TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS, NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS, AND OMEGA-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (literature review)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21856/j-PEP.2026.1.06Keywords:
type 2 diabetes mellitus, neurocognitive disorders, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, reviewAbstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) are often comorbid, as patients with T2DM have twice the risk of developing them. At the same time, NCDs increase the likelihood of developing T2DM by 1-5 times. Although the exact mechanisms of NCDs in T2DM remain poorly understood, it is assumed that insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI), synaptic dysfunction, and dysregulation of the gut-brain axis play a crucial role in this process. Current therapeutic methods for the treatment of NCD in T2DM do not take into account the complex pathophysiology of neuronal damage that occurs as a result of diabetes. Accumulated data indicate the potential of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), in particular eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, as promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of NCDs in T2DM.
The molecular mechanisms of ω-3 PUFAs’ influence on metabolic and functional disorders in T2DM and NCDs are likely to include a positive effect on the state of IR and glucose homeostasis by inhibiting IR in the central nervous system; the state of antioxidant defense; LGCI; mechanisms associated with inflammatory processes (in particular, endothelial activation); the state of the gut-brain axis; the state of lipid metabolism; modulation of platelet aggregation; reduction of pro-inflammatory agent synthesis; improvement of endothelial function; eicosanoid metabolism, including the epoxygenase pathway; and a number of other effects.
In treating NCDs in patients with T2DM, we should consider using ω-3 PUFAs as part of more global strategies, including lifestyle changes such as adhering to the Mediterranean diet, including fatty fish in the diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.
The purpose of this review was to discuss the role of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention/treatment of comorbidities of type 2 diabetes mellitus and neurocognitive disorders, as well as to analyze new trends and directions for future research. A literature search was conducted using the databases Web of Science, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, MedLine, EMBASE, Global Health, etc.
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