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Zailani H, Chang JPC, Chiu WC, Chang CJ, Su KP. Addressing methodological concerns in omega-3 trial for bipolar disorder relapse prevention. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115947. [PMID: 38733931 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Our response addresses concerns raised about our pilot trial on omega-3 for bipolar disorder. We clarify randomization procedures, highlight the benefits of eicosapentaenoic-predominant formulations for a specific bipolar patients subgroup, and justify the use of Kaplan-Meier analysis despite limitations. We acknowledge analytical challenges due to strict inclusion criteria and encourage future research on specific bipolar subtypes and larger-scale trials for robust validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halliru Zailani
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Jane-Pei-Chen Chang
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Che Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Jui Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Bozzatello P, Novelli R, Montemagni C, Rocca P, Bellino S. Nutraceuticals in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4824. [PMID: 38732043 PMCID: PMC11084672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Correct nutrition and diet are directly correlated with mental health, functions of the immune system, and gut microbiota composition. Diets with a high content of some nutrients, such as fibers, phytochemicals, and short-chain fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids), seem to have an anti-inflammatory and protective action on the nervous system. Among nutraceuticals, supplementation of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids plays a role in improving symptoms of several mental disorders. In this review, we collect data on the efficacy of nutraceuticals in patients with schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, major depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of recent evidence obtained on this topic, pointing out the direction for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bozzatello
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.N.); (C.M.); (P.R.); (S.B.)
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Norouziasl R, Zeraattalab-Motlagh S, Jayedi A, Shab-Bidar S. Efficacy and safety of n-3 fatty acids supplementation on depression: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Nutr 2024; 131:658-671. [PMID: 37726108 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523002052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of n-3 fatty acids supplementation on the risk of developing depression, depressive symptoms and remission of depression. We searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from inception to December 2022 to find randomised trials of n-3 fatty acids supplementation in adults. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses to estimate standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95 % CI for continuous outcomes and risk difference and 95 % CI for binary outcomes. A total of sixty-seven trials were included. Each 1 g/d n-3 fatty acids supplementation significantly improved depressive symptoms in adults with and without depression (moderate-certainty evidence), with a larger improvement in patients with existing depression. Dose-response analyses indicated a U-shaped effect in patients with existing depression, with the greatest improvement at 1·5 g/d. The analysis showed that n-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly increased depression remission by 19 more per 100 in patients with depression (low-certainty evidence). Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids did not reduce the risk of developing depression among the general population, but it did improve the severity of depression among patients with existing depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhane Norouziasl
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Jayedi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Sakineh Shab-Bidar
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zailani H, Wu SK, Yang KJ, Malau IA, Liao HF, Chung YL, Chang JPC, Chiu WC, Su KP. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention of relapse in patients with stable bipolar disorder: A 6-month pilot randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Res 2024; 331:115633. [PMID: 38039650 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy and safety of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in relapse prevention of bipolar disorder (BD), addressing the shortcomings of current medications. Thirty-one stable BD patients were randomized to receive n-3 PUFAs or placebo for 6 months and intergroup differences in the incidence of the recurrence of bipolar depression were assessed. Differences in depression severity, manic symptoms, and routine biochemical parameters were also assessed. Interestingly, n-3 PUFAs demonstrated a favorable preventive effect on bipolar depression recurrence (p=0.005; Log-Rank) and reduced depression severity compared to placebo, and were well-tolerated, suggesting their potential as a safe prophylactic therapy for BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halliru Zailani
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Suet-Kei Wu
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Jie Yang
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ikbal Andrian Malau
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Feng Liao
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lun Chung
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jane Pei-Chen Chang
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Che Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Montazer M, Ebrahimpour-Koujan S, Surkan PJ, Azadbakht L. Effects of Fish-Oil Consumption on Psychological Function Outcomes in Psychosis: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:2149-2164. [PMID: 36166847 PMCID: PMC9879727 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on the effects of fish oil on clinical symptoms and psychosocial functioning in people with psychosis has been inconsistent. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the available data on the effects of oral intake of fish oil on psychological functioning in patients with psychosis. Three online databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant studies published by April 2021. The exposure was oral fish-oil supplementation. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) were our outcome measures. Seventeen randomized clinical trials involving 1390 patients were included. No change in PANSS was observed following oral fish-oil intake [weighted mean difference (WMD): -0.87; 95% CI: -16.99, 15.26; P = 0.92]. In a nonlinear dose-response analysis, a significant inverse association was observed between <10 wk of fish-oil supplementation and PANSS (WMD: -10; P-nonlinearity = 0.02). Although analysis of 4 studies showed a nonsignificant reduction in BPRS after fish-oil intake (WMD: -2.990; 95% CI: -6.42, 0.44; P = 0.08), a nonlinear dose-response analysis revealed significant inverse associations between dose (>2200 mg/d) and duration of fish-oil supplementation (<15 wk) with BPRS score (WMD: -8; P-nonlinearity = 0.04). Combined effect sizes from 6 randomized clinical trials showed significant increases in GAF after oral administration of fish oil (WMD: 6.66; 95% CI: 3.39, 9.93; P < 0.001). In conclusion, we did not find any significant changes in PANSS and BPRS scores following fish-oil supplementation. Nevertheless, oral fish-oil intake significantly contributed to improvement in GAF scores. This is the first meta-analysis to examine the effects of fish oil on the psychological functioning scores of PANSS, BPRS, and GAF simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Montazer
