293 articles - 10.09.10
1: BMC Psychiatry. 2010 May 26;10:38.
Hedelin M, Lof M, Olsson M, Lewander T, Nilsson B, Hultman CM, Weiderpass E.
Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Ulleraker, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. maria.hedelin@ki.se
BACKGROUND: Low intake of fish, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin D deficiency has been suggested to play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Our aim was to evaluate the association between the intake of different fish species, PUFA and vitamin D and the prevalence of psychotic-like symptoms in a population-based study among Swedish women. METHODS: Dietary intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire among 33,623 women aged 30-49 years at enrollment (1991/92). Information on psychotic-like symptoms was derived from a follow-up questionnaire in the years 2002/03. Participants were classified into three predefined levels: low, middle and high frequency of symptoms. The association between diet and psychotic-like symptoms was summarized in terms of relative risks (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals and was evaluated by energy-adjusted multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: 18,411 women were classified as having a low level of psychotic-like symptoms, 14 395 as middle and 817 as having a high level. The risk of high level symptoms was 53% (95% CI, 30-69%) lower among women who ate fish 3-4 times per week compared to women who never ate fish. The risk was also lower for women with a high intake of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA compared to women with a lower intake of these fatty acids. The effect was most pronounced for omega-6 PUFAs. The RR comparing the highest to the lowest quartile of omega-6 PUFAs intake was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.64-0.97). The associations were J-shaped with the strongest reduced risk for an intermediate intake of fish or PUFA. For fatty fish (herring/mackerel, salmon-type fish), the strongest inverse association was found for an intermediate intake (RR: 0.81, 95% CI, 0.66-0.98), whereas a high intake of fatty fish was associated with an increased risk of psychotic-like symptoms (RR: 1.90, 95% CI, 1.34-2.70). Women in the highest compared with the lowest quartile of vitamin D consumption experienced a 37% (95% CI, 22-50%) lower risk of psychotic-like symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our findings raise a possibility that adult women with a high intake of fish, omega-3 or omega-6 PUFA and vitamin D have a lower rate of psychotic-like symptoms.
Publication Types: Comparative Study Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20504323&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20504323 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]2: J Am Coll Nutr. 2009 Oct;28(5):525-42.
Martins JG.
Academy of Nutritional Medicine, 80 Commercial End, Swaffham Bulbeck, Cambridge CB25 0NE, UK. julian.martins@aonm.org
BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic and case-control data suggest that increased dietary intake of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega3 LC-PUFAs) may be of benefit in depression. However, the results of randomized controlled trials are mixed and controversy exists as to whether either eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or both are responsible for the reported benefits. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to provide an updated meta-analysis of all double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trials examining the effect of omega3 LC-PUFA supplementation in which depressive symptoms were a reported outcome. The study also aimed to specifically test the differential effectiveness of EPA versus DHA through meta-regression and subgroup analyses. DESIGN: Studies were selected using the PubMed database on the basis of the following criteria: (1) randomized design; (2) placebo controlled; (3) use of an omega3 LC-PUFA preparation containing DHA, EPA, or both where the relative amounts of each fatty acid could be quantified; and (4) reporting sufficient statistics on scores of a recognizable measure of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-one studies were identified, of which 28 met the above inclusion criteria and were therefore included in the subsequent meta-analysis. Using a random effects model, overall standardized mean depression scores were reduced in response to omega3 LC-PUFA supplementation as compared with placebo (standardized mean difference = -0.291, 95% CI = -0.463 to -0.120, z = -3.327, p = 0.001). However, significant heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias were present. Meta-regression studies showed a significant effect of higher levels of baseline depression and lower supplement DHAEPA ratio on therapeutic efficacy. Subgroup analyses showed significant effects for: (1) diagnostic category (bipolar disorder and major depression showing significant improvement with omega3 LC-PUFA supplementation versus mild-to-moderate depression, chronic fatigue and non-clinical populations not showing significant improvement); (2) therapeutic as opposed to preventive intervention; (3) adjunctive treatment as opposed to monotherapy; and (4) supplement type. Symptoms of depression were not significantly reduced in 3 studies using pure DHA (standardized mean difference 0.001, 95% CI -0.330 to 0.332, z = 0.004, p = 0.997) or in 4 studies using supplements containing greater than 50% DHA (standardized mean difference = 0.141, 95% CI = -0.195 to 0.477, z = 0.821, p = 0.417). In contrast, symptoms of depression were significantly reduced in 13 studies using supplements containing greater than 50% EPA (standardized mean difference = -0.446, 95% CI = -0.753 to -0.138, z = -2.843, p = 0.005) and in 8 studies using pure ethyl-EPA (standardized mean difference = -0.396, 95% CI = -0.650 to -0.141, z = -3.051, p = 0.002). However, further meta-regression studies showed significant inverse associations between efficacy and study methodological quality, study sample size, and duration, thus limiting the confidence of these findings. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis provides evidence that EPA may be more efficacious than DHA in treating depression. However, owing to the identified limitations of the included studies, larger, well-designed, randomized controlled trials of sufficient duration are needed to confirm these findings.
