La littérature des dernières décennies regorge de références concernant les bienfaits des acides gras oméga 3, tels que l’EPA (C20:5 n-3) et le DHA (C22:6 n-3) qui jouent un rôle essentiel dans la prévention de nombreuses pathologies comme les maladies neurodégénératives (type Alzheimer). Les sources majeures d’EPA et DHA sont celles d’origine marine. C’est dans ce contexte que cette étude a choisi de s’intéresser aux phospholipides provenant de têtes de saumon. L’objectif était de les extraire, de purifier la phosphatidylcholine (PC) issue du mélange de lipides et d’en déterminer ses propriétés d’auto-assemblage en bicouches. Une approche expérimentale par la caractérisation physico-chimique de ce PC a été complétée par une étude théorique du même composé en utilisant les techniques de simulation par dynamique moléculaire qui a permis une caractérisation à l’échelle moléculaire des bicouches lipidiques. La caractérisation a permis d’aboutir au profil détaillé de la composition du mélange PC saumon, d’élaborer le diagramme de phase PC –eau, de déterminer les propriétés d’empaquetage d’hydratation de ce lipide. Les paramètres choisis pour l’étude en dynamique moléculaire ont permis de reproduire de manière fidèle les résultats expérimentaux, validant ainsi le modèle et les conditions de simulations déterminés au préalable. La caractérisation des propriétés structurales de la PC de saumon sous forme de multicouches a permis d’approfondir la compréhension des mécanismes d’interactions à l’échelle moléculaire existant entre les lipides insaturés eux-mêmes. / The literature of recent decades is replete with references regarding the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids such as EPA (C20:5 n-3) and DHA (C22:6 n-3) which play an essential role in preventing many diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's type). The major sources of EPA and DHA are those of marine origin. It is within this context that this study chose to deal with phospholipids from salmon heads. The objective was to extract, purify phosphatidylcholine (PC) derived from the mixture of lipids and determine its properties of self-assembly into bilayers. An experimental approach by the physicochemical characterization of this PC was supplemented by a theoretical study of the same compound using the techniques of molecular dynamics simulation that allowed a molecular-scale characterization of lipid bilayers. The characterization resulted in detailed profile of the mixture composition of salmon PC, to draw up the phase diagram of PC-water, to determine the packing and hydration properties of this lipid. The parameters chosen for the study of molecular dynamics have faithfully reproduced the experimental results, thus validating the model and simulation conditions determined in advance. The characterization of structural properties of the PC as a multilayer salmon has deepened the understanding of interaction mechanisms at the molecular level between unsaturated lipids themselves.

The study evaluated the effects of genotype and grainless diets under stall-fed (n=72) conditions on the following parameters using the Afar, Central Highland goats, (CHG) and Long-eared Somali, (LES) goats. The diets varied in concentrate: roughage ratios. Diet 1 was a 50: 50 ratio (8.5 MJ ME/kg DM), Diet 2, 65:35 (9.2 MJ ME/kg DM) and Diet 3 an 80:20 ratio (10 MJ ME/kg DM), respectively. The same genotypes reared under the extensive grazing systems were also evaluated. Intake, feed efficiency (FE) and rumen parameters Total DMI ranged between 2.6 and 3.0 % on a body weight basis and between 53.5 and 62.3 g per kg metabolic body weight. The LES had a higher (P<0.001) DM roughage intake, total DMI (P<0.01) and FE (P<0.05). Goats on Diet 3 had higher (P<0.001) total DMI (g/d). Diet 1 however, displayed higher (P>0.05) FE. The mean concentration of NH3-N (39.4-53.7 mg/100ml rumen fluid) was above the N requirements for optimal microbial activity. The mean pH was similar between diets and ranged from 6.43 to 6.63. Total VFA was depressed (P<0.01) with increased grainless concentrate in the diet. Diet 1 recorded a higher (P<0.01) total VFA and lower (P<0.01) NH3-N concentration, indicating that feed nitrogen was more efficiently utilized in Diet 1. The molar proportions of acetate, propionate and butyrate varied (P>0.05) from 64.5 to 65.7, 17.7 to 18.8 and 10.7 to 12.8%, respectively. The ratio of acetic: propionic was not affected by diet (P>0.05) and ranged from 3.5 to 3.81. The values for degradation constants were similar (P>0.05) between the diets. However, the hay DM and neutral detergent fibre were more degradable (P<0.05) in goats fed Diet 1. Differences in DMI and FE between the genotypes were recorded with the LES breed being superior. Among the grainless diets, the 50:50 ratio created a favorable rumen environment and resulted in a better FE under a feedlot system. Carcass characteristics and meat quality of extensively managed goats Genotypes were similar (P>0.05) for most of carcass traits, at an average slaughter weight