Fat Intake and CNS Functioning: Ageing and Disease

Transgenic conversion of omega-6 into omega-3 fatty acids in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

“…The frontal cortex was selected because it is minimally affected by MPTP For example, cold water fatty fi sh, such as salmon and tuna, are among the richest sources of long chain n -3 PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA: 20:5 n -3) and DHA ( 8,9 ). N -3 and n -6 PUFAs have been considered essential fatty acids ever since the consequences of their defi ciencies on brain development and functions were demonstrated (9)(10)(11). The importance of n -3 PUFAs in maintaining a general health status is widely accepted, as many studies have associated a high n -3 PUFA intake with benefi cial effects on various conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, depression, and Alzheimer's disease [see reviews (12)(13)(14)].…”

Fatty Acids and Emotional Behavior

“…Lower levels of A and amyloid plaques in the brain were observed when the subjects were fed a low-fat diet enriched with DHA (Amtul et al, 2011). Some promising reports of the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease showed that fatty acids appear to be devoid of any effect on cognition, aggression, hostility, and social behavior (Crawford et al, 2009). …”

Inflammation, Osteoporosis and Atherosclerosis: The Tsimtsoum Concept

“…There is evidence [11,12] that 3 PUFAs play an important role in neuronal structure and function. The brain is quite rich in 3 PUFAs and several studies suggest a role for 3 PUFAs in neurotransmitter synthesis, degradation, release, reuptake and binding [26]. Fatty acids belong to the phospholipid group and, consequently, are part of all biological membranes.…”

“…In addition, membrane fluidity is determined by the phospholipids/free cholesterol ratio, as cholesterol increases membrane viscosity. DHA deficit is associated with dysfunctions of neuronal membrane stability and transmission of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which might be related to the aetiology of the mood and cognitive dysfunction of depression [26]. On the other hand, EPA is essential to balance the immune function and physical health by reducing the proportion of arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4 6) in cell membrane and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis.…”

“…On the other hand, EPA is essential to balance the immune function and physical health by reducing the proportion of arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4 6) in cell membrane and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. A diet based on a high proportion of essential polyunsatured fatty acids allows a higher incorporation of cholesterol in the membranes to balance their fluidity, which, in turn, would contribute to lower blood cholesterol levels and inflammation and lower risk of CVD, osteoporosis and neuro-psychological disorders [20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. These interactions of dietneurotransmitters, neuronal function and other body functions and dysfunctions provide a basis for YYTT concept and the mind-body connection.…”