Publication Types: Meta-Analysis Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20439549&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20439549 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]3: Psychiatry Res. 2010 May 30;182(2):180-2. Epub 2010 Apr 21.
Wood SJ, Cocchi L, Proffitt TM, McConchie M, Jackson GD, Takahashi T, Pantelis C, McGorry PD, Berger GE.
Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia. sjwood@unimelb.edu.au
We used magnetic resonance imaging to examine the effect of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) on hippocampal T(2) relaxation time in first episode psychosis patients at baseline and after 12 weeks of follow-up. There was an increase in T(2) in the placebo group but not in the E-EPA group, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of E-EPA treatment. In addition, the smaller the increase in T(2), the greater the improvement in negative symptoms. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Types: Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20413278&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20413278 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]4: Clin Interv Aging. 2010 Apr 7;5:45-61.
Jicha GA, Markesbery WR.
University of Kentucky, Alzheimer's Disease Center and the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536-0230, USA. gajich2@email.uky.edu
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain growth and development. They play an important role throughout life, as critical modulators of neuronal function and regulation of oxidative stress mechanisms, in brain health and disease. Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), the major omega-3 fatty acid found in neurons, has taken on a central role as a target for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A plethora of in vitro, animal model, and human data, gathered over the past decade, highlight the important role DHA may play in the development of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including AD. Cross sectional and prospective cohort data have demonstrated that reduced dietary intake or low brain levels of DHA are associated with accelerated cognitive decline or the development of incipient dementia, including AD. Several clinical trials investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in AD have been completed and all failed to demonstrate its efficacy in the treatment of AD. However, these trials produced intriguing data suggesting that the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may depend on the stage of disease, other dietary mediators, and apolipoprotein E status.
Publication Types: Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20396634&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20396634 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]5: Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010 Jun;33(2):441-63.
Deligiannidis KM, Freeman MP.
Depression Specialty Clinic, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are commonly practiced in the United States and are used more frequently among women than men. This article reviews several CAM treatments for depressive disorders in women, with a focus on major depressive disorder across the reproductive life cycle. The CAM therapies selected for this review (ie, S-adenosylmethionine, omega-3 fatty acids, St John's wort, bright light therapy, acupuncture, and exercise) were based on their prevalence of use and the availability of randomized, placebo-controlled data. Further study is necessary to delineate the role of specific CAM therapies in premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, antepartum and postpartum depression, lactation, and the menopausal transition. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20385346&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20385346 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]6: Psychiatry Res. 2010 May 15;177(1-2):22-6. Epub 2010 Mar 15.
Watari M, Hamazaki K, Hirata T, Hamazaki T, Okubo Y.
