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Díaz M. Multifactor Analyses of Frontal Cortex Lipids in the APP/PS1 Model of Familial Alzheimer's Disease Reveal Anomalies in Responses to Dietary n-3 PUFA and Estrogenic Treatments. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:810. [PMID: 38927745 PMCID: PMC11202691 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain lipid homeostasis is an absolute requirement for proper functionality of nerve cells and neurological performance. Current evidence demonstrates that lipid alterations are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). The complexity of the brain lipidome and its metabolic regulation has hampered the identification of critical processes associated with the onset and progression of AD. While most experimental studies have focused on the effects of known factors on the development of pathological hallmarks in AD, e.g., amyloid deposition, tau protein and neurofibrillary tangles, neuroinflammation, etc., studies addressing the causative effects of lipid alterations remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we have used a multifactor approach combining diets containing different amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), estrogen availabilities, and genetic backgrounds, i.e., wild type (WT) and APP/PS1 (FAD), to analyze the lipid phenotype of the frontal cortex in middle-aged female mice. First, we observed that severe n-3 PUFA deficiency impacts the brain n-3 long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) composition, yet it was notably mitigated by hepatic de novo synthesis. n-6 LCPUFAs, ether-linked fatty acids, and saturates were also changed by the dietary condition, but the extent of changes was dependent on the genetic background and hormonal condition. Likewise, brain cortex phospholipids were mostly modified by the genotype (FAD>WT) with nuanced effects from dietary treatment. Cholesterol (but not sterol esters) was modified by the genotype (WT>FAD) and dietary condition (higher in DHA-free conditions, especially in WT mice). However, the effects of estrogen treatment were mostly observed in relation to phospholipid remodeling in a genotype-dependent manner. Analyses of lipid-derived variables indicate that nerve cell membrane biophysics were significantly affected by the three factors, with lower membrane microviscosity (higher fluidity) values obtained for FAD animals. In conclusion, our multifactor analyses revealed that the genotype, diet, and estrogen status modulate the lipid phenotype of the frontal cortex, both as independent factors and through their interactions. Altogether, the outcomes point to potential strategies based on dietary and hormonal interventions aimed at stabilizing the brain cortex lipid composition in Alzheimer's disease neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Díaz
- Membrane Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Physics, School of Sciences, University of La Laguna, 38206 Tenerife, Spain; or
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencias (IUNE), University of La Laguna, 38206 Tenerife, Spain
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Kulkarni A, Linderborg KM, Zhao A, Kallio H, Haraldsson GG, Zhang Y, Yang B. Influence of Dietary Triacylglycerol Structure on the Accumulation of Docosahexaenoic Acid [22:6(n-3)] in Organs in a Short-Term Feeding Trial with Mildly Omega-3 Deficient Rats. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300635. [PMID: 38342587 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE To study the effect of positional distribution of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in dietary triacylglycerols (TAG) on the tissue fatty acid content and composition of mildly (n-3) deficient rats. METHODS AND RESULTS In a 5-day feeding trial, mildly (n-3) deficient rats received 360 mg daily structured TAGs: sn-22:6(n-3)-18:0-18:0, sn-18:0-18:0-22:6(n-3), sn-18:0-22:6(n-3)-18:0, or tristearin. A fifth group receives standard (n-3) adequate feed AIN-93G from birth till the end of the trial. The DHA-fed groups show significantly higher DHA levels in the liver and visceral fat compared to the tristearin or normal feed groups showing that the dose and the short feeding period of DHA were sufficient to restore the DHA content in the organs of (n-3) deficient rats. Feeding sn-1 DHA resulted in higher levels of DHA in the liver TAG compared to sn-3 DHA feeding, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION These findings indicated a possible difference in the tissue accumulation and/or metabolic fate of DHA from the sn-1 and sn-3 positions of TAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amruta Kulkarni
- Food Sciences, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | - Kaisa M Linderborg
- Food Sciences, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | - Ai Zhao
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Heikki Kallio
- Food Sciences, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | | | - Yumei Zhang
- Department of Nutrition & Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Baoru Yang
- Food Sciences, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, 20520, Finland
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Guarnieri L, Bosco F, Leo A, Citraro R, Palma E, De Sarro G, Mollace V. Impact of micronutrients and nutraceuticals on cognitive function and performance in Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102210. [PMID: 38296163 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major global health problem today and is the most common form of dementia. AD is characterized by the formation of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary clusters, leading to decreased brain acetylcholine levels in the brain. Another mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of AD is the abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein that accumulates at the level of neurofibrillary aggregates, and the areas most affected by this pathological process are usually the cholinergic neurons in cortical, subcortical, and hippocampal areas. These effects result in decreased cognitive function, brain atrophy, and neuronal death. Malnutrition and weight loss are the most frequent manifestations of AD, and these are also associated with greater cognitive decline. Several studies have confirmed that a balanced low-calorie diet and proper nutritional intake may be considered important factors in counteracting or slowing the progression of AD, whereas a high-fat or hypercholesterolemic diet predisposes to an increased risk of developing AD. Especially, fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and micronutrients supplementation exert positive effects on aging-related changes in the brain due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and radical scavenging properties. The purpose of this review is to summarize some possible nutritional factors that may contribute to the progression or prevention of AD, understand the role that nutrition plays in the formation of Aβ plaques typical of this neurodegenerative disease, to identify some potential therapeutic strategies that may involve some natural compounds, in delaying the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Guarnieri
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Bosco
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Antonio Leo
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Inhibited maturation of astrocytes caused by maternal n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake deficiency hinders the development of brain glial cells in neonatal rats. Br J Nutr 2021; 128:1509-1517. [PMID: 34724997 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114521004359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The brain is rich in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which play an essential role in its development and functions. Here we examined the impact of maternal n-3 PUFA intake deficiency during gestation and lactation on the development of glial cells in the pup's developing cerebral cortex. In addition, using myelination as indicator and the anti-myelin basic protein (MBP) as measurement to establish the relationship between the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells and the development of oligodendrocytes, we determined the myelination state of the somatosensory cortex at day 14 postnatal. Rat dams were fed either a control (Cont) or an n-3 PUFA-deficient (Def) diet for 60 days (acclimatisation :14 days; gestation: 21 days; lactation:21 days). Pups lactated from dams throughout the experiment. The distribution pattern of astrocytes in pups on day 7 postnatal was immunohistochemically analysed using GFAP and brain lipid binding protein (BLBP) as markers for mature astrocytes and astrocyte-specific radial glial cells, respectively. It was observed that, when compared with Cont pups, GFAP-positive cells decreased, BLBP-positive cells increased and myelinated structures were sparser in the somatosensory cortices of Def pups. In the open field test on day 21 postnatal, behavioural parameters did not differ between groups. Our results indicated that inhibited maturation of astrocytes caused by maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency hindered the development of brain glial cells of neonatal rats and hence, maternal n-3 PUFA intake during the gestation and lactation periods may have been crucial for the brain cell composition of pups.
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Peng S, Peng Z, Qin M, Huang L, Zhao B, Wei L, Ning J, Tuo QH, Yuan TF, Shi Z, Liao DF. Targeting neuroinflammation: The therapeutic potential of ω-3 PUFAs in substance abuse. Nutrition 2020; 83:111058. [PMID: 33360033 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2020.111058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Substance abuse is a chronic relapsing disorder that results in serious health and socioeconomic issues worldwide. Addictive drugs induce long-lasting morphologic and functional changes in brain circuits and account for the formation of compulsive drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviors. Yet, there remains a lack of reliable therapy. In recent years, accumulating evidence indicated that neuroinflammation was implicated in the development of drug addiction. Findings from both our and other laboratories suggest that ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are effective in treating neuroinflammation-related mental diseases, and indicate that they could exert positive effects in treating drug addiction. Thus, in the present review, we summarized and evaluated recently published articles reporting the neuroinflammation mechanism in drug addiction and the immune regulatory ability of ω-3 PUFAs. We also sought to identify some of the challenges ahead in the translation of ω-3 PUFAs into addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Peng
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuang Peng
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan, China
| | - Meng Qin
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jie Ning
- Department of Metabolic Endocrinology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin-Hui Tuo
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan, China
| | - Ti-Fei Yuan
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhe Shi
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan, China.
| | - Duan-Fang Liao
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan, China.
