Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of animal studies

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#animals #fatty-acids-omega-3 #parkinson-disease #humans #disease-models-animal

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of animal studies

Alves et al., 2024 | J Neurochem | Systematic Review

Citation

Alves Barbara da Silva, Schimith Lucia Emanueli, ... Hort Mariana Appel. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of animal studies. J Neurochem. 2024-Aug;168(8):1655-1683. doi:10.1111/jnc.16154

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The primary pathological features of PD include the presence of α-synuclein aggregates and Lewy bodies, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Recently, omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have been under investigation as a preventive and/or therapeutic strategy for PD, primarily owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature, focusing on studies that assessed the effects of ω-3 PUFAs in rodent models mimicking human PD. The search was performed using the terms "Parkinson's disease," "fish oil," "omega 3," "docosahexaenoic acid," and "eicosapentaenoic acid" across databases PUBMED, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar. Following analysis based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 studies were included. Considering behavioral parameters, pathological markers of the disease, quantification of ω-3 PUFAs in the brain, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, it can be observed that ω-3 PUFAs exhibit a potential neuroprotective effect in PD. In summary, this systematic review presents significant scientific evidence regarding the effects and mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective properties of ω-3 PUFAs, offering valuable insights for the development of future clinical investigations.

Key Findings

In summary, this systematic review presents significant scientific evidence regarding the effects and mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective properties of ω-3 PUFAs, offering valuable insights for the development of future clinical investigations.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 39
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Parkinson Disease
  • Humans
  • Disease Models, Animal

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09