Key findings
Numerous studies have shown that deficiency in omega-3 leads to neuronal dysfunction and change in the inflammatory status but results are still inconclusive regarding the association between omega-3 PUFAs and PPD. Therefore, the current study aimed (i) to study the comparative composition of the fatty acid profiles of six selected Egyptian flaxseed cultivars and (ii) to test the hypothesis that the highest cultivars in omega-3 fatty acids G9 and G10 could attenuate the biochemical changes and depression symptoms in rat model of PPD compared to the antidepressant drug fluoxetine (FLX). The study found a correlation between oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in PPD and provides in vivo evidence of efficacy of Egyptian cultivars of flaxseed oil G9 and G10 in alleviating depression- and anxiety-like behavior and biochemical changes in PPD-induced female rats. However, further studies are required to clarify these findings in humans.
ABSTRACT
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multipurpose crop with health promoting potential. This study was undertaken to investigate the fatty acid profile and yield of fixed oil of six Egyptian flaxseed cultivars. The selected cultivars with the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (G9 and G10) were assessed for their antidepressant-like effect in rat model of postpartum depression (PPD) induced by hormone-simulated pregnancy followed by hormone withdrawal and compared to fluoxetine. As compared to control group, administration of G9 and G10 (270 mg/kg/day, p.o) for two weeks during the postpartum period can alleviate anxiety and depressive-like behaviors and biochemical changes in PPD-induced rats. This was confirmed by evaluation of anxiety-like behaviors (elevated plus maze, open field test, and forced swim test tests), in addition to biochemical analysis (brain monoamine oxidase-A, corticosterone level, proinflammatory cytokines, and hippocampal redox state). In conclusion, flaxseed oil of Egyptian cultivars G9 and G10 exhibited significant antidepressant-like effect in rat model of PPD without affecting locomotor activity. At the treatment doses, the antidepressant-like activity of Giza 9 oil is comparable to fluoxetine.
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