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Barr JL, Lindenau KL, Brailoiu E, Brailoiu GC. Direct evidence of bradycardic effect of omega-3 fatty acids acting on nucleus ambiguus. Neurosci Lett 2020; 735:135196. [PMID: 32585256 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is an agonist of FFA1 receptor. DHA administration reduces the heart rate via unclear mechanisms. We examined the effect of DHA on neurons of nucleus ambiguus that provide the parasympathetic control of heart rate. DHA produced a dose-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in cardiac-projecting nucleus ambiguus neurons; the effect was prevented by GW1100, a FFA1 receptor antagonist. DHA depolarized cultured nucleus ambiguus neurons via FFA1 activation. Bilateral microinjection of DHA into nucleus ambiguus produced bradycardia in conscious rats. Our results indicate that DHA decreases heart rate by activation of FFA1 receptor on cardiac-projecting nucleus ambiguus neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Barr
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Kristen L Lindenau
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut St, Suite 901, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Eugen Brailoiu
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - G Cristina Brailoiu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut St, Suite 901, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
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7
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Kao YC, Ho PC, Tu YK, Jou IM, Tsai KJ. Lipids and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041505. [PMID: 32098382 PMCID: PMC7073164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipids, as the basic component of cell membranes, play an important role in human health as well as brain function. The brain is highly enriched in lipids, and disruption of lipid homeostasis is related to neurologic disorders as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aging is associated with changes in lipid composition. Alterations of fatty acids at the level of lipid rafts and cerebral lipid peroxidation were found in the early stage of AD. Genetic and environmental factors such as apolipoprotein and lipid transporter carrying status and dietary lipid content are associated with AD. Insight into the connection between lipids and AD is crucial to unraveling the metabolic aspects of this puzzling disease. Recent advances in lipid analytical methodology have led us to gain an in-depth understanding on lipids. As a result, lipidomics have becoming a hot topic of investigation in AD, in order to find biomarkers for disease prediction, diagnosis, and prevention, with the ultimate goal of discovering novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chia Kao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan; (Y.-C.K.); (P.-C.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chuan Ho
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan; (Y.-C.K.); (P.-C.H.)
| | - Yuan-Kun Tu
- Department of Orthopedics, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan; (Y.-K.T.); (I.-M.J.)
| | - I-Ming Jou
- Department of Orthopedics, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan; (Y.-K.T.); (I.-M.J.)
| | - Kuen-Jer Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan; (Y.-C.K.); (P.-C.H.)
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-6-235-3535-4254; Fax: +886-6-275-8781
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Orchard TS, Gaudier-Diaz MM, Phuwamongkolwiwat-Chu P, Andridge R, Lustberg MB, Bomser J, Cole RM, Belury MA, DeVries AC. Low Sucrose, Omega-3 Enriched Diet Has Region-Specific Effects on Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Function Markers in a Mouse Model of Doxorubicin-Based Chemotherapy. Nutrients 2018; 10:E2004. [PMID: 30567351 PMCID: PMC6316589 DOI: 10.3390/nu10122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin may negatively affect long-term brain functioning in cancer survivors; neuroinflammation may play a causal role. Dietary approaches that reduce inflammation, such as lowering sucrose and increasing eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA), may attenuate chemotherapy-induced neuroinflammation and synaptic damage, thereby improving quality of life. Ovariectomized, C57BL/6 mice were assigned to a chemotherapy (9 mg/kg doxorubicin + 90 mg/kg cyclophosphamide) or vehicle two-injection regimen, with injections two and four weeks after starting diets. In Study 1, mice received low sucrose diets with EPA + DHA or No EPA + DHA for four to six weeks; tissues were collected four, seven, or 14 days after the second injection. Compared to vehicle, chemotherapy increased pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β at day seven in the cortex and hippocampus, and reduced gene expression of synaptic marker Shank 3 at all timepoints in cortex, while EPA + DHA increased expression of Shank 3. In Study 2, high or low sucrose/EPA + DHA or No EPA + DHA diets were fed for five weeks; tissues were collected ten days after the second injection. Among chemotherapy-treated mice, brain DHA was higher with low sucrose feeding. Furthermore, low sucrose increased gene expression of Shank 1, while EPA + DHA increased expression of Shank 3 and reduced protein concentrations of pro-inflammatory markers IL-5, IL-6 and KC/GRO in the cortex, but not the hippocampus. Low sucrose, EPA + DHA diets may attenuate neuroinflammation and synaptic damage induced by doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in specific brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonya S Orchard
- Department of Human Sciences, Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Monica M Gaudier-Diaz
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27707, USA.
| | | | - Rebecca Andridge
- Division of Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Maryam B Lustberg
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Joshua Bomser
- Department of Human Sciences, Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Rachel M Cole
- Department of Human Sciences, Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Martha A Belury
- Department of Human Sciences, Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - A Courtney DeVries
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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Zhang W, Chen R, Yang T, Xu N, Chen J, Gao Y, Stetler RA. Fatty acid transporting proteins: Roles in brain development, aging, and stroke. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2018; 136:35-45. [PMID: 28457600 PMCID: PMC5650946 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are required for the brain development and significantly impact aging and stroke. Due to the hydrophobicity of fatty acids, fatty acids transportation related proteins that include fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), long chain acyl-coA synthase (ACS), fatty acid transportation proteins (FATPs), fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) and newly reported major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein (Mfsd2a) play critical roles in the uptake of various fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are not only involved in neurodevelopment, but also have great impact on neurological disease, such as aging related dementia and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ruiying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tuo Yang
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Na Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Yanqin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - R Anne Stetler
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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Nock TG, Chouinard-Watkins R, Plourde M. Carriers of an apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele are more vulnerable to a dietary deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive decline. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2017; 1862:1068-1078. [PMID: 28733268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Carriers of an epsilon 4 allele (E4) of apolipoprotein E (APOE) develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) earlier than carriers of other APOE alleles. The metabolism of plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), an omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA), taken up by the brain and concentrated in neurons, is disrupted in E4 carriers, resulting in lower levels of brain DHA. Behavioural and cognitive impairments have been observed in animals with lower brain DHA levels, with emphasis on loss of spatial memory and increased anxiety. E4 mice provided a diet deficient in n-3 FA had a greater depletion of n-3 FA levels in organs and tissues than mice carrying other APOE alleles. However, providing n-3 FA can restore levels of brain DHA in E4 animals and in other models of n-3 FA deficiency. In E4 carriers, supplementation with DHA as early as possible might help to prevent the onset of AD and could halt the progression of, and reverse some of the neurological and behavioural consequences of their higher vulnerability to n-3 FA deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gwendolyn Nock
- Research Center on Aging, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux de l'Estrie-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Canada; Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada; Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Raphaël Chouinard-Watkins
- Research Center on Aging, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux de l'Estrie-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Canada; Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada; Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Mélanie Plourde
- Research Center on Aging, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux de l'Estrie-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Canada; Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada; Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Quebec City, Canada.