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
Many reports suggest that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) influence the symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Moreover, it has also been reported that n-3 PUFAs control aggression and hostility. Acute symptoms of schizophrenia such as aggression can be a formidable clinical problem resulting in hospitalization. However, few investigations have determined the relationships between acute symptoms of drug-free schizophrenia and n-3 PUFAs. We recruited 75 inpatients with acute drug-free schizophrenia admitted to Chiba Psychiatric Medical Center, an emergency psychiatric hospital. Blood was sampled immediately after admission. The red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid composition and hostility score of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were measured. Multiple regression analysis showed that the concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the ratio of EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) in RBC showed significant negative correlations with the hostility score of PANSS scores after adjustment for age and sex. AA, on the other hand, showed significant positive correlations. The tissue n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA levels were negatively and positively associated with the hostility score of PANSS scores, respectively, suggesting possible effects of PUFA levels on hostile behavior in patients with schizophrenia. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20227767&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20227767 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]7: Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010 Aug;1801(8):791-8. Epub 2010 Mar 6.
Oster T, Pillot T.
Laboratoire Lipidomix (EA 4422), PRES de l'Universite de Lorraine, ENSAIA - INPL, 54505 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France. thierry.oster@ensaia.inpl-nancy.fr
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major public health concern due to longer life expectancy in the Western countries. Amyloid-beta (Abeta) oligomers are considered the proximate effectors in the early stages of AD. AD-related cognitive impairment, synaptic loss and neurodegeneration result from interactions of Abeta oligomers with the synaptic membrane and subsequent activation of pro-apoptotic signalling pathways. Therefore, membrane structure and lipid status appear determinant in Abeta-induced toxicity. Numerous epidemiological studies have highlighted the beneficial influence of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3) on the preservation of synaptic function and memory capacities in aged individuals or upon Abeta exposure, whereas its deficiency is presented as a risk factor for AD. An elevated number of studies have been reporting the beneficial effects of dietary DHA supplementation on cognition and synaptic integrity in various AD models. In this review, we describe the important potential of DHA to preserve neuronal and brain functions and classified its numerous molecular and cellular effects from impact on membrane lipid content and organisation to activation of signalling pathways sustaining synaptic function and neuronal survival. DHA appears as one of the most valuable diet ingredients whose neuroprotective properties could be crucial for designing nutrition-based strategies able to prevent AD as well as other lipid- and age-related diseases whose prevalence is progressing in elderly populations. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Types: Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20211757&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20211757 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]8: J Nutr. 2010 Apr;140(4):869-74. Epub 2010 Feb 24.
Cole GM, Frautschy SA.
Departments of Medicine and Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. gmcole@ucla.edu
The risk for dementia, a major contributor to incapacitation and institutionalization, rises rapidly as we age, doubling every 5 y after age 65. Tens of millions of new Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementia cases are projected as elderly populations increase around the world, creating a projected dementia epidemic for which most nations are not prepared. Thus, there is an urgent need for prevention approaches that are safe, effective, and affordable. This review addresses the potential of one promising candidate, the (n-3) fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which appears to slow pathogenesis of AD and possibly vascular dementia. DHA is pleiotropic, acting at multiple steps to reduce the production of the beta-amyloid peptide, widely believed to initiate AD. DHA moderates some of the kinases that hyperphosphorylate the tau-protein, a component of the neurofibrillary tangle. DHA may help suppress insulin/neurotrophic factor signaling deficits, neuroinflammation, and oxidative damage that contribute to synaptic loss and neuronal dysfunction in dementia. Finally, DHA increases brain levels of neuroprotective brain-derived neurotrophic factor and reduces the (n-6) fatty acid arachidonate and its prostaglandin metabolites that have been implicated in promoting AD. Clinical trials suggest that DHA or fish oil alone can slow early stages of progression, but these effects may be apolipoprotein E genotype specific, and larger trials with very early stages are required to prove efficacy. We advocate early intervention in a prodromal period with nutrigenomically defined subjects with an appropriately designed nutritional supplement, including DHA and antioxidants.
Publication Types: Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20181786&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20181786 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]9: J Nutr. 2010 Apr;140(4):864-8. Epub 2010 Feb 10.
McNamara RK.
