Nursing
8 years ago

Estrogen Boosts Brain-Boosting Fatty Acid, Closing Gender Gap

Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids
Treatment of ovariectomized rats with 17β-estradiol increases hepatic delta-6 desaturase enzyme expression and docosahexaenoic acid levels in hepatic and plasma phospholipids
Alex P. Kitson, Kristin A. Marks, Brittany Shaw, David M. Mutch, Ken D. Stark

Paper Summary

Female rats have more DHA than males, suggesting female hormones boost DHA production. Ovariectomized rats treated with 17β-estradiol had higher levels of Δ6-desaturase enzyme and DHA in liver and plasma phospholipids compared to untreated rats. Progesterone did not affect Δ6-desaturase or DHA levels. This shows that 17β-estradiol increases DHA production through Δ6-desaturase, potentially explaining why females have more DHA than males.

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