Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-Induced Memory Impairment.

Laiali Alquraan,Hana Hammad,Karem H Alzoubi,Fadia Mayyas,Suzie Y Rababa’H

doi:10.3390/biom9030100

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can happen after exposure to a traumatic event. Post-traumatic stress disorder is common among mental health disorders that include mood and anxiety disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids (OMGs) are essential for the maintenance of brain function and prevention of cognition dysfunctions. However, the possible effect of OMG on memory impairment induced by PTSD has not been studied. In here, such an effect was explored using a rat model of PTSD. The PTSD-like behavior was induced in animals using a single-prolonged stress (SPS) rat model of PTSD (2 h restraint, 20 min forced swimming, 15 min rest, 1–2 min diethyl ether exposure). The OMG was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/100 g body weight/day. Spatial learning and memory were assessed using the radial arm water maze (RAWM) method. Changes in oxidative stress biomarkers, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and brain derived neuroptrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus following treatments were measured. The results revealed that SPS impaired both short- and long-term memory (p < 0.05). Use of OMG prevented memory impairment induced by SPS. Furthermore, OMG normalized SPS induced changes in the hippocampus that reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG ratios, the activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and TBARSs levels. In conclusion, the SPS model of PTSD-like behavior generated memory impairment, whereas OMG prevented this impairment, possibly through normalizing antioxidant mechanisms in the hippocampus.

Highlights

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that occurs after exposure to a traumatic event
5 h and 24 h, respectively, among control, PTSD, Omega-3 fatty acids (OMGs), and PTSD treated with OMG (PTSD + OMG)
Levels of glutathione (GSH), oxidized stress disorder(GSSG), (PTSD), and omega-3 treated animals and PTSD treated with OMG

Summary

Introduction

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that occurs after exposure to a traumatic event. It involves both mood and anxiety disorders [1,2]. 20% of individuals exposed to a significant traumatic event will develop PTSD, and children may be at an even higher risk [3]. Post-traumatic stress disorder prevalence rates are largely similar across countries, with the highest rates being found in post-conflict settings [4]. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the response to stress and in the pathogenesis of neurologic and psychiatric diseases [5]. Post-traumatic stress disorder constitutes a form of persistent life stress and is associated with increased oxidative stress and accelerated cellular aging.

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Results

Conclusion