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Yassine HN, Braskie MN, Mack WJ, Castor KJ, Fonteh AN, Schneider LS, Harrington MG, Chui HC. Association of Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation With Alzheimer Disease Stage in Apolipoprotein E ε4 Carriers: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2017; 74:339-347. [PMID: 28114437 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2016.4899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Importance The apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) allele identifies a unique population that is at significant risk for developing Alzheimer disease (AD). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential ω-3 fatty acid that is critical to the formation of neuronal synapses and membrane fluidity. Observational studies have associated ω-3 intake, including DHA, with a reduced risk for incident AD. In contrast, randomized clinical trials of ω-3 fatty acids have yielded mixed and inconsistent results. Interactions among DHA, APOE genotype, and stage of AD pathologic changes may explain the mixed results of DHA supplementation reported in the literature. Observations Although randomized clinical trials of ω-3 in symptomatic AD have had negative findings, several observational and clinical trials of ω-3 in the predementia stage of AD suggest that ω-3 supplementation may slow early memory decline in APOE4 carriers. Several mechanisms by which the APOE4 allele could alter the delivery of DHA to the brain may be amenable to DHA supplementation in predementia stages of AD. Evidence of accelerated DHA catabolism (eg, activation of phospholipases and oxidation pathways) could explain the lack of efficacy of ω-3 supplementation in AD dementia. The association of cognitive benefit with DHA supplementation in predementia but not AD dementia suggests that early ω-3 supplementation may reduce the risk for or delay the onset of AD symptoms in APOE4 carriers. Recent advances in brain imaging may help to identify the optimal timing for future DHA clinical trials. Conclusions and Relevance High-dose DHA supplementation in APOE4 carriers before the onset of AD dementia can be a promising approach to decrease the incidence of AD. Given the safety profile, availability, and affordability of DHA supplements, refining an ω-3 intervention in APOE4 carriers is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein N Yassine
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Meredith N Braskie
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey
| | - Wendy J Mack
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Katherine J Castor
- Department of Neurosciences, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, California
| | - Alfred N Fonteh
- Department of Neurosciences, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, California
| | - Lon S Schneider
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles6Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Michael G Harrington
- Department of Neurosciences, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, California
| | - Helena C Chui
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
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12
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Ochiai Y, Uchida Y, Ohtsuki S, Tachikawa M, Aizawa S, Terasaki T. The blood-brain barrier fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1/SLC27A1) supplies docosahexaenoic acid to the brain, and insulin facilitates transport. J Neurochem 2017; 141:400-412. [PMID: 28035674 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We purposed to clarify the contribution of fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1/SLC 27A1) to the supply of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to the brain across the blood-brain barrier in this study. Transport experiments showed that the uptake rate of [14 C]-DHA in human FATP1-expressing HEK293 cells was significantly greater than that in empty vector-transfected (mock) HEK293 cells. The steady-state intracellular DHA concentration was nearly 2-fold smaller in FATP1-expressing than in mock cells, suggesting that FATP1 works as not only an influx, but also an efflux transporter for DHA. [14 C]-DHA uptake by a human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line (hCMEC/D3) increased in a time-dependent manner, and was inhibited by unlabeled DHA and a known FATP1 substrate, oleic acid. Knock-down of FATP1 in hCMEC/D3 cells with specific siRNA showed that FATP1-mediated uptake accounts for 59.2-73.0% of total [14 C]-DHA uptake by the cells. Insulin treatment for 30 min induced translocation of FATP1 protein to the plasma membrane in hCMEC/D3 cells and enhanced [14 C]-DHA uptake. Immunohistochemical analysis of mouse brain sections showed that FATP1 protein is preferentially localized at the basal membrane of brain microvessel endothelial cells. We found that two neuroprotective substances, taurine and biotin, in addition to DHA, undergo FATP1-mediated efflux. Overall, our results suggest that FATP1 localized at the basal membrane of brain microvessels contributes to the transport of DHA, taurine and biotin into the brain, and insulin rapidly increases DHA supply to the brain by promoting translocation of FATP1 to the membrane. Read the Editorial Comment for this article on page 324.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Ochiai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasuo Uchida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Sumio Ohtsuki
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) CREST, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Tachikawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Sanshiro Aizawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
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13
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Heras-Sandoval D, Pedraza-Chaverri J, Pérez-Rojas JM. Role of docosahexaenoic acid in the modulation of glial cells in Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:61. [PMID: 26965310 PMCID: PMC4787218 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0525-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 (ω-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) relevant for brain function. It has largely been explored as a potential candidate to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Clinical evidence favors a role for DHA in the improvement of cognition in very early stages of the AD. In response to stress or damage, DHA generates oxygenated derivatives called docosanoids that can activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). In conjunction with activated retinoid X receptors (RXR), PPARγ modulates inflammation, cell survival, and lipid metabolism. As an early event in AD, inflammation is associated with an excess of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) that contributes to neural insult. Glial cells are recognized to be actively involved during AD, and their dysfunction is associated with the early appearance of this pathology. These cells give support to neurons, remove amyloid β peptides from the brain, and modulate inflammation. Since DHA can modulate glial cell activity, the present work reviews the evidence about this modulation as well as the effect of docosanoids on neuroinflammation and in some AD models. The evidence supports PPARγ as a preferred target for gene modulation. The effective use of DHA and/or its derivatives in a subgroup of people at risk of developing AD is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Heras-Sandoval
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, México, DF, México.,Laboratorio de Farmacología, Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando #22, Tlalpan 14080, Apartado Postal 22026, México, DF, México
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, México, DF, México
| | - Jazmin M Pérez-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando #22, Tlalpan 14080, Apartado Postal 22026, México, DF, México.
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14
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Yao M, Hou L, Xie T, Liu Y, Dai D, Shi Y, Lian K, Jiang L. The biosynthesis of DHA is increased in the liver of diabetic rats induced by high-fat diets and STZ, in correlation with increased activity of peroxisomal β-oxidation. EUR J LIPID SCI TECH 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201400606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Key Laboratory of Neural Vascular Biology China Administration of Education; Hebei Medical University; Shijiazhuang P. R. China
| | - Lianguo Hou
- Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Key Laboratory of Neural Vascular Biology China Administration of Education; Hebei Medical University; Shijiazhuang P. R. China
| | - Tian Xie
- Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Key Laboratory of Neural Vascular Biology China Administration of Education; Hebei Medical University; Shijiazhuang P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Key Laboratory of Neural Vascular Biology China Administration of Education; Hebei Medical University; Shijiazhuang P. R. China
| | - Dongxue Dai
- Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Key Laboratory of Neural Vascular Biology China Administration of Education; Hebei Medical University; Shijiazhuang P. R. China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Key Laboratory of Neural Vascular Biology China Administration of Education; Hebei Medical University; Shijiazhuang P. R. China
| | - Kaoqi Lian
- School of Public Health; Hebei Medical University; Shijiazhuang P. R. China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Key Laboratory of Neural Vascular Biology China Administration of Education; Hebei Medical University; Shijiazhuang P. R. China
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15
