Abstract
BackgroundDocosahexaenoic acid, a major omega-3 essential fatty acid family member, improves behavioral deficit and reduces infarct volume and edema after experimental focal cerebral ischemia. We hypothesize that DHA elicits neuroprotection by inducing AKT/p70S6K phosphorylation, which in turn leads to cell survival and protects against ischemic stroke in young and aged rats.Methods and ResultsRats underwent 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). DHA, neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) or vehicle (saline) was administered 3 h after onset of stroke. Neurological function was evaluated on days 1, 2, 3, and 7. DHA treatment improved functional recovery and reduced cortical, subcortical and total infarct volumes 7 days after stroke. DHA also reduced microglia infiltration and increased the number of astrocytes and neurons when compared to vehicle on days 1 and 7. Increases in p473 AKT and p308 AKT phosphorylation/activation were observed in animals treated with DHA 4 h after MCAo. Activation of other members of the AKT signaling pathway were also observed in DHA treated animals including increases in pS6 at 4 h and pGSK at 24 h. DHA or NPD1 remarkably reduced total and cortical infarct in aged rats. Moreover, we show that in young and aged rats DHA treatment after MCAo potentiates NPD1 biosynthesis. The phosphorylation of p308 AKT or pGSK was not different between groups in aged rats. However, pS6 expression was increased with DHA or NPD1 treatment when compared to vehicle.ConclusionsWe suggest that DHA induces cell survival, modulates the neuroinflammatory response and triggers long term restoration of synaptic circuits. Both DHA and NPD1 elicited remarkable protection in aged animals. Accordingly, activation of DHA signaling might provide benefits in the management of ischemic stroke both acutely as well as long term to limit ensuing disabilities.
Highlights
IntroductionFocal cerebral ischemia produces an irreversibly injured core and a peripheral zone (penumbra) of damaged tissue that is potentially salvageable [4]
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the US
We suggest that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) induces cell survival, modulates the neuroinflammatory response and triggers long term restoration of synaptic circuits
Summary
Focal cerebral ischemia produces an irreversibly injured core and a peripheral zone (penumbra) of damaged tissue that is potentially salvageable [4]. The core is an area of severe ischemia with local cerebral blood flow (lCBF) below 20 ml/100 c/min, where the oxygen and glucose shortage results in rapid depletion of energy stores. Severe ischemia results in necrosis of neurons and supporting glia within the core. The penumbra is a rim of mild to moderately ischemic tissue partially perfused (lCBF below 40 ml/ 100 c/min) and the area in which the infarction actively evolves. We hypothesize that DHA elicits neuroprotection by inducing AKT/p70S6K phosphorylation, which in turn leads to cell survival and protects against ischemic stroke in young and aged rats
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
