinical studies, which focus on illustrating the role of PUFAs in the development of schizophrenia were examined. The rationale why omega-3 supplementation was beneficial on symptoms (presented by subscales of the positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS), and cognitive functions in certain patients but not others was reviewed. The potential mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects were discussed. RESULTS Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced the conversion rate to psychosis and improved both positive and negative symptoms and global functions in adolescents at ultra-high risk for psychosis. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could also improve negative symptoms and global functions in the first-episode patients with schizophrenia, but improve mainly total or general PANSS subscales in chronic patients. Patients with low PUFA (particularly DHA) baseline in blood were more responsive to the omega-3 fatty acid intervention. CONCLUSION Omega-3 supplementation is more effective in reducing psychotic symptom severity in young adults or adolescents in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia who have low omega-3 baseline. Omega-3 supplementation was more effective in patients with low PUFA baseline. It suggests that patients with predefined lipid levels might benefit from lipid treatments, but more controlled clinical trials are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Chi Hsu
- Department of Nursing, I-Shou University, No.8, Yida Road, Jiaosu Village Yanchao District, Kaohsiung, 82445 Taiwan
| | - Yung-Sheng Huang
- College of Medicine, I-Shou University, No.8, Yida Road, Jiaosu Village Yanchao District, Kaohsiung, 82445 Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chen Ouyang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.539, Yuzhong Rd., Rende Dist., Tainan City, 71742 Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, No.452, Huanqiu Rd. Luzhu Dist, Kaohsiung, 82144 Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Shin-Chuan 1st Road, Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Darcey VL, McQuaid GA, Fishbein DH, VanMeter JW. Relationship between whole blood omega-3 fatty acid levels and dorsal cingulate gray matter volume: Sex differences and implications for impulse control. Nutr Neurosci 2020; 23:505-515. [PMID: 30264666 PMCID: PMC10483749 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2018.1525477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
During adolescence, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) undergoes substantial structural development, including cortical thinning, a process associated with improvements in behavioral control. The cingulate cortex is among the regions recruited in response inhibition and mounting evidence suggests cingulate function may be sensitive to availability of an essential dietary nutrient, omega-3 fatty acids (N3; i.e. EPA + DHA). Our primary aim was to investigate the relationship between a biomarker of omega-3 fatty acids -- percent of whole blood fatty acids as EPA + DHA (N3 Index) -- and cingulate morphology, in typically developing adolescent males (n = 29) and females (n = 33). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to quantify gray matter volume (GMV) in the dorsal region of the cingulate (dCC). Impulse control was assessed via caregiver report (BRIEF) and Go/No-Go task performance. We predicted that greater N3 Index in adolescents would be associated with less dCC GMV and better impulse control. Results revealed that N3 Index was inversely related to GMV in males, but not in females. Furthermore, males with less right dCC GMV exhibited better caregiver-rated impulse control. A simple mediation model revealed that, in males, N3 Index may indirectly impact impulse control through its association with right dCC GMV. Findings suggest a sex-specific link between levels of N3 and dCC structural development, with adolescent males more impacted by lower N3 levels than females. Identifying factors such as omega-3 fatty acid levels, which may modulate the neurodevelopment of response inhibition, is critical for understanding typical and atypical developmental trajectories associated with this core executive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L. Darcey
- Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Suite LM-14, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Goldie A. McQuaid
- Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Suite LM-14, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Diana H. Fishbein
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, 218 HHD Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - John W. VanMeter
- Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Suite LM-14, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Darcey VL, McQuaid GA, Fishbein DH, VanMeter JW. Dietary Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Related to Impulse Control and Anterior Cingulate Function in Adolescents. Front Neurosci 2019; 12:1012. [PMID: 30686978 PMCID: PMC6333752 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.01012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Impulse control, an emergent function modulated by the prefrontal cortex (PFC), helps to dampen risky behaviors during adolescence. Influences on PFC maturation during this period may contribute to variations in impulse control. Availability of omega-3 fatty acids, an essential dietary nutrient integral to neuronal structure and function, may be one such influence. This study examined whether intake of energy-adjusted long-chain omega-3 fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] was related to variation in impulse control and PFC activity during performance of an inhibitory task in adolescents (n = 87; 51.7% female, mean age 13.3 ± 1.1 years) enrolled in a longitudinal neuroimaging study. Intake of DHA + EPA was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and adjusted for