A Diet Enriched in Docosahexanoic Acid Exacerbates Brain Parenchymal Extravasation of Apo B Lipoproteins Induced by Chronic Ingestion of Saturated Fats

Abstract EN

Chronic ingestion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) was previously shown to compromise blood-brain barrier integrity, leading to brain parenchymal extravasation of apolipoprotein B (apo B) lipoproteins enriched in amyloid beta.

In contrast, diets enriched in mono- or polyunsaturated (PUFA) oils had no detrimental effect.

Rather, n3 and n6 oils generally confer protection via suppression of inflammation.

This study investigated in wild-type mice if a PUFA diet enriched in docosahexanoic acid (DHA) restored blood-brain barrier integrity and attenuated parenchymal apo B abundance induced by chronic ingestion of SFA.

Cerebrovascular leakage of apo B was quantitated utilising immunofluorescent staining.

The plasma concentration of brain-derived S100β was measured as a marker of cerebrovascular inflammation.

In mice fed SFA for 3 months, provision thereafter of a DHA-enriched diet exacerbated parenchymal apo B retention, concomitant with a significant increase in plasma cholesterol.

In contrast, provision of a low-fat diet following chronic SFA feeding had no effect on SFA-induced parenchymal apo B.

The findings suggest that in a heightened state of cerebrovascular inflammation, the provision of unsaturated fatty acids may be detrimental, possibly as a consequence of a greater susceptibility for oxidation.