linoleic-acid and Memory-Disorders

In recent years, interesterified fat (IF) has been used to replace hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF), rich in trans isomers, being found in processed foods. Studies involving IF have shown deleterious influences on the metabolic system, similarly to HVF, whereas no studies regarding its influence on the central nervous system (CNS) were performed. Rats from first generation born and maintained under supplementation (3g/Kg, p.o.) of soybean-oil or IF until adulthood were assessed on memory, biochemical and molecular markers in the hippocampus. IF group showed higher saturated fatty acids and linoleic acid and lower docosahexaenoic acid incorporation in the hippocampus. In addition, IF supplementation impaired short and long-term memory, which were related to increased reactive species generation and protein carbonyl levels, decreased catalase activity, BDNF and TrkB levels in the hippocampus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that lifelong IF consumption may be related to brain oxidative damage, memory impairments and neurotrophins modifications, which collectively may be present indifferent neurological disorders. In fact, the use of IF in foods was intended to avoid damage from HVF consumption; however this substitute should be urgently reviewed, since this fat can be as harmful as trans fat.

Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Catalase; Dietary Fats; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Female; Hippocampus; Linoleic Acid; Memory Disorders; Memory, Long-Term; Memory, Short-Term; Oxidative Stress; Protein Carbonylation; Protein Precursors; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Rats, Wistar; Receptor, trkB; Recognition, Psychology; Risk Assessment; Triglycerides

Rats receiving polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deficient diets during the perinatal period showed in adult age undisturbed acquisition of a footshock motivated brightness discrimination task, but a significant impairment of retention. The same effects on retention were obtained in rats receiving the PUFA deficient diet in adulthood, when the behavioral parameters were investigated at the end of the dietary treatment.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Brain; Discrimination Learning; Female; Humans; Learning Disabilities; Linoleic Acid; Linoleic Acids; Memory Disorders; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Prostaglandins; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Retention, Psychology; Visual Perception