Biochemical and biological functions of docosahexaenoic acid in the nervous system: modulation by ethanol.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), an n-3 fatty acid highly concentrated in the central nervous system, is essential for proper neuronal and retinal function. While a high level of DHA is generally maintained in neuronal membranes, inadequate supply of n-3 fatty acid or ethanol exposure leads to a significant loss of DHA in neuronal cells. The roles of DHA in neuronal signaling have been emerging. In this review, biological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms supporting the essential function of DHA in neuronal survival and development are described in relation to n-3 fatty acid depleting conditions.
Kim
Hee-Yong
HY
Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, NIAAA, NIH, 5625 Fishers Lane, Room 3N07, MSC9410, Bethesda, MD 20892-9410, USA. hykim@mail.nih.gov
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000378:metabolism*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D015398:Signal Transduction
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010718:Phosphatidylserines; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D000431:Ethanol