Stroke is a major cause of disability and morbidity. Patients generally suffer brain blockage. Scientists are trying to find ways to overcome it, by injecting drugs contain fish oil.

fish oil.

Stroke is a major cause of disability and morbidity. Patients generally suffer brain blockage. Scientists are trying to find ways to overcome it, by injecting drugs contain fish oil.

The team of scientists from Columbia University and Louisiana State University in New York, conducted experiments on mice showed that fish oil-based drugs are administered within one hour after a stroke can keep brain cells alive damaged.

Currently available drugs to prevent brain damage in stroke patients given within four hours after a stroke. The drug will break down blood clots that block the flow of oxygen to the brain, but could not prevent the death of cells. Moreover, most stroke patients are often late in the hospital so that the damaged brain function is difficult to recover 100 percent.

If future experiments in mice also gave the same results in humans, the drug containing fish oil will keep brain cells alive longer. Thus, patients who come to the hospital too late will avoid permanent brain damage.

The drug, a liquid rich in omega-3 fatty acid DHA, use several methods to keep brain cells alive, such as changing the genes that produce protective proteins.

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain function and is needed in the development of the nervous system. Most of these fatty acids found in fatty fish such as the salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Another benefit of these fatty acids are a powerful anti-inflammatory.

DHA therapy has shown benefit in a number of chronic diseases caused by inflammation, such as coronary heart disease, asthma, arthritis, and eye disease macular degeneration.

"Stroke can occur at any age, including infants. DHA has been widely used as a daily supplement and the therapeutic point of view, there is now hope penggunannya in stroke therapy," wrote Dr.Nicolas Bazan, one of the researchers.

The researchers plan to conduct human trials as soon as possible.