Ellie Wright
EWG Research Institute LLC, USA
Title: Nourish the brain: Omega-3 fatty improve and prevent neurodegenerative disease
Biography
Biography: Ellie Wright
Abstract
Anti-inflammatory Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3-PUFAs), mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may improve or prevent some psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. In clinical studies, depressed patients manifest higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers. As human brain is mostly made of fat, fatty acids are most crucial molecules that determine the brain's integrity. Beneficial effects of the omega-3 PUFAs has been linked to their involvement in multiple biochemical functions, including synthesis of inflammatory mediators, cell membrane fluidity, intracellular signaling and gene expression. Through these pathways, the omega-3 PUFAs help modulate aspects of inflammation and immunity, cell growth and tissue repair. As important membrane component, n-3-PUFAs benefit brain health by modulating neuroimmune and apoptotic pathways, changing membrane function and competing with n-6 PUFAs strongly suggest omega-3 PUFAs may modulate inflammation and neurogenerative diseases.