Anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids could help reduce depression

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in oily fish. Researchers at the Moseley Biomedical Research Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIHR) evaluate the effects of high doses of EPA and DHA on laboratory-grown neurons and patients, and how to reduce inflammation and depression. I made it clear. This new approach has allowed scientists to identify important molecular mechanisms that can help inform the development of potential new therapies, including omega-3 fatty acids, for people with depression.

Dr. Alessandra Borsini, Principal Author, NIHR Moseley BRC Senior Postdoctoral Neuroscientist at King’s College London, said: Omega 3 fatty acids It has an anti-inflammatory effect that improves depression. For some time we knew that omega 3 PUFAs could induce antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects, but without further understanding how this happens. Human brain, It was difficult to develop a cure. Our research has helped shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in this relationship, which can inform the development of potential new treatments for depression using omega-3 PUFAs. “

In a previous survey Major depressive disorder The level of inflammation in the body is higher than in people without disabilities. Currently, anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for depression have not been proven and two important omega 3 PUFAs, EPA and DHA, have been shown to provide anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects, but the exact way to do this. The mechanism is unknown.

Depression in the Dish This study proposes that when omega 3 fatty acids are utilized and processed in the body, some of their metabolites (known as lipid mediators) can protect the brain from the harmful effects of inflammation. Is intended to test. Developed at the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Center, researchers use hippocampal cells, which are a basic part of the brain in many cognitive, memory, and learning disciplines, a validation known as “depression in the dish.” We used a pre-existing in vitro human cell model. Being important in depression. Hippocampal cells play an important role in the generation of new neurons, or neurogenesis.

This study showed that treatment of human hippocampal cells with EPA or DHA before exposure to inflammatory chemical mediators called cytokines prevented increased cell death and decreased neurogenesis. Both of these effects were previously observed in cells exposed only to cytokines. Upon further investigation, these effects show some important lipid mediators produced by EPA and DHA: hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE), hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (HDHA), epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (EpETE) and It was confirmed to be mediated by the formation of epoxy docosapentaenoic acid (EpDPA). First in human hippocampal neurons. Further research has shown that treatment with enzyme inhibitors increases the availability of two of these metabolites (EpETE and EpDPA), and methods that may optimize future treatment. It was suggested.

Anna Nicolaou, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Manchester’s School of Medicine and Human Sciences, who led a team that measured lipid mediators using mass spectrometry, said: By testing the effects of inhibitors of enzymes involved in the metabolism of omega-3 PUFA, we have shown that they can significantly improve the duration of their effect. This is very important for the development of new therapies, giving patients high doses of EPA and DHA along with these enzyme inhibitors to reduce the amount of these important compounds in the blood over time. It means that it can be increased. “”

Patient’s omega 3 metabolites

This study evaluated 22 patients with major depression who received 3 grams of EPA or 1.4 grams of DHA daily for 12 weeks. Lipid metabolites of EPA and DHA were measured in the blood with a depressive symptom score before and after treatment with omega 3 PUFA. In both patient groups, EPA or DHA treatment was associated with an increase in their respective metabolites and a significant improvement in depressive symptoms. Symptom scores for the EPA and DHA groups decreased by an average of 64% and 71%, respectively. In addition, high levels of the same metabolites identified in in vitro experiments correlated with low levels of depressive symptoms.

The levels of EPA and DHA used in this study are the ones most likely not achievable with the dietary intake of oily fish, a rich source of omega 3 PUFAs, but therapeutic supplements are needed.

Future research

Research results show that bioactive lipid mediators produced by the breakdown of EPA and DHA in the body may be targeted as a mechanism to reduce depression and inflammation, but for this approach. To be successful, you need to ensure that their effects are extended.Previous studies have shown important enzymes in omega-3 fat acid Metabolism is an effective option for drug diversion and can be used for other inflammation-related brain disorders, including depression, where at least a subgroup of patients often develops chronic levels of inflammation.

The interface between NIHR Moseley BRC Affect Disorder and Medical Theme Lead, Professor Carmine Pariante, lead author of the treatise, states: Our study provided important insights into how the known anti-inflammatory compound, omega-3 PUFAs, can help reduce depression. Prolonging their effects by identifying and measuring the exact lipid mediators involved, finding the same lipid mediators in depressed patients treated with omega-3 PUFAs, showing improvement in symptoms, with omega-3 fatty acids It provided important information to help shape clinical trials of future therapeutic approaches.

“It’s important to emphasize that our study does not show that simply increasing dietary omega 3 fatty acids or taking dietary supplements can reduce inflammation and depression. And the mechanisms behind the association of omega 3 PUFAs are complex, and further research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand how they work and to inform future therapeutic approaches. . “

This study was a collaborative study by researchers at King’s College in London, the University of Manchester, and China Medical University.

Thesis “Omega 3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids Protects against inflammation through the production of LOX and CYP450 Lipid mediator: Relevance to majors depression And for the neurogenesis of the human hippocampus “today Molecular psychiatry..