Article

Damage to the plasma membrane is a prevalent but often neglected
aspect of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can impair neuronal signaling and
hamper neurological recovery. This study was performed to assess a new
noninvasive intervention to counteract peroxidative damage to the phospholipids
in the membrane using the powerful action of foods. Although dietary
docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3; DHA) provides protection against TBI, the
pervasive effects of TBI that cause phospholipid damage, including to DHA, raises
concerns about how to preserve DHA in the brain for optimal functional recovery.
METHODS: Rats were maintained on curcumin and/or DHA-enriched diets for 2 weeks
postinjury, and their brains were subjected to analyses. RESULTS: Fluid
percussion injury reduced DHA levels as well as levels of enzymes involved in the
metabolism of DHA such as FADS2 and 17beta-HSD4 and elevated levels of markers of
lipid peroxidation such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal
(4-HHE). These effects were counteracted by DHA or curcumin, whereas the
combination of curcumin and DHA had an enhanced effect on DHA and 4-HNE. The
combination of curcumin and DHA was also efficient in counteracting reductions in
the plasticity markers, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor
p-trkB, and learning ability, which had been lessened after TBI. CONCLUSIONS:
Curcumin complements the action of DHA on TBI pathology, and this property
appears to be a viable strategy to counteract neuronal dysfunction after TBI and
complement the application of rehabilitative interventions to foster functional
recovery.

Langue : ANGLAIS