Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is the main omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in brain tissues necessary for common brain growth and function. DHA can be provided to the body through two origins: an exogenous origin, from direct dietary intakes and an endogenous one, from the bioconversion of the essential α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) in the liver. In humans, the biosynthesis of DHA from its precursor ALA is very low. A reduction in the cerebral amount of DHA is detected in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Considering the vital functions of DHA for the brain, new methodologies to target the brain with DHA offers encouraging perceptions in the improvement of precautionary and therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present review was to provide better understanding of the cerebral uptake of DHA in different form including free fatty acids, Lysophosphatidylcholines LysoPC-DHA as well as structured phospholipids. First, we explored the special structure of the blood-brain barrier BBB, BBB being a physical and metabolic barrier with restrictive properties. Then, we discussed the incorporation of DHA into the membrane phospholipids of the brain, the neuroprotective and therapeutic effect of DHA for neurological diseases.

中文翻译：

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用二十二碳六烯酸靶向脑作为神经退行性疾病及其通过血脑屏障的前瞻性疗法。

二十二碳六烯酸（DHA，22：6n-3）是大脑组织中常见的大脑生长和功能所必需的主要omega-3多不饱和脂肪酸。DHA可以通过两种来源提供给人体：来自外源的直接饮食摄入源和内源的必需肝中必需α-亚麻酸（ALA，18：3n-3）的生物转化。在人类中，DHA从其前体ALA的生物合成非常低。在患有神经退行性疾病（例如阿尔茨海默氏病和帕金森氏病）的患者中，大脑中DHA的含量降低了。考虑到DHA对大脑的重要功能，用DHA靶向大脑的新方法为改善神经退行性疾病的预防和治疗方法提供了令人鼓舞的认识。本综述的目的是提供对不同形式的DHA在大脑中摄取的更好了解，包括游离脂肪酸，溶血磷脂酰胆碱LysoPC-DHA以及结构化磷脂。首先，我们探索了血脑屏障BBB的特殊结构，BBB是具有限制性特性的物理和代谢屏障。然后，我们讨论了将DHA掺入脑膜磷脂中，DHA对神经系统疾病的神经保护和治疗作用。