Relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and plasma neuroactive steroids in alcoholism, depression and controls

• Published in: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes and essential fatty acids Vol. 75; no. 4; pp. 309 - 314
• Main Authors: Nieminen, L.R.G., Makino, K.K., Mehta, N., Virkkunen, M., Kim, H.Y., Hibbeln, J.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2006
• Subjects: Alcoholism - blood; Case-Control Studies; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone - analysis; Depression - blood; Desoxycorticosterone - analogs & derivatives; Desoxycorticosterone - blood; Docosahexaenoic Acids - analysis; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - physiology; Female; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - chemistry; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiology; Lipids - blood; Male; Mental Disorders - blood; Pituitary-Adrenal System - chemistry; Pituitary-Adrenal System - physiology; Pregnanolone - blood; Psychotropic Drugs - blood; Steroids - blood

Deficiency in the long-chain ω-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been associated with increased corticotropin releasing hormone and may contribute to hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) hyperactivity. Elevated levels of the neuroactive steroids, allopregnanolone (3 α,5 α-THP) and 3 α,5 α-te...