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Choi J, Leonard SW, Kasper K, McDougall M, Stevens JF, Tanguay RL, Traber MG. Novel function of vitamin E in regulation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain lysophospholipids discovered using lipidomics. J Lipid Res 2015; 56:1182-90. [PMID: 25855633 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m058941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that brains from vitamin E-deficient (E-) zebrafish (Danio rerio) would undergo increased lipid peroxidation because they contain highly polyunsaturated fatty acids, thus susceptible lipids could be identified. Brains from zebrafish fed for 9 months defined diets without (E-) or with (E+) added vitamin E (500 mg RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate per kilogram diet) were studied. Using an untargeted approach, 1-hexadecanoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DHA-PC 38:6, PC 16:0/22:6]was the lipid that showed the most significant and greatest fold-differences between groups. DHA-PC concentrations were approximately 1/3 lower in E- (4.3 ± 0.6 mg/g) compared with E+ brains (6.5 ± 0.9 mg/g, mean ± SEM, n = 10 per group, P = 0.04). Using lipidomics, 155 lipids in brain extracts were identified. Only four phospholipids (PLs) were different (P < 0.05) between groups; they were lower in E- brains and contained DHA with DHA-PC 38:6 at the highest abundances. Moreover, hydroxy-DHA-PC 38:6 was increased in E- brains (P = 0.0341) supporting the hypothesis of DHA peroxidation. More striking was the depletion in E- brains of nearly 60% of 19 different lysophospholipids (lysoPLs) (combined P = 0.0003), which are critical for membrane PL remodeling. Thus, E- brains contained fewer DHA-PLs, more hydroxy-DHA-PCs, and fewer lysoPLs, suggesting that lipid peroxidation depletes membrane DHA-PC and homeostatic mechanisms to repair the damage resulting in lysoPL depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoo Choi
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Scott W Leonard
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Katherine Kasper
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Melissa McDougall
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Jan F Stevens
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Robert L Tanguay
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Maret G Traber
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
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16
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Liu JJ, Green P, John Mann J, Rapoport SI, Sublette ME. Pathways of polyunsaturated fatty acid utilization: implications for brain function in neuropsychiatric health and disease. Brain Res 2015; 1597:220-46. [PMID: 25498862 PMCID: PMC4339314 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have profound effects on brain development and function. Abnormalities of PUFA status have been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Pathophysiologic mechanisms could involve not only suboptimal PUFA intake, but also metabolic and genetic abnormalities, defective hepatic metabolism, and problems with diffusion and transport. This article provides an overview of physiologic factors regulating PUFA utilization, highlighting their relevance to neuropsychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne J Liu
- Department of Molecular Imaging & Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Pnina Green
- Laboratory of Metabolic Research, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - J John Mann
- Department of Molecular Imaging & Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stanley I Rapoport
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Sublette
- Department of Molecular Imaging & Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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17
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Chen CT, Bazinet RP. β-oxidation and rapid metabolism, but not uptake regulate brain eicosapentaenoic acid levels. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2015; 92:33-40. [PMID: 24986271 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The brain has a unique polyunsaturated fatty acid composition, with high levels of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) while levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are several orders of magnitude lower. As evidence accumulated that fatty acid entry into the brain was not selective and, in fact, that DHA and EPA enter the brain at similar rates, new mechanisms were required to explain their large concentration differences in the brain. Here we summarize recent research demonstrating that EPA is rapidly and extensively β-oxidized upon entry into the brain. Although the ATP generated from the β-oxidation of EPA is low compared to the use of glucose, fatty acid β-oxidation may serve to regulate brain fatty acid levels in the absence of selective transportation. Furthermore, when β-oxidation of EPA is blocked, desaturation of EPA increases and Land׳s recycling decreases to maintain low EPA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuck T Chen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Fitzgerald Building, 150 College St. Room 306, Ontario, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Fitzgerald Building, 150 College St. Room 306, Ontario, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Canada.
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18
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Wu A, Noble EE, Tyagi E, Ying Z, Zhuang Y, Gomez-Pinilla F. Curcumin boosts DHA in the brain: Implications for the prevention of anxiety disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1852:951-61. [PMID: 25550171 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Dietary deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3; DHA) is linked to the neuropathology of several cognitive disorders, including anxiety. DHA, which is essential for brain development and protection, is primarily obtained through the diet or synthesized from dietary precursors, however the conversion efficiency is low. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), which is a principal component of the spice turmeric, complements the action of DHA in the brain, and this study was performed to determine molecular mechanisms involved. We report that curcumin enhances the synthesis of DHA from its precursor, α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3; ALA) and elevates levels of enzymes involved in the synthesis of DHA such as FADS2 and elongase 2 in both liver and brain tissues. Furthermore, in vivo treatment with curcumin and ALA reduced anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Taken together, these data suggest that curcumin enhances DHA synthesis, resulting in elevated brain DHA content. These findings have important implications for human health and the prevention of cognitive disease, particularly for populations eating a plant-based diet or who do not consume fish, a primary source of DHA, since DHA is essential for brain function and its deficiency is implicated in many types of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiguo Wu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California at Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Emily E Noble
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California at Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ethika Tyagi
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California at Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhe Ying
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California at Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yumei Zhuang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California at Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fernando Gomez-Pinilla
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California at Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, David Geffen School of medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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19
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n-3 PUFA supplementation benefits microglial responses to myelin pathology. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7458. [PMID: 25500548 PMCID: PMC4264015 DOI: 10.1038/srep07458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia represent rational but challenging targets for improving white matter integrity because of their dualistic protective and toxic roles. The present study examines the effect of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on microglial responses to myelin pathology in primary cultures and in the cuprizone mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), a devastating demyelination disease. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the two main forms of n-3 PUFAs in the brain, inhibited the release of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α from primary microglia upon IFN-γ and myelin stimulation. DHA and EPA also enhanced myelin phagocytosis in vitro. Therefore, n-3 PUFAs can inhibit inflammation while at the same time enhancing beneficial immune responses such as microglial phagocytosis. In vivo studies demonstrated that n-3 PUFA supplementation reduced cuprizone-induced demyelination and improved motor and cognitive function. The positive effects of n-3 PUFAs were accompanied by a shift in microglial polarization toward the beneficial M2 phenotype both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that n-3 PUFAs may be clinically useful as immunomodulatory agents for demyelinating diseases through a novel mechanism involving microglial phenotype switching.
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Erythrocyte DHA level as a biomarker of DHA status in specific brain regions of n-3 long-chain PUFA-supplemented aged rats. Br J Nutr 2014; 112:1805-18. [PMID: 25331622 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114514002529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
n-3 Long-chain PUFA (n-3 LC-PUFA), particularly EPA and DHA, play a key role in the maintenance of brain functions such as learning and memory that are impaired during ageing. Ageing is also associated with changes in the DHA content of brain membranes that could contribute to memory impairment. Limited studies have investigated the effects of ageing and n-3 LC-PUFA supplementation on both blood and brain fatty acid compositions. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between fatty acid contents in plasma and erythrocyte membranes and those in the hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex during ageing, and after a 5-month period of EPA/DHA supplementation in rats. In the blood, ageing was associated with an increase in plasma DHA content, whereas the DHA content remained stable in erythrocyte membranes. In the brain, ageing was associated with a decrease in DHA content, which was both region-specific and phospholipid class-specific. In EPA/DHA-supplemented aged rats, DHA contents were increased both in the blood and brain compared with the control rats. The present results demonstrated that n-3 LC-PUFA level in the plasma was not an accurate biomarker of brain DHA status during ageing. Moreover, we highlighted a positive relationship between the DHA levels in erythrocyte phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and those in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in EPA/DHA-supplemented aged rats. Within the framework of preventive dietary supplementation to delay brain ageing, these results suggest the possibility of using erythrocyte PE DHA content as a reliable biomarker of DHA status in specific brain regions.
