Citation

Hibbeln JR, Linnoila M, Umhau JC, Rawlings R, George DT, Salem N. Biol. Psychiatry 1998; 44(4): 235-242.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/s0006-3223(98)00141-3

PMID

9715354

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Impulsive violence, suicide, and depression are strongly associated with low concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (CSF 5-HIAA). Increased suicide and trauma reported in some cholesterol-lowering trials may be related to altered concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids rather than cholesterol, a possible surrogate marker.
METHODS: CSF 5-HIAA and homovanillic acid (HVA), total cholesterol, and plasma fatty acid concentrations were examined in 176 subjects, including 49 healthy volunteers, and 88 early- and 39 late-onset alcoholics.
RESULTS: Among each group, polyunsaturated fatty acids predicted both CSF 5-HIAA and CSF HVA concentrations, but total cholesterol was unrelated to either neurotransmitter metabolite. The relationships between plasma 22: 6n3 and CSF 5-HIAA were significantly different when healthy volunteers (r =.35) were compared to early-onset alcoholics (r = -.38) (p <.0002).
CONCLUSIONS: Dietary studies are indicated to determine if essential fatty acid supplementation can influence central nervous system serotonin and dopamine metabolism and modify impulsive behaviors related to these neurotransmitters.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Age of Onset; Alcoholism; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Cholesterol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Dopamine; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Homovanillic Acid; Humans; Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; Male; Middle Aged; Regression Analysis; Serotonin; Statistics, Nonparametric