Molecular Mechanisms Linking Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Gut–Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a complex communication network connecting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the central nervous system (CNS) through neuronal, endocrine, metabolic, and immune pathways. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)...
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2024-12-01
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| author | Anna Zinkow Wojciech Grodzicki Malwina Czerwińska Katarzyna Dziendzikowska |
| author_facet | Anna Zinkow Wojciech Grodzicki Malwina Czerwińska Katarzyna Dziendzikowska |
| author_sort | Anna Zinkow |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a complex communication network connecting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the central nervous system (CNS) through neuronal, endocrine, metabolic, and immune pathways. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are crucial food components that may modulate the function of this axis through molecular mechanisms. Derived mainly from marine sources, these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are integral to cell membrane structure, enhancing fluidity and influencing neurotransmitter function and signal transduction. Additionally, n-3 fatty acids modulate inflammation by altering eicosanoid production, reducing proinflammatory cytokines, and promoting anti-inflammatory mediators. These actions help preserve the integrity of cellular barriers like the intestinal and blood–brain barriers. In the CNS, EPA and DHA support neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmission, improving cognitive functions. They also regulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis by reducing excessive cortisol production, associated with stress responses and mental health disorders. Furthermore, n-3 fatty acids influence the composition and function of the gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacterial populations abundance that contribute to gut health and improve systemic immunity. Their multifaceted roles within the GBA underscore their significance in maintaining homeostasis and supporting mental well-being. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-f4e02c1c9f914d7e8ae4e48a7e42f16a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1420-3049 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Molecules |
| spelling | doaj-art-f4e02c1c9f914d7e8ae4e48a7e42f16a2025-01-10T13:18:47ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492024-12-013017110.3390/molecules30010071Molecular Mechanisms Linking Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Gut–Brain AxisAnna Zinkow0Wojciech Grodzicki1Malwina Czerwińska2Katarzyna Dziendzikowska3Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776 Warsaw, PolandDepartment of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776 Warsaw, PolandDepartment of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776 Warsaw, PolandDepartment of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776 Warsaw, PolandThe gut–brain axis (GBA) is a complex communication network connecting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the central nervous system (CNS) through neuronal, endocrine, metabolic, and immune pathways. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are crucial food components that may modulate the function of this axis through molecular mechanisms. Derived mainly from marine sources, these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are integral to cell membrane structure, enhancing fluidity and influencing neurotransmitter function and signal transduction. Additionally, n-3 fatty acids modulate inflammation by altering eicosanoid production, reducing proinflammatory cytokines, and promoting anti-inflammatory mediators. These actions help preserve the integrity of cellular barriers like the intestinal and blood–brain barriers. In the CNS, EPA and DHA support neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmission, improving cognitive functions. They also regulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis by reducing excessive cortisol production, associated with stress responses and mental health disorders. Furthermore, n-3 fatty acids influence the composition and function of the gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacterial populations abundance that contribute to gut health and improve systemic immunity. Their multifaceted roles within the GBA underscore their significance in maintaining homeostasis and supporting mental well-being.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/1/71cognitive functiondocosahexaenoic acid (DHA)eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)gut microbiotagut–brain axis (GBA)hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis |
| spellingShingle | Anna Zinkow Wojciech Grodzicki Malwina Czerwińska Katarzyna Dziendzikowska Molecular Mechanisms Linking Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Gut–Brain Axis Molecules cognitive function docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) gut microbiota gut–brain axis (GBA) hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis |
| title | Molecular Mechanisms Linking Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Gut–Brain Axis |
| title_full | Molecular Mechanisms Linking Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Gut–Brain Axis |
| title_fullStr | Molecular Mechanisms Linking Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Gut–Brain Axis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Molecular Mechanisms Linking Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Gut–Brain Axis |
| title_short | Molecular Mechanisms Linking Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Gut–Brain Axis |
| title_sort | molecular mechanisms linking omega 3 fatty acids and the gut brain axis |
| topic | cognitive function docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) gut microbiota gut–brain axis (GBA) hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/1/71 |
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