of 13.8 kg. The genotypes had a mean hot carcass weight of 5.9 kg and a dressing percentage (DP) on a slaughter body weight basis of 42.8%. The CHG had a 52% higher (P<0.01) chilling loss than the other genotypes. The rib physical composition was similar between genotypes, except for fat proportion. The CHG had the lowest (P<0.05) fat proportion. The chemical composition was similar between the genotypes, with the CHG having the lowest (P>0.05) chemical fat percentage. The composition of most muscle fatty acids was affected by genotype. The LES breed presented a beneficial ratio of n-6: n-3 PUFA favorable to consumers’ health. The goats under the extensive system in general, were characterized by a lower carcass weight and poor carcass fat cover. Hence, to improve the carcass characteristics it is essential that grazing goats should be supplemented or stall-fed with locally available concentrates depending on the grazing resources of the agro-ecologies and the objectives of the goat farmers. Growth and carcass characteristics of stall-fed goats The LES breed had significantly higher growth rates (ADG), heavier pre-slaughter, slaughter, empty body weight (EBW) and carcass weights than the Afar and CHG goats. Effect of diet was also significant on ADG, but similar for carcass traits, except for DP on EBW basis and some non-carcass components. The DP on an EBW basis, was the highest (P<0.01) for Diet 1. Stall-feeding of the goats improved the mean carcass weight by 38% over the initial slaughtered groups. Genotype affected the DP and it ranged from 42.5 to 44.6% and 54.3 to 55.8% on a slaughter weight and on EBW basis, respectively. The ultimate carcass pH was between 5.61 and 5.67 and chilling losses ranged from 2.5 to 3.1 %. The rib physical composition (fat and bone) differed between genotype and ranged from 72-73 %, 6.9-10.9% and 17.1-20.2% for muscle, fat and bone respectively. The findings indicate that breed differences were reflected in carcass characteristics. Meat quality of stall-fed goats Genotype significantly influenced the carcass fat and crude protein (CP) concentration, with the values ranging from 10.3 to 14.0% and 19.3 to 21.1%, respectively. The Afar and LES goats had higher fat concentration (P<0.001) compared to the CHG while the CP was higher (P<0.01; P<0.05) for the CHG. The effect of diet was significant on CP%, but was similar for fat concentration although Diet 3 tended to have a higher value. Cooking and drip loss differed (P<0.01, P<0.05) between genotypes and both traits increased with increased fatness. The effect of diet however, was similar for cooking and drip loss. Genotype and diet significantly influenced the composition of most muscle fatty acids. An interaction between genotype and diet was also exhibited on certain fatty acids. Compared to CHG, Afar and LES breeds had a higher PUFA, MUFA and UFA: SFA ratio, which are considered healthier for human consumption due to their lowering effect of cholesterol content. The relatively higher carcass fat, which is useful in reducing chilling loss and improves eating quality, the absence of C12:0 and lower concentration of C14:0, hypercholesterolemic, and higher C18:1, hypocholesterolemic fatty acids, are some of the important traits observed in Ethiopian goats. These findings suggest that a potential exists in the use of Ethiopian goat breeds fed a grainless diet, for the production of meat with specific quality characteristics. / Thesis (PhD (Animal Science))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

No description available.

PFAS are anthropogenic substances used in many different industrial operations and products because of their unique properties. Due to their negative impact on human health and environmental bioaccumulative characteristics different authorities have addressed the issue. In Sweden the limit is4 ng/L for four different PFAS in drinking water. Another risk to human health is elevated concentrations of toxic elements, causing Sweden to include them in the drinking water regulations withlimits such as 5 µg/L for arsenic, 25 µg/L for chromium and 5 µg/L for lead.This study is a continuation of an investigation for PFAS remediation in contaminated water by sorption to pine and spruce bark. The earlier study was a laboratory scale and implied that pine and spruce have some sorption capacity for long-chain PFAS. In this study pine and spruce bark were used as sorbent at an industrial site. The analysis was performed by weak-anion exchange extraction followed bysupercritical fluid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometer (SFC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) for instrumental analyses of target ultra-short-chain PFAS, short- and long chain PFAS and branched PFOS isomers. An elemental analysis was executed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained results indicated removal for certain long-chain PFAS, potential for sorption of a specific ultra-short-chain PFAS and the elemental analysis implied some reduction of the chromium concentrations.

