Membrane fatty acid composition shows delta-6-desaturase abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease.
Brain membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition is investigated in Alzheimer's disease using fresh pathologically proven autopsy material. The most striking abnormalities in Alzheimer brains compared to age-matched controls are found in the n - 6 line of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) showing an elevation of 18:2 (n - 6) associated with a reduction of 20:4 (n - 6) and 22:4 (n - 6). The findings strongly indicate abnormalities in delta 6-desaturation. The decrease in 22:6 (n - 3) also supports delta 6-desaturase abnormalities. Alteration in PUFA desaturation/elongation processes and resultant membrane abnormalities may play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Nakada
T
T
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Martinez, CA 94553.
Kwee
I L
IL
Ellis
W G
WG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000201:enzymology*; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases / Q000378:metabolism*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D050602:Linoleoyl-CoA Desaturase; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000378:metabolism
D005227:Fatty Acids; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D010743:Phospholipids; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases; D050602:Linoleoyl-CoA Desaturase