Department of Psychiatry, Division of Bipolar Disorders Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA. robert.mcnamara@uc.edu
Increasing evidence suggests that docosahexaenoic acid [DHA, 22:6(n-3)], the principal (n-3) fatty acid in brain gray matter, has neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. Preliminary clinical evidence also suggests that the perinatal accrual, and the subsequent dietary maintenance of, cortical DHA is positively associated with cortical gray matter volumes. The pathophysiology of recurrent affective disorders, including unipolar and bipolar depression, is associated with (n-3) fatty acid deficiency, DHA deficits, impaired astrocyte mediated vascular coupling, neuronal shrinkage, and reductions in gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Preclinical studies have also observed neuronal shrinkage and indices of astrocyte pathology in the DHA-deficient rat brain. Together, this body of evidence supports the proposition that DHA deficiency increases vulnerability to neuronal atrophy in the PFC of patients with affective disorders. Because projections from the PFC modulate multiple limbic structures involved in affective regulation, this represents one plausible mechanism by which (n-3) fatty acid deficiency may increase vulnerability to recurrent affective disorders.
Publication Types: Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20147466&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20147466 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]10: Tijdschr Psychiatr. 2010;52(2):89-97.
[Article in Dutch]
Aben A, Danckaerts M.
Background There is a growing trend towards the use of alternative forms of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), such as the food supplements omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. AIM: To study biochemical aspects, important hypotheses regarding the role of these fatty acids in brain development, the mode of operation and research results concerning the effectiveness of treating adhd with these supplements. METHOD: A Medline search was performed using the Mesh-term 'fatty acids' and the search terms 'omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids' and 'attention deficit hyperactivity disorder'. results Some rct's (randomised controlled trails) involving children with adhd didn't show any improvement after treatment with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Some other rct's, however, did show a reduction in adhd symptoms and learning difficulties, but the children concerned had not been officially diagnosed with adhd. A recent rct showed a substantial reduction in adhd symptoms in children with the inattentive type of adhd and in children with adhd and comorbid problems. CONCLUSION: There are indications that there is a theoretical rationale for the effectiveness of fatty acids in the treatment of adhd; research is ongoing. At the moment, however, treatment of adhd with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is not recommended because it does not qualify as being evidence-based.
Publication Types: English Abstract Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20146180&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20146180 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]11: Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010 Feb;67(2):146-54.
Amminger GP, Schafer MR, Papageorgiou K, Klier CM, Cotton SM, Harrigan SM, Mackinnon A, McGorry PD, Berger GE.
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. gpamminger@gmail.com
CONTEXT: The use of antipsychotic medication for the prevention of psychotic disorders is controversial. Long-chain omega-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be beneficial in a range of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. Given that omega-3 PUFAs are generally beneficial to health and without clinically relevant adverse effects, their preventive use in psychosis merits investigation. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether omega-3 PUFAs reduce the rate of progression to first-episode psychotic disorder in adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 25 years with subthreshold psychosis. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted between 2004 and 2007. SETTING: Psychosis detection unit of a large public hospital in Vienna, Austria. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-one individuals at ultra-high risk of psychotic disorder. INTERVENTIONS: A 12-week intervention period of 1.2-g/d omega-3 PUFA or placebo was followed by a 40-week monitoring period; the total study period was 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was transition to psychotic disorder. Secondary outcomes included symptomatic and functional changes. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in erythrocytes was used to index pretreatment vs posttreatment fatty acid composition. RESULTS: Seventy-six of 81 participants (93.8%) completed the intervention. By study's end (12 months), 2 of 41 individuals (4.9%) in the omega-3 group and 11 of 40 (27.5%) in the placebo group had transitioned to psychotic disorder (P = .007). The difference between the groups in the cumulative risk of progression to full-threshold psychosis was 22.6% (95% confidence interval, 4.8-40.4). omega-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids also significantly reduced positive symptoms (P = .01), negative symptoms (P = .02), and general symptoms (P = .01) and improved functioning (P = .002) compared with placebo. The incidence of adverse effects did not differ between the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Long-chain omega-3 PUFAs reduce the risk of progression to psychotic disorder and may offer a safe and efficacious strategy for indicated prevention in young people with subthreshold psychotic states. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00396643.
Publication Types: Randomized Controlled Trial Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20124114&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20124114 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]12: Curr Alzheimer Res. 2010 May 1;7(3):190-6.