total energy intake. Inhibitory control was assessed using caregiver rating scale (BRIEF Inhibit subscale) and task performance (false alarm rate) on a Go/No-Go task performed during functional MRI. Reported intake of long-chain omega-3 was positively associated with caregiver ratings of adolescent ability to control impulses (p = 0.017) and there was a trend for an association between intake and task-based impulse control (p = 0.072). Furthermore, a regression of BOLD response within PFC during successful impulse control (Correct No-Go versus Incorrect No-Go) with energy-adjusted DHA + EPA intake revealed that adolescents reporting lower intakes display greater activation in the dorsal anterior cingulate, potentially suggestive of a possible lag in cortical development. The present results suggest that dietary omega-3 fatty acids are related to development of both impulse control and function of the dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus in normative adolescent development. Insufficiency of dietary omega-3 fatty acids during this developmental period may be a factor which hinders development of behavioral control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L Darcey
- The Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States.,Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Goldie A McQuaid
- Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Diana H Fishbein
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - John W VanMeter
- Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jackson C, Barrett DW, Shumake J, Gonzales E, Gonzalez-Lima F, Lane MA. Maternal omega-3 fatty acid intake during neurodevelopment does not affect pup behavior related to depression, novelty, or learning. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:812. [PMID: 30442183 PMCID: PMC6238316 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3915-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Previously, we showed that consumption of a diet supplemented with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3FAs) for two rounds of gestation and lactation increased the ability of rat dams to cope with stress when compared to dams that ingested a diet lacking n-3FAs. The objective of this study was to determine if the diets of these dams affected the behavior of their pups later in life. To isolate the neurodevelopmental effects of n-3FAs, pups from the second gestation were weaned to a diet adequate in n-3FAs. Pup testing began at 8 weeks of age and consisted of the forced swim, open field, and hole board tests to examine depression-related behavior, reaction to novelty, and learning and memory, respectively. Results Given the considerable difference in the n-3FA content of the maternal diet, we expected a large effect size, however with the exception of rearing duration, maternal diet did not affect behavior in any of the tests conducted. These results suggest that maternal n-3FA supplementation during neurodevelopment likely does not affect offspring behavior when a diet adequate in n-3FA is provided post-weaning. Rather, we hypothesize that brain n-3FAs at the time of testing confer altered behavior and corroborate the need for additional research. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3915-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corey Jackson
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Douglas W Barrett
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keeton Stop A8000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Jason Shumake
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keeton Stop A8000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Elisa Gonzales
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - F Gonzalez-Lima
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keeton Stop A8000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Michelle A Lane
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Effects of omega-3 fatty acids and sugar on attention in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. J Funct Foods 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2018.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
9
|
Behavioral assessment of hippocampal function following dietary intervention. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
10
|
Steyn SF, Harvey BH, Brink CB. Immediate and long-term antidepressive-like effects of pre-pubertal escitalopram and omega-3 supplementation combination in young adult stress-sensitive rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 351:49-62. [PMID: 29807070 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects a significant number of children and adolescents, yet treatment options for this population remain very limited. Escitalopram (ESC) is one of only two antidepressants approved as treatment for juvenile depression. Still, delayed onset of action, and immediate plus the risk of lasting side effects contribute to low patient adherence, and places the medical prescriber in a difficult situation weighing the potential long-term effects of juvenile treatment against the known consequences of untreated MDD. Research into alternative or augmentation strategies and their long-term effects are needed to improve clinical outcome and better our understanding of the long-term consequences of early-life treatment. We investigated the early-life (postnatal day 35 (PND35)) and lasting (PND60) bio-behavioural effects of pre-pubertal (PND21 to PND34) escitalopram (ESC) administration and/or ω-3 supplementation (OM3) in stress sensitive Flinders Sensitive Line rats. Only ESC treatment showed a strong trend to decrease depressive-like behaviour via significantly increased climbing behaviour on PND35. However, OM3 treatment reduced locomotor activity and increased hippocampal neuroplasticity on PND35, suggesting improved coping behaviour and masking of possible antidepressant-like effects. Reduced locomotor activity lasted into early-adulthood on PND60, despite a treatment-free period from PND35 to PND60. Regardless, early-adulthood antidepressive-like behaviour was only observed in the combination treatment (ESC + OM3) group, despite a significant increase in serotonin turnover, suggesting strong neurodevelopmental process to be involved. Taken together, the combination of ESC and OM3 might induce lasting beneficial neurodevelopmental effects in a stress-sensitive population, suggesting a possible role in current treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanus F Steyn