Purpose: To 1) critically appraise available randomized controlled trials (RTCs) addressing the efficacy of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids as a secondary prevention agent of hypertriglyceridemia, and 2) make recommendations for clinical practice. Data Sources: All RCTs identified from several databases from 1993-2003 were reviewed by two independent reviewers who extracted data from each study and used the previously tested Boyack and Lookinland Methodological Quality Index (MQI) to determine study quality. Results: Ten studies reported long-chain ω-3 fatty acids to be effective in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. The average decrease in triglycerides (TG) was 29%, total cholesterol (TC) 11.6%, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) 30.2%, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 32.5%. One study found LDLs to increase by 25%. The average increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was 10%. The overall average MQI score was 36% (26%-54%). Many of the RCTs had serious shortcomings including short duration, lack of a power analysis, no intention to treat analysis, no report of blind assessment of outcome, and lack of dietary control as a confounding variable. Conclusions/Implications: Overall study methodology was weak. Although the evidence supporting the use of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids in the secondary prevention of hypertriglyceridemia is reasonably strong, until there are larger RCTs of stronger methodological quality, it is not recommended to treat hypertriglyceridemia with ω-3 fatty acid supplementation in lieu of lipid lowering medications.

[pt] A reconstrução da temperatura da superfície do mar (TSM) através de proxies geoquímicos orgânicos tem sido um tema central das pesquisas paleoclimáticas nos últimos anos. Determinações da variabilidade da paleotemperatura no Atlântico Sul são de grande interesse dado o papel da TSM no transporte de calor global, mas este tema ainda requer estudos mais aprofundados. O sistema de ressurgência de Cabo Frio (SRCF) representa uma área de estudo particularmente interessante por ser um sistema de ressurgência de contorno oeste sujeito a vários processos oceanográficos peculiares. Este projeto tem como objetivo a utilização de proxies geoquímicos orgânicos como indicadores de paleotemperatura, tais como: o índice de insaturação das alquenonas (U37K), o índice dos tetraéteres (TEX86H) e o índice dos diois de cadeira longa (LDI) registrados em sedimentos da margem continental sudeste brasileira. Também foram testados os índices de metilação e de ciclização dos tetraéteres ramificados (MBT e CBT) como indicadores da temperatura média anual do ar (TMAA) e do pH do solo. O presente trabalho possui dois focos: (i) investigar a aplicabilidade dos índices U37K, TEX86H e MBT/CBT considerando as condições ambientais locais e regionais observadas na região da Bacia de Campos utilizando 53 amostras de sedimento superficiais; (ii) aplicar uma abordagem multiproxy (U37K, TEX86H e LDI) para reconstruir a paleotemperatura durante o período do Holoceno a partir de dois testemunhos sedimentares localizados nas plataformas adjacentes a Cabo Frio e Rio de Janeiro. Os resultados revelam que U37K e TEX86H são proxies de temperatura adequados para estudos paleoclimáticos em escala regional na margem continental do sudeste brasileiro. Exceções na forma de desvios negativos entre a TSM média anual reconstruída e observada (World Ocean Atlas 2013) foram observados na porção sul da região estudada e ressaltam que, em escala local, os efeitos da ressurgência devem ser levados em consideração ao aplicar esses proxies na mesma região. Em relação aos índices MBT/CBT, os resultados se encaixam na faixa superior do pH do solo e na faixa inferior da TMAA encontrados na bacia de drenagem adjacente para a maioria das amostras. No entanto, a distribuição dos GDGTs ramificados apontam para a existência de diferentes fontes e efeitos pós deposicionais, e.g. degradação seletiva e produção in situ, que comprometem a aplicabilidade desses proxies nos sedimentos marinhos na Bacia de Campos. Ao aplicar os proxies U37K, TEX86H e LDI na reconstrução da temperatura para os últimos 14,5 kyr no testemunho do Rio de Janeiro e 7,1 kyr no testemunho de Cabo Frio, as variações observadas estão em acordo com diversos dados paleoclimáticos pré-existentes para a mesma região e período. Na plataforma do Rio de Janeiro, uma fase distinta antes de 7,5 cal kyr BP coincide com o período em que o nível do mar se encontrava baixo e passou a aumentar gradualmente. Na plataforma de Cabo Frio, a transição entre o Holoceno médio e o tardio é bem marcada pelo aumento na TSM-U37K e da TSMLDI