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More detailed readouts of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids may better indicate risk of depression.
Posted On: June 08, 2016
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Omega-3 fatty acids are found in many natural dietary sources and supplements such as fish oil capsules.
In those with coronary artery disease, the levels of omega-3 compared to the more common omega-6 fatty acids (ie, the ratio between them) has been linked to depression; those with low omega-3 levels are more likely to suffer from depression. Previous studies looked at overall levels of omega-3 and omega-6 in patient samples. However, in the body, these fatty acids are incorporated—in varying amounts—within different molecules, such as the phospholipids in cell membranes.
Given that total ratios of fatty acids may represent a simplified view, Dr. Graham Mazereeuw, working under the supervision of TRI Affiliate Scientist Dr. Krista Lanctôt, and colleagues looked at omega-3 to omega-6 ratios in specific phospholipid classes in blood cells.
The research team found that the relationship between lower omega-3 to -6 ratios and greater depression scores was strongest for two particular phospholipids—known as phosphatidylinositol and sphingomyelin. These two classes of phospholipids are not the most abundant classes, further confirming that considering the overall ratio may be too simplistic.
These findings highlight the need for more detailed studies into the mechanisms that underlie the role of omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease. Looking at the fatty acid composition in specific phospholipid classes may shed new light on disease mechanisms and provide new preventative strategies.
This work was supported by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Toronto Rehab Foundation.
Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid ratios in different phospholipid classes and depressive symptoms in coronary artery disease patients. Mazereeuw G, Herrmann N, Ma DW, Hillyer LM, Oh PI, Lanctôt KL. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 2016 Mar. [Pubmed abstract]
Given that total ratios of fatty acids may represent a simplified view, Dr. Graham Mazereeuw, working under the supervision of TRI Affiliate Scientist Dr. Krista Lanctôt, and colleagues looked at omega-3 to omega-6 ratios in specific phospholipid classes in blood cells.
The research team found that the relationship between lower omega-3 to -6 ratios and greater depression scores was strongest for two particular phospholipids—known as phosphatidylinositol and sphingomyelin. These two classes of phospholipids are not the most abundant classes, further confirming that considering the overall ratio may be too simplistic.
These findings highlight the need for more detailed studies into the mechanisms that underlie the role of omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease. Looking at the fatty acid composition in specific phospholipid classes may shed new light on disease mechanisms and provide new preventative strategies.
This work was supported by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Toronto Rehab Foundation.
Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid ratios in different phospholipid classes and depressive symptoms in coronary artery disease patients. Mazereeuw G, Herrmann N, Ma DW, Hillyer LM, Oh PI, Lanctôt KL. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 2016 Mar. [Pubmed abstract]