Description

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and long term disability in the developed world. Various animal models of TBI have been developed that have proved valuable to elucidate the pathophysiology of the disorder and to assess the safety and efficacy of novel therapies.Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) comprise a family of unsaturated fatty acids have a structural role in the nervous system and are essential for neurodevelopment. These polyunsaturated fatty acids serve as energy substrates and integral membrane components, and therefore play crucial role in regulation of cell membrane fluidity, dopaminergic and serotoninergic transmission, membrane-bound enzymes and cellular signal transduction. Flaxseed and its oil contain high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acid linolenic acid (ALA).Fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors of certain eicosanoids that are known to reduce inflammation . Flaxseed and fish oils effectively attenuate the elevation of oxidative stress during traumatic brain injury due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.