Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): An Essential Nutrient and a Nutraceutical for Brain Health and Diseases.

Sun Grace Y., et al.
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2018

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enriched in phospholipids in the brain and retina, is known to play multi-functional roles in brain health and diseases. While arachidonic acid (AA) is released from membrane phospholipids by cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), DHA is linked to action of the Ca2+-independent iPLA2. DHA undergoes enzymatic conversion by 15-lipoxygenase (Alox 15) to form oxylipins including resolvins and neuroprotectins, which are powerful lipid mediators. DHA can also undergo non-enzymatic conversion by reacting with oxygen free radicals (ROS), which cause the production of 4-hydoxyhexenal (4-HHE), an aldehyde derivative which can form adducts with DNA, proteins and lipids. In studies with both animal models and humans, there is evidence that inadequate intake of maternal n-3 PUFA may lead to aberrant development and function of the central nervous system (CNS). What is less certain is whether consumption of n-3 PUFA is important in maintaining brain health throughout one's life span. Evidence mostly from non-human studies suggests that DHA intake above normal nutritional requirements might modify the risk/course of a number of diseases of the brain. This concept has fueled much of the present interest in DHA research, in particular, in attempts to delineate mechanisms whereby DHA may serve as a nutraceutical and confer neuroprotective effects. Current studies have revealed ability for the oxylipins to regulation of cell redox homeostasis through the Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2/Antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE) anti-oxidant pathway, and impact signaling pathways associated with neurotransmitters, and modulation of neuronal functions involving brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). This review is aimed at describing recent studies elaborating these mechanisms with special regard to aging and Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury, and stroke.

Keywords

4-hydoxyhexenal (4-HHE); Alox 15; Antioxidant response element (ARE); Brain development; Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF); Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); IPLA(2); Life spectrum; Neuroinflammation; Neuroprotectin 1 (NPD1); Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2); Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB); Oxidative metabolites; Oxylipins; Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA); Resolving; Signaling pathways.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PMID:28314621
DOI:10.1016/j.plefa.2017.03.006
Category:Brain / Mental Clarity

The best supplements with Docosahexaenoic Acid in Brain / Mental Clarity category:

Articles similar to "Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): An Essential Nutrient and a Nutraceutical for Brain Health and Diseases."

  • The role of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Brain / Mental Clarity: Health Benefits of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). (Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants...)
  • The impact of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Brain / Mental Clarity: A high omega-3 fatty acid multinutrient supplement benefits cognition and mobility in older women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. ( Mobility is a key determinant of frailty in older persons, and a variety of dietary factors, such as the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are positively associated with decreased frailty and improved mobility and cognition in older persons... In this pilot study, multinutrient supplementation improved cognition and mobility in able older females at clinically relevant levels, suggesting a potential role in reducing the decline to frailty.)
  • The significance of Docosahexaenoic Acid for Brain / Mental Clarity: Brain Docosahexaenoic Acid Uptake and Metabolism. (Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the most abundant n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in the brain where it serves to regulate several important processes and, in addition, serves as a precursor to bioactive mediators... In this pilot study, multinutrient supplementation improved cognition and mobility in able older females at clinically relevant levels, suggesting a potential role in reducing the decline to frailty.)
  • The role of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Brain / Mental Clarity: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fundamental fatty acid for the brain: New dietary sources. (Docosahexaenoic acid (C22: 6n-3, DHA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid of marine origin fundamental for the formation and function of the nervous system, particularly the brain and the retina of humans... In this pilot study, multinutrient supplementation improved cognition and mobility in able older females at clinically relevant levels, suggesting a potential role in reducing the decline to frailty.)
  • The impact of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Brain / Mental Clarity: Docosahexaenoic acid and cognition throughout the lifespan. (Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the predominant omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in the brain and can affect neurological function by modulating signal transduction pathways, neurotransmission, neurogenesis, myelination, membrane receptor function, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, membrane integrity and membrane organization... In this pilot study, multinutrient supplementation improved cognition and mobility in able older females at clinically relevant levels, suggesting a potential role in reducing the decline to frailty.)
  • The significance of Docosahexaenoic Acid for Brain / Mental Clarity: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Brain Resistance to Ageing and Stress: Body of Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. (The increasing life expectancy in the populations of rich countries raises the pressing question of how the elderly can maintain their cognitive function... In this pilot study, multinutrient supplementation improved cognition and mobility in able older females at clinically relevant levels, suggesting a potential role in reducing the decline to frailty.)
  • The role of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Brain / Mental Clarity: ω-3 Fatty Acids in the Prevention of Cognitive Decline in Humans. (The brain is a lipid-rich organ where docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is enriched and where eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may have anti-inflammatory effects... In this pilot study, multinutrient supplementation improved cognition and mobility in able older females at clinically relevant levels, suggesting a potential role in reducing the decline to frailty.)

Previous article

Brain Docosahexaenoic Acid Uptake and Metabolism.

Next article

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fundamental fatty acid for the brain: New dietary sources.