Membrane fatty acid composition shows δ-6-desaturase abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

BRAIN membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition is investigated in Alzheimer's disease using fresh pathologically proven autopsy material. The most striking abnormalities in Alzheimer brains compared to agematched controls are found in the n – 6 line ot polyun-saturated fatty acids (PUFA) showing an elevation of 18:2 (n- 6) associated with a reduction of 20:4 (n - 6) and 22:4 (n - 6). The findings strongly indicate abnormalities in δ6-desaturation. The decrease in 22:6 (n - 3) also supports δ6-desaturase abnormalities. Alteration in PUFA desaturation/elongation processes and resultant membrane abnormalities may play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.