Pathways of polyunsaturated fatty acid utilization: implications for brain function in neuropsychiatric health and disease

Brain Res. 2015 Feb 9:1597:220-46. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.11.059. Epub 2014 Dec 8.

Abstract

Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have profound effects on brain development and function. Abnormalities of PUFA status have been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Pathophysiologic mechanisms could involve not only suboptimal PUFA intake, but also metabolic and genetic abnormalities, defective hepatic metabolism, and problems with diffusion and transport. This article provides an overview of physiologic factors regulating PUFA utilization, highlighting their relevance to neuropsychiatric disease.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; Brain; Depression; Lipid metabolism; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Neuroimmunomodulation / physiology

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated