N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Resolution of Neuroinflammation

Abstract

In the past few decades, as a result of their anti-inflammatory properties, n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs), have gained greater importance in the regulation of inflammation, especially in the central nervous system (in this case known as neuroinflammation). If sustained, neuroinflammation is a common denominator of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and major depression, and of aging. Hence, limiting neuroinflammation is a real strategy for neuroinflammatory disease therapy and treatment. Recent data show that n-3 LC-PUFAs exert anti-inflammatory properties in part through the synthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) such as resolvins, maresins and protectins. These SPMs are crucially involved in the resolution of inflammation. They could be good candidates to resolve brain inflammation and to contribute to neuroprotective functions and could lead to novel therapeutics for brain inflammatory diseases. This review presents an overview 1) of brain n-3 LC-PUFAs as precursors of SPMs with an emphasis on the effect of n-3 PUFAs on neuroinflammation, 2) of the formation and action of SPMs in the brain and their biological roles, and the possible regulation of their synthesis by environmental factors such as inflammation and nutrition and, in particular, PUFA consumption.

N-Docosahexaenoylethanolamine Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Improves Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Rats with Sciatic Nerve Chronic Constriction Injury

“…Recent evidence suggests that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit anti-inflammatory activity through the synthesis of resolvins, protectins and maresins (bioactive mediators with pro-resolving properties). These mediators play a critical role in inflammation resolving [ 10 ]. In addition, PUFAs act on the cell membrane, providing a stabilizing effect and making it more resistant to damaging influences and more malleable for nerve impulse conduction [ 11 ].…”

Oxylipin Profiles as Functional Characteristics of Acute Inflammatory Responses in Astrocytes Pre-Treated with IL-4, IL-10, or LPS

“…Recently, it was shown that various ω-3/ω-6 PUFA diets are able to change the polarization of macrophages [7,8]. There is also evidence that ω-6and ω-3-derived oxylipins are able to modulate the inflammatory phenotype of immune cells, especially macrophages [7,9]. However, data on the changes in oxylipin profiles are scarce.…”

Role of dietary fatty acids in microglial polarization in Alzheimer’s disease

“…SPM increases phagocytosis and suppresses inflammation by blocking the NF-κB pathway and PPAR-γ-mediated mechanism. According to lipid profiling, anti-inflammatory phenotype of microglia produces more quantity of protectins, maresin, and D-resolvins, whereas inflammatory phenotype of microglia produces more of ARA-derived proinflammatory markers [117,118]. Recently, the MaR1 pathway is found effective in the resolution phase.…”