Significance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Prophylaxis and Treatment after Spinal Cord Injury in Rodent Models

Mediators of Inflammation, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3164260 · Published: July 29, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This review discusses the role of omega-3 fatty acids in spinal cord injury (SCI) in rodent models. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown beneficial effects on the nervous and immune systems. The paper aims to assess the current knowledge of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing and treating SCI. Omega-3 acids are important for cell membranes and have anti-inflammatory properties. They can reduce the production of inflammatory factors and limit undesirable effects of immune cell activation, which is multiplane nature. Rodent studies show that omega-3 acids have both prophylactic and therapeutic properties for nerve tissue affected by SCI. They improve motor function and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Rodent models (mice and rats)

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Omega-3 fatty acids exhibit prophylactic properties by stabilizing neuron cell membranes and reducing inflammation, leading to improved outcomes after spinal cord injury.
2
Therapeutic properties of omega-3 fatty acids include increased production of endogenous antioxidants and autophagy improvement, which helps in limiting neuropathic pain.
3
Higher doses of omega-3 acids in rodent diets led to more rapid and effective recovery, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship in improving post-SCI health status.

Research Summary

This review summarizes the prophylactic and therapeutic properties of ω-3 acids towards nervous tissue affected by SCI, based on rodent models. Prophylactic properties include stabilization of neuron cell membranes, reduction of inflammatory molecules, improvement of local blood flow, reduced ECS production, and activation of protective intracellular transcription pathways. Therapeutic properties include increased production of endogenous antioxidants, reduced concentrations of oxidative stress marker, autophagy improvement, and p38 MAPK expression reduction, which collectively improve urinary bladder functions, locomotor function, and gait results.

Practical Implications

Dietary Supplementation

Enriching the diet with omega-3 fatty acids may have protective and anabolic properties towards nerve tissue after spinal cord injury.

Therapeutic Dose Optimization

Determining the optimal therapeutic dose of omega-3 fatty acids for SCI patients is challenging due to heterogeneity in diet, weight, drug history, and genotype.

Multicenter Rodent Studies

Conducting multicenter rodent studies with standardized protocols is crucial for developing effective omega-3 acid therapies for humans.

Study Limitations

1
Optimal dose and treatment duration of omega-3 acids for SCI are not yet defined.
2
Lack of data on the maximum acceptable dose of omega-3 acids in rodent diets.
3
Heterogeneity of SCI patients makes it difficult to determine the effectiveness of high doses of omega-3 acids.

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