Neuroprotective action of Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids on Paraquat intoxication in Drosophila melanogaster

Author(s)

Souza, Anderson de Oliveira ; Couto-Lima, Carlos Antonio ; Rocha Catalao, Carlos Henrique ; Santos-Junior, Nilton Nascimento ; dos Santos, Julia Fernanda ; Alves da Rocha, Maria Jose ; Alberici, Luciane Carla

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NeuroToxicology; v. 70, p. 7-pg., 2019-01-01.

Abstract

Several studies have shown the protective effects of dietary enrichment of omega-3 (omega-3) long-chain fatty acids in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we investigate if eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (omega-3) protect against neurodegeneration mediated by the exposure to a widely used herbicide Paraquat (PQ) (1,1'-dimethyl-4-4'-bipyridinium dichloride), focusing on mitochondrial metabolism using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. Dietary ingestion of PQ for 3 days resulted in the loss of citrate synthase content, respiratory capacity impairment and exacerbated H2O2 production per mitochondrial unit related to complex I dysfunction, and high lactate accumulation in fly heads. PQ intoxication lead to 1) the loss of ELAV (embryonic lethal abnormal vision) and alpha-spectrin, essential proteins of neuronal viability and synaptic stability; 2) increased gamma-secretase activity, an enzyme related to APP release; and 3) increased the amyloid fibrils contents. All these toxic effects induced by PQ were prevented by concomitant dietary ingestion of EPA/DHA, suggesting that a neuroprotective effect of omega-3 also involves mitochondrial protection. In conclusion, concomitant EPA and DHA ingestion protects against PQ-induced neuronal and mitochondrial dysfunctions frequently found in neurodegenerative processes reinforcing its protective role against environmental neuro-degenerative diseases. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/23509-4 - Identification of neuroprotective myokines released by human skeletal muscle at low and high intensity contractions: role of mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress
• Grantee: Luciane Carla Alberici
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants