Combat Alzheimer's: preventing oxidative damage
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The discovery by UCLA biochemists of a new method for preventing oxidation in the essential fatty acids of cell membranes could lead to a new class of more effective nutritional supplements and potentially help combat neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and perhaps Alzheimer's. While polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for everything from brain function to cell function, they are the most vulnerable components in human cells because of their high sensitivity to oxidative modifications caused by highly reactive oxygen molecules in the body.
The biochemists, led by UCLA chemistry and biochemistry professor Catherine Clarke, have developed a new method for increasing the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids. They have discovered a way to make these molecules harder to break apart so that oxidation is less likely to occur, rather than relying on antioxidants to repair damage after it occurs. "These compounds (polyunsaturated fatty acids) are so important, yet so fragile," Clarke said. "In many diseases, cell membrane function deteriorates, and it's exciting to think an enhanced class of supplements may be able to correct neurodegenerative diseases, and perhaps even oxidative stress-related aging. It would be a new strategy to treat and reinforce the molecule at the place where it is most prone to damage, instead of taking more antioxidants. This could be a new approach to battling diseases resulting from oxidative stress. "Our research highlights how vulnerable these essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are," she said. "They are so readily damaged. Many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and perhaps Alzheimer's disease, are tied to oxidative stress." Polyunsaturated fatty acids are also used to produce a huge array of fatty acid-derived hormones that mediate pain, inflammation and blood clotting. Read more: medilexicon.com
The biochemists, led by UCLA chemistry and biochemistry professor Catherine Clarke, have developed a new method for increasing the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids. They have discovered a way to make these molecules harder to break apart so that oxidation is less likely to occur, rather than relying on antioxidants to repair damage after it occurs. "These compounds (polyunsaturated fatty acids) are so important, yet so fragile," Clarke said. "In many diseases, cell membrane function deteriorates, and it's exciting to think an enhanced class of supplements may be able to correct neurodegenerative diseases, and perhaps even oxidative stress-related aging. It would be a new strategy to treat and reinforce the molecule at the place where it is most prone to damage, instead of taking more antioxidants. This could be a new approach to battling diseases resulting from oxidative stress. "Our research highlights how vulnerable these essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are," she said. "They are so readily damaged. Many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and perhaps Alzheimer's disease, are tied to oxidative stress." Polyunsaturated fatty acids are also used to produce a huge array of fatty acid-derived hormones that mediate pain, inflammation and blood clotting. Read more: medilexicon.com
Omega-3 ALA intakes enough for EPA-DPA levels for non-fish eaters
The health benefits associated with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) consumption include cardiovascular effects, neuro-protection, a counter to the inflammation response, and benefits against autoimmune disease. Read more: nutraingredients.com
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