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraiya Ebrahimpour-Koujan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Autoimmune Bullous Disease Research Center, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pamela J Surkan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Berger M, Seemüller F, Voggt A, Obermeier M, Kirchberg F, Löw A, Riedel M, von Schacky C, Severus E. Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar patients with a low omega-3 index and reduced heart rate variability: the "BIPO-3" trial. Int J Bipolar Disord 2022; 10:9. [PMID: 35362878 PMCID: PMC8975918 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-022-00253-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research suggests that a low omega-3 index may contribute to the low heart rate variability and the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in bipolar disorders. However, so far, no intervention trial with EPA and DHA has been conducted in bipolar patients attempting to increase their heart rate variability. Methods 119 patients with bipolar disorder according to DSM-IV were screened, with 55 euthymic bipolar patients—owing to inclusion criteria (e.g. low omega-3 index (< 6%), SDNN < 60 ms.)—being enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, 12-week parallel study design with omega-3 fatty acids (4 capsules of 530 mg EPA, 150 mg DHA) or corn oil as a placebo, in addition to usual treatment. Heart rate variability as well as the omega-3 index were measured at baseline and at the endpoint of the study. Results A total of 42 patients (omega-3: n = 23, corn oil: n = 19) successfully completed the study after 12 weeks. There was a significant increase in the omega-3 index (value at endpoint minus value at baseline) in the omega-3 group compared to the corn oil group (p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the change of the SDNN (value at endpoint minus value at baseline) between the treatment groups (p = 0.22). In addition, no correlation between changes in SDNN and change in the omega-3 index could be detected in the omega-3 group (correlation coefficient = 0.02, p = 0.94) or the corn oil group (correlation coefficient = − 0.11, p = 0.91). Similarly, no significant differences between corn oil and omega-3 group regarding the change of LF (p = 0.19), HF (p = 0.34) and LF/HF ratio (p = 0.84) could be demonstrated. Conclusions In our randomized, controlled intervention trial in euthymic bipolar patients with a low omega-3 index and reduced heart rate variability no significant effect of omega-3 fatty acids on SDNN or frequency-domain measures HF, LF and LF/HF ratio could be detected. Possible reasons include, among others, the effect of psychotropic medication present in our trial and/or the genetics of bipolar disorder itself. Further research is needed to test these hypotheses. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00891826. Registered 01 May 2009–Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00891826
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florian Seemüller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Kbo-Lech-Mangfall-Clinic Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Alessandra Voggt
- St. Joseph Krankenhaus, Klinik Für Seelische Gesundheit Im Kindes- Und Jugendalter, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Franca Kirchberg
- Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. Von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Löw
- Department of Internal Medicine I - Cardiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Riedel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Marion Von Tessin Memory-Zentrum gGmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens von Schacky
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, Ludwig- Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Omegametrix, GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - Emanuel Severus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Madireddy S, Madireddy S. Therapeutic Interventions to Mitigate Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress–Induced Damage in Patients with Bipolar Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031844. [PMID: 35163764 PMCID: PMC8836876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by mood changes, including recurrent manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, which may involve mixed symptoms. Despite the progress in neurobiological research, the pathophysiology of BD has not been extensively described to date. Progress in the understanding of the neurobiology driving BD could help facilitate the discovery of therapeutic targets and biomarkers for its early detection. Oxidative stress (OS), which damages biomolecules and causes mitochondrial and dopamine system dysfunctions, is a persistent finding in patients with BD. Inflammation and immune dysfunction might also play a role in BD pathophysiology. Specific nutrient supplements (nutraceuticals) may target neurobiological pathways suggested to be perturbed in BD, such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and OS. Consequently, nutraceuticals may be used in the adjunctive treatment of BD. This paper summarizes the possible roles of OS, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune system dysregulation in the onset of BD. It then discusses OS-mitigating strategies that may serve as therapeutic interventions for BD. It also analyzes the relationship between diet and BD as well as the use of nutritional interventions in the treatment of BD. In addition, it addresses the use of lithium therapy; novel antipsychotic agents, including clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, cariprazine, and quetiapine; and anti-inflammatory agents to treat BD. Furthermore, it reviews the efficacy of the most used therapies for BD, such as cognitive–behavioral therapy, bright light therapy, imagery-focused cognitive therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. A better understanding of the roles of OS, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder, along with a stronger elucidation of the therapeutic functions of antioxidants, antipsychotics, anti-inflammatory agents, lithium therapy, and light therapies, may lead to improved strategies for the treatment and prevention of bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahithi Madireddy
