Supplement Treatment with NAC and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids during Pregnancy Partially Prevents Schizophrenia-Related Outcomes in the Poly I:C Rat Model

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

Background: Heightened levels of inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We aimed to assess whether intake of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant drugs during pregnancy prevents later schizophrenia-related outcomes in a neurodevelopmental rat model of this disorder. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were injected with polyriboinosinic–polyribocytidilic acid (Poly I:C) or saline and subsequently treated with either N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) until delivery. Controls rats received no treatment. In the offspring, neuroinflammation and anti-oxidant enzyme activity were assessed on postnatal day (PND) 21, 33, 48, and 90. Behavioral testing was performed at PND 90, followed by post-mortem neurochemical assessment and ex vivo MRI. Results: The supplement treatment led to a quicker restoration of the wellbeing of dams. In the adolescent Poly I:C offspring, the supplement treatment prevented an increase in microglial activity and partially prevented a deregulation in the anti-oxidant defense system. In the adult Poly I:C offspring, supplement treatment partially prevented dopamine deficits, which was paralleled by some changes in behavior. Exposure to omega-3 PUFAs prevented the enlargement of lateral ventricles. Conclusion: Intake of over-the-counter supplements may assist in especially targeting the inflammatory response related to schizophrenia pathophysiology, aiding in diminishing later disease severity in the offspring.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer1068
FachzeitschriftAntioxidants
Jahrgang12
Ausgabenummer5
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 9 Mai 2023
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

unpaywall 10.3390/antiox12051068
Scopus 85160673580
WOS 000994940300001

Schlagworte

Forschungsprofillinien der TU Dresden

Fächergruppen, Lehr- und Forschungsbereiche, Fachgebiete nach Destatis

Schlagwörter

  • N-acetyl cysteine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, preventive treatment, schizophrenia, supplements, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, Schizophrenia, Preventive treatment, Supplements