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North West-University, South Africa
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North West-University, South Africa
| | - Christiaan B Brink
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North West-University, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hauser J, Stollberg E, Reissmann A, Kaunzinger I, Lange KW. Alterations of attention and impulsivity in the rat following a transgenerational decrease in dietary omega-3 fatty acids. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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]
|
14
|
Ramakrishnan U, Gonzalez-Casanova I, Schnaas L, DiGirolamo A, Quezada AD, Pallo BC, Hao W, Neufeld LM, Rivera JA, Stein AD, Martorell R. Prenatal supplementation with DHA improves attention at 5 y of age: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2016; 104:1075-1082. [PMID: 27604770 PMCID: PMC5039806 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.114.101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) is an important constituent of the brain. Evidence from well-designed intervention trials of the long-term benefits of increasing DHA intake during pregnancy has been sparse. OBJECTIVE We evaluated global cognition, behavior, and attention at age 5 y in the offspring of Mexican women who participated in a randomized controlled trial of prenatal DHA supplementation. DESIGN A total of 1094 women were randomly assigned to receive 400 mg of either DHA or placebo/d from 18 to 22 wk of pregnancy until delivery. We assessed cognitive development and behavioral and executive functioning, including attention, in 797 offspring at age 5 y (82% of 973 live births) with the use of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA), the parental scale of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2), and the Conners' Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT). We compared the groups on raw scores, T-scores, and standardized scores, as appropriate. We examined heterogeneity by the quality of the home environment, maternal intelligence, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS There were no group differences for MSCA scores (P > 0.05), but the positive effect of the home environment at 12 mo on general cognitive abilities was attenuated in the DHA group compared with in the placebo group (P-interaction < 0.05). There were no differences between groups on the BASC-2. On the K-CPT, offspring in the DHA group showed improved mean ± SD T-scores compared with those of the placebo group for omissions (DHA: 47.6 ± 10.3; placebo: 49.6 ± 11.2; P < 0.01) with no differences (P > 0.05) for the other K-CPT scores or of the proportion who were clinically at risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSION Prenatal exposure to DHA may contribute to improved sustained attention in preschool children. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00646360.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Usha Ramakrishnan
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA;
| | - Ines Gonzalez-Casanova
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lourdes Schnaas
- Division of Public Health, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ann DiGirolamo
- Center of Excellence for Children's Behavioral Health, Georgia Health Policy Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Amado D Quezada
- Health and Nutrition Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; and
| | - Beth C Pallo
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Wei Hao
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Juan A Rivera
- Health and Nutrition Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; and
| | - Aryeh D Stein
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Reynaldo Martorell
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tang M, Zhang M, Cai H, Li H, Jiang P, Dang R, Liu Y, He X, Xue Y, Cao L, Wu Y. Maternal diet of polyunsaturated fatty acid altered the cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus and influenced glutamatergic and serotoninergic systems of neonatal female rats. Lipids Health Dis 2016; 15:71. [PMID: 27048382 PMCID: PMC4822267 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are major components of the phospholipids that forming the cell membrane. Insufficient availability of PUFAs during prenatal period decreases accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the developing brain. DHA deficiency is associated with impaired attention and cognition, and would precipitate psychiatric symptoms. However, clinical studies on the potential benefits of dietary DHA supplementation to neural development have yielded conflicting results. Methods To further investigate the neurochemical influence of maternal PUFAs levels, we assessed the functioning of various neurotransmitter systems including glutamatergic, dopaminergic, norepinephrinergic and serotoninergic systems in the brain of neonatal female rats by HPLC-MS/MS. Meanwhile, the cell proliferation of neonatal rats was investigated using immunefluorescence. Results Different maternal n-3 PUFAs dietary influenced the FA composition, cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus and the contents of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamine (GLN), dopamine (DA) and its metabolites [3,4- dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA)], norepinephrine (NE), vanilmandelic acid (VMA) and 5-HT turnover in the brain of neonatal rats. However, the mRNA expression of key synthase of neurotransmitters remains stable. Conclusions Our study showed that maternal deficiency of n-3 PUFAs might play an important role in central nervous system of neonatal female rats mainly through impairing the normal neurogenesis and influencing glutamatergic system and 5-HT turnover. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12944-016-0236-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Tang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hualin Cai
