Omega 3 improves memory in patients of schizophrenia with Metabolic syndrome

Written By :  Medha Baranwal
Medically Reviewed By :  Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2020-07-01 11:18 GMT   |   Update On 2020-07-02 05:13 GMT
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China: Omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome (MetS), a recent study in the Brain, Behavior, and Immunity has found.

Previous studies have shown metabolic abnormalities to be associated with reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and deteriorated cognitive performance in schizophrenia patients. Inflammation may play a key role in this process and omega-3 fatty acids have been documented to ameliorate inflammation. Therefore, Wei Tang, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China, and colleagues hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids may be of value in enhancing BDNF levels and improving cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia with metabolic syndrome. 

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The researchers recruited 80 patients with both schizophrenia and MetS who received long-term olanzapine monotherapy. The plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. 

The patients were randomly assigned to the OMG-3 group (n = 40) or the placebo group (n = 40). Of the 80 patients who consented to the study, 72 completed this 12-week RCT. The primary outcome was the changes from baseline to 12 weeks in clinical characteristics and the levels of BDNF, CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α.  

Key findings of the study include:

  • There was a significant correlation between omega-3 fatty acid treatment and enhanced delayed memory factor in the RBANS assessment when the patients completed this study.
  • Along with cognitive improvement, omega-3 fatty acids enhanced BDNF and reduced CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels after 12 weeks of treatment.
  • The changes in BDNF levels are negatively correlated with the changes in TNF-α levels but not with the changes in CRP and IL-6 levels.

"Our findings provide suggestive evidence that omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on cognitive function in patients with MetS, which is paralleled by enhanced BDNF levels," concluded the authors.

The study, "Omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients with metabolic syndrome," is published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2020.04.034

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Article Source : Brain, Behavior, and Immunity

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