Abstract
Phospholipids in the brain cell membranes contain different polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are critical to nervous system function and structure. In particular, brain function critically depends on the uptake of the so-called “essential” fatty acids such as omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs that cannot be readily synthesized by the human body. We extracted natural lecithin rich in various PUFAs from a marine source and transformed it into nanoliposomes. These nanoliposomes increased neurite outgrowth, network complexity and neural activity of cortical rat neurons in vitro. We also observed an upregulation of synapsin I (SYN1), which supports the positive role of lecithin in synaptogenesis, synaptic development and maturation. These findings suggest that lecithin nanoliposomes enhance neuronal development, which may have an impact on devising new lecithin delivery strategies for therapeutic applications.
Highlights
Phospholipids in the brain cell membranes contain different polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are critical to nervous system function and structure
It was confirmed that 7 different PUFAs (>50% of the total fatty acid composition) were present in F22 (Table S1)
We developed a biomimetic lecithin (F22) containing various PUFAs
Summary
Phospholipids in the brain cell membranes contain different polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are critical to nervous system function and structure. We extracted natural lecithin rich in various PUFAs from a marine source and transformed it into nanoliposomes These nanoliposomes increased neurite outgrowth, network complexity and neural activity of cortical rat neurons in vitro. We observed an upregulation of synapsin I (SYN1), which supports the positive role of lecithin in synaptogenesis, synaptic development and maturation. During the maturation of neurons and their synapses, synaptic activity plays a fundamental role in regulating dendritic stability and arbor development[12]. We have developed a natural lecithin rich in 15 various fatty acids (saturated, mono and polyunsaturated) including DHA, EPA, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids with a high similarity to brain membrane components. Our in vitro data demonstrated the positive effect of F22 in stimulating neurite outgrowth, network formation and activity in neuronal cultures
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
