title: Polyunsaturated fatty acids and epilepsy.
abstract: Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are dietary fatty acids that are involved in a myriad of physiologic processes in the brain. There is some evidence suggesting that PUFAs-and particularly omega-3 PUFAs-may have anticonvulsant effects, both in humans and in animals. In the present review, we assess the evidence related to the antiseizure properties of the n-3 PUFAs, discuss their possible mechanism(s) of action, and make recommendations for future clinical trials. In general, the available data from cell cultures and whole animal studies support the idea that the n-3 PUFAs have antiseizure properties. Future clinical trials involving the n-3 PUFAs should involve higher doses and longer periods of administration in order to definitively assess their possible antiseizure effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and the University of Toronto Epilepsy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Ameer Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Taha
authors.forename: W McIntyre
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Burnham
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Auvin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated