Evidence of the Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Brain Glucose Metabolism

Pifferi, Fabien; Cunnane, Stephen C.; Guesnet, Philippe

doi:10.3390/nu12051382

Cited by 20 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 70 publications

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“…Among other parameters, like blood glucose, brain function depends on brain structure, brain perfusion, and, in some cases, on the absence of inflammatory processes [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Additionally, the fatty acid composition of a cell’s membrane impacts on physical stability, signal transduction, ion channel behavior, and many other cell properties and functions [ 1 , 2 ]. Here, current evidence on the relevance of EPA and DHA to brain is reviewed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Importance of EPA and DHA Blood Levels in Brain Structure and Function

Schacky¹

2021

Nutrients

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Brain structure and function depend on a constant and sufficient supply with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by blood. Blood levels of EPA and DHA reflect dietary intake and other variables and are preferably assessed as percentage in erythrocytes with a well-documented and standardized analytical method (HS-Omega-3 Index®). Every human being has an Omega-3 Index between 2 and 20%, with an optimum of 8–11%. Compared to an optimal Omega-3 Index, a lower Omega-3 Index was associated with increased risk for total mortality and ischemic stroke, reduced brain volume, impaired cognition, accelerated progression to dementia, psychiatric diseases, compromises of complex brain functions, and other brain issues in epidemiologic studies. Most intervention trials, and their meta-analyses considered EPA and DHA as drugs with good bioavailability, a design tending to produce meaningful results in populations characterized by low baseline blood levels (e.g., in major depression), but otherwise responsible for many neutral results and substantial confusion. When trial results were evaluated using blood levels of EPA and DHA measured, effects were larger than comparing EPA and DHA to placebo groups, and paralleled epidemiologic findings. This indicates future trial design, and suggests a targeted use EPA and DHA, based on the Omega-3 Index.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Importance of EPA and DHA Blood Levels in Brain Structure and Function

Schacky¹

2021

Nutrients

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“…Fish is a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are thought to be critical for brain functioning. Indeed, omega-3 fatty acids are thought to contribute to cell membrane integrity and fluidity, regulation of peripheral immune function, microglial activation, and brain glucose metabolism, as well as to increase BDNF levels and decrease amyloid-β (Aβ) load [ 244 , 245 , 246 , 247 , 248 ].…”

Section: Prevention Of Cognitive Decline Through Nutritional Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

In Pursuit of Healthy Aging: Effects of Nutrition on Brain Function

Melzer

Manosso

Yau

et al. 2021

IJMS

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Consuming a balanced, nutritious diet is important for maintaining health, especially as individuals age. Several studies suggest that consuming a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components such as those found in fruits, nuts, vegetables, and fish may reduce age-related cognitive decline and the risk of developing various neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous studies have been published over the last decade focusing on nutrition and how this impacts health. The main objective of the current article is to review the data linking the role of diet and nutrition with aging and age-related cognitive decline. Specifically, we discuss the roles of micronutrients and macronutrients and provide an overview of how the gut microbiota-gut-brain axis and nutrition impact brain function in general and cognitive processes in particular during aging. We propose that dietary interventions designed to optimize the levels of macro and micronutrients and maximize the functioning of the microbiota-gut-brain axis can be of therapeutic value for improving cognitive functioning, particularly during aging.

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“…ω-3-PUFA-deficient animals show an impaired neurotransmission, which is probably closely linked to a disturbed brain glucose utilization. In contrast, ω-3-PUFA-supplementation results in a higher brain glucose uptake along with an increased cerebral metabolic rate of glucose [ 136 , 137 , 138 , 139 ]. These effects seem to be based on a ω-3-PUFA-dependent modulation of the glucose transport in endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier.…”

Section: The Impact Of ω-3-pufas and Mcfas On Neuronal Energy Metabolismmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These effects seem to be based on a ω-3-PUFA-dependent modulation of the glucose transport in endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. The FAs probably affect the protein amount and activity of GLUT1 at the post-transcriptional and/or post-translational level [ 138 , 140 , 141 ]. In addition, in ω-3-PUFA-deprived rats, a decreased respiratory chain activity was found as indicated by a reduced cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity.…”

Section: The Impact Of ω-3-pufas and Mcfas On Neuronal Energy Metabolismmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Medium Chain and Polyunsaturated ω-3-Fatty Acids on Amyloid-β Deposition, Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Dysfunction Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

Mett

2021

Antioxidants

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Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia in the elderly population, is closely linked to a dysregulated cerebral lipid homeostasis and particular changes in brain fatty acid (FA) composition. The abnormal extracellular accumulation and deposition of the peptide amyloid-β (Aβ) is considered as an early toxic event in AD pathogenesis, which initiates a series of events leading to neuronal dysfunction and death. These include the induction of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, the disruption of calcium homeostasis and membrane integrity, an impairment of cerebral energy metabolism, as well as synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction. Dietary medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and polyunsaturated ω-3-fatty acids (ω-3-PUFAs) seem to be valuable for disease modification. Both classes of FAs have neuronal health-promoting and cognition-enhancing properties and might be of benefit for patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms by which MCFAs and ω-3-PUFAs reduce the cerebral Aβ deposition, improve brain energy metabolism, and lessen oxidative stress levels.

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Evidence of the Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Brain Glucose Metabolism

Cited by 20 publications

References 70 publications

Importance of EPA and DHA Blood Levels in Brain Structure and Function

Importance of EPA and DHA Blood Levels in Brain Structure and Function

In Pursuit of Healthy Aging: Effects of Nutrition on Brain Function

The Impact of Medium Chain and Polyunsaturated ω-3-Fatty Acids on Amyloid-β Deposition, Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Dysfunction Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

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