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China
| | - Huande Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| | - Pei Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272000, PR China
| | - Ruili Dang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272000, PR China
| | - Yiping Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China
| | - Xin He
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Xue
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lingjuan Cao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanqin Wu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brain membrane lipids in major depression and anxiety disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2015; 1851:1052-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2014.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
17
|
Clouard C, Gerrits WJJ, van Kerkhof I, Smink W, Bolhuis JE. Dietary linoleic and α-linolenic acids affect anxiety-related responses and exploratory activity in growing pigs. J Nutr 2015; 145:358-64. [PMID: 25644359 DOI: 10.3945/jn.114.199448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence suggests that the dietary ratio of linoleic acid (LA) to α-linolenic acid (ALA), the precursors of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), respectively, may affect behavior in mammals. OBJECTIVE This study aimed at evaluating the impact of dietary LA and ALA intake on behaviors of growing pigs, a pertinent model for human nutrition. METHODS At 7 wk of age, 32 pigs were allocated to 4 dietary treatments varying in daily intake of LA (1.3 and 2.6 g · kg body weight(-0.75) · d(-1) for low- and high-LA groups, respectively) and ALA (0.15 and 1.5 g · kg body weight(-0.75) · d(-1) for low- and high-ALA groups, respectively) for 4 wk. Between days 12 and 18, general behavior in the home pen was observed and pigs were subjected to an open field and novel object test. At 11 wk of age, brain fatty acid composition was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with high LA intake, low LA intake increased the time spent on exploration, particularly nosing in the home pen (P < 0.05) and the open field (P < 0.05), and tended to reduce the time spent lying with eyes open in the home pen (P = 0.09). Time spent lying with eyes open also tended to be affected by the interaction between LA and ALA (P = 0.08). A high-LA/high-ALA intake (ratio of 2; P < 0.05) and a low-LA/high-ALA intake (ratio of 1; P = 0.06) decreased the latency to approach the novel object compared with a low-LA/low-ALA intake (ratio of 9). DHA in the frontal cortex was positively correlated with exploratory behaviors in the home pen (rs = 0.56, P < 0.01), whereas AA was negatively correlated with time spent lying with eyes closed (rs = -0.48, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Low LA intake and a low dietary LA:ALA ratio increased exploration and decreased anxiety-related behaviors in pigs. It is suggested that changes in brain DHA and AA induced by dietary LA and ALA intake mediate these behavioral changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Walter J J Gerrits
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Willem Smink
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Long-chainn-3 PUFA supplementation decreases physical activity during class time in iron-deficient South African school children. Br J Nutr 2014; 113:212-24. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114514003493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Both Fe deficiency and poorn-3 fatty acid status have been associated with behavioural changes in children. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Fe and DHA+EPA supplementation, alone or in combination, on physical activity during school days and on teacher-rated behaviour in healthy Fe-deficient school children. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, children (n98, 6–11 years) were randomly assigned to receive (1) Fe (50 mg) plus DHA (420 mg)+EPA (80 mg), (2) Fe plus placebo, (3) placebo plus DHA+EPA or (4) placebo plus placebo as oral supplements (4 d/week) for 8·5 months. Physical activity was measured during four school days at baseline and endpoint using accelerometers, and data were stratified into morning class time (08.00–10.29 hours), break time (10.30–11.00 hours) and after-break class time (11.01–12.00 hours) for analysis. Classroom behaviour was assessed at endpoint using Conners’ Teacher Rating Scales. DHA+EPA supplementation decreased physical activity counts during morning class time, increased sedentary physical activity, and decreased light- and moderate-intensity physical activities. Consistently, DHA+EPA supplementation increased sedentary physical activity and decreased light-intensity physical activity during after-break class time. Even though there were no treatment effects found on teacher-rated behaviour, lower physical activity during morning class time was associated with lower levels of teacher-rated hyperactivity and oppositional behaviour at endpoint. Despite a positive association between Fe status and physical activity during break time at baseline, Fe supplementation did not affect physical activity during break time and class time. Our findings suggest that DHA+EPA supplementation may decrease physical activity levels during class time, and further indicate that accelerometry might be a useful tool to assess classroom behaviour in healthy children.
