Past Issues
The Lipid Raft Hypothesis: The Relation among Omega-3 Fatty Acids,
Depression and Cardiovascular Diseases
Jane Pei-Chen Chang, Kuan-Pin Su
Background: Depression and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) exist frequently
as comorbid conditions, suggesting their common etiologies. Omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) play important roles in infl ammation and brain
functions, and they appear to be a possible interface between depression and CVDs.
Methods: We reviewed all recently published papers on n-3 PUFAs and lipid rafts
to look for their implications in causing CVDs and depression. Results: In the literature,
we found that lipid raft formations and disruptions are critically important
in regulating of neurotransmission signaling and receptor functions, which in turn
might be involved in causing depression and CVDs. In addition to neurotransmission,
n-3 PUFAs have shown to possibly regulate immunity and neuroendocrine
function via lipid raft modulations. Conclusion: This review has provided evidences
for the role of n-3 PUFAs in causing depression and CVD. We also propose
a new hypothesis about cellular mechanisms mediated by lipid rafts.
as comorbid conditions, suggesting their common etiologies. Omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) play important roles in infl ammation and brain
functions, and they appear to be a possible interface between depression and CVDs.
Methods: We reviewed all recently published papers on n-3 PUFAs and lipid rafts
to look for their implications in causing CVDs and depression. Results: In the literature,
we found that lipid raft formations and disruptions are critically important
in regulating of neurotransmission signaling and receptor functions, which in turn
might be involved in causing depression and CVDs. In addition to neurotransmission,
n-3 PUFAs have shown to possibly regulate immunity and neuroendocrine
function via lipid raft modulations. Conclusion: This review has provided evidences
for the role of n-3 PUFAs in causing depression and CVD. We also propose
a new hypothesis about cellular mechanisms mediated by lipid rafts.
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