In a study published in Pediatric Discovery, researchers reported that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, eased autism-like behaviors in young rats exposed to early-life maternal separation. The animals showed improved social interaction and less repetitive self-grooming after receiving DHA.
The team, from Chongqing Medical University and Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, used a neonatal maternal separation model. Rats received daily DHA at 80 mg per kilogram. Behavioral tests found greater interest in other rats and fewer grooming bouts among treated animals. They also showed less anxiety-like behavior in an elevated plus maze.
Analysis of the prefrontal cortex linked these effects to changes in inflammatory and antioxidant signaling. DHA reduced the activated form of the JNK pathway and levels of the downstream protein c-JUN, while leaving total JNK levels unchanged. The researchers also measured lower levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β.
At the same time, DHA increased NRF2 signaling and levels of antioxidant proteins including HO-1, SOD1 and catalase. The researchers used molecular analyses and laboratory assays to investigate these pathways.
The findings are from an animal model and do not establish that DHA treats autism in people. The study authors note that further clinical research is needed to determine whether the results apply to humans; DHA should not be considered a replacement for established clinical or behavioral supports.
Sources: Neuroscience News.