Collapse
|
19
|
Omega-3 fatty acids improve behavioral coping to stress in multiparous rats. Behav Brain Res 2014; 279:129-38. [PMID: 25446767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral coping refers to the ability to modify behavior to escape from stress, and is protective against the development of depressive disorders. Omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) intake is inversely correlated with anxiety and depression in humans. The objective of this study was to determine if consumption of n-3 FAs promotes adaptive coping behaviors in a multiparous rat model. Twenty female rats were randomly assigned to diets with or without n-3 FA containing menhaden oil or sunflower oil as the fat source, respectively. Rats experienced two cycles of gestation and lactation. Behavioral testing began on the second day after the last parturition. Rats consuming n-3 FAs displayed improved escape learning in the shuttle box test. Specifically, rats consuming n-3 FAs escaped footshock more quickly and had a greater number of successful escapes in the shuttle box than rats not consuming n-3 FAs. Diet did not affect general activity in the open field, but rats consuming n-3 FAs showed less reactivity and habituation to novelty in the open field than rats not consuming n-3 FAs. Immobility and swimming in the forced swim test, risk-taking assessed by the light/dark test, sucrose drinking, and motor coordination were not significantly affected by diet. A diet enriched with n-3 FAs promoted behavioral escape changes consistent with increased adaptive coping to stressful events, suggesting that n-3 FAs may help prevent the development of stress-related depressive disorders.
Collapse
|
20
|
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids modulate large-scale systems organization in the rhesus macaque brain. J Neurosci 2014; 34:2065-74. [PMID: 24501348 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3038-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy brain and retinal development and have been implicated in a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. This study used resting-state functional connectivity MRI to define the large-scale organization of the rhesus macaque brain and changes associated with differences in lifetime ω-3 fatty acid intake. Monkeys fed docosahexaenoic acid, the long-chain ω-3 fatty acid abundant in neural membranes, had cortical modular organization resembling the healthy human brain. In contrast, those with low levels of dietary ω-3 fatty acids had decreased functional connectivity within the early visual pathway and throughout higher-order associational cortex and showed impairment of distributed cortical networks. Our findings illustrate the similarity in modular cortical organization between the healthy human and macaque brain and support the notion that ω-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in developing and/or maintaining distributed, large-scale brain systems, including those essential for normal cognitive function.
Collapse
|
21
|
Engelberth H, Teisl MF, Frohmberg E, Butts K, Bell KP, Stableford S, Smith AE. Can fish consumption advisories do better? Providing benefit and risk information to increase knowledge. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 126:232-239. [PMID: 24074700 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Humans exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) can suffer from adverse health impacts, e.g., serious neurological damage; however, fish is also a good source of omega-3 fish oils which promotes infants' neurological development. Because eating fish is the primary mechanism of MeHg exposure, federal and state agencies issue fish consumption advisories to inform the public about the risks of eating contaminated fish. An advisory's purpose is to provide information to consumers to increase their knowledge of specific product attributes; however, the difficulty in communicating both the risks and benefits of eating fish leads readers of fish advisories to over-restrict their fish consumption. Because the effectiveness of fish consumption advisories are not often evaluated by states, we help fill this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of Maine's fish consumption advisory in terms of improving knowledge. The results suggest the advisory successfully increased women's knowledge of both the benefits and risks of consuming fish while pregnant. The advisory also increased their ability to differentiate fish by their MeHg content, knowledge of both low and high-MeHg fish and knowledge of detailed attributes of seemingly substitutable goods, such as white tuna, light tuna and pre-packaged salmon. People who did not read the advisory lack the knowledge of how to identify fish that provide: health benefits like Omega-3 fatty acids, or health risks like MeHg; reading the advisory reduces this lack of knowledge. Readers increased ability to make specific substitutions to minimize risk while maintaining the benefits of fish eating suggests the advisory has the potential of reducing MeHg-related health risks while avoiding the drop in fish consumption show in other studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haley Engelberth
- School of Economics, 5782 Winslow Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Russell KL, Berman NEJ, Levant B. Low brain DHA content worsens sensorimotor outcomes after TBI and decreases TBI-induced Timp1 expression in juvenile rats. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2013; 89:97-105. [PMID: 23796971 PMCID: PMC3753049 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The effects of dietary modulation of brain DHA content on outcomes after TBI were examined in a juvenile rat model. Long-Evans rats with normal or diet-induced decreases in brain DHA were subjected to a controlled cortical impact or sham surgery on postnatal day 17. Rats with the greatest decreases in brain DHA had the poorest sensorimotor outcomes after TBI. Ccl2, Gfap, and Mmp 9 mRNA levels, and MMP-2 and -9 enzymatic activities were increased after TBI regardless of brain DHA level. Lesion volume was not affected by brain DHA level. In contrast, TBI-induced Timp1 expression was lower in rats on the Deficient diet and correlated with brain DHA level. These data suggest that decreased brain DHA content contributes to poorer sensorimotor outcomes after TBI through a mechanism involving modulation of Timp1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L. Russell
