Here's How Omega-3s Are Effective Against Rett Syndrome
Rett Syndrome: the Positive Action of Omega-3 Supplements
Rett syndrome is a nervous system disorder for which there are currently no therapies. However, recent interesting news has emerged from the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese and the Le Scotte Hospital in Siena. Claudio De Felice, Cinzia Signorini, and Joussef Hayek led a team of researchers who identified the first nutritional approach useful to reduce both the symptoms and oxidative stress characteristic of this condition: the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Rett Syndrome, a Matter of Genes and Oxidative Stress
Rett syndrome is a rare disease that affects the development of the nervous system. A gene mutation underlies its onset: studies over the years have shown that affected patients are characterized by increased oxidative stress. This leads to lipid damage. Currently, no therapy can prevent the disease or stop the nerve degeneration that accompanies it.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Omega-3
The powerful anti-inflammatory Omega-3 agents can also counteract the effect of oxidizing agents. De Felice and colleagues decided to verify their possible benefits on oxidative stress and lipid oxidation, typical of neurological diseases such as Rett syndrome.
The Study
The researchers administered fish oil rich in these nutrients to 10 patients affected by the disease, in the earliest stage of its development. Average daily dose:
- 72.9 grams per body weight of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA);
- 117.1 grams per body weight of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
These are the two main food-derived Omega-3s.
Administration continued for 6 months. As a control, another 10 patients in similar conditions were followed for the same period without receiving the fatty acid supplement.
Rett Syndrome Symptoms: Demonstrated Reduction Thanks to Fatty Acids
At the end of the 6 months of administration, researchers observed a significant reduction in symptom severity only in patients who received Omega-3. The improvements mainly concerned:
- motor skills
- deficits in nonverbal communication
- breathing difficulties
In individuals who took EPA and DHA, a decrease in all analyzed oxidative stress markers was also observed.
Anti-inflammatory or Antioxidant?
Experts reiterate that Omega-3 are primarily active principles with anti-inflammatory properties. Past studies have shown that these precious nutrients can protect against oxidative stress, even though they are not true antioxidants. Whatever their mechanism of action, this research demonstrates for the first time that a nutritional approach based on Omega-3 can lead to at least partial recovery of the clinical and biochemical symptoms of Rett syndrome.
Source
1. De Felice C, Signorini C, Durand T, Ciccoli L, Leoncini S, D'Esposito M, Filosa S, Oger C, Guy A, Bultel-Poncé V, Galano JM, Pecorelli A, De Felice L, Valacchi G, Hayek J, “Partial rescue of Rett syndrome by ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) oil”, Genes Nutr. 2012 Mar 8.
