Omega‐3 fatty acids are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging population
Abstract In aging populations, omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been associated with better cognitive function, slower rates of cognitive decline, and lower risk of developing dementia. Animal studies have shown that diets rich in omega‐3 PUFAs reduce blood–brain barrier (BBB) disrup...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2021-08-01
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| Series: | Brain and Behavior |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2273 |
| _version_ | 1827877399106158592 |
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| author | Samuel Barnes Shilpy Chowdhury Nicole M. Gatto Gary E. Fraser Grace J. Lee |
| author_facet | Samuel Barnes Shilpy Chowdhury Nicole M. Gatto Gary E. Fraser Grace J. Lee |
| author_sort | Samuel Barnes |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract In aging populations, omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been associated with better cognitive function, slower rates of cognitive decline, and lower risk of developing dementia. Animal studies have shown that diets rich in omega‐3 PUFAs reduce blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption associated with aging, but this has yet to be observed in humans. Forty‐five healthy subjects (mean age, 76 years) were recruited and underwent cognitive assessment (verbal learning and memory, language, processing speed, executive function, and motor control) and measurement of PUFAs. Forty of the same subjects also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure BBB integrity (Ktrans using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI). The long chain omega‐3 score (DHA+EPA) was negatively correlated with Ktrans values in the internal capsule, indicating higher omega‐3 levels were associated with greater BBB integrity in this region (r = –0.525, p = .004). Trends were observed for a positive correlation between the long chain omega‐3 score and both memory and language scores, but not with executive function, speed, or motor control. The omega‐6 score was not significantly correlated with any cognitive scores or Ktrans values. The significant correlations between long chain omega‐3 levels and BBB integrity provide a possible mechanism by which omega‐3 PUFAs are associated with brain health. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T17:35:45Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-95d595bfad6c4b61a5fe7f3ff82a82f9 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2162-3279 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T17:35:45Z |
| publishDate | 2021-08-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Brain and Behavior |
| spelling | doaj.art-95d595bfad6c4b61a5fe7f3ff82a82f92023-08-04T10:56:25ZengWileyBrain and Behavior2162-32792021-08-01118n/an/a10.1002/brb3.2273Omega‐3 fatty acids are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging populationSamuel Barnes0Shilpy Chowdhury1Nicole M. Gatto2Gary E. Fraser3Grace J. Lee4Department of Radiology Loma Linda University Medical Center Loma Linda California USADepartment of Radiology Loma Linda University Medical Center Loma Linda California USASchool of Community and Global Health Claremont Graduate University Claremont California USACenter for Nutrition Healthy Lifestyle and Disease Prevention School of Public Health Loma Linda University Loma Linda California USADepartment of Psychology School of Behavioral Health Loma Linda University Loma Linda California USAAbstract In aging populations, omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been associated with better cognitive function, slower rates of cognitive decline, and lower risk of developing dementia. Animal studies have shown that diets rich in omega‐3 PUFAs reduce blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption associated with aging, but this has yet to be observed in humans. Forty‐five healthy subjects (mean age, 76 years) were recruited and underwent cognitive assessment (verbal learning and memory, language, processing speed, executive function, and motor control) and measurement of PUFAs. Forty of the same subjects also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure BBB integrity (Ktrans using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI). The long chain omega‐3 score (DHA+EPA) was negatively correlated with Ktrans values in the internal capsule, indicating higher omega‐3 levels were associated with greater BBB integrity in this region (r = –0.525, p = .004). Trends were observed for a positive correlation between the long chain omega‐3 score and both memory and language scores, but not with executive function, speed, or motor control. The omega‐6 score was not significantly correlated with any cognitive scores or Ktrans values. The significant correlations between long chain omega‐3 levels and BBB integrity provide a possible mechanism by which omega‐3 PUFAs are associated with brain health.https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2273blood–brain barrierMRIn‐3 PUFAneurocognitive tests |
| spellingShingle | Samuel Barnes Shilpy Chowdhury Nicole M. Gatto Gary E. Fraser Grace J. Lee Omega‐3 fatty acids are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging population Brain and Behavior blood–brain barrier MRI n‐3 PUFA neurocognitive tests |
| title | Omega‐3 fatty acids are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging population |
| title_full | Omega‐3 fatty acids are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging population |
| title_fullStr | Omega‐3 fatty acids are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging population |
| title_full_unstemmed | Omega‐3 fatty acids are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging population |
| title_short | Omega‐3 fatty acids are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging population |
| title_sort | omega 3 fatty acids are associated with blood brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging population |
| topic | blood–brain barrier MRI n‐3 PUFA neurocognitive tests |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2273 |
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