Researchers from the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre studies the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found in oily fish, to understand whether they help reduce inflammation and depression.
The study, published Tuesday in Molecular Psychiatry, helped the scientists to discover an important molecular mechanism that can help in developing potential new treatments involving omega-3 fatty acids for patients with depression, according to Medical Xpress.
Lead author Dr. Alessandra Borsini of King’s College London said, “Using a combination of laboratory and patient research our study has provided exciting new insight into how omega-3 fatty acids bring about anti-inflammatory effects that improve depression.”
“For some time we have known that omega-3 PUFA can induce anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory effects but, without further understanding of how this happens in the human brain, it has been difficult to develop treatments,” she added.
Dr. Borsini noted, “Our study has helped shine a light on the molecular mechanisms involved in this relationship which can inform the development of potential new treatments for depression using omega-3 PUFA.”
Studies have shown that people with depression have higher levels of inflammation than those without the disorder. Currently, there are no anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for depression. However, EPA and DHA have shown anti-inflammatory effects that could help treat depression. The exact mechanism by which they do so is unclear.
The study showed that treating human brain cells with EPA or DHA prevented cell death and decreased neurogenesis. Cell death and neurogenesis are observed when cells are exposed to cytokines – the inflammatory mediators.
Senior author Prof. Carmine Pariante said, “There is ever-growing interest in the links between the immune system, inflammation and depression but in order to develop new treatments in this area we need to better understand the mechanisms behind these relationships.”
“Our study has provided important insight into how known anti-inflammatory compounds—the omega-3 PUFA—help reduce depression,” he added. “By identifying and measuring the exact lipid mediators that are involved, identifying the enzyme that prolongs their effects and finding the same lipid mediators in depressed patients treated with omega-3 PUFA and demonstrating improvements in symptoms, we have provided vital information to help shape clinical trials for future therapeutic approaches with omega-3 fatty acids.”
Prof. Pariante explained, “It is important to highlight that our research has not shown that by simply increasing omega-3 fatty acids in our diets or through taking nutritional supplements we can reduce inflammation or depression.”
“The mechanisms behind the associations between depression and omega-3 PUFA are complicated and require further research and clinical trials to fully understand how they work and inform future therapeutic approaches,” he added. The article was published on Medical Xpress.
