Effects of n-3 PUFA in the adolescent period on brain plasticity and behavior.

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The current research program will expand the study of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplemented diets on remodelling of brain function and behavior. Brain development and function is critically dependent on the intake of essential fatty acids that cannot be readily synthesized by the human body. Fish oil is the principal dietary source of the longer-chain n-3 PUFA. Salmon is a rich dietary source, and standardized, high-grade pharmaceutical fish oil formulations are also easily available for human consumption. Assessment of the role of n-3 PUFA in controlled studies is an important question considering the growing consumption of processed foods in Western world societies, which result in n-3 deficiency and disproportionately high n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio which has been shown to dysregulate brain activity. It is well acknowledged that n-3 PUFA rich diet during the gestational period promotes neuronal and cognitive development, as well as exerts beneficial effects on cognitive function and neuroplasticity/ protection in aged animals or consequent to brain injury. Recently, human studies have reported beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on cognition and mood in adolescents, which appear different in boys and girls. The adolescent period is a critical period for brain maturation and important remodelling of synapses and reorganization of neurochemical systems characterize this period. Therefore, it is surprising that effects of n-3 PUFA during this developmental stage has not been determined in controlled studies. This grant will investigate effects of adolescent n-3 PUFA on cognition and learning-induced plasticity, determine n-3 PUFA effects on the mesocorticolimbic reward system and affiliated changes in social and emotional behavior. We also will determine changes in brain signals regulating hunger and satiety, or hedonic response to food. Considering important sexually-dimorphic hormonal changes in the pubertal period and the fact that females are more susceptible to develop mood disorders, our studies include both males and females. Findings from this research will help determine effects of n-3 PUFA on functional plasticity of distinct brain systems and behavior that they regulate. This research will help determine benefits of n-3 PUFA in the juvenile period.