Yurko-Mauro K.
Clinical Research, Martek Biosciences Corporation, Columbia, MD 21045, USA. kyurko@martek.com
Memory loss is a prominent health concern, second only to heart disease for older individuals. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the principle omega-3 fatty acid in brain and heart, plays an important role in neural and cardiac function. Decreases in plasma DHA are associated with cognitive decline in healthy elderly and Alzheimer's patients. Higher DHA intake and plasma levels are inversely correlated with increased relative risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and fatal coronary heart disease. DHA provides well known cardiovascular benefits (e.g. lower triglycerides, increased HDL cholesterol, decreased resting heart rate) in older adults. Preclinically, DHA supplementation restores brain DHA levels, enhances learning and memory tasks in aged animals, and significantly reduces beta amyloid, plaques, and tau in transgenic AD models. To date, clinical studies with DHA+EPA supplementation have shown some positive effects in mild cognitive impairment but not in AD, suggesting that early intervention may be a key factor to providing effective therapies. A recent clinical study examined individual effects of 900mg/d algal DHA as a nutritional supplement for age-related cognitive decline (ARCD). This randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study (n=485) found significantly fewer CANTAB Paired Associate Learning errors with algal DHA at six months versus placebo (diff. score -1.63+/-0.76, p=0.03). Positive effects on Verbal Recognition Memory (p<0.02) and significant decreases in resting heart rate with DHA (p<0.03) were observed, indicating improved learning and episodic memory functions and cardiovascular benefits for ARCD. Collectively, data reveal a potentially beneficial role for DHA in preventing or ameliorating cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease in the aged.
Publication Types: Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20088810&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20088810 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]13: Womens Health (Lond Engl). 2010 Jan;6(1):119-34.
Robinson JG, Ijioma N, Harris W.
Lipid Research Clinic, 200 Hawkins Drive, SE 226 GH, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. jennifer-g-robinson@uiowa.edu
Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) could play an important role in maintaining cognitive function in aging individuals. The omega-3 FA docosahexaenoic acid is a major constituent of neuronal membranes and, along with the other long-chain omega-3 FAs from fish such as eicosapentaentoic acid, has been shown to have a wide variety of beneficial effects on neuronal functioning, inflammation, oxidation and cell death, as well as on the development of the characteristic pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 FAs may prevent vascular dementia via salutary effects on lipids, inflammation, thrombosis and vascular function. Epidemiologic studies have generally supported a protective association between fish and omega-3 FA levels and cognitive decline. Some of the small, short-term, randomized trials of docosahexaenoic acid and/or eicosapentaentoic acid supplementation have found positive effects on some aspects of cognition in older adults who were cognitively intact or had mild cognitive impairment, although little effect was found in participants with Alzheimer's disease. Large, long-term trials in this area are needed.
Publication Types: Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20088735&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20088735 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]14: J Clin Psychiatry. 2009;70 Suppl 5:7-11.
Freeman MP.
Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Building, 185 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114, USA. mfreeman@partners.org
Patients with major depressive disorder have high rates of cardiovascular disease and other medical comorbidity. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in fish and seafood, have cardiovascular health benefits and may play an adjunctive role in the treatment of mood disorders. However, existing studies on omega-3 fatty acids in depression have limitations such as small sample sizes and a wide variance in study design, and results regarding efficacy are mixed. The preponderance of data from placebo-controlled treatment studies suggests that omega-3 fatty acids are a reasonable augmentation strategy for the treatment of major depressive disorder. More research is necessary before omega-3 supplements can be recommended as monotherapy for the treatment of depression. For many individuals with major depressive disorder, augmentation with omega-3 fatty acids should be considered, as general health benefits are well established and adjunctive use is low risk. (c) Copyright 2009 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.
Publication Types: Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=19909687&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 19909687 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]15: Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2010 Feb-Mar;82(2-3):111-9. Epub 2010 Jan 8.
Conklin SM, Runyan CA, Leonard S, Reddy RD, Muldoon MF, Yao JK.
Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Accumulating evidence finds a relative deficiency of peripheral membrane fatty acids in persons with affective disorders such as unipolar and bipolar depression. Here we sought to investigate whether postmortem brain fatty acids within the anterior cingulate cortex (BA-24) varied according to the presence of major depression at the time of death. Using capillary gas chromatography we measured fatty acids in a depressed group (n=12), and in a control group without lifetime history of psychiatric diagnosis (n=14). Compared to the control group, the depressed group showed significantly lower concentrations of numerous saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids including both the n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Additionally, significant correlations between age at death and precursor (or metabolites) in the n-3 fatty acid pathway were demonstrated in the depressed group but not in control subjects. In the n-6 fatty acid family, the ratio of 20:3(n-6)/18:2(n-6) was higher in patients than in control groups, whereas the ratio of 20:4(n-6)/20:3(n-6) was relatively decreased in patients. Lastly, a significant negative correlation between age and the ratio of 20:4(n-6) to 22:6(n-3) was found in patients, but not in controls. Taken together, decreases in 22:6(n-3) may be caused, at least in part, by the diminished formation of 20:5(n-3), which is derived from 20:4(n-3) through a Delta5 desaturase reaction. The present findings from postmortem brain tissue raise the possibility that an increased ratio of 20:4(n-6) to 22:6(n-3) may provide us with a biomarker for depression. Future research should further investigate these relationships. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Publication Types: In Vitro Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20060277&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20060277 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]16: Curr Pharm Des. 2009;15(36):4173-85.
Carrie I, Abellan Van Kan G, Rolland Y, Gillette-Guyonnet S, Vellas B.
Gerontopole, CHU Toulouse, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Toulouse, France. carrie.i@chu-toulouse.fr
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) play a crucial role in cerebral structure and function. Omega-3 PUFA is an exciting area of research, with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) emerging as a new potential agent for prevention of cognitive decline and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Preclinical studies suggest that DHA maintains membrane fluidity, improves synaptic and neurotransmitter functioning, enhances learning and memory performances and displays neuroprotective properties. Several epidemiological studies supported the association between Omega-3 PUFA consumption and a lower prevalence of dementia. Although data are divergent, a growing body of evidence supports the view that regular consumption of dietary fish and seafood (which are rich in omega-3 PUFA) prevents cognitive decline. Finally, at present, few data are available from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). on the association between cognition and Omega-3. Ongoing RCTs that assess the effect of Omega-3 might provide new evidence on prevention and treatment of dementia. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical research suggesting that DHA exerts beneficial effects on cognitive function with ageing.
Publication Types: Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20041819&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20041819 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]17: Curr Pharm Des. 2009;15(36):4165-72.
Liperoti R, Landi F, Fusco O, Bernabei R, Onder G.
Centro di Medicina dell'Invecchiamento, Dipartimento di Scienze Gerontologiche, Geriatriche e Fisiatriche, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. rossella_liperoti@rm.unicatt.it
Brain lipids contain a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are a main component of cell membranes. Omega-3 (omega-3) PUFA eicosapentaeoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the most common PUFA in the brain. The physiological roles of omega-3 PUFA in the brain include regulation of cell membrane fluidity, dopaminergic and serotoninergic transmission, membrane-bound enzymes and cellular signal transduction. They are also thought to play a role in brain glucose metabolism, eicosanoid synthesis, gene expression, cell growth and protection from apoptosis. Increasing evidence from animal and human research shows omega-3 PUFA depletion may play an etiological role in several inflammatory, autoimmune and neuropsychiatric disorders. In particular, an association between omega-3 PUFA and depression was repeatedly suggested in observational and experimental studies on populations affected by major depression, depressed mood or post-partum depression. Consistently, the potential therapeutic role of omega-3 PUFA dietary supplementation was tested in clinical trials on depression. The current review identifies and evaluates available epidemiological evidence of a negative relationship between omega-3 PUFA and depression and examines its biological plausibility. Although current evidence increasingly supports an inverse association between omega-3 PUFA and depression, the validity of findings from observational and experimental research is limited by several methodological issues. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more sophisticated design are required to provide convincing evidence of a causal relationship between omega-3 PUFA and depression.