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Correspondence:
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Jones BDM, Farooqui S, Kloiber S, Husain MO, Mulsant BH, Husain MI. Targeting Metabolic Dysfunction for the Treatment of Mood Disorders: Review of the Evidence. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:819. [PMID: 34440563 PMCID: PMC8401631 DOI: 10.3390/life11080819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are often chronic with many patients not responding to available treatments. As these mood disorders are frequently associated with metabolic dysfunction, there has been increased interest in novel treatments that would target metabolic pathways. The objectives of this scoping review were to synthesize evidence on the impact on mood symptoms of lipid lowering agents and anti-diabetics drugs, while also reviewing current knowledge on the association between mood disorders and dyslipidemia or hyperglycemia. We propose that metabolic dysfunction is prevalent in both MDD and BD and it may contribute to the development of these disorders through a variety of pathophysiological processes including inflammation, brain structural changes, hormonal alterations, neurotransmitter disruptions, alteration on brain cholesterol, central insulin resistance, and changes in gut microbiota. Current evidence is conflicting on the use of statins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, thiazolidinediones, glucagon-like peptide agonists, metformin, or insulin for the treatment of MDD and BD. Given the paucity of high-quality randomized controlled trials, additional studies are needed before any of these medications can be repurposed in routine clinical practice. Future trials need to enrich patient recruitment, include evaluations of mechanism of action, and explore differential effects on specific symptom domains such as anhedonia, suicidality, and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett D. M. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; (B.D.M.J.); (S.K.); (M.O.H.); (B.H.M.)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Salman Farooqui
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; (B.D.M.J.); (S.K.); (M.O.H.); (B.H.M.)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Muhammad Omair Husain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; (B.D.M.J.); (S.K.); (M.O.H.); (B.H.M.)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Benoit H. Mulsant
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; (B.D.M.J.); (S.K.); (M.O.H.); (B.H.M.)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Muhammad Ishrat Husain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; (B.D.M.J.); (S.K.); (M.O.H.); (B.H.M.)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
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Businaro R, Vauzour D, Sarris J, Münch G, Gyengesi E, Brogelli L, Zuzarte P. Therapeutic Opportunities for Food Supplements in Neurodegenerative Disease and Depression. Front Nutr 2021; 8:669846. [PMID: 34055858 PMCID: PMC8160227 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.669846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence is showing nutrition as a crucial factor in the high prevalence and incidence of neurodegenerative mental disorders. Preventive interventions on neuroinflammation seem to be able to interfere with neurodegeneration. Supplementation of essential nutrients, such as long-chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and mineral elements, may minimize inflammation, enhancing antioxidative defense, and lowering the risk and incidence of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. This manuscript reviews the current evidence on the role of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and mental disorders, and preventive strategies for food supplementation in these neuropsychiatric diseases. Dietary supplementation-based strategies have been demonstrated to be effective in subjects with mild cognitive impairment, while weaker results have been obtained in patients with advance neurodegenerative disease. Adjunctive supplementation has also been demonstrated to improve depression, this being of marked benefit considering the comorbidity between cognitive impairment/dementia and depression. Further research is needed to improve the prescriptive precision of supplementation in patients, and to better understand potential interactions with clinical and pharmacokinetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Businaro
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - David Vauzour
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gerald Münch
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Erika Gyengesi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Pedro Zuzarte
- Psychiatric Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,Neuropsychiatry Research Department, GNR Clinical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
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von Schacky C. Importance of EPA and DHA Blood Levels in Brain Structure and Function. Nutrients 2021; 13:1074. [PMID: 33806218 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain structure and function depend on a constant and sufficient supply with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by blood. Blood levels of EPA and DHA reflect dietary intake and other variables and are preferably assessed as percentage in erythrocytes with a well-documented and standardized analytical method (HS-Omega-3 Index®). Every human being has an Omega-3 Index between 2 and 20%, with an optimum of 8–11%. Compared to an optimal Omega-3 Index, a lower Omega-3 Index was associated with increased risk for total mortality and ischemic stroke, reduced brain volume, impaired cognition, accelerated progression to dementia, psychiatric diseases, compromises of complex brain functions, and other brain issues in epidemiologic studies. Most intervention trials, and their meta-analyses considered EPA and DHA as drugs with good bioavailability, a design tending to produce meaningful results in populations characterized by low baseline blood levels (e.g., in major depression), but otherwise responsible for many neutral results and substantial confusion. When trial results were evaluated using blood levels of EPA and DHA measured, effects were larger than comparing EPA and DHA to placebo groups, and paralleled epidemiologic findings. This indicates future trial design, and suggests a targeted use EPA and DHA, based on the Omega-3 Index.
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