Ω-3 fatty acids-supplementary in gestation alleviates neuroinflammation and modulates neurochemistry in rats

• Main Authors: Mimi Tang, Ruili Dang, Shao Liu, Mengqi Zhang, Yi Zheng, Rui Yang, Tao Yin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2018-11-01
• Series: Lipids in Health and Disease
• Subjects: Ω-3 fatty acids; Neuroinflammatary factors; Purinergic type 2X7 (P2X7); NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3); Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB); Neurotransmission
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12944-018-0894-2

Abstract Background The mechanisms underlying the association between immune activation and postpartum depression remained elusive. Although Ω-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties, there is limited evidence directly linking the modulating effects of Ω-3 fatty acids on neuroimmune and neurochemistry to the antidepressant actions. Methods A between-groups design was used to assess the effects of reproductive status (virgin or parous) and Ω-3 fatty acids content (control and supplementary). Serum inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1a, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-a, IFN-γ) were evaluated using the Bio-Plex Luminex System. Moreover, we also measured the protein levels of Purinergic type 2X7 receptor (P2X7R), NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). Lastly, we assessed the function of various neurotransmitter systems to link the inflammatory response and neurotransmitter metabolism. Results Pro-inflammatory cyrokines, including IL-1a, IL-6, TNF-a and IFN-γ were markedly induced in the serum of parous rats, although no significantly depressive-like behavior was found. Meanwhile, NLRP3 and NF-κB were decreased in certain brain areas. Moreover, gestational stress significantly induced neurochemical disturbance, which is partly restored by Ω-3 fatty acids supplementation. Conclusions These findings strengthen the link between inflammation, neurochemistry and postpartum depression, and further provide novel insights into the antidepressant effect of Ω-3 fatty acids.