FIG. 10.

Putative mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of dietary ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) prophylaxis in spinal cord injury (SCI). A preventive nutritional therapy with ω-3 PUFAs results in accumulation of ω-3 PUFAs in the spinal cord neural membranes, which may provide extended neuroprotection and repair substrates after SCI. Lipid metabolism alterations under this dietary regime leads to reduced ω-3 deficiencies, particularly dicosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and preferentially activates ω-3 PUFA metabolism. This response may result in regaining PUFA homeostasis and enhanced pro-restorative signaling, such as protein kinase B/Akt and cyclic AMP responsive element binding (CREB) protein and/or additional uncharacterized mechanisms. Omega-3 PUFAs may provide important substrates implicated in stress resistance, such as induction of antioxidant gene expression, cell growth, and membrane homeostasis and remodeling. Together, this response should result in improved tissue sparing, plasticity, and repair.