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| | - Nancy E. J. Berman
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| | - Beth Levant
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
- Corresponding author: Department of Pharmacology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail Stop 1018, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, Phone: 1 913 588 7527, Fax: 1 913 588 7501,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Levant B. N-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated Fatty acids in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression: pre-clinical evidence. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2013; 12:450-9. [PMID: 23574159 PMCID: PMC4115447 DOI: 10.2174/1871527311312040003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A growing literature suggests the association of low tissue levels and/or dietary intake of n-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with depressive illnesses. Animal studies show that low tissue and/or dietary n-3 PUFAs can lead to behaviors and neurobiological effects associated with depression and can potentiate the consequences of stress, whereas higher levels have the opposite effect. These data support the involvement of n-3 PUFAs levels in the disease processes underlying depression. In addition, these pre-clinical findings indicate neurobiological mechanisms whereby n-3 PUFAs may contribute to the disease including control of serotonergic and dopaminergic function, modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and effects on neuroinflammation. This evidence for a role for n-3 PUFA in the pathophysiology and treatment of depressive illness are reviewed. The implications of these finding for future pre-clinical research and clinical application are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Levant
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Kansas Medical Center, MS-1018, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Adamski J, Suhre K. Metabolomics platforms for genome wide association studies--linking the genome to the metabolome. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2012; 24:39-47. [PMID: 23102864 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) reveal links between genetic variance and predisposition to disease. With the advent of modern 'omics-technologies', GWAS can now identify the genetic factors that influence intermediate traits on pathways to disease, such as blood concentrations of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and secondary metabolites, hormones and signal molecules. At the example of recent GWAS with metabolic traits (mGWAS) we review the high-throughput screening approaches that are available to further advance the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Adamski
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Genome Analysis Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Passos PP, Borba JMC, Rocha-de-Melo AP, Guedes RCA, da Silva RP, Filho WTM, Gouveia KMM, Navarro DMDAF, Santos GKN, Borner R, Picanço-Diniz CW, Pereira A, de Oliveira Costa MSM, Rodrigues MCA, Andrade-da-Costa BLDS. Dopaminergic cell populations of the rat substantia nigra are differentially affected by essential fatty acid dietary restriction over two generations. J Chem Neuroanat 2012; 44:66-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 05/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
26
|
Irmisch G, Thome J, Reis O, Hässler F, Weirich S. Modified magnesium and lipoproteins in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). World J Biol Psychiatry 2011; 12 Suppl 1:63-5. [PMID: 21812620 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2011.600292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have shown to be helpful in the therapy of ADHD. Various stabilizing co-factors may contribute to this effect, as like magnesium (Mg). Mg supports fatty acid enzyme activity and is essential for the neuronal activity. However, the way of Mg to influence psychic processes, particularly in ADHS, is not yet known precisely. Therefore, in this study the concentrations of further lipid parameters were assessed. We intended to prove, if there is a lack of Mg and someone different lipoprotein concentration in ADHD patients compared to controls. METHODS In nine boys with ADHD (8.2 ± 0.6 years) and 11 controls (7.9 ± 0.87 years), blood serum Mg, total cholesterol, triglycerides, Lipoprotein Lipase, total Phospholipids, Apolipoproteins a and b, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol were measured, under two different stressful conditions. RESULTS In ADHD, Mg and HDL concentrations were significantly higher and Apob lower than in controls. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to our supposition, in ADHD was no lack, but an excess of Mg. HDL was hightened and Apob lowered. Lipoprotein metabolism seems to be modified in ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Irmisch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Rostock University, Rostock, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Stern AH, Korn LR. An approach for quantitatively balancing methylmercury risk and omega-3 benefit in fish consumption advisories. