Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids – developmental aspects and health significance

Czech version

Authors: Jindřich Mourek; Jaroslav Pokorný
Authors‘ workplace: Fyziologický ústav 1. LF UK, Praha
Published in: Čes. a slov. Psychiat., 121, 2025, No. 6, pp. 257-262.
Category: Review
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsp202518

Overview

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3) play a crucial role in the development and function of the central nervous system. Imbalances in their intake may contribute to a number of neurodevelopmental disorders. Classically, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been considered relatively inert structural components of the brain, which are very important for the formation of cell membranes. However, in recent years, additional specific functions of these membrane components have been demonstrated. It has been shown that mainly omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) protect the neonatal brain from hypoxic/ischemic damage. One of the main determinants of brain vulnerability is the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is shown to be pathologically permeable in a number of disease states, including schizophrenia, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, autism, and some cognitive disorders. n-3 PUFAs are necessary for the formation of tight junctions of cerebral vascular endothelial cells, and at the same time suppress the activation of matrix metalloproteinases, which are one of the factors that reduce the tightness of the BBB. They contribute to maintaining the integrity of the BBB and thus the stability of the internal environment of the brain. Tissues with a high metabolic turnover rate are rich in PUFAs. The activity of oxidative processes is associated with the function of mitochondria and is exceptionally high in nervous tissue (20% of resting metabolic activity). n-3 PUFAs are a part of mitochondrial phospholipids, mainly in the lipid bilayer of the inner membranes, necessary for oxidative phosphorylation and energy storage in the form of ATP. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in brain aging, in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, as a result of ischemic strokes, or in other forms of cognitive dysfunction. One of the proven positive consequences of PUFA administration may therefore be the restoration of mitochondrial structure and BBB functions. Clinical evidence suggests that PUFAs may have beneficial effects on brain functions. Due to the scope of the presented issues, the main emphasis is placed on areas where the authors have their own experimental experience.

Keywords:

Cell membranes – omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids – omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids – hypoxic/ischemic brain impairment – blood-brain barrier permeability – mitochondrial phospholipids

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prof. MUDr. Jaroslav Pokorný, DrSc.

Fyziologický ústav

1. LF UK

Albertov 5

128 00 Praha 2

e-mail: pokorny@lf1.cuni.cz