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Petermann AB, Reyna-Jeldes M, Ortega L, Coddou C, Yévenes GE. Roles of the Unsaturated Fatty Acid Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Central Nervous System: Molecular and Cellular Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105390. [PMID: 35628201 PMCID: PMC9141004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) are essential components of the central nervous system (CNS), where they exert multiple roles in health and disease. Among the FAs, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been widely recognized as a key molecule for neuronal function and cell signaling. Despite its relevance, the molecular pathways underlying the beneficial effects of DHA on the cells of the CNS are still unclear. Here, we summarize and discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of DHA in neural cells with a special focus on processes of survival, morphological development, and synaptic maturation. In addition, we examine the evidence supporting a potential therapeutic role of DHA against CNS tumor diseases and tumorigenesis. The current results suggest that DHA exerts its actions on neural cells mainly through the modulation of signaling cascades involving the activation of diverse types of receptors. In addition, we found evidence connecting brain DHA and ω-3 PUFA levels with CNS diseases, such as depression, autism spectrum disorders, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. In the context of cancer, the existing data have shown that DHA exerts positive actions as a coadjuvant in antitumoral therapy. Although many questions in the field remain only partially resolved, we hope that future research may soon define specific pathways and receptor systems involved in the beneficial effects of DHA in cells of the CNS, opening new avenues for innovative therapeutic strategies for CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B. Petermann
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile;
- Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 8330025, Chile; (M.R.-J.); (L.O.)
| | - Mauricio Reyna-Jeldes
- Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 8330025, Chile; (M.R.-J.); (L.O.)
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
- Núcleo para el Estudio del Cáncer a Nivel Básico, Aplicado y Clínico, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta 1270709, Chile
| | - Lorena Ortega
- Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 8330025, Chile; (M.R.-J.); (L.O.)
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
- Núcleo para el Estudio del Cáncer a Nivel Básico, Aplicado y Clínico, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta 1270709, Chile
| | - Claudio Coddou
- Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 8330025, Chile; (M.R.-J.); (L.O.)
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
- Núcleo para el Estudio del Cáncer a Nivel Básico, Aplicado y Clínico, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta 1270709, Chile
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (G.E.Y.)
| | - Gonzalo E. Yévenes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile;
- Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 8330025, Chile; (M.R.-J.); (L.O.)
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (G.E.Y.)
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Cluster Headache Pathophysiology—A Disorder of Network Excitability? CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/ctn5020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients’ accounts of cluster headache attacks, ictal restlessness, and electrophysiological studies suggest that the pathophysiology involves Aδ-fibre nociceptors and the network processing their input. Continuous activity of the trigeminal autonomic reflex throughout the in-bout period results in central sensitization of these networks in many patients. It is likely that several factors force circadian rhythmicity upon the disease. In addition to sensitization, circadian changes in pain perception and autonomic innervation might influence the excitability of the trigeminal cervical complex. Summation of several factors influencing pain perception might render neurons vulnerable to spontaneous depolarization, particularly at the beginning of rapid drops of the pain threshold (“summation headache”). In light of studies suggesting an impairment of short-term synaptic plasticity in CH patients, we suggest that the physiologic basis of CH attacks might be network overactivity—similarly to epileptic seizures. Case reports documenting cluster-like attacks support the idea of distinct factors being transiently able to induce attacks and being relevant in the pathophysiology of the disorder. A sustained and recurring proneness to attacks likely requires changes in the activity of other structures among which the hypothalamus is the most probable candidate.
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Chitre NM, Wood BJ, Ray A, Moniri NH, Murnane KS. Docosahexaenoic acid protects motor function and increases dopamine synthesis in a rat model of Parkinson's disease via mechanisms associated with increased protein kinase activity in the striatum. Neuropharmacology 2020; 167:107976. [PMID: 32001239 PMCID: PMC7110909 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that leads to motor deficits and selective destruction of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. PD is typically treated by dopamine replacement agents; however, dopamine replacement loses effectiveness in the later stages of the disease. Here, we describe the neuroprotective effects of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the medial forebrain bundle 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of advanced-stage PD in rats. We show that daily administration of DHA protects against core symptoms of PD, including deficits in postural stability, gait integrity, and dopamine neurochemistry in motor areas of the striatum. Our results also demonstrate that DHA increases striatal dopamine synthesis via phosphorylation of the rate-limiting catecholamine synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, in a manner dependent on the second messenger-linked protein kinases PKA and PKC. We also show that DHA specifically reverses dopamine loss in the nigrostriatal pathway, with no effect in the mesolimbic or mesocortical pathways. This suggests that DHA is unlikely to produce pharmacotherapeutic or adverse effects that depend on dopamine pathways other than the nigrostriatal pathway. To our knowledge, previous reports have not examined the effects of DHA in such an advanced-stage model, documented that the dopamine synthesizing effects of DHA in vivo are mediated through the activation of protein kinases and regulation of TH activity, or demonstrated specificity to the nigrostriatal pathway. These novel findings corroborate the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids seen in PD patients and suggest that DHA provides a novel means of protecting patients for dopamine neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Milind Chitre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bo Jarrett Wood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Azizi Ray
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nader H Moniri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kevin Sean Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Abdolahi M, Jafarieh A, Sarraf P, Sedighiyan M, Yousefi A, Tafakhori A, Abdollahi H, Salehinia F, Djalali M. The Neuromodulatory Effects of ω-3 Fatty Acids and Nano-Curcumin on the COX-2/ iNOS Network in Migraines: A Clinical Trial Study from Gene Expression to Clinical Symptoms. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2019; 19:874-884. [DOI: 10.2174/1871530319666190212170140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Migraine is a common neuroinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent
attacks of pain. Human and experimental models of migraine studies have demonstrated the role
played by COX-2/ iNOS in migraine’s neuroinflammatory pathogenesis. COX-2 and iNOS are closely
linked and both contribute to inflammation and neurogenic pain in the central nervous system. Omega-
3 fatty acids and curcumin, an active polyphenol of turmeric, have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective
effects through several mechanisms, including the suppression of COX-2 and iNOS gene expression,
as well as their serum levels. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the nutrigenomic effects
of ω-3 fatty acids, nano-curcumin, and a combination of the two, on neuroinflammation and clinical
symptoms in migraine patients.
Methods:
This study reports the results of a clinical trial over a 2-month period, involving 74 episodic
migraine patients who received ω-3 fatty acids, nano-curcumin, a combination of them, or a placebo.
At the start and end of the study, the expression of COX-2/iNOS (in peripheral mononuclear blood
cells isolated from patients) and COX-2/iNOS serum levels were measured, using real-time PCR and
ELISA respectively. The frequency, severity and duration of pain attacks were also recorded.
Results:
The results of the present trial showed that ω-3 fatty acids and nano-curcumin can reinforce
each other’s effects in the downregulation of COX-2/iNOS mRNA, as well as reduce their serum levels.
In addition, the combination of ω-3 and nano-curcumin significantly reduced the frequency, severity
and duration of headaches (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
These findings indicate that combination therapy of ω-3 fatty acids and nano-curcumin
can be considered as a promising new approach in migraine prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Abdolahi
- AmirAlam Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Jafarieh
- AmirAlam Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Sarraf
- Iranian Centre of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sedighiyan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Yousefi
- AmirAlam Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Tafakhori
- Iranian Centre of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Abdollahi
- AmirAlam Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Salehinia
- AmirAlam Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Djalali
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Fila M, Pawłowska E, Blasiak J. Mitochondria in migraine pathophysiology - does epigenetics play a role? Arch Med Sci 2019; 15:944-956. [PMID: 31360189 PMCID: PMC6657237 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.86061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The approximately three times higher rate of migraine prevalence in women than men may result from the mitochondrial transmission of this disease. Studies with imaging techniques suggest disturbances in mitochondrial metabolism in specific regions of the brain in migraine patients. Migraine shares some clinical features with several mitochondrial diseases and many other disorders include migraine headaches. Epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a matter of debate and there are some conflicting results, especially on mtDNA methylation. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) and long-noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) have been detected in mitochondria. The regulation of the miRNA-lncRNA axis can be important for mitochondrial physiology and its impairment can result in a disease phenotype. Further studies on the role of mitochondrial epigenetic modifications in migraine are needed, but they require new methods and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Fila
- Department of Neurology, Polish Mother Memorial Hospital, Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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