The omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, decreases neuronal cell death in association with altered zinc transport

Abstract:

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in neuronal cell membranes.

We hypothesize that DHA induces a decrease in neuronal cell death through reduced ZnT3 expression and zinc uptake.

Exposure of M17 cells to DHA-deficient medium increased the levels of active caspase-3, relative to levels in DHA-replete cells, confirming the adverse effects of DHA deficiency in promoting neuronal cell death.

In DHA-treated M17 cells, zinc uptake was 65% less and ZnT3 mRNA and protein levels were reduced in comparison with DHA-depleted cells.

We propose that the neuroprotective function of DHA is exerted through a reduction in cellular zinc levels that in turn inhibits apoptosis.