provavelmente relacionados a uma atividade mais intensa da Corrente do Brasil (BC) sobre a plataforma, enquanto a temp-TEX86H apresentou uma tendência oposta de resfriamento que pode ser um resultado da ressurgência das Águas Centrais do Atlântico Sul em subsuperfície. Uma diminuição na temperatura reconstruída após cerca de 2,0 cal kyr BP pode ser explicada pelo estabelecimento do SRCF às condições modernas. Diferenças entre o Rio de Janeiro e Cabo Frio provavelmente estão relacionadas às instabilidades locais da CB próximo à região do SRCF. De forma geral, para o período investigado em ambos os testemunhos, a TSM-LDI mostrou-se mais quente, a TSM-TEX86H obteve uma clara tendência a temperaturas mais frias de subsuperfície e a TSM-U37K foi a mais afetada pela variação no nível do mar e pelo fluxo da CB. As diferenças entre os proxies forneceram informações valiosas sobre as mudanças paleoceanográficas locais durante o Holoceno, contribuindo para os estudos paleoclimáticos na margem sudeste do Brasil. / [en] The reconstruction of past sea surface temperature (SST) using organic geochemical proxies has been a central theme of paleoclimatic research in recent years. Paleotemperature variability determinations in the South Atlantic are of great interest given the SST role in the global heat transport, but still requires further studies. The Cabo Frio Upwelling System (CFUS) is a particularly interesting study area for being a western boundary upwelling system subject to several peculiar oceanographic processes. This thesis aims at using organic geochemical proxies as indicators of paleotemperature, namely: the alkenoneunsaturation index (U37K), the tetraether index (TEX86 H ) and the long-chain diols index (LDI) as registered in sediments in the south-eastern Brazilian continental margin. The methylation of branched tetraether index (MBT’) and the cyclization of branched tetraether index (CBT) were also tested as potential indicators of continental mean annual air temperature (MAAT) and soil pH. There are two focuses: (i) to investigate the applicability of U37K, TEX86H and MBT’/CBT proxies under local and regional environmental conditions in the Campos Basin region using 53 surface sediments; (ii) to use a multiproxy approach (U37K, TEX86H and LDI) to reconstruct the paleotemperature during the Holocene period from two sediment cores located in the shelves adjacent to Cabo Frio and Rio de Janeiro. The results reveal that U37K and TEX86H are suitable temperature proxies for paleoclimate studies in regional scale in the SE Brazilian continental margin. Exceptions in the form of strong negative biases between reconstructed and observed mean annual SST (World Ocean Atlas 2013) were observed in the southern portion of the Campos Basin and highlight that, on a local scale, the effects of upwelling must be taken in consideration when applying these proxies to the same region. Regarding the MBT/CBT proxies, the results for most of the marine sediments agree with the upper range of soil pH and lower range of MAAT found in the adjacent drainage basin. However, the spatial distribution of the branched GDGTs points to the existence of different sources and post-depositional effects, e.g. selective degradation and in situ production, that compromise the applicability of these proxies to the marine sediments in the Campos Basin, especially more offshore. When applying the U37K, TEX86H and LDI proxies to reconstruct the SST for the past 14.5 kyr in the Rio de Janeiro core and 7.1 kyr in the Cabo Frio core, the variations observed agreed with several pre-existing paleoclimatic data for the same region and period. In the Rio de Janeiro shelf, a distinct phase before 7.5 cal kyr BP coincides with the period when the sea level was low and gradually increased. In the Cabo Frio shelf, the transition between mid- and late Holocene is well marked by a warming in SST-U37K and SST-LDI, probably related to a more intense Brazil Current (BC) activity over the shelf, whereas temp-TEX86H showed an opposite cooling trend that may be a result of the subsurface upwelling of the cold South Atlantic Central Waters. A decrease in reconstructed temperatures after ca 2.5 kyr BP may be related to the establishment of the CFUS to modern conditions. Differences between Rio de Janeiro and Cabo Frio can be explained by the local instabilities of the BC near de CFUS region. Overall, for the entire covered period in both sediment cores, SST-LDI was warmer, SST-TEX86H was clearly biase towards colder subsurface temperatures and SST-U37K was the most affected by the sea level variation and BC flow. The differences between the proxies signal provided valuable information about the local paleoceanographic changes during the Holocene