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Tanaka K, Farooqui AA, Siddiqi NJ, Alhomida AS, Ong WY. Effects of docosahexaenoic Acid on neurotransmission. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2014; 20:152-7. [PMID: 24116288 PMCID: PMC3792211 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2012.20.2.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the brain and a structural component of neuronal membranes. Changes in DHA content of neuronal membranes lead to functional changes in the activity of receptors and other proteins which might be associated with synaptic function. Accumulating evidence suggests the beneficial effects of dietary DHA supplementation on neurotransmission. This article reviews the beneficial effects of DHA on the brain; uptake, incorporation and release of DHA at synapses, effects of DHA on synapses, effects of DHA on neurotransmitters, DHA metabolites, and changes in DHA with age. Further studies to better understand the metabolome of DHA could result in more effective use of this molecule for treatment of neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Tanaka
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260
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22
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Baumgartner J, Smuts CM, Zimmermann MB. Providing male rats deficient in iron and n-3 fatty acids with iron and alpha-linolenic acid alone affects brain serotonin and cognition differently from combined provision. Lipids Health Dis 2014; 13:97. [PMID: 24928171 PMCID: PMC4068877 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-13-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We recently showed that a combined deficiency of iron (ID) and n-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAD) in rats disrupts brain monoamine metabolism and produces greater memory deficits than ID or n-3 FAD alone. Providing these double-deficient rats with either iron (Fe) or preformed docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alone affected brain monoamine pathways differently from combined repletion and even exacerbated cognitive deficits associated with double-deficiency. Iron is a co-factor of the enzymes responsible for the conversion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to EPA and DHA, thus, the provision of ALA with Fe might be more effective in restoring brain EPA and DHA and improving cognition in double-deficient rats than ALA alone. Methods In this study we examined whether providing double-deficient rats with ALA and Fe, alone or in combination, can correct deficits in monoamine metabolism and cognition associated with double-deficiency. Using a 2 × 2 design, male rats with concurrent ID and n-3 FAD were fed an Fe + ALA, Fe + n-3 FAD, ID + ALA, or ID + n-3 FAD diet for 5 weeks (postnatal day 56–91). Biochemical measures, and spatial working and reference memory (using the Morris water maze) were compared to age-matched controls. Results In the hippocampus, we found a significant Fe × ALA interaction on DHA: Compared to the group receiving ALA alone, DHA was significantly higher in the Fe + ALA group. In the brain, we found significant antagonistic Fe × ALA interactions on serotonin concentrations. Provision of ALA alone impaired working memory compared with age-matched controls, while in the reference memory task ALA provided with Fe significantly improved performance. Conclusion These results indicate that providing either iron or ALA alone to double-deficient rats affects serotonin pathways and cognitive performance differently from combined provision. This may be partly explained by the enhancing effect of Fe on the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannine Baumgartner
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520 Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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Keleshian VL, Kellom M, Kim HW, Taha AY, Cheon Y, Igarashi M, Rapoport SI, Rao JS. Neuropathological responses to chronic NMDA in rats are worsened by dietary n-3 PUFA deprivation but are not ameliorated by fish oil supplementation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95318. [PMID: 24798187 PMCID: PMC4010416 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation may be beneficial for chronic brain illnesses, but the issue is not agreed on. We examined effects of dietary n-3 PUFA deprivation or supplementation, compared with an n-3 PUFA adequate diet (containing alpha-linolenic acid [18:3 n-3] but not docosahexaenoic acid [DHA, 22:6n-3]), on brain markers of lipid metabolism and excitotoxicity, in rats treated chronically with NMDA or saline. METHODS Male rats after weaning were maintained on one of three diets for 15 weeks. After 12 weeks, each diet group was injected i.p. daily with saline (1 ml/kg) or a subconvulsive dose of NMDA (25 mg/kg) for 3 additional weeks. Then, brain fatty acid concentrations and various markers of excitotoxicity and fatty acid metabolism were measured. RESULTS Compared to the diet-adequate group, brain DHA concentration was reduced, while n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-6) concentration was increased in the n-3 deficient group; arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) concentration was unchanged. These concentrations were unaffected by fish oil supplementation. Chronic NMDA increased brain cPLA2 activity in each of the three groups, but n-3 PUFA deprivation or fish oil did not change cPLA2 activity or protein compared with the adequate group. sPLA2 expression was unchanged in the three conditions, whereas iPLA2 expression was reduced by deprivation but not changed by supplementation. BDNF protein was reduced by NMDA in N-3 PUFA deficient rats, but protein levels of IL-1β, NGF, and GFAP did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS N-3 PUFA deprivation significantly worsened several pathological NMDA-induced changes produced in diet adequate rats, whereas n-3 PUFA supplementation did not affect NMDA induced changes. Supplementation may not be critical for this measured neuropathology once the diet has an adequate n-3 PUFA content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasken L. Keleshian
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Matthew Kellom
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Hyung-Wook Kim
- College of Life Sciences, Sejong University, Gunja-dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ameer Y. Taha
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yewon Cheon
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Miki Igarashi
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Stanley I. Rapoport
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jagadeesh S. Rao
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Domenichiello AF, Chen CT, Trepanier MO, Stavro PM, Bazinet RP. Whole body synthesis rates of DHA from α-linolenic acid are greater than brain DHA accretion and uptake rates in adult rats. J Lipid Res 2013; 55:62-74. [PMID: 24212299 PMCID: PMC3927474 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m042275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important for brain function, however, the exact
amount required for the brain is not agreed upon. While it is believed that the
synthesis rate of DHA from α-linolenic acid (ALA) is low, how this
synthesis rate compares with the amount of DHA required to maintain brain DHA
levels is unknown. The objective of this work was to assess whether DHA
synthesis from ALA is sufficient for the brain. To test this, rats consumed a
diet low in n-3 PUFAs, or a diet containing ALA or DHA for 15 weeks. Over the 15
weeks, whole body and brain DHA accretion was measured, while at the end of the
study, whole body DHA synthesis rates, brain gene expression, and DHA uptake
rates were measured. Despite large differences in body DHA accretion, there was
no difference in brain DHA accretion between rats fed ALA and DHA. In rats fed
ALA, DHA synthesis and accretion was 100-fold higher than brain DHA accretion of
rats fed DHA. Also, ALA-fed rats synthesized approximately 3-fold more DHA than
the DHA uptake rate into the brain. This work indicates that DHA synthesis from
ALA may be sufficient to supply the brain.
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Elsherbiny ME, Emara M, Godbout R. Interaction of brain fatty acid-binding protein with the polyunsaturated fatty acid environment as a potential determinant of poor prognosis in malignant glioma. Prog Lipid Res 2013; 52:562-70. [PMID: 23981365 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are the most common adult brain cancers. In spite of aggressive treatment, recurrence occurs in the great majority of patients and is invariably fatal. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are abundant in brain, particularly ω-6 arachidonic acid (AA) and ω-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Although the levels of ω-6 and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are tightly regulated in brain, the ω-6:ω-3 ratio is dramatically increased in malignant glioma, suggesting deregulation of fundamental lipid homeostasis in brain tumor tissue. The migratory properties of malignant glioma cells can be modified by altering the ratio of AA:DHA in growth medium, with increased migration observed in AA-rich medium. This fatty acid-dependent effect on cell migration is dependent on expression of the brain fatty acid binding protein (FABP7) previously shown to bind DHA and AA. Increased levels of enzymes involved in eicosanoid production in FABP7-positive malignant glioma cells suggest that FABP7 is an important modulator of AA metabolism. We provide evidence that increased production of eicosanoids in FABP7-positive malignant glioma growing in an AA-rich environment contributes to tumor infiltration in the brain. We discuss pathways and molecules that may underlie FABP7/AA-mediated promotion of cell migration and FABP7/DHA-mediated inhibition of cell migration in malignant glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa E Elsherbiny
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
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Gruffat D, Cherfaoui M, Bonnet M, Thomas A, Bauchart D, Durand D. Breed and dietary linseed affect gene expression of enzymes and transcription factors involved in n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesis in longissimus thoracis muscle of bulls1. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:3059-69. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-6112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D. Gruffat
- INRA, UMR1213 Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France; and VetAgro Sup, Élevage et production des ruminants, F-63370 Lempdes, France
| | - M. Cherfaoui
