Supranormal Electroretinogram inFat-1Mice with Retinas Enriched in Docosahexaenoic Acid and n-3 Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (C24–C36)

Abstract

Highly enriched DHA and n-3 VLCFA in the retina lead to supernormal scotopic and photopic ERGs and increases in Müller cell reactivity and oxidative stress in photoreceptors. The regulation of n-3 fatty acids levels and of the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio are essential in preserving retinal integrity.

ELOVL4 protein preferentially elongates 20:5n3 to very long chain PUFAs over 20:4n6 and 22:6n3

“…Also, in animal models, n3 PUFA supplementation has been shown to enhance ( 72 ) or prevent the reduction in ERG a-and b-wave amplitudes after transient ischemia ( 73,74 ). Dietary n3 PUFAs have also been shown to be effective in suppressing infl ammation and in reducing the incidence of arteriosclerosis and heart failure by lowering plasma triglycerides and blood pressure ( 75,76 ).…”

Retinal energy demands control vascular supply of the retina in development and disease: The role of neuronal lipid and glucose metabolism

“…STG3 is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with deficient VLC-PUFAs associated with macular dystrophy and loss of central vision, suggesting a regional importance of these lipids in the macula. VLC-PUFAs are presumed to improve membrane fluidity and packing density, potentially stabilizing the unique folding pattern of outer segment discs, which may allow adequate shedding of rods and cones photoreceptor outer segments (Agbaga et al, 2010; Suh et al, 2000, 2009). Aging eyes are substantially depleted in VLC-PUFA, and their levels are further reduced in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Liu et al, 2010).…”

Characterization of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 7 (FABP7) in the Murine Retina

“…Retinas enriched in DHA and n-3 very long chain fatty acids have been shown to have supranormal ERG responses, with high amplitudes for both scotopic and photopic a-waves and b-waves. 33 Normal a-wave and bwave amplitudes in our FABP7 À/À mice suggest that FABP7 is not crucial for photoreceptor function under physiological conditions. Rather, FABP7 may play a role in regulating photoreceptor function in response to ''stress'' conditions.…”