gamma-linolenic-acid and Dyskinesia--Drug-Induced

There is good background evidence to suggest that essential fatty acids and their eicosanoid derivatives may play a role in schizophrenia and in with tardive dyskinesia. Trials involving treatment with essential fatty acids, or eicosanoids or drugs which stimulate eicosanoid synthesis have shown modestly promising results. Particularly favourable outcomes in both schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia were associated with combined treatment using essential fatty acids and nutritional supplements.

Topics: Adult; Alprostadil; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Eicosanoids; Fatty Acids, Essential; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linolenic Acids; Linseed Oil; Middle Aged; Models, Neurological; Penicillin V; Schizophrenia; Treatment Outcome

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their eicosanoid derivatives are important constituents of the brain and regulators of neuronal function. There is direct and indirect evidence of impaired metabolism of prostaglandin (PG)E1 in schizophrenia. There is also direct evidence of abnormal EFA biochemistry with plasma phospholipids from five populations and brain phospholipids from another all showing reduced levels of linoleic acid and elevated levels of 22-carbon EFAs of both n-6 and n-3 series. Clinical trials of PGE1 and of the PGE1 precursors, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) have shown modest therapeutic effects. In view of lack of therapeutic process involving drugs based on the dopamine concept of schizophrenia, it is time for new approaches based on the EFA/PG concept to be evaluated thoroughly.

Topics: Alprostadil; Brain Chemistry; Clozapine; Diabetes Complications; Dietary Fats; Dopamine; Double-Blind Method; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Eicosanoids; Fatty Acids, Essential; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linolenic Acids; Niacin; Phospholipids; Schizophrenia

There is good background evidence to suggest that essential fatty acids and their eicosanoid derivatives may play a role in schizophrenia and in with tardive dyskinesia. Trials involving treatment with essential fatty acids, or eicosanoids or drugs which stimulate eicosanoid synthesis have shown modestly promising results. Particularly favourable outcomes in both schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia were associated with combined treatment using essential fatty acids and nutritional supplements.

Topics: Adult; Alprostadil; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Eicosanoids; Fatty Acids, Essential; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linolenic Acids; Linseed Oil; Middle Aged; Models, Neurological; Penicillin V; Schizophrenia; Treatment Outcome

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their eicosanoid derivatives are important constituents of the brain and regulators of neuronal function. There is direct and indirect evidence of impaired metabolism of prostaglandin (PG)E1 in schizophrenia. There is also direct evidence of abnormal EFA biochemistry with plasma phospholipids from five populations and brain phospholipids from another all showing reduced levels of linoleic acid and elevated levels of 22-carbon EFAs of both n-6 and n-3 series. Clinical trials of PGE1 and of the PGE1 precursors, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) have shown modest therapeutic effects. In view of lack of therapeutic process involving drugs based on the dopamine concept of schizophrenia, it is time for new approaches based on the EFA/PG concept to be evaluated thoroughly.

Topics: Alprostadil; Brain Chemistry; Clozapine; Diabetes Complications; Dietary Fats; Dopamine; Double-Blind Method; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Eicosanoids; Fatty Acids, Essential; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linolenic Acids; Niacin; Phospholipids; Schizophrenia

This study reports the results of a trial of essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation in psychiatric patients (predominantly schizophrenics) with movement disorders. Evidence of EFA deficiency in these patients was observed. The antidyskinetic effect of EFA supplementation was marginally significant but not clinically important. However, active treatment produced highly significant improvements in total psychopathology scores and schizophrenia subscale scores, and a significant improvement in memory.

Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Bipolar Disorder; Double-Blind Method; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Fatty Acids, Essential; Female; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linoleic Acids; Male; Middle Aged; Oenothera biennis; Personality Disorders; Plant Oils; Schizophrenia

Preclinical and clinical observations suggest that enhancement of prostaglandin activity inhibits catecholamine release and may have antidyskinetic effects. A double-blind therapeutic trial with prostaglandin precursor essential fatty acids was conducted in 16 patients with tardive dyskinesia. No beneficial effects were seen.

Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linolenic Acids; Male; Middle Aged; Prostaglandins E

Topics: Animals; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Guinea Pigs; Linolenic Acids; Male; Prostaglandins; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains