Fatty Acid Concentrations and Myelin Integrity in Young People at Ultra-High Risk of Psychosis
Grant number: 1067040 | Funding period: 2014 - 2017
Completed
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role in many physiological processes in all organisms. Myelination is the process by which a fatty layer, called myelin, accumulates around nerve cells enabling nerve cells to transmit information faster. PUFAs are essential for myelination, and there is evidence documenting decreased PUFA concentrations and brain white matter (myelin) pathology in people with schizophrenia. The mechanisms underlying these abnormalities are not understood.