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:1043-6. [PMID: 21543281 PMCID: PMC3237343 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly all fish consumption advisories for methylmercury (MeHg) are based only on risk. There is a need to also address benefits, especially those from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in neurodevelopmental function and cardiovascular health. However, because MeHg and PUFA generally act on these same end points, disentangling risk and benefit is challenging. OBJECTIVES We propose an approach for balancing risk and benefit that is based on the use of statistically dissociated measures of risk and benefit. DISCUSSION Because of mutual coexposure of MeHg and PUFAs in population-based studies and their opposite effect on many of the same end points, MeHg risk and PUFA benefit are tightly linked statistically, which results in mutual (negative) confounding. Thus, neither MeHg risk nor PUFA benefit can be accurately quantified without taking the other into account. A statistical approach that generates unconfounded risk and benefit coefficients for each end point can permit their subsequent recombination to describe the overall risk-benefit profile of each species of fish or fish diet. However, it appears that some end points may be adversely affected by MeHg without experiencing counterbalancing benefit from PUFAs. Such end points may drive consumption advisories and may preclude balancing of risk and benefit on the basis of other end points. CONCLUSIONS Our thinking about fish consumption advisories now recognizes the need to balance risk and benefit. However, although statistical analysis of the appropriate data can eliminate mutual confounding, care is required to address the most sensitive end points that may be sensitive to risk and not benefit.
Collapse
|
28
|
Stern AH, Korn LR. An approach for quantitatively balancing methylmercury risk and omega-3 benefit in fish consumption advisories. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011. [PMID: 21543281 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1002824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly all fish consumption advisories for methylmercury (MeHg) are based only on risk. There is a need to also address benefits, especially those from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in neurodevelopmental function and cardiovascular health. However, because MeHg and PUFA generally act on these same end points, disentangling risk and benefit is challenging. OBJECTIVES We propose an approach for balancing risk and benefit that is based on the use of statistically dissociated measures of risk and benefit. DISCUSSION Because of mutual coexposure of MeHg and PUFAs in population-based studies and their opposite effect on many of the same end points, MeHg risk and PUFA benefit are tightly linked statistically, which results in mutual (negative) confounding. Thus, neither MeHg risk nor PUFA benefit can be accurately quantified without taking the other into account. A statistical approach that generates unconfounded risk and benefit coefficients for each end point can permit their subsequent recombination to describe the overall risk-benefit profile of each species of fish or fish diet. However, it appears that some end points may be adversely affected by MeHg without experiencing counterbalancing benefit from PUFAs. Such end points may drive consumption advisories and may preclude balancing of risk and benefit on the basis of other end points. CONCLUSIONS Our thinking about fish consumption advisories now recognizes the need to balance risk and benefit. However, although statistical analysis of the appropriate data can eliminate mutual confounding, care is required to address the most sensitive end points that may be sensitive to risk and not benefit.
Collapse
|
29
|
Brenna JT. Animal studies of the functional consequences of suboptimal polyunsaturated fatty acid status during pregnancy, lactation and early post-natal life. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2011; 7 Suppl 2:59-79. [PMID: 21366867 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00301.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Scores of animal studies demonstrate that seed oils replete with linoleic acid and very low in linolenic acid fed as the exclusive source of fat through pregnancy and lactation result in visual, cognitive, and behavioural deficits in the offspring. Commodity peanut, sunflower, and safflower oils fed to mother rats, guinea pigs, rhesus monkeys, and baboons induce predictable changes in tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid composition that are abnormal in free-living land mammals as well as changes in neurotransmitter levels, catecholamines, and signalling compounds compared with animals with a supply of ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. These diets consistently induce functional deficits in electroretinograms, reflex responses, reward or avoidance induced learning, maze learning, behaviour, and motor development compared with ω3 replete groups. Boosting neural tissue docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by feeding preformed DHA enhances visual and cognitive function. Though no human randomized controlled trials on minimal ω3 requirements in pregnancy and lactation have been conducted, the weight of animal evidence compellingly shows that randomizing pregnant or lactating humans to diets that include high linoleate oils as the sole source of fat would be frankly unethical because they would result in suboptimal child development. Increasing use of commodity ω3-deficient oils in developing countries, many in the name of heart health, will limit brain development of the next generation and can be easily corrected at minimal expense by substituting high oleic acid versions of these same oils, in many cases blended with small amounts of α-linolenic acid oils like flax or perilla oil. Inclusion of DHA in these diets is likely to further enhance visual and neural development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Thomas Brenna
