Protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids against Alzheimer's disease in rat brain endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVES: Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for growth and development in animals. They primarily participate in the development of intelligence, the nervous system, and vision, and the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Omega-3 fatty acids have been widely studied in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have neuroprotective effects due to their antioxidant capacity. Rotenone has been shown to induce neurotoxicity in vitro.

METHODS: We investigated the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids against AD in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMVECs) in vitro. Lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels were evaluated in RBMVECs. Flow cytometry was performed to assess apoptosis.

RESULTS: Lipid peroxidation and ROS were reduced in RBMVECs following incubation with omega-3 fatty acids. Catalase, Gpx, and SOD were increased in RBMVECs following incubation with omega-3 fatty acids. Flow cytometry showed that incubation with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the amount of apoptotic RBMVECs.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids show potential as a therapeutic agent against AD.