Cetoleic acid and other long-chain unsaturated fatty acids as neuroprotective nutraceuticals

Long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids such as erucic acid, cetoleic acid and gondoic acid, are 20-22-carbon fatty acids with a double bond in their ω-9, ω-11 and ω-9 positions, respectively. Recent experimental research suggests that these lipids may provide benefits related to cardiovascular, but also brain health. Research on cetoleic acid using cell lines suggests that this fatty acid may positively affect neurological health. Also, in limited doses, erucic acid and gondoic acid have been reported to have a neuroprotective effect through action on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, and monounsaturated fatty acids generally are able to influence these receptors. Herein, we review the current state of knowledge of monounsaturated fatty acids effect on health, with an emphasis on erucic acid and cetoleic acid and their possible neuroprotective effects. Research has not progressed far regarding the direct neuroprotective effects of cetoleic acid, and mechanisms underlying such effects. However, both erucic and cetoleic acid influence the availabilities of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids, that do confer several health benefits, including neuroprotective effects. We highlight knowledge gaps related to metabolism, putative neuroprotective mechanisms, and briefly review animal model systems suitable for investigating these gaps.