- INRA, UMR1213 Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France; and VetAgro Sup, Élevage et production des ruminants, F-63370 Lempdes, France
| | - M. Bonnet
- INRA, UMR1213 Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France; and VetAgro Sup, Élevage et production des ruminants, F-63370 Lempdes, France
| | - A. Thomas
- INRA, UMR1213 Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France; and VetAgro Sup, Élevage et production des ruminants, F-63370 Lempdes, France
| | - D. Bauchart
- INRA, UMR1213 Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France; and VetAgro Sup, Élevage et production des ruminants, F-63370 Lempdes, France
| | - D. Durand
- INRA, UMR1213 Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France; and VetAgro Sup, Élevage et production des ruminants, F-63370 Lempdes, France
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Skender B, Vaculova AH, Hofmanova J. Docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) in the regulation of colon cell growth and cell death: a review. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2012; 156:186-99. [PMID: 23069883 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2012.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental, epidemiological and clinical data substantiate the beneficial role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in preventing inflammation and cancer of the colon. This review covers the unsaturated docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA), describes some of its important cellular and molecular mechanisms, its interaction with another dietary lipid, butyrate and with endogenous apoptotic regulators of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family. We also discuss the clinical impact of this knowledge and the use of these lipids in colon cancer prevention and treatment. RESULTS From the literature, DHA has been shown to suppress the growth, induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells in vitro and decrease the incidence and growth of experimental tumours in vivo. Based on these data and our own experimental results, we describe and discuss the possible mechanisms of DHA anticancer effects at various levels of cell organization. We show that DHA can sensitize colon cancer cells to other chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive agents and affect the action of physiological apoptotic regulators of the TNF family. CONCLUSION Use of n-3 PUFAs could be a relatively non-toxic form of supportive therapy for improving colon cancer treatment and slowing down or preventing its recurrence. However, it is necessary to use them with caution, based on solid scientific evidence of their mechanisms of action from the molecular to the cellular and organism levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belma Skender
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Brno, Czech Republic
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Bazan NG, Molina MF, Gordon WC. Docosahexaenoic acid signalolipidomics in nutrition: significance in aging, neuroinflammation, macular degeneration, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Annu Rev Nutr 2011; 31:321-51. [PMID: 21756134 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.nutr.012809.104635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 303] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are critical nutritional lipids that must be obtained from the diet to sustain homeostasis. Omega-3 and -6 PUFAs are key components of biomembranes and play important roles in cell integrity, development, maintenance, and function. The essential omega-3 fatty acid family member docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is avidly retained and uniquely concentrated in the nervous system, particularly in photoreceptors and synaptic membranes. DHA plays a key role in vision, neuroprotection, successful aging, memory, and other functions. In addition, DHA displays anti-inflammatory and inflammatory resolving properties in contrast to the proinflammatory actions of several members of the omega-6 PUFAs family. This review discusses DHA signalolipidomics, comprising the cellular/tissue organization of DHA uptake, its distribution among cellular compartments, the organization and function of membrane domains rich in DHA-containing phospholipids, and the cellular and molecular events revealed by the uncovering of signaling pathways regulated by DHA and docosanoids, the DHA-derived bioactive lipids, which include neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), a novel DHA-derived stereoselective mediator. NPD1 synthesis agonists include neurotrophins and oxidative stress; NPD1 elicits potent anti-inflammatory actions and prohomeostatic bioactivity, is anti-angiogenic, promotes corneal nerve regeneration, and induces cell survival. In the context of DHA signalolipidomics, this review highlights aging and the evolving studies on the significance of DHA in Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, Parkinson's disease, and other brain disorders. DHA signalolipidomics in the nervous system offers emerging targets for pharmaceutical intervention and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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Astarita G, Piomelli D. Towards a whole-body systems [multi-organ] lipidomics in Alzheimer's disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2011; 85:197-203. [PMID: 21543199 PMCID: PMC3161165 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2011.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid derived from diet or synthesized in the liver, decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). DHA levels are reduced in the brain of subjects with AD, but it is still unclear whether human dementias are associated with dysregulations of DHA metabolism. A systems biological view of omega-3 fatty acid metabolism offered unexpected insights on the regulation of DHA homeostasis in AD [1]. Results of multi-organ lipidomic analyses were integrated with clinical and gene-expression data sets to develop testable hypotheses on the functional significance of lipid abnormalities observed and on their possible mechanistic bases. One surprising outcome of this integrative approach was the discovery that the liver of AD patients has a limited capacity to convert shorter chain omega-3 fatty acids into DHA due to a deficit in the peroxisomal d-bifunctional protein. This deficit may contribute to the decrease in brain DHA levels and contribute to cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Astarita
- Department of Pharmacology, 3101 Gillespie NRF, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
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Bazan NG, Musto AE, Knott EJ. Endogenous signaling by omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid-derived mediators sustains homeostatic synaptic and circuitry integrity. Mol Neurobiol 2011; 44:216-22. [PMID: 21918832 PMCID: PMC3180614 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-011-8200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The harmony and function of the complex brain circuits and synapses are sustained mainly by excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, neurotrophins, gene regulation, and factors, many of which are incompletely understood. A common feature of brain circuit components, such as dendrites, synaptic membranes, and other membranes of the nervous system, is that they are richly endowed in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the main member of the omega-3 essential fatty acid family. DHA is avidly retained and concentrated in the nervous system and known to play a role in neuroprotection, memory, and vision. Only recently has it become apparent why the surprisingly rapid increases in free (unesterified) DHA pool size take place at the onset of seizures or brain injury. This phenomenon began to be clarified by the discovery of neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), the first-uncovered bioactive docosanoid formed from free DHA through 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1). NPD1 synthesis includes, as agonists, oxidative stress and neurotrophins. The evolving concept is that DHA-derived docosanoids set in motion endogenous signaling to sustain homeostatic synaptic and circuit integrity. NPD1 is anti-inflammatory, displays inflammatory resolving activities, and induces cell survival, which is in contrast to the pro-inflammatory actions of the many of omega-6 fatty acid family members. We highlight here studies relevant to the ability of DHA to sustain neuronal function and protect synapses and circuits in the context of DHA signalolipidomics. DHA signalolipidomics comprises the integration of the cellular/tissue mechanism of DHA uptake, its distribution among cellular compartments, the organization and function of membrane domains containing DHA phospholipids, and the precise cellular and molecular events revealed by the uncovering of signaling pathways regulated by docosanoids endowed with prohomeostatic and cell survival bioactivity. Therefore, this approach offers emerging targets for prevention, pharmaceutical intervention, and clinical translation involving DHA-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite D, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA,
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31
