Abstract
BackgroundEmbryonic neural stem cells (eNSCs) are immature precursors of the central nervous system (CNS), with self-renewal and multipotential differentiation capacities. These are regulated by endogenous and exogenous factors such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effects of various concentrations of Alyssum homolocarpum seed oil (AHSO), containing natural ALA, stearic acid (SA), myristic acid (MA), and β-sitosterol, on proliferation and differentiation of eNSCs, in comparison to controls and to synthetic pure ALA.ResultsTreatment with natural AHSO (25 to 75 μM), similar to synthetic ALA, caused a significant ~ 2-fold increase in eNCSs viability, in comparison to controls. To confirm this proliferative activity, treatment of NSCs with 50 or 75 μM AHSO resulted in a significant increase in mRNA levels of notch1, hes-1 and Ki-67and NICD protein expression, in comparison to controls. Moreover, AHSO administration significantly increased the differentiation of eNSCs toward astrocytes (GFAP+) and oligodendrocytes (MBP+) in a dose dependent manner and was more potent than ALA, at similar concentrations, in comparison to controls. Indeed, only high concentrations of 100 μM AHSO, but not ALA, caused a significant increase in the frequency of neurons (β-III Tubulin+).ConclusionOur data demonstrated that AHSO, a rich source of ALA containing also other beneficial fatty acids, increased the proliferation and stimulated the differentiation of eNSCs. We suggest that AHSO’s effects are caused by β-sitosterol, SA and MA, present within this oil. AHSO could be used in diet to prevent neurodevelopmental syndromes, cognitive decline during aging, and various psychiatric disorders.
Highlights
Embryonic neural stem cells are immature precursors of the central nervous system (CNS), with self-renewal and multipotential differentiation capacities
Proliferation of embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs) is altered by alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and Alyssum homolocarpum seed oil (AHSO) Safe concentrations of ALA and AHSO were first determined since they may exert cytotoxic effects on Embryonic neural stem cells (eNSCs)
Concentrations of ≤100 μM of ALA or AHSO were used in further experiments
Summary
Embryonic neural stem cells (eNSCs) are immature precursors of the central nervous system (CNS), with self-renewal and multipotential differentiation capacities. These are regulated by endogenous and exogenous factors such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Omega-3 family of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential for the developing brain and comprise approximately 8% of its weight [3]. Both EPA and DHA play critical roles in neuronal structure and function [4, 5]. Alyssum homolocarpum plant is well known by Persian practitioners and folk healers and is traditionally known as Qodume Shirazi or Toodari [11,12,13,14]
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