Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status, Microglial Activation, Stress Resilience, and Cognitive Performance
Abstract
It is widely reported across mammalian species that deficiency in the dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) negatively impacts cognitive performance and mood. A plethora of literature also implicates n-3 PUFA deficiency in disorders such as ADHD, PTSD, major depressive and bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia. Defining potential neuronal mechanisms that link n-3 PUFA levels to cognitive and behavioral deficits has important implications given that the trend of the modern diet has been toward reduced n-3 PUFA intake. Here, we propose human and rodent experiments to evaluate whether the anti-inflammation/pro-resolution effects of n-3 PUFA deficiency contribute to the adverse effects on cognitive performance and affect. In addition, these experiments focus on the expression of dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency in late adolescence/young adulthooda developmentally critical period during which an individual is vulnerable to mood, psychotic and addictive disorders. We will use a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging strategy in humans as a marker of activated microglia in individuals with low and high plasma n-3 PUFA. In parallel animal studies, we will directly measure microglia activation in an animal model of n-3 PUFA deficiency and determine whether supplementation during early adulthood reverses this effect in correlation with behavior.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1104096
Entities
People
- Bita Moghaddam
Organizations
- Oregon Health & Science University