Publication at Faculty of Science |
2016
Abstract
The brain is highly enriched with fatty acids. These include mainly the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are largely esterified on the phospholipid cell membrane.
PUFAs have profound effects on brain development and function. Abnormalities of PUFA status have been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases mainly such as Alzheimer's disease.
Low consumption of the PUFAs is linked to delayed brain development and, in late life, increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. This article provides an overview of physiologic factors regulating PUFA utilization and their effect on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, highlighting their relevance to neuropsychiatric disease.