title: The importance of n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio in the major depressive disorder.
abstract: This review aims to clarify the relation between the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and the development of depression. It is explained how these fatty acids are involved in the production of eicosanoids and how these fatty acids can affect the membrane fluidity, by their incorporation into membrane phospholipids. In addition, it is described how omega-3 derivatives are shown to regulate gene transcription. In view of the pathophysiology of depression, the mechanisms of how an altered ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 could be involved in depression are discussed. Possible mechanisms could include an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can activate the HPA axis and a changed membrane fluidity, which potentially affects membrane bound enzymes, ion channels, receptor activity and neurotransmitter binding. In view of clinical trials, it is also discussed whether omega-3 supplementation could have a beneficial effect in the treatment of depressive patient. There are strong indications that an increased ratio of membrane omega-6 to omega-3 is involved in the pathogenesis of depression and so far, omega-3 supplementation has shown positive effects in clinical trials.
authors: Department of Biomedicine, Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors: Kristian Søborg
authors: KS
authors: Husted
authors: Department of Biomedicine, Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Health, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark. Electronic address: elena_bouz@hotmail.com.
authors: Elena V
authors: EV
authors: Bouzinova
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy*; D066273:Diet, Western; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004298:Dopamine / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015777:Eicosanoids / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000378:metabolism; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012701:Serotonin / Q000096:biosynthesis
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D015777:Eicosanoids; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D010743:Phospholipids; D012701:Serotonin; D004298:Dopamine
keywords: Arachidonic acid; Depression; Eicosapentaenoic acid; Polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio