The emerging role of docosahexaenoic acid in neuroinflammation.
Epidemiological studies have linked fish consumption to lower rates of neurological diseases. Fish contains high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), and several lines of evidence suggest that the n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) acts in the brain via anti-apoptotic and neurotrophic pathways. In addition, DHA may act through anti-neuroinflammatory pathways, as DHA possesses anti-inflammatory properties in the periphery. Evidence from animal models has indicated that DHA and its derivatives (resolvin D1 and protectin D1) attenuate colitis, peritonitis and ischemic stroke. n-3 PUFA deprivation in rats decreases brain levels of DHA and increases markers of the brain arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) cascade, a proinflammatory pathway. Thus, chronic low intake of n-3 PUFA may predispose the brain to weak anti-inflammatory, as well as strong proinflammatory signals. Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and major depression, display a neuroinflammatory component. n-3 PUFA supplementation, as well as drugs targeting brain PUFA metabolism, are promising candidates in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.
Orr
Sarah K
SK
University of Toronto, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, FitzGerald Building, 150 College Street, Room 306, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada.
Bazinet
Richard P
RP
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009443:Neuritis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D016718:Arachidonic Acid