Seminar by Jean-Christophe Delpech 20/09/2024

Friday September 20, 2024 at 14:30 – Salle Henri Gastaud, INT

Jean-Christophe Delpech (Laboratoire Nutrineuro INRAE, Université de Bordeaux), invited by Christine Deruelle

Cognitive trajectory and nutritional polyunsaturated fatty acids : friends or foes

Abstract: Dietary changes over the last few decades have led to an increase in the number of people deficient in n-3 PUFAs, in favor of an increase in n-6 PUFAs. This n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA disbalance is linked to an increased risk of cognitive alterations during our entire life. It can be visible during development, adulthood and aging. In particular, the rise in the elderly population is leading to an increase in the number of people suffering from cognitive decline, causing major socio-economic stress on the healthcare system. During our life, among the environmental factors, nutrition and in particular polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) appear to be crucial. Preclinical studies have shown that early deficiency leads to impaired working memory at weaning in males, and that supplementation with n-3 PUFAs in old animals restores their working memory. However, the cognitive dimensions affected and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our group is interested in the cognitive changes in the subject in relation to his n-3 PUFA intake, and the mechanisms involved as a function of sex. We use integrative and translational preclinical and clinical research approaches to answer this question and ultimately impact the general population quality of life.