Data from cell culture and animal models suggest that LA could be combined with nutraceuticals such as curcumin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (from green tea) and docosahexaenoic acid (from fish oil) to synergistically decrease oxidative stress, inflammation
The polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleic (LA, 18:2n-6) and linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3n-3) are essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body.
LNA serves as the precursor for long chain omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) while LA is converted into long chain omega-6 fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA)
DHA and AA are abundantly found in the brain, where these are stored mainly in membrane phospholipids
DHA has been shown to increase neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis, and promotes glutamatergic neurotransmission through increase in glutamate receptor subunit expression
DHA has been shown to be converted to anti-inflammatory, proresolving and neuroprotective mediators, such as resolvins [7] and protectins
AA is converted by cyclooxygenases into 2-series prostaglandins and 4-series leukotrienes, most of which exert pro-inflammatory effects
Supplementation of DHA exerts neuroprotective effects and has been reported to afford protection from diffuse axonal injury [11] and mixed brain injury [12] as well
severe depletion of membrane DHA in the brain renders mice significantly more susceptible to TBI and impairs recovery following the injury
Omega-3 fatty acids may serve as nutraceutical agents and precondition the brain to make it more resilient to injury
it can be suggested that enriching DHA in the brain may be prophylactic and protective against brain injury
severe DHA deficiency in the brain impairs functional recovery from TBI in terms of vestibulo-motor and cognitive deficits
DHA deficiency further elevates TBI-induced production of SBDPs
less neurons were found around the injury site of DHA deficient brain after TBI compared to the omega-3 fatty acid adequate group
Alpha GPC, phosphatidylserine, Huperzine A, and choline show promise as nutraceutical agents for enhancing cognitive performance and slowing cognitive decline
Alpha GPC, also known as L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine, a naturally occurring form of choline, acts as a parasympathomimetic acetylcholine precursor and has shown promise in improving cognitive symptoms related to AD, vascular dementia, and multi-infarct dementia
Phosphatidylserine is a widely abundant anionic phospholipid in the human body and has been shown to improve age-related cognitive changes
Huperzine A (a natural cholinesterase inhibitor) has been linked to improved memory performance in elderly people with benign forgetfulness, as well as patients with AD and vascular dementia
Cholinesterase inhibitors have been shown to have neuroprotective properties in patients with mild [37] as well as moderate-to-advanced AD