title: Neurobehavioral aspects of omega-3 fatty acids: possible mechanisms and therapeutic value in major depression.
abstract: Omega-3 fatty acids have been the subject of volumes of international research, the results of which indicate these substances may have therapeutic value in a number of medical conditions. An emerging area of research is examining the neurobehavioral aspects of omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic) and the critical role of these essential fats in the functioning of the central nervous system. Investigations have linked omega-3 fatty acids to a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. The purpose of this article is to examine the possible mechanisms of action and potential clinical value of omega-3 fatty acids in major depression. A novel mechanism involving omega-3 modulation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is proposed.
authors.affiliation: CAM Research Consulting, 13 Stonewall Court, Mahwah New Jersey 07430, USA. aclnd@cfs-fm.org
authors.forename: Alan C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Logan
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid