DHA and EPA mitigate epileptic depressionDHA and EPA Alleviate Epileptic Depression in PTZ-Treated Young Mice Model by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation through Regulating Microglial M2 Polarization and Improving Mitochondrial Metabolism.
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We explored the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on depression associated with epilepsy in young mice. Using a well-structured approach, we treated three-week-old mice with a diet rich in either DHA or EPA for 21 days, followed by a series of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injections to induce depressive symptoms.
Our findings revealed that EPA was particularly effective in alleviating these symptoms compared to DHA. Both fatty acids significantly reduced neuronal damage in the hippocampus and improved myelin integrity, indicating potential protective effects on brain health.
Delving deeper, we discovered that DHA and EPA reduced neuroinflammation by helping microglial cells switch to a protective M2 phenotype. Moreover, both compounds lowered oxidative stress levels and enhanced mitochondrial function, which plays a crucial role in energy production and overall cellular health.
These results suggest that incorporating DHA and EPA into the diet may serve as an effective strategy to combat depression in children dealing with epilepsy, with EPA emerging as the more beneficial option.