Friday, October 28, 2011
Hall 1-2 (San Jose Convention Center)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3-fatty acid found to affect synaptic function and cognition by increasing membrane fluidity at the synapsis as well as activating various metabolic pathways. DHA composes 30% of the total phospholipid composition in the plasma membrane, which indicates its importance in maintaining membrane function at synaptic terminals. DHA is not regularly synthesized by the human body. Therefore, a DHA enriched diet is essential to maintain brain function. Exercise potentiates the effects of a DHA enriched diet by increasing membrane bound proteins involved in synaptic function which correlates to increases in memory and learning. However, little is known of exercise’s influence on DHA synthesis. We plan to investigate the molecular basis of exercise’s effects on DHA synthesis. Four rat treatment groups were created: A sedentary (control) and three allowed voluntary exercise for 7, 14 and 28 days. We will examine the expression of enzymes FADS1 and FADS2. These enzymes catalyze the conversion of omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acid precursors into DHA. Protein expression will be analyzed by western blot of liver tissue and enzyme activity assays. Gas chromatography will be used to determine the amount of fatty acid omega-3 and omega-6 product and precursor ratio. Preliminary data collected from each treatment group show no significant change in enzyme expression, or fatty acid composition. We hope to extend the amount of exercise time for treatment groups in future experiments. Our project ultimately plans to address the benefits of exercise in DHA synthesis which could potentially convey greater cognitive function.