How the plasma lysophospholipid and unesterified fatty acid pools supply the brain with docosahexaenoic acid. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bazinet, Richard P; Bernoud-Hubac, Nathalie; Lagarde, Michel
• Is Part Of: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids. Volume 142(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 3
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Lipids -- Periodicals; Unsaturated fatty acids -- Periodicals; Prostaglandins -- Periodicals; Leukotrienes -- Periodicals; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated -- Periodicals; Acides gras insaturés -- Périodiques; Prostaglandines -- Périodiques; Leucotriènes -- Périodiques; Lipides -- Périodiques; 612.01577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2018.12.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-3278

Abstract

Highlights: There has been considerable disagreement as to which plasma pool supplies the brain with docosahexaenoic acid. We conclude that circulating docosahexaenoic acid-containing lysophosphatidyl choline has a higher brain/body partition coefficient than unesterified docosahexaenoic acid while unesterified docosahexaenoic acid entry into the brain is more rapid. Abstract: The brain requires a constant supply of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from blood to maintain DHA levels within the brain. Several plasma pools have been proposed to supply the brain with DHA, including plasma lipoproteins, lysophosphatidylcholine and unesterified fatty acids. Here we briefly review the evidence for each plasma pool supplying the brain highlighting controversies and remaining questions. We conclude that circulating lysophosphatidylcholine has a higher brain/body partition coefficient than unesterified DHA while unesterified DHA entry into the brain is more rapid.