Brain targeting with docosahexaenoic acid as a prospective therapy for neurodegenerative diseases and its passage across blood brain barrier

Mayssa Hachem, Mounir Belkouch, Amanda Lo Van, Madeleine Picq, Nathalie Bernoud-Hubac, Michel Lagarde

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is the main omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in brain tissues necessary for common brain growth and function. DHA can be provided to the body through two origins: an exogenous origin, from direct dietary intakes and an endogenous one, from the bioconversion of the essential α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) in the liver. In humans, the biosynthesis of DHA from its precursor ALA is very low. A reduction in the cerebral amount of DHA is detected in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Considering the vital functions of DHA for the brain, new methodologies to target the brain with DHA offers encouraging perceptions in the improvement of precautionary and therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present review was to provide better understanding of the cerebral uptake of DHA in different form including free fatty acids, Lysophosphatidylcholines LysoPC-DHA as well as structured phospholipids. First, we explored the special structure of the blood-brain barrier BBB, BBB being a physical and metabolic barrier with restrictive properties. Then, we discussed the incorporation of DHA into the membrane phospholipids of the brain, the neuroprotective and therapeutic effect of DHA for neurological diseases.

Original languageBritish English
Pages (from-to)203-211
Number of pages9
JournalBiochimie
Volume170
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2020

Keywords

  • Blood-brain barrier
  • Docosahexaenoic acid
  • Lysophosphatidylcholine
  • Structured phospholipids

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