sinclair-omega3fatty-2007.pdf (710.32 kB)
Omega 3 fatty acids and the brain : review of studies in depression
journal contribution
posted on 2007-01-01, 00:00 authored by Andrew SinclairAndrew Sinclair, Denovan Begg, M Mathai, R WeisingerThe brain is a lipid-rich organ containing mostly complex polar phospholipids, sphingolipids, gangliosides and cholesterol. These lipids are involved in the structure and function of cell membranes in the brain. The glycerophospholipids in the brain contain a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. The main PUFA in the brain are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, all cis 4,7,10,13,16,19-22:6) derived from the omega 3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid (AA, all cis 5,8,11,14-20:4) and docosatetraenoic acid (all cis 7,10,13,16-22:4), both derived from the omega 6 fatty acid, linoleic acid. Experimental studies in animals have shown that diets lacking omega 3 PUFA lead to substantial disturbances in neural function, which in most circumstances can be restored by the inclusion of omega 3 PUFA in the diet. In the past 10 years there has been an emerging interest in treating neuropsychological disorders (depression and schizophrenia) with omega 3 PUFA. This paper discusses the clinical studies conducted in the area of depression and omega 3 PUFA and the possible mechanisms of action of these PUFA. It is clear from the literature that DHA is involved in a variety of processes in neural cells and that its role is far more complex than simply influencing cell membrane properties.
History
Journal
Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutritionVolume
16Issue
S1Publisher
HEC PressLocation
McKinnon, Vic.ISSN
0964-7058eISSN
1440-6047Language
engNotes
Reproduced with the specific permission of the copyright owner.Publication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal; C Journal articleCopyright notice
2007, HEC PressUsage metrics
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docosahexaenoic acidethyl eicosapentaenoatemembrane functiondepressiondopamineBDNFturnover of arachidonic acidScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineNutrition & DieteticsPOLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACIDSPRELIMINARY DOUBLE-BLINDEICOSAPENTAENOIC ACIDPOSTPARTUM DEPRESSIONNEUROTROPHIC FACTORBIPOLAR DEPRESSIONARACHIDONIC-ACIDSEAFOOD CONSUMPTIONMAJOR DEPRESSION
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