Abstract：
MDD (major depressive disorder) is a highly prevalent mental disorder with a complex etiology involving behavioral and neurochemical factors as well as environmental stress. The interindividual variability in response to stress stimuli may be explained by processes such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). LTP can be described as the strengthening of synaptic transmission, which translates into more efficient cognitive performance and is regulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein responsible for promoting neural growth. It is found in high concentrations in the hippocampus, a part of the limbic system which is far less active in people with MDD. Omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) not only contribute to structural and antioxidative functions but are essential for the maintenance of LTP and stable BDNF levels. This review explores the mechanisms and potential roles of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of MDD.
摘要：
MDD（重度抑郁症）是一种高度流行的精神障碍，其病因复杂，涉及行为和神经化学因素以及环境压力。响应压力刺激的个体间差异可以通过长期增强（LTP）和长期抑郁（LTD）等过程来解释。LTP可以描述为突触传递的加强，转化为更有效的认知表现，并由脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）调节，负责促进神经生长的蛋白质。它在海马中发现高浓度，边缘系统的一部分，在MDD患者中不太活跃。ω-3脂肪酸，如二十碳五烯酸（EPA）和二十二碳六烯酸（DHA）不仅有助于结构和抗氧化功能，而且对于维持LTP和稳定的BDNF水平至关重要。本文就ω-3脂肪酸在MDD预防中的作用机制进行综述。