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Russell KL, Kutchko KM, Fowler SC, Berman NEJ, Levant B. Sensorimotor behavioral tests for use in a juvenile rat model of traumatic brain injury: assessment of sex differences. J Neurosci Methods 2011; 199:214-22. [PMID: 21600923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Revised: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Modeling juvenile traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rodents presents several unique challenges compared to adult TBI, one of which is selecting appropriate sensorimotor behavioral tasks that enable the assessment of the extent of injury and recovery over time in developing animals. To address this challenge, we performed a comparison of common sensorimotor tests in Long-Evans rats of various sizes and developmental stages (postnatal days 16-45, 35-190 g). Tests were compared and selected for their developmental appropriateness, scalability for growth, pre-training requirements, and throughput capability. Sex differences in response to TBI were also assessed. Grid walk, automated gait analysis, rotarod, beam walk, spontaneous forelimb elevation test, and measurement of motor activity using the force-plate actometer were evaluated. Grid walk, gait analysis, and rotarod failed to meet one or more of the evaluation criteria. Beam walk, spontaneous forelimb elevation test, and measurement of motor activity using the force-plate actometer satisfied all criteria and were capable of detecting motor abnormalities in rats subjected to controlled cortical impact on postnatal day 17. No sex differences were detected in the acute effects of TBI or functional recovery during the 28 days after injury using these tests. This demonstrates the utility of these tests for the evaluation of sensorimotor function in studies using rat models of pediatric TBI, and suggests that pre-pubertal males and females respond similarly to TBI with respect to sensorimotor outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Russell
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Levant B, Zarcone TJ, Davis PF, Ozias MK, Fowler SC. Differences in methylphenidate dose response between periadolescent and adult rats in the familiar arena-novel alcove task. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 337:83-91. [PMID: 21205916 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.110.174425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant widely used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In this study, the effects of two nonstereotypy-inducing doses of methylphenidate (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg s.c.) were examined in periadolescent [postnatal days (P) 35 and 42] and young adult (P70), male Long-Evans rats using a three-period locomotor activity paradigm that affords inferences about exploration, habituation, and attention to a novel stimulus (an "alcove") in a familiar environment in a single test session. In the first test period, P35 and P42 rats were more active than P70 rats, and methylphenidate increased locomotion in a dose-related manner. The introduction of a novel spatial stimulus in the third test period revealed a significant interaction of dose and age such that P70 rats exhibited dose-related increases in distance traveled, but P35 rats did not. Furthermore, methylphenidate dose-relatedly disrupted the rats' tendency to spend increasing amounts of time in the alcove across the test period at P70 but not at P35. Brain and serum methylphenidate concentrations were significantly lower at P35 than at P70, with intermediate levels at P42. Developmental differences in dopaminergic neurochemistry were also observed, including increased dopamine content in the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, and frontal cortex and decreased densities of D(1)-like receptors in the frontal cortex in P70 than in P42 rats. These results raise the possibility that children and adults may respond differently when treated with this drug, particularly in situations involving response to novelty and that these effects involve developmental differences in pharmacokinetics and dopaminergic neurochemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Levant
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail Stop 1018, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Levant B. N-3 (omega-3) Fatty acids in postpartum depression: implications for prevention and treatment. DEPRESSION RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2010; 2011:467349. [PMID: 21151517 PMCID: PMC2989696 DOI: 10.1155/2011/467349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of clinical and epidemiological evidence suggests that low dietary intake and/or tissue levels of n-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are associated with postpartum depression. Low tissue levels of n-3 PUFAs, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are reported in patients with either postpartum or nonpuerperal depression. Moreover, the physiological demands of pregnancy and lactation put childbearing women at particular risk of experiencing a loss of DHA from tissues including the brain, especially in individuals with inadequate dietary n-3 PUFA intake or suboptimal metabolic capabilities. Animal studies indicate that decreased brain DHA in postpartum females leads to several depression-associated neurobiological changes including decreased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor and augmented hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal responses to stress. Taken together, these findings support a role for decreased brain n-3 PUFAs in the multifactorial etiology of depression, particularly postpartum depression. These findings, and their implications for research and clinical practice, are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Levant
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, The University of Kansas Medical Center, MS-1018, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|