title: Membrane fatty acid composition shows delta-6-desaturase abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Martinez, CA 94553.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Nakada
authors: I L
authors: IL
authors: Kwee
authors: W G
authors: WG
authors: Ellis
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D010743:Phospholipids; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases; D050602:Linoleoyl-CoA Desaturase