period, contributing to the paleoclimatology studies in the southeastern Brazilian margin. / [de] Die Rekonstruktion Oberflächenwassertemperaturen in der Vergangenheit mit organisch geochemischen Proxies ist in den vergangenen Jahren ein wichtiges Thema der Palaoklimaforschung gewesen. Die Rekonstruktion von Palaotemperaturvariabilitat im Südatlantik ist hierbei in Anbetracht der wichtigen Rolle der Ozeane im globalen Wärmetransport von zentraler Bedeutung, erfordert jedoch noch weiterführende Untersuchungen. Das Auftriebssystem von Cabo Frio ist in diesem Zusammenhang wegen seiner speziellen Lage auf der westlichen Seite eines Ozeanbeckens und der damit zusammenhangenden besonderen ozeanographischen Prozesse ein interessantes Arbeitsgebiet. Diese Arbeit hat zum Ziel, die organisch-geochemischen Proxies U37K (Alkenon-UntersattigungsIndex), TEX86H (Tetraether-Index an sogenannten GDGTs, Glycerol Dialkyl Glycerol Teteraether) und LDI (Langkettige-Diole-Index) aufgezeichnet in Sedimenten des sudostlichen brasilianischen Kontinentalrands zu verwenden. Zudem wurden die Indices MBT und CBT, die die Methylierung bzw. Zyklisierung verzweigter GDGTs quantifizieren, als Proxies fur die Jahresmitteltemperatur an Land und fur den pHWert der Boden getestet. Der Fokus der Arbeit liegt hierbei einerseits darauf i) die Anwendbarkeit der Proxies U37K, TEX86H , MBT/CBT im unter den lokalen und regionalen Umwelteinflussen des Campos Bessens auf Grundlage von 53 Oberflachensedimentproben zu uberprufen und ii) eine sogenannte multi-proxy Rekonstruktion der Palaoumweltbedingungen anhand der U37K, TEX86H und LDI Proxies an zwei Sedimentkernen vom Schelf vor Cabo Frio und Rio de Janeiro zu erstellen. Es zeigt sich, dass sich sowohl U37K als auch TEX86H fur regionale Palaoumweltstudien am sudostlichen brasilianischen Kontinentalrand eignen. Ausnahmen in Form von starken negativen Abweichungen zwischen rekonstruierter und instrumentell beobachteter (World Ocean Atlas 2013) Oberflachenwassertemperatur treten im sudlichen Teil des Campos Beckens auf und zeigen, dass sehr lokal die Auswirkungen von Auftrieb bei der einer regionalen Anwendung dieser Proxies berucksichtigt werden mussen. Die Ergebnisse der MBT/CBT Proxies an marinen Sedimenten stimmen mit den Gegebenheiten an Land weitgehend uberein, wobei die pH-Rekonstruktionen im oberen Bereich der Beobachtungen im angrenzenden Einzugsgebiet liegen, wahrend die Rekonstruktion der Jahresmitteltemperatur an Land zu den niedrigeren Werten der Beobachtungen neigen. Die raumliche Verteilung der verzweigten GDGTs in deutet zudem auf unterschiedliche Quellen sowie diagenetische Effekte wie selektiven Abbau und in-situ Produktion von verzweigten GDGTs hin, die die Anwendbarkeit der MBT/CBT Proxies an marinen Sedimenten des Campos Beckens, insbesondere in den kustenfernen Regionen, einschranken. Die Rekonstruktion der Palao-Oberflachenwassertemperaturen mithilfe von U37K, TEX86H und LDI fur die letzten 14.5 kyr vor Rio de Janeiro und fur die letzten 7.1 kyr vor Cabo Frio ergab eine Variabilitat, die mit Ergebnissen aus mehreren vorherigen palaoklimatischen Studien fur die Region ubereinstimmt. Auf dem Schelf vor Rio de Janeiro kann eine Phase vor 7.5 kyr deutlich vom Rest der Zeitreihe unterschieden werden, wahrend derer der Meeresspiegel niedriger war und allmahlich anstieg. Auf dem Schelf vor Cabo Frio ist der ubergang vom mittleren ins spate Holozan von deutlichen Anstiegen der U37K - und LDI-basierten Temperaturrekonstruktionen gepragt, die wahrscheinlich mit der Intensivierung des Brasilstroms auf dem Schelf in Verbindung stehen. Im Gegensatz dazu verzeichnet die TEX86H -basierte Temperaturrekonstruktion eine deutliche Abkuhlung, die das Ergebnis von verstarktem Auftrieb von kaltem sudatlantischem Zentralwasser sein kann. Eine Abnahme der rekonstruierten Temperaturen nach 2.5 kyr vor heute deutet auf die Etablierung moderner Bedingungen im Cabo Frio Auftriebssystem hin. Unterschiede zwischen den Temperaturrekonstruktionen fur die Regionen Cabo Frio und Rio de Janeiro konnen mit lokaler Instabilitat des Brasil-Stroms im Bereich des Cabo Frio Auftriebssystems zusammenhangen. Insgesamt sind über die gesamte Untersuchungsperiode die Temperaturrekonstruktionen auf Grundlage von LDI am warmsten, die auf TEX86H basierenden von kalteren Temperaturen in etwas groberen Wassertiefen beeinflusst und diejenigen auf Grundlage von U37K am starksten von Meeresspiegelanderungen und Variabilitat im Brasil-Strom betroffen. Diese Unterschiede zwischen den einzelnen Proxies liefern wertvolle Informationen uber die lokalen palaozeanographischen Veranderungen wahrend des Holozans und somit einen Beitrag zum Verstandnis des Palaoklimas am sudostlichen brasilianischen Kontinentalrand.

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Les acides gras polyinsaturés à longue chaîne (AGPI-LC) de la série n-3 jouent des rôles essentiels dans le fonctionnement du cerveau et notamment dans les processus de plasticité synaptique et de mémoire, altérés au cours du vieillissement. Il est maintenant bien admis que ces AGPI peuvent réguler la transcription génique en se liant à des récepteurs nucléaires spécifiques, les PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), mais aussi aux récepteurs de l’acide 9-cis rétinoïque, les RXR (retinoid X receptors). En tant que partenaires communs d’hétérodimérisation des PPAR et des RAR (récepteurs de l’acide tout-trans rétinoïque), les RXR sont des acteurs clés de la modulation de l’expression génique par les acides gras et les rétinoïdes. Dans ce contexte, l’objectif de ce travail de thèse était d’étudier, au cours du vieillissement chez le rat, les effets d’une supplémentation en AGPI-LC n-3 sur l’activité des voies de signalisation des acides gras et des rétinoïdes, les processus de plasticité cérébrale (plasticité synaptique et neurogenèse) et la mémoire spatiale. Nos principaux résultats montrent qu’une supplémentation en AGPI-LC n-3, pendant 21 semaines chez des rats à mi-vie, maintient dans l’hippocampe les niveaux d’expression des ARNm codant pour RXRγ et GAP-43 (protéine synaptique) altérés au cours du vieillissement. De plus les rats âgés supplémentés en AGPI-LC n-3 présentent une augmentation du nombre de néo-neurones hippocampiques et une amélioration de la mémoire spatiale de travail, comparés aux rats âgés contrôle. Les résultats de cette étude plaident en faveur d’un effet bénéfique des AGPI-LC n-3 sur la mémoire de travail au cours du vieillissement via notamment, une action sur la plasticité cérébrale. De plus, nos travaux suggèrent l’implication des RXR dans l’effet neuroprotecteur des AGPI-LC n-3, qui réguleraient l’expression de certains gènes cibles impliqués dans la plasticité synaptique et les processus de neurogenèse hippocampique. / Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) of the n-3 series play essential roles in brain functions, including brain plasticity and memory processes which are altered during aging. It is now well accepted that these PUFA regulate gene transcription through binding and activating specific nuclear receptors such as PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) and RXR (retinoid X receptors, which also bind 9-cis retinoic acid). As a common heterodimeric partner of both PPAR and RAR (all-trans retinoic acid receptors), RXR is a key factor in the modulation of gene expression by fatty acids and retinoids. In this context, the purpose of this work was to study the effects of a n-3 LC-PUFA supplementation on fatty acid and retinoid signalling pathways and on cerebral plasticity and spatial memory processes. Our main results show that n-3 LC-PUFA supplementation for 21 weeks in mid-life rats, maintains the mRNA levels of RXRγ and GAP-43 (synaptic protein) which were altered in aged rat hippocampus. Besides, supplemented aged rats exhibited increased numbers of newly generated neurons and improved spatial working memory, when compared with control aged rats. To summarize, our results support the neuroprotective effects of n-3 LC-PUFA during aging, in particular on cerebral plasticity and working memory. Furthermore, our works suggest the implication of RXR in the set up of these effects through notably the regulation of some target genes involved in synaptic plasticity and hippocampal neurogenesis processes.