Neuronal Count, Brain Injury, and Sustained Cognitive Function in 5×FAD Alzheimer's Disease Mice Fed DHA-Enriched...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects over 50 million globally, with ongoing research for effective treatments.
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is vital for brain health and cognitive function.
• Sustainable, non-fish sources of DHA are being explored for AD prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate novel, sustainable non-fish sources of DHA as potential dietary supplements for AD prevention.
• To evaluate the effects of different DHA-rich oils on cognitive function and AD pathology in a mouse model.

Main Methods:

• 5xFAD mice were fed diets supplemented with linseed oil, fish oil, microalga oil (Schizochytrium sp.), or commercial DHA oil for 6 months.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the open-field test.
• Brain tissue was analyzed for neuronal count, TAU pathology, beta-amyloid deposition, and neuroinflammation (IBA1).

Main Results:

• DHA supplementation, particularly from microalgae and fish oil, improved working and recognition memory.
• DHA-enriched diets reduced beta-amyloid deposition and neuroinflammation (IBA1).
• Fish oil diet increased neuronal count, while microalga oil diet reduced TAU-positive cells.

Conclusions:

• Sustainable DHA sources, especially from Schizochytrium sp. microalgae, show significant potential for mitigating AD pathology.
• DHA supplementation can protect against cognitive decline and reduce key AD biomarkers.
• Further research into microalga-derived DHA for AD prevention is warranted.