Maternal Supply of Both Arachidonic and Docosahexaenoic Acids Is Required for Optimal Neurodevelopment

Abstract

During the last trimester of gestation and for the first 18 months after birth, both docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid,20:4n-6 (ARA) are preferentially deposited within the cerebral cortex at a rapid rate. Although the structural and functional roles of DHA in brain development are well investigated, similar roles of ARA are not well documented. The mode of action of these two fatty acids and their derivatives at different structural–functional roles and their levels in the gene expression and signaling pathways of the brain have been continuously emanating. In addition to DHA, the importance of ARA has been much discussed in recent years for fetal and postnatal brain development and the maternal supply of ARA and DHA. These fatty acids are also involved in various brain developmental processes; however, their mechanistic cross talks are not clearly known yet. This review describes the importance of ARA, in addition to DHA, in supporting the optimal brain development and growth and functional roles in the brain.

Special Issue “Maternal DHA Impact on Child Neurodevelopment”

“…DHA comprises 10–20% of the total fatty acid composition in the brain, whereas arachidonic acid, 20:4n-6 (ARA), represents 9% [ 1 ]. Both DHA and ARA are deposited in large amounts to the fetal brain during the last trimester in utero and continue through the breastfed postnatal life [ 2 ].…”

“…Several studies suggest that adequate DHA levels in neural membranes are needed for cortical astrocytes, neurovascular coupling, and metabolism. Many studies have shown that both DHA and ARA and their metabolites are involved in neurogenesis, anti-apoptotic effects, synaptic plasticity, and several signaling and metabolic pathways [ 2 ]. In addition to DHA, the importance of ARA in optimal neurodevelopment and growth is well known [ 2 ].…”

“…Many studies have shown that both DHA and ARA and their metabolites are involved in neurogenesis, anti-apoptotic effects, synaptic plasticity, and several signaling and metabolic pathways [ 2 ]. In addition to DHA, the importance of ARA in optimal neurodevelopment and growth is well known [ 2 ].…”

“…The human placental trophoblasts take up maternal plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) via several membranes spanning proteins, such as fatty acid transport protein (FAT) or the cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), FATPs, plasma membrane fatty acid-binding protein (FABPpm), and intracellular fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) [ 1 ]. The placenta-specific p-FABPpm is involved in preferential uptake of maternal DHA and ARA for the fetal supply [ 1 , 2 ]. In addition to p-FABPpm, maternal DHA and ARA are also transported by a major facilitator superfamily domain, containing 2a (mfsd2a) of the human placenta but as DHA- [ 2 ].…”

“…The placenta-specific p-FABPpm is involved in preferential uptake of maternal DHA and ARA for the fetal supply [ 1 , 2 ]. In addition to p-FABPpm, maternal DHA and ARA are also transported by a major facilitator superfamily domain, containing 2a (mfsd2a) of the human placenta but as DHA- [ 2 ]. Mfsd2a transports these fatty acids esterified to the lysophosphatidylcholine, but not as FFAs.…”