Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and their signaling mechanisms

For many ages, the beneficial effects of natural compounds from herbs, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, fish and marine products in reducing both general metabolic diseases and brain-specific ailments have been demonstrated extensively. In this book, authors in every chapter have specifically elaborated on the importance of these food items in the present day lifestyle. Including these items and their ingredients in daily food intake is proven to alleviate many metabolic, cardiovascular and neurological problems at every stage of life. Recently, oils and fats were reported to be responsible for many pathophysiological conditions. Among them, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids play an important role in metabolic diseases including diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Since one of the chapters in this book has nicely described in detail the role of seafood on brain health, the present article is aimed at describing the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in brain. In particular, the role of docosahexaenoic acid and it's metabolites as well as their signaling mechanisms in neuronal cells, including; cortical, hippocampal, cerebellar granule and neural stem cells suggest the outcome of DHA deficiency on overall disease status.