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Zhao J, Gillam ME, Taylor CG, Weiler HA. Deposition of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is limited in forebrain of young obese fa/fa Zucker rats fed a diet high in α-linolenic acid but devoid of DHA. J Nutr Biochem 2011; 22:835-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2010.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Revised: 06/20/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gao F, Kim HW, Igarashi M, Kiesewetter D, Chang L, Ma K, Rapoport SI. Liver conversion of docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids from their 18-carbon precursors in rats on a DHA-free but α-LNA-containing n-3 PUFA adequate diet. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2011; 1811:484-9. [PMID: 21651989 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), are critical for health. These PUFAs can be synthesized in liver from their plant-derived precursors, α-linolenic acid (α-LNA, 18:3n-3) and linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6). Vegetarians and vegans may have suboptimal long-chain n-3 PUFA status, and the extent of the conversion of α-LNA to EPA and DHA by the liver is debatable. We quantified liver conversion of DHA and other n-3 PUFAs from α-LNA in rats fed a DHA-free but α-LNA (n-3 PUFA) adequate diet, and compared results to conversion of LA to AA. [U-(13)C]LA or [U-(13)C]α-LNA was infused intravenously for 2h at a constant rate into unanesthetized rats fed a DHA-free α-LNA adequate diet, and published equations were used to calculate kinetic parameters. The conversion coefficient k(⁎) of DHA from α-LNA was much higher than for AA from LA (97.2×10(-3) vs. 10.6×10(-3)min(-1)), suggesting that liver elongation-desaturation is more selective for n-3 PUFA biosynthesis on a per molecule basis. The net daily secretion rate of DHA, 20.3μmol/day, exceeded the reported brain DHA consumption rate by 50-fold, suggesting that the liver can maintain brain DHA metabolism with an adequate dietary supply solely of α-LNA. This infusion method could be used in vegetarians or vegans to determine minimal daily requirements of EPA and DHA in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Sergeant S, McQuail JA, Riddle DR, Chilton FH, Ortmeier SB, Jessup JA, Groban L, Nicolle MM. Dietary fish oil modestly attenuates the effect of age on diastolic function but has no effect on memory or brain inflammation in aged rats. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2011; 66:521-33. [PMID: 21393424 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glr017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish oil (FO) mediates a number of cardioprotective benefits in patients with cardiovascular disease. In the absence of cardiovascular disease, however, the effects of FO on cardiac structure and function are not clear. In addition, it is not known if an effective dosing strategy for attenuating age-related cardiac dysfunction is also effective at limiting cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, we determined if 4 months of FO supplementation in aged rats would lessen age-related cardiac dysfunction while concomitantly preventing the cognitive decline that is normally observed in this population. The results indicate that FO initiated late in life modifies diastolic function in a small but positive way by attenuating the age-related increases in filling pressure, posterior wall thickness, and interstitial collagen without mitigating age-related deficits in memory or increases in brain inflammation. These data raise the possibility that FO supplementation for purposes of cardiac and brain protection may need to occur earlier in the life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Sergeant
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1009, USA
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Mayurasakorn K, Williams JJ, Ten VS, Deckelbaum RJ. Docosahexaenoic acid: brain accretion and roles in neuroprotection after brain hypoxia and ischemia. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2011; 14:158-67. [PMID: 21178607 PMCID: PMC4201839 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0b013e328342cba5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With important effects on neuronal lipid composition, neurochemical signaling and cerebrovascular pathobiology, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, may emerge as a neuroprotective agent against cerebrovascular disease. This paper examines pathways for DHA accretion in brain and evidence for possible roles of DHA in prophylactic and therapeutic approaches for cerebrovascular disease. RECENT FINDINGS DHA is a major n-3 fatty acid in the mammalian central nervous system and enhances synaptic activities in neuronal cells. DHA can be obtained through diet or to a limited extent via conversion from its precursor, α-linolenic acid (α-LNA). DHA attenuates brain necrosis after hypoxic ischemic injury, principally by modulating membrane biophysical properties and maintaining integrity in functions between presynaptic and postsynaptic areas, resulting in better stabilizing intracellular ion balance in hypoxic-ischemic insult. Additionally, DHA alleviates brain apoptosis, by inducing antiapoptotic activities such as decreasing responses to reactive oxygen species, upregulating antiapoptotic protein expression, downregulating apoptotic protein expression, and maintaining mitochondrial integrity and function. SUMMARY DHA in brain relates to a number of efficient delivery and accretion pathways. In animal models DHA renders neuroprotection after hypoxic-ischemic injury by regulating multiple molecular pathways and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korapat Mayurasakorn
- Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Jill J. Williams
- Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Vadim S. Ten
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Richard J. Deckelbaum
- Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
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Efficient synthesis of the very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids, tetracosahexaenoic acid (C24:6n-3) and tricosahexaenoic acid (C23:6n-3). Lipids 2011; 46:455-61. [PMID: 21347745 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-011-3541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Tetracosahexaenoic acid (C(24):6n-3, THA, 3) is an essential biosynthetic precursor in mammals of docosahexaenoic acid (C(22):6n-3, DHA, 1), the end-product of the metabolism of n-3 fatty acids. THA 3 is present in commercially valuable fishes, such as flathead flounder. Tricosahexaenoic acid (C(23):6n-3, TrHA, 2), an odd-numbered-chain fatty acid, has been identified from marine organisms such as the dinoflagellate, Amphidinium carterae. To date, few studies have examined THA 3 and TrHA 2 due to difficulties in detecting and identifying these compounds, so their chemical and biological properties remain poorly characterized. Only one methodology for the chemical synthesis of THA 3 has been presented, and no method for the synthesis of TrHA 2 has been reported. We report here the efficient synthesis of THA 3 in four steps in 56% overall yield, and the synthesis of TrHA 2 in six steps in 48% overall yield. We also present the synthesis of Δ(2)-THA 4, an intermediate of β-oxidation of THA 3 to DHA 1, in three steps in 73% overall yield.
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Abstract
Aging contributes to physiological decline and vulnerability to disease. In the brain, even with minimal neuronal loss, aging increases oxidative damage, inflammation, demyelination, impaired processing, and metabolic deficits, particularly during pathological brain aging. In this review, the possible role of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the prevention of age-related disruption of brain function is discussed. High-fat diabetogenic diets, cholesterol, and the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonate and its prostaglandin metabolites have all been implicated in promoting the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Evidence presented here shows DHA acts to oppose this, exerting a plethora of pleiotropic activities to protect against the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg M Cole
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Kones R. Mitochondrial therapy for Parkinson's disease: neuroprotective pharmaconutrition may be disease-modifying. Clin Pharmacol 2010; 2:185-98. [PMID: 22291504 PMCID: PMC3262379 DOI: 10.2147/cpaa.s12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive destruction of neurons that produce dopamine in the basal ganglia of the brain, particularly the substantia nigra, is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The syndrome of the Parkinsonian phenotype is caused by many etiologies, involving multiple contributing mechanisms. Characteristic findings are pathologic inclusions called Lewy bodies, which are protein aggregates inside nerve cells. Environmental insults are linked with the disease, and a number of associated genes have also been identified. Neuroinflammation, microglia activation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are central processes producing nerve damage. In addition, protein misfolding, driven by accumulation and condensation of α-synuclein, compounded by inadequate elimination of defective protein through the ubiquitin- proteasome system, promote apoptosis. Current pharmacologic therapy is palliative rather than disease- modifying, and typically becomes unsatisfactory over time. Coenzyme Q10 and creatine, two agents involved in energy production, may be disease-modifying, and able to produce sufficient beneficial pathophysiologic changes in preclinical studies to warrant large studies now in progress. Use of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in PD are also topics of current interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kones
- Cardiometabolic Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
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Martinez M, Ichaso N, Setien F, Durany N, Qiu X, Roesler W. The Δ4-desaturation pathway for DHA biosynthesis is operative in the human species: differences between normal controls and children with the Zellweger syndrome. Lipids Health Dis 2010; 9:98. [PMID: 20828389 PMCID: PMC2949860 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-9-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω3) is a fundamental component of cell membranes, especially in the brain and retina. In the experimental animal, DHA deficiency leads to suboptimal neurological performance and visual deficiencies. Children with the Zellweger syndrome (ZS) have a profound DHA deficiency and symptoms that can be attributed to their extremely low DHA levels. These children seem to have a metabolic defect in DHA biosynthesis, which has never been totally elucidated. Treatment with DHA ethyl ester greatly improves these patients, but if we could normalize their endogenous DHA production we could get additional benefits. We examined whether DHA biosynthesis by Δ4-desaturation could be enhanced in the human species by transfecting the enzyme, and if this could normalize the DHA levels in cells from ZS patients. Results We showed that the Δ4-desaturase gene (Fad4) from Thraustochytrium sp, which can be expressed by heterologous transfection in other plant and yeast cells, can also be transfected into human lymphocytes, and that it expresses the enzyme (FAD4, Δ4-desaturase) by producing DHA from direct Δ4-desaturation of 22:5ω3. We also found that the other substrate for Δ4-desaturase, 22:4ω6, was parallely desaturated to 22:5ω6. Conclusions The present "in vitro" study demonstrates that Δ4-desaturase can be transfected into human cells and synthesize DHA (as well as 22:5ω6, DPA) from 22:5ω3 and 22:4ω6, respectively, by putative Δ4-desaturation. Even if this pathway may not be the physiological route for DHA biosynthesis "in vivo", the present study opens new perspectives for the treatment of patients within the ZS spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Martinez
- Manuela Martinez Foundation for Children with Metabolic Diseases, Research Laboratory, Plaza Karl Marx 1, Barcelona 08042, Spain.
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Astarita G, Jung KM, Berchtold NC, Nguyen VQ, Gillen DL, Head E, Cotman CW, Piomelli D. Deficient liver biosynthesis of docosahexaenoic acid correlates with cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12538. [PMID: 20838618 PMCID: PMC2935886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced brain levels of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3), a neurotrophic and neuroprotective fatty acid, may contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we investigated whether the liver enzyme system that provides docosahexaenoic acid to the brain is dysfunctional in this disease. Docosahexaenoic acid levels were reduced in temporal cortex, mid-frontal cortex and cerebellum of subjects with Alzheimer's disease, compared to control subjects (P = 0.007). Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores positively correlated with docosahexaenoic/α-linolenic ratios in temporal cortex (P = 0.005) and mid-frontal cortex (P = 0.018), but not cerebellum. Similarly, liver docosahexaenoic acid content was lower in Alzheimer's disease patients than control subjects (P = 0.011). Liver docosahexaenoic/α-linolenic ratios correlated positively with MMSE scores (r = 0.78; P<0.0001), and negatively with global deterioration scale grades (P = 0.013). Docosahexaenoic acid precursors, including tetracosahexaenoic acid (C24:6n-3), were elevated in liver of Alzheimer's disease patients (P = 0.041), whereas expression of peroxisomal d-bifunctional protein, which catalyzes the conversion of tetracosahexaenoic acid into docosahexaenoic acid, was reduced (P = 0.048). Other genes involved in docosahexaenoic acid metabolism were not affected. The results indicate that a deficit in d-bifunctional protein activity impairs docosahexaenoic acid biosynthesis in liver of Alzheimer's disease patients, lessening the flux of this neuroprotective fatty acid to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Astarita
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Nicole C. Berchtold
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Vinh Q. Nguyen
- Department of Statistics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel L. Gillen
- Department of Statistics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Carl W. Cotman
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Unit of Drug Discovery and Development, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
- * E-mail:
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40
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Graf BA, Duchateau GSMJE, Patterson AB, Mitchell ES, van Bruggen P, Koek JH, Melville S, Verkade HJ. Age dependent incorporation of 14C-DHA into rat brain and body tissues after dosing various 14C-DHA-esters. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2010; 83:89-96. [PMID: 20580213 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2010.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Revised: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 05/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accounts for 10% of fatty acids in human brain and is critical for neuronal function and brain development. Mechanisms of transport, accumulation and conservation of DHA in the brain are unclear. The objective of the study was to quantify the age dependent DHA incorporation into the brain of 2-, 4- or 10-week-old rats after a bolus dose of different DHA-esters. METHODS Rats were gavaged with (14)C-DHA-TAG, (14)C-DHA-PL or (14)C-DHA-TAG+PL at 2 mg DHA/kg BW. After 24h the distribution of radioactivity in body and brain regions was determined using quantitative whole body autoradiography (QWBA). Radiolabeled compounds were extracted from the brains to determine the identity of the radiolabeled compounds. RESULTS Accumulation of orally ingested (14)C-DHA in rat brain was less than 1% of the dose and decreased with age. Ester specific differences were seen only in 10-week-old rats, where oral (14)C-DHA-PL delivered a 2-fold higher accretion of radioactivity in the brain. CONCLUSIONS Less than 1% of a dietary achievable DHA dose reached the rat brain within 24h. Optimal efficacy of DHA-PL may occur in older age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Graf
- Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, PO Box 114, 3130AC Vlaardingen, The Netherlands.
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Rapoport SI, Igarashi M, Gao F. Quantitative contributions of diet and liver synthesis to docosahexaenoic acid homeostasis. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2010; 82:273-6. [PMID: 20226642 PMCID: PMC2867061 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2010.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dietary requirements for maintaining brain and heart docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) homeostasis are not agreed on, in part because rates of liver DHA synthesis from circulating alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-LNA, 18:3n-3) have not been quantified. These rates can be estimated using intravenous radiotracer- or heavy isotope-labeled alpha-LNA infusion. In adult unanesthetized male rats, such infusion shows that liver synthesis-secretion rates of DHA from alpha-LNA markedly exceed brain and heart DHA synthesis rates and the brain DHA consumption rate, and that liver but not heart or brain synthesis is upregulated when dietary n-3 PUFA content is reduced. These rate differences reflect much higher expression of DHA-synthesizing enzymes in liver, and upregulation of liver but not heart or brain enzyme expression by reduced dietary n-3 PUFA content. A noninvasive intravenous [U-(13)C]alpha-LNA infusion method that produces steady-state liver tracer metabolism gives exact liver DHA synthesis-secretion rates and could be extended for human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley I Rapoport
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Gao F, Kiesewetter D, Chang L, Ma K, Rapoport SI, Igarashi M. Whole-body synthesis secretion of docosahexaenoic acid from circulating eicosapentaenoic acid in unanesthetized rats. J Lipid Res 2009; 50:2463-70. [PMID: 19571329 PMCID: PMC2781318 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m900223-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 06/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) are considered important for maintaining normal heart and brain function, but little EPA is found in brain, and EPA cannot be elongated to DHA in rat heart due to the absence of elongase-2. Ingested EPA may have to be converted in the liver to DHA for it to be fully effective in brain and heart, but the rate of conversion is not agreed on. This rate was determined in male adult rats fed a standard n-3 PUFA, containing diet by infusing unesterified albumin-bound [U-(13)C]EPA intravenously for 2 h and measuring esterified [(13)C]labeled PUFAs in arterial plasma lipoproteins, as well as the specific activity of unesterified plasma EPA. Whole-body (presumably hepatic) synthesis secretion rates from circulating unesterified EPA, calculated from peak first derivatives of plasma esterified concentration x volume curves, equaled 2.61 micromol/day for docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3) and 5.46 micromol/day for DHA. The DHA synthesis rate was 24-fold greater than the reported brain DHA consumption rate in rats. Thus, dietary EPA could help to maintain brain and heart DHA homeostasis because it is converted at a relatively high rate in the liver to circulating DHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Anderson BM, Ma DWL. Are all n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids created equal? Lipids Health Dis 2009; 8:33. [PMID: 19664246 PMCID: PMC3224740 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-8-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2009] [Accepted: 08/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
N-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to have potential beneficial effects for chronic diseases including cancer, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular have been studied extensively, whereas substantive evidence for a biological role for the precursor, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is lacking. It is not enough to assume that ALA exerts effects through conversion to EPA and DHA, as the process is highly inefficient in humans. Thus, clarification of ALA's involvement in health and disease is essential, as it is the principle n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid consumed in the North American diet and intakes of EPA and DHA are typically very low. There is evidence suggesting that ALA, EPA and DHA have specific and potentially independent effects on chronic disease. Therefore, this review will assess our current understanding of the differential effects of ALA, EPA and DHA on cancer, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. Potential mechanisms of action will also be reviewed. Overall, a better understanding of the individual role for ALA, EPA and DHA is needed in order to make appropriate dietary recommendations regarding n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne M Anderson
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1 Canada.
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Abstract
Early recognition of the importance of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in brain, neural, and visual development, prompted professional bodies to establish dietary recommendations for pregnant women and term and preterm infants. More recent studies show that supplemental DHA can play an important role in reducing the risk for certain age-related diseases. Data from nationwide surveys suggest that the average intake of DHA by US adults is considerably lower than levels suggested by researchers to sustain baseline nutritional status and to achieve the beneficial and protective effects of DHA. The Workshop on DHA as a Required Nutrient provided a forum for scientists to present and debate the research in support of more universal dietary recommendations for DHA as an essential nutrient throughout life.
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