Publication Types: Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20041818&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20041818 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]18: Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2010 Mar;13(2):150-5.
Cederholm T, Palmblad J.
Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. tommy.cederholm@pubcare.uu.se
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To report recent data on the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) found in oily fish, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), to prevent and treat cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Observational studies still provide conflicting results, in which the majority indicate beneficial effects on cognition, both when assessed as a continuous variable or as incident dementia, mainly Alzheimer's disease. Experimental studies have demonstrated potentially ameliorating effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA on amyloid fragment formation, signal transduction including upregulation of the apolipoprotein receptor SorLA, as well as on angiogenesis. The role of EPA and DHA metabolites on Alzheimer's disease pathology is under investigation. Recently, three randomized intervention studies, with duration up to 6 months have been reported. In contrast to a small study from Taiwan, no positive overall effects were reported from the Swedish OmegAD Study or from a Dutch study, although post hoc analyses indicate that selected individuals with mild forms of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline may respond to treatment. SUMMARY: No firm conclusions can be drawn. Based on epidemiological data, fish including oily fish could be advised as part of a balanced diet for public health purpose, although the evidence for better cognition is only fairly consistent. It is unlikely that n-3 FA will emerge as a treatment option in general for improving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. n-3 FA, especially DHA, may turn out as an adjuvant therapy in selected cases. Further long-term intervention studies on individuals with mild cognitive reductions are awaited.
Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20019606&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20019606 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]19: Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2010 Mar;61(2):217-25.
Gonzalez S, Huerta JM, Fernandez S, Patterson AM, Lasheras C.
Departamento de Biologia Funcional, Area de Fisiologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
Epidemiological studies on the association between diet and cognitive function suggested a possible role of dietary fatty acids in cognitive decline. The aim of the present study was to examine whether intake of different types of fatty acids is associated with cognitive status. A cohort of 304 (127 men and 177 women) institutionalized elderly people, with a mean age of 75.3 +/- 6.7 years, were studied. Subjects were evaluated for global cognitive functions (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE], Spanish version). Fatty acid intake was assessed with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were found to be predictors of cognitive impairment as they were negatively associated with the MMSE score. In accordance with this, fish intake was inversely associated with cognitive impairment. On the contrary, the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio was positively related to the MMSE score. These results could not be explained by differences in age, sex, education, smoking behaviour, inactivity, alcohol, institution or energy intake. We suggest that consumption of EPA and DHA should be encouraged for reducing the risk of cognitive impairment and subsequently disability in elderly people.
Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20001761&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 20001761 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]20: Psychiatry Res. 2010 Jan 30;175(1-2):47-53. Epub 2009 Dec 6.
Kale A, Naphade N, Sapkale S, Kamaraju M, Pillai A, Joshi S, Mahadik S.
Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune 411043, India.
Abnormal one-carbon metabolism has long been suggested as one of the mechanisms for neuropathology and psychopathology of schizophrenia. Variable levels of components of one-carbon metabolism (folic acid and vitamin B12) and consequent altered levels of homocysteine and phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been independently reported, mostly in medicated patients. This study examined the simultaneous levels of these key components of one-carbon metabolism and its consequences in unique, medication-naive first-episode psychotic patients (FEP, n=31) and healthy controls (HC, n=48) matched for confounds such as race, diet and lifestyle to reduce the variability. Significantly lower levels of folate and vitamin B12 in plasma and folate in red blood cells were observed in FEP compared to HC. These reductions paralleled the significant increase in plasma homocysteine and cortisol levels. Significantly reduced levels of membrane DHA were also observed in FEP compared to HC. This study, using a unique cohort, provided a broader mechanism (disturbed folic acid-vitamin B12-DHA balance) of altered one-carbon metabolism and one of its key consequential components, an increased homocysteine level that together with cortisol, can contribute to the neuropathology of psychosis. These data may have important implications for the amelioration of psychopathology in schizophrenia.
Links http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=19969375&dopt=ExternalLink
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PMID: 19969375 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]