Monday, August 22, 2011

The salutary effects of DHA dietary supplementation on cognition, neuroplasticity, and membrane homeostasis after brain trauma

I know this is mainly for TBI but heck survivors could become guinea pigs for this too.
I pointed out something similar in this post:
http://oc1dean.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-insights-into-gpr40-creb.html
The new article here:
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/neu.2011.1872
The pathology of traumatic brain injury is characterized by failure in the capacity of neurons to metabolize energy, sustain synaptic function, and likely resulting in cognitive and emotional disorders. Based on the broad nature of the pathology, we have assessed the potential of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to counteract the effects of concussive injury on important aspects of neuronal function and cognition. Fluid percussion injury (FPI) or sham injury was performed, and rats were then maintained on a diet high in DHA (1.2% DHA) for 12 days. We found that DHA supplementation, which elevates brain DHA contents, normalized levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synapsin I, cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB), and CaMKII, and improved learning ability in FPI rats. It is known that BDNF facilitates synaptic transmission and learning ability by modulating synapsin I, CREB, and CaMKII signaling. The DHA diet also counteracted the FPI-reduced manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Sir2 (a NAD+ -dependent deacetylase. Given the involvement of SOD and Sir2 in promoting metabolic homeostasis, DHA may help the TBI brain by providing resistance to oxidative stress. Furthermore, DHA normalized levels of iPLA2 and syntaxin-3 which may help preserve membrane homeostasis and function after FPI. The overall results emphasize the potential of dietary DHA to counteract broad and fundamental aspects of the TBI pathology that can translate in preserved cognitive capacity.

1 comment:

  1. A few words of caution: DHA and all omega 3s in large quantities can act as blood thinners. I think DHA supplement played a role in my bleed. Good for those with ischemic strokes, not good for us bleeders. Not sure about the interaction with coumidin too. Something to ask the md or pharmacist.

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