Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) play an important role in the development,
maintenance, and function of the brain. Dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFAs in neurological
diseases has been a subject of particular interest in preventing cognitive deficits, and particularly
in age-related neurodegeneration. Developing strategies for the efficient delivery of these lipids
to the brain has presented a challenge in recent years. We recently reported the preparation of n-3
PUFA-rich nanoliposomes (NLs) from salmon lecithin, and demonstrated their neurotrophic effects
in rat embryo cortical neurons. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of these NLs
to deliver PUFAs in cellulo and in vivo (in mice). NLs were prepared using salmon lecithin rich in
n-3 PUFAs (29.13%), and characterized with an average size of 107.90 0.35 nm, a polydispersity
index of 0.25+/- 0.01, and a negative particle-surface electrical charge (-50.4+/- 0.2 mV). Incubation of
rat embryo cortical neurons with NLs led to a significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
(51.5%, p < 0.01), as well as palmitic acid, and a small decrease in oleic acid after 72 h (12.2%, p < 0.05).
Twenty mice on a standard diet received oral administration of NLs (12 mg/mouse/day; 5 days
per week) for 8 weeks. Fatty acid profiles obtained via gas chromatography revealed significant
increases in cortical levels of saturated, monounsaturated, and n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid,) and n-6
(docosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid) PUFAs. This was not the case for the hippocampus
or in the liver. There were no effects on plasma lipid levels, and daily monitoring confirmed NL
biocompatibility. These results demonstrate that NLs can be used for delivery of PUFAs to the brain.
This study opens new research possibilities in the development of preventive as well as therapeutic
strategies for age-related neurodegeneration.