Elovanoids: linking nutrition to neuroprotection.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Elovanoids are homeostatic lipid mediators derived from the very long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are in turn derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The aim of this review is to summarize the latest research on these lipid mediators.

RECENT FINDINGS: Elovanoids beneficially modulate thioredoxin reductase 1, a key component in the activation of the cellular glutathione antioxidant system. Elovanoids prevent oligomeric amyloid-beta-induced senescence and inflammaging in retinal pigment epithelium and other cells. Rod cells' ability to use DHA to produce elovanoid precursors is decreased in age-related macular degeneration, a disease that causes photoreceptor loss and blindness.

SUMMARY: Elovanoids are molecular guardians of nervous system integrity that introduce a new aspect of neuroprotective signaling by serving as an initial line of defense when neural cell homeostasis is jeopardized. Appropriate diet contributes to healthy aging by providing the precursor (DHA) that favors elovanoid-mediated